Christian Unity/Interreligious DSC UMC

02/01/2024

Update from Ukraine

Our people at home ❤️

Today, January 31, 207 more Ukrainian defenders returned from captivity. Among them are the defenders of Kherson and mariupol, fighters from the island of snake, marines and combat medics who saved brothers and civilians at the factory "Ilycha" and "Azovstal" in mariupol.

The oldest of the freed turned 61 years old, and the youngest will be 21.

At least 36 soldiers have injuries or serious illnesses.
In total, in almost two years of full-scale invasion, 3,035 defenders were rescued from Russian captivity.
Photos from our Danylo Pavlov from the scene.

04/20/2022

03/23/2022

Join, AFN, Corazón Arizona, Sema Foundation, African American Christian Clergy Coalition, Southwest Conference UCC, and many more partners for an interfaith luncheon next Tuesday! RSVP to reserve your seat and lunch today!
arizonafaithnetwork.org/commontables

11/20/2020

RACISM & ECONOMIC INEQUALITY SAVE THE DATE Recent months have brought renewed attention to the racial inequalities that have long existed in the United States. Discrimination and prejudice are still very much in evidence in contemporary society. At the same time, economic inequality continues to increase to unprecedented levels, exacerbated by the financial crisis of the pandemic. What is the relationship between these trends? How do our faith traditions respond? Are there solutions to these divisive and destructive patterns? Join a team of panelists for an online “Fishbowl” discussion of these issues on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:00 pm. This event is offered by the Conference Task Force on Economic Inequality of the Desert Southwest Conference. Click here to register:

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Economic Inequality & Racism. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

10/30/2020

A Message from JCRC

The Jewish Community Relations Network Speaks
Out for Free and Fair Elections

We (JCRN) were proud to sign onto the Jewish Council for Public Affairs-led “A Jewish Statement on Elections and Democratic Principles,” which included more than 90 Jewish organizations, including fifteen national member agencies and 76 local Jewish community relations councils and Federations:

"A Jewish Statement on Elections and Democratic Principles"
October 29, 2020

The bedrock of American liberty is a strong, thriving democracy and an engaged citizenry. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered almost every aspect of the way we live, including how we vote in elections. It’s a longstanding tradition that nonpartisan groups across the spectrum do their part by encouraging their members and the larger community to vote. This year, these non-partisan efforts are even more essential to ensuring that every vote is counted and everyone can participate in our democracy.

We call upon all government leaders, candidates, and elected officials, Democrats and Republicans, at every level and branch of government to recommit to our nation’s core democratic principles and oppose violence emerging from the far right or the far left. In the case of contested or close elections we ask for patience and trust in the system, as we allow for every valid vote to be counted. We ask civic and faith leaders to set a standard of discourse, oppose violence and encourage peaceful engagement in the political process. We must sustain and carry out these ideals and principles in both our words and our actions at this critical moment in our history.

06/02/2020

AFN Interfaith Prayer Vigils for Global Health & Peace
Thursdays in June, 7 - 8 p.m.

Starting this week, Arizona Faith Network and the Sema Foundation invite you and your family to a series of Virtual Interfaith Prayer Vigils for Global Health & Peace. Join us each Thursday night throughout June from 7 - 8 p.m. as interfaith and community leaders throughout Arizona offer prayers of strength, hope and healing. The events will be offered in a Zoom webinar format, live streamed to Facebook, and then later posted to YouTube.

Leaders this week include:
Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, Conference Minister, Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ
Eduardo A. Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Phoenix
Luke Douglas, Executive Director, Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix
Anita Rangaswami, Arizona Interfaith Movement Board, Hindu Faith
Alicia Contreras, Executive Director CORAZÓN Arizona (Federation of Faith in Action)
David Simmons, Executive Creative Director, The UBU Project (musician)
Mustafa Bahar, Sema Foundation
Rev. Katie Sexton, Executive Director of AFN
Together we will unite during these difficult times to remember those who have lost their lives, are ill, and are impacted due to COVID-19. Special prayers, reflections, music and readings will be offered by diverse faith and community leaders. This week we will also lift up our prayers for justice, peace and healing for our African American neighbors and communities

05/26/2020

Faith leaders are stressing the need for a cautious approach to reopening churches after President Donald Trump declared places of worship "essential" during the pandemic and said he'd override governors if they didn't allow in-person services.