Last evening, AZIFM held a virtual Community Faith Forum, “Why I believe.”

If you missed it, view it HERE by clicking the link and viewing on YouTube

So much is being said today about young people leaving faith and becoming a part of a group called the “nons” or “nones.” With how quickly our world is evolving and changing, it’s important now more than ever for everyone, especially our youth, to be able to harness their inner wisdom and find their faith. What does the next generation think about faith, church and spirituality?

If you’re interested in learning more about how our youth are finding their faith, you are cordially invited to our Faith Forum on November 30th at 7:00 PM that will feature young people who will talk about why they are excited about their faith and why they participate in it so vigorously.

We thank our Panelists, who will share, followed by Q & A:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Grant Williams – Grant is 20 years old and a lifelong Chandler resident. He is currently attending school at Harvard University after returning from a two year mission. More Info: please see the website, churchofjesuschrist.org

Hindu: Surabhi Sajith – Surabhi is a freshman at Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University. She is pursuing her degree in medical studies and is a Flinn Scholar. Aside from school, Surabhi has been actively involved with various spiritual and community organizations, including Chinmaya Mission Phoenix. She is passionate about learning about different religions and its influence on global harmony. Community service is a very important aspect of her faith, and she has led multiple local and international charity activities.

Baha’i: Evanna Rouhani – Evanna graduated this year with a BA in Global Studies and Justice Studies and a Minor in Arabic from ASU. I am now in my first semester of law school at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU. I was born into a Baha’i family, so I learned about the Faith from my parents as well as from my extended family and the Baha’i community in my area. It always struck me how full of hope and generosity all the Baha’is I met were. Currently, the Faith provides me with a very reliable sense of grounding, and also safe spaces to engage in meaningful conversations in order to deepen and strengthen my most important friendships.

American Muslim: Johnny Martin – Johnny is an American Muslim, a volunteer since the age of 20 in the interfaith movement and is a co-founder of the interfaith youth group at Arizona State University “Sun Devils Are Better Together”. Johnny has collaborated with various organizations in the United Religions Initiative to create a more peaceful, tolerant and inclusive community by fostering mutual understanding, cooperation and respect.

Moderator: Dr. Helen Hunter: Dr. Hunter is a Pastor for AMEC (Christian, African Methodist Episcopal Church) 20+ years; evolved from pulpit ministry focus to focus on homeless ministry and affordable housing;… She is a Board Certified Chaplain (10+ years) with exposure and training and experience in major faith groups and multiple denominational religions; advanced degrees in Divinity and Theology, which included studies in World Religions; doctoral thesis focused on impact of faith/religion on AA males’ high school academic achievement; married, three adult children, six grand grandchildren, six great grandchildren.

REFERENCES OF INTEREST: According to Smart, a religious framework is composed of seven dimensions: narrative/mythological, doctrinal, ethical, institutional, material, ritual, and experiential (Smart, 1999). These dimensions capture the broad and encompassing nature of religion.

P.S. Remember to be a traveling billboard of kindness and civility. Get your Arizona Golden Rule license plate at www.ServiceArizona.com.