Bringing People of All Faiths Together Julia Friedman, the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, is president of Hillel, the Jewish student group. Sophomore Noran Elzarka, a Muslim whose family hails from Egypt, is president of the Middle Eastern Student Association. Unbelievably, these two students are best friends. “I think the basis of our friendship […]
“A ‘new spirit’ for us all as revealed in God’s love” Published, Arizona Republic / Faith Matters
Picture a modest church. A woman reading aloud from the Bible suddenly stops. An overwhelming sense of God’s presence and love — there and then, with this congregation, with all humanity — has so uplifted her that tears stream down her face. For a few moments, she can’t continue reading. This isn’t the sort of […]
“Golden Rule creating positive change at E. Valley High School” – published Golden Rule Moments article
“Golden Rule creating positive change at E. Valley High School” Golden Rule Moments Kendra Ruth Guest columnist Each school has a unique story to tell. The following story is about an Arizona school that created positive change by teaching and focusing on the Golden Rule. As a former Marine and Phoenix police officer, John Baker was seeing […]
“God’s grace enables progress and joy, proclaim Christian Scientists at annual meeting” Faith Matters article
FAITH MATTERS God’s grace enables progress and joy, proclaim Christian Scientists at annual meeting Faith Matters Kevin Ness and Anne Taylor Guest columnists In a year often defined by uncertainty, Christian Scientists gathered at their online annual meeting, which included members from the greater Phoenix area and 19 congregations throughout Arizona. They acknowledged the ways in which God’s love […]
“Arizona Celebrates the Golden Rule”, The Republic
Arizona celebrates the golden rule Did you feel a very special golden rule moment emerge in 2003 when the Arizona Legislature passed a resolution naming Arizona a Golden Rule State? It was a historic moment! Arizona was the first state in the nation to encourage its citizens to strive to live up to the principle […]
“‘Interfaith Cookbook’ celebrates how food brings us together”, published, Faith Matters column
‘Interfaith Cookbook’ celebrates how food brings us together Faith Matters Anne Taylor Guest columnist Usually, the Faith Matters column features just one faith tradition. Stepping away from the norm, this one features a small sampling of stories and insights about many different faiths. For example: What if you, as a child, got to help your mom […]
‘Me First’ mentality is a sign of the times, now more than ever – Published “Faith Matters” in AZCentral
‘Me First’ mentality is a sign of the times, now more than ever The tendency to think ‘only’ of oneself has been a sign of the times, or so it is said. And this seems to be the case even more so now than ever. Many people attribute the even more noticeable change now to […]
‘Worth of all persons’ one of the enduring principles of Community of Christ – Faith Matters published, AZCentral
‘Worth of all persons’ one of the enduring principles of Community of Christ Carolyn Sutton was a recent high school graduate when I first met her at a church youth camp. She came as a camper, and I served on the camp staff. We found that we would both attend the University of Central Missouri […]
“Faith Matters” article published: “Ramadan” by John Akram
Ramadan Faith matters Ramadan John Akram Special to The Republic May peace and blessings be upon everyone. Well, it’s that time of year again! Thanks to the Creator of us all we are here to be able to witness the Holy Month of Ramadan here in Arizona and throughout the entire world. In 2024, the holy […]
“Man showed love for his neighbor during dark days”
“Man showed love for his neighbor during dark days” – A Golden Rule Moments article published in The Arizona Republic It’s heartwarming to see one of the dark times in our nation’s history bring about a Golden Rule Moment. It all began with an executive order signed in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that […]
“Sikh ‘Seva Extraordinaire’ on Independence Day” Golden Rule Moments published
Many faiths’ sacred writings include guidance about serving others being related to serving the Most High. For example, “When you give a cup of water to the thirsty, you give it unto me.” This is a paraphrased message that Jesus taught his disciples. According to the Sikh sacred scripture, there is a similar passage that […]
“Christian Scientists weigh what meaningful worship means in time of crisis” published article
Christian Scientists weigh what meaningful worship means in time of crisis Faith Matters Kevin Ness and Anne Taylor Guest columnists Monday, June 8, marked the annual meeting of the Church of Christ, Scientist, based in Boston. The meeting was held online and Christian Scientists, including our families, participated locally. The church is one of many […]
“A golden sunset at the Grand Canyon…”, a Golden Rule Moments article
A golden sunset at the Grand Canyon Golden Rule Moments Kendra Ruth Guest columnist We aren’t always able to see eye to eye. That’s part of being human, right? But there are those moments, those Golden Moments when suddenly there is connection, harmony and peace. One day, I decided on a whim to drive to the Grand […]
“How to live authentically as a Golden Rule activist” published LiveGolden article
How to live authentically as a Golden Rule activist On June 2, 2020, 14.6 million people uploaded a single black square to their social media feed in light of the Black Lives Matter protests. This extensive online crusade swarmed the nation by storm after protests in the summer of 2020 and established the framework for […]
“Remembering a family who lived Golden Rule” published
Rather than a single Golden Rule Moment, this story is about a golden lady who lived the Golden Rule moment by moment. Tragically, on June 10, 2021, Courtney Lonergan and two of her three children were driving home in central Phoenix when a man driving a stolen vehicle, traveling over 90 miles an hour, ran […]
“Recognizing golden rule difference makers” – Golden Rule Moments column, AZCentral
Recognizing golden rule difference makers Larry Fultz Guest columnist Many individuals quietly create golden rule moments as they actively serve in their community but seemingly do not receive great amounts of attention. At our recent Golden Rule Banquet on April 7, where we celebrated Golden Rule Honorees who exemplified the golden rule, we added a new feature […]
“Langar and the Sikh faith”, a Faith Matters article published
Langar and the Sikh faith Faith Matters Jaswant Singh Sachdev Guest columnist In 2005, Dr. Paul Eppinger, the first Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement, envisioned ‘Experience Interfaith’ with ‘Langar’ or free community dinner provided by the Sikh Community to all attendees as its central focus. Over time it has become a successful annual event and […]
“Scientology 101 with Les Koel” a Faith Forum / Video
We thank Les Koel for a very informative Faith Forum to learn some basic information about the topic, followed by Q & A. And we recorded the program. please view it HERE. Here’s our saved questions from the Chat box… 19:43:50 From Karolyn Benger to Everyone:What does “personal immortality” mean?19:44:10 From Helen Hunter to Everyone:How […]
Reverend Yoo’s Golden Rule moment Albert Celoza Special to The Republic I am at my desk, writing a blog. I am asking myself, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ and ‘What happened to you?’ Laughter … Well, by training, I should only ask the second question. However, for the last several months, I tried to answer another question, […]
“Golden Rule moment for couple welcomed into Buddhist Temple” in AZCentral
Golden Rule moment for couple welcomed into Buddhist Temple Albert Celoza Special to The Republic It is good to feel welcome. It was a Golden Rule moment for Vonn and Karen Magnin when they were in great need, grieving the accidental death of a nephew at an early age. Here’s what happened. They were graciously invited […]
OOMPA: Five Principles of Unity Decades later, Unity minister Connie Fillmore Bazzy encapsulated many core ideas of her great-grandparents into what became the cornerstone of the Five Basic Unity Principles. Faith Matters Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton Guest Columnist Have you ever heard a song in a movie that made you smile and reminded you of your spiritual […]
“Experience the spiritual journey of Ramadan Umrah: A unity of hearts” published
FAITH MATTERS Experience the spiritual journey of Ramadan Umrah: A unity of hearts Yasmin Saikia Special to The Republic In America, where diversity thrives and cultures and people intermingle, there exists a beautiful tapestry woven by the threads of faith, community, and spirituality. This is particularly evident among the American Muslim community, representing over 75 nationalities. […]
Now on Video! “Why I believe, Young people share…”
“Why I believe” – Young people share about their faith – On video, HERE! Have you ever met a person who didn’t believe in God, rejected religion, but felt like they need spiritual fulfillment? Meet Johnny Martin, a 28 year old man who found his spiritual way in the Phoenix, Arizona Islamic community. Hear Johnny […]
Published – “L. Ron Hubbard honored on 70th anniversary of his arrival in Phoenix”
FAITH MATTERS L. Ron Hubbard honored on 70th anniversary of his arrival in Phoenix Ginny Leason Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK As Scientologists around the world look forward to the celebration of founder L. Ron Hubbard’s birthday, an award presented by the Arizona Interfaith Movement pays tribute to his seminal work in Phoenix. A […]
Why ‘constructive disagreements’ are important Faith Matters Karolyn Benger Guest columnist Faith is a verb. It is not enough to read religious doctrines if we don’t live their teaching. Our communities have become increasingly divided. Even within faith groups interactions are fraught with tension. While many are afraid to speak — fearing backlash — others have […]
Imagine a day when there is no violence, no killing or maiming, and when the world of conflict is transformed to a day of peace. That is the dream behind International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day. It was designated by the United Nations as September 21st by a unanimous vote of the General […]
It is with heavy heart that we inform you that Mom earned her wings today. She passed at 11:40am today, on a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. A perfect Spring day. We are sad, yet happy that Mom is now free to dance, sing and share stories to her heart’s content. […]
Published! “God, church and faith” – Faith Matters
God, church and faith Faith Matters Rev. Dr. Helen Hunter Guest columnist Thesis/Antithesis: Some of the worst things I ever experienced are related to my involvement in the church.; while some of the best things that I ever experienced are related to my involvement in the church. I was raised in the Black Baptist Church from […]
The importance of voting and community-building – Golden Rule Moments, published
golden rule moments The importance of voting and community-building Albert Celoza, Ph.D. Special to The Republic During election years politicians persuade voters that the coming election is the most important election. The 2024 election is seen as a way of making decisions to solve critical problems. ‘Voting gives us each the personal power to impact the […]
Now on video! “Faith AFTER the Elections” Faith Forum
We invite you to view our video of the Jan. 17th community Faith Forum, entitled, FAITH AFTER THE ELECTION, then continue the dialogue via our Facebook page, AZIFM. Here’s what we grappled with: America’s new president will be sworn in on January 20th, 2017. What does the new administration mean for faiths and houses of […]
Highlights and gratitude, Golden Rule Banquet 2019
The Golden Rule Banquet touched hearts… It is such a heart-warming experience to see the Community come together from around the valley and state and celebrate the Golden Rule, in the fine examples of each of the Honorees, the Japanese musical tribute, the Golden Rule Teens, #LiveGolden, Golden Rule Students of the Month, Mayors of […]
Now on Video! “Standing Up, Speaking Out: Social Activism” – Sept. Faith Forum
We are pleased to share today’s Faith Forum with you and hope you will enjoy it and pose any feedback or questions to our AZIFM office or at our Facebook.com/azifm page. Video #1 – Panelists Share Video #2 – Q & A STANDING UP, SPEAKING OUT: Social Activism Sometimes we get very comfortable in the […]
Now on video! “Prayer Power and Prayer for Leadership” Faith Forum
Now on Video! “Prayer Power & Praying for Leadership” – October’s Community Faith Forum! Panelists share – Click here to view Most faiths recommend a process of prayer and/or meditation. We all know how our own faith tradition prays, but do we know how other religions do it? What does the process involve? Is there […]
Remembering Courtney, Ali, Almira and ongoing love for Aracelli
Our hearts are broken from the tragic news of the loss of Courtney Lonergan and her two oldest children, Ali and Almira Geer. Our love and concern for Aracelli is ongoing and we hope she knows how much we love her and care about her well-being. If you didn’t know Courtney, and her children, you […]
Now on Video! “Holy Days: Sacred Celebrations” Faith Forum
Yesterday’s Faith Forum about Holy Days from many different Faith traditions was so very special! If you missed it, we invite you to participate by seeing the video, then continuing the discussion or asking questions via our Facebook page. If you’re like most of us in attendance – wow, there were so many things I’d […]
In Memory of Dr. Paul Eppinger, AZIFM Exec. Director Emeritus
Where words may fall short, love filled the space and the life’s work of Dr. Paul Eppinger was appreciated, valued, and continued to inspire us! A Call to Action was given by Paul at his memorial service. He worked hard to plan this service. He wanted to tell his story, but more than ever, I […]
Now on Video!! “Love, Sex and Marriage” Faith Forum, held Feb. 16th
Brought to you Valentines’ week, 2017, as a community service by the Arizona Interfaith Movement, to build bridges of better understanding in our community, this event addresses “Love, Sex and Marriage.” Most religions agree upon the phrase “Love thy neighbor” but where is the line drawn when it comes to romantic love and sexual activity? […]
Now on VIDEO! “Prophet Sharing” Community Faith Forum
In the event you couldn’t join us in person at our forum yesterday, please enjoy our community Faith Forum, titled,“PROPHET Sharing” Video 1 – Panelists share Video 2 – Q & A Some claim to have had direct contact with God and have brought the message back to the people. Are there still prophets alive today? […]
Now on Video – “Clash of Conscience” May Faith Forum
We would like to share our thought-provoking discussion, “Clash of Conscience”, the Faith Forum from May: CLICK HERE to view via YouTube What does your faith say about being obedient to government laws that contradict tenets of your faith? Does your faith take a stand against laws they consider unjust and potentially immoral? Or does […]
Our much loved Rev. Larry Fultz is retiring, so the position of Executive Director is coming open. If you have a heart for interfaith, the Golden Rule, fund raising, and have a community-building vision consider our job description below. If you’re interested, we invite you to email your resume to our office: Anne@azifm, with RESUME […]
Published! From the Unification tradition, Rev. Staffan Berg
“Family Federation – Unification Movement” – by Rev. Staffan Berg Have you ever thought marrying a stranger could help make the world a better place? Father Moon picked me from a crowd of about 1,000 single men to marry a lady from England I had never met. Our eternal union challenged both of us to […]
Published! Golden Rule in Arizona, Significant Golden Rule Moments
Golden Rule in Arizona, Golden Rule Moments column While many depressing events may be tugging at our hearts and overwhelming them, we can have hope that solutions are possible. Golden Rule Moments happen all the time and are powerful. We often don’t hear about them. Over 20 years ago this life principle, the Golden Rule, […]
Published! “Christian Scientists strive to provide ‘a place of light’”
“Christian Scientists strive to provide ‘a place of light’” – FAITH MATTERS, The Arizona Republic, 6/17/18 For many people, the phrase “sending thoughts and prayers” has become a meaningless cliché. Christian Scientists’ annual meeting on June 4 offered the view that it doesn’t have to be that way. Church members gathered at the denomination’s Mother […]
Pioneer Day connects Mormons with heritage – Faith Matters Column published in The Arizona Republic I was small child when I remember taking part in my first Pioneer Day. I was in Utah, surrounded by crowds of people who were cheering as the parade floats went by. My cousins and I scurried to grab handfuls […]
Published! Community of Christ, Faith Matters column
Carolyn Sutton was a recent high school graduate when I first met her at a church youth camp. She came as a camper, and I served on the camp staff. We found that we would both attend the University of Central Missouri the following year, and that her home was about half way between my […]
Dear Community, Juneteenth is just around the corner! It’s a good time to remember in our hearts: “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need for one another,” by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The community is invited to a meaningful and FREE Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, […]
Dear Friends,We are so honored at AZIFM to continue to build Golden Rule bridges within the community. A large piece of that puzzle is our amazing board members who oversee AZIFM’s vital activities and ensure we maintain our financial health. They help us stay true to our mission and to help grow it. Without further ado, […]
Langar and the Sikh faith In 2005, Dr. Paul Eppinger, the founding Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement envisioned ‘Experience Interfaith’ with ‘langar,’ a free community dinner provided by the Sikh community to all attendees as its central focus. A Faith Fair kicks off the event and has become a fun way to learn basic […]
“Living Jain values of karma, non-violence”, Published in azCentral, Faith Matters Sanjana Shah Special to The Republic As a Jain, my daily life is deeply intertwined with the principles of ahimsa/nonviolence, karma theory, and the practices of meditation. From my perspective as a Jain, being vegetarian is a way of life deeply rooted in the principle of ahimsa, or […]
“Unity in the Community Black History Fellowship Breakfast Celebration” published “Faith Matters” article
“Unity in the Community Black History Fellowship Breakfast Celebration” By Rev. Ozetta Kirby, Holy Trinity Community African Methodist Episcopal Church March, 2021 The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was started in 1787, in Philadelphia, Pa. by Richard Allen, because of racial discrimination. This took place at St. George Methodist Church. Black members were told to get […]
“Women keep the faith with head coverings” in AZCentral
Women keep the faith with head coverings Islamic, Orthodox Jewish females wear hijab in heat Jose R. Gonzalez Arizona Republic | USA TODAY NETWORK A wide-brim straw hat provided shade for April Slater on the balmy afternoon of July 25 at the Mesa Urban Garden. Beads of perspiration collected on her smiling face as framed by […]
Now on VIDEO: “Building Bridges of Golden Rule Action” Community Faith Forum
Just in case you missed this incredible Faith Forum, you will want to be sure and catch this video and hear these impactful messages from our October 25th Forum panelists! Video 1 – Panelists share Video 2 – Q & A The Arizona Interfaith Movement is pleased to host these forums so we can come […]
Now on Video! “Faith, Health and Healing” Faith Forum
We’re pleased to share our video from the Faith Forum, “Faith, Health and Healing” held on March 15, 2018, this time at a guest location, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Tempe. Click here to view the video on YouTube Here are the event details: Are you interested in spirituality and its relationship to health […]
This is a report of our virtual Experience Interfaith 2020, reorganized to be called a “World Religions Roundtable”, October 28th. Enjoy the video recording of the event HERE with Access passcode: 3QJR%D@@) Pictured: An Arizona Interfaith Movement Council meeting via Zoom. Many of these faith representatives and other faith representatives will be participating in this […]
Giving to Others blesses all…Golden Rule Moments published
Have you seen it? Have you watched it? It’s all over Arizona reaching more than 2 million viewers. I’m talking about AZTV, channel 7, locally owned and considered America’s #1 of all classic television networks. So what’s so special about that and what could it possibly have with a Golden Rule Moment, you ask? AZTV […]
“Use Golden Rule to mend intergenerational bonds” #LiveGoldenaz in the News…
“OK, boomer.” This phrase epitomizes the generational divide between the older and the teenage generations of our society. Used to degrade and dismiss claims of an older generation, this expression demonstrates the divisive nature of interactions between the two generations and their unwillingness to work jointly to solve problems affecting us as a whole. With […]
A Statement and Call to Action by Arizona Interfaith Movement 12/13/21 – Clarification: While we mentioned the violation against the Muslim students and their scriptures, as they seemed to be targeted in this attack, we stand in opposition to such acts as this towards any faith. ASU’s Prayer Room, the Hayden Library’s Interfaith Room, is […]
“When we show up: the promise of organized religion” – Faith Matters published article
“You really had to be there!” my friend said. He was speaking in Boston at the recent annual meeting of our denomination, the Church of Christ, Scientist, about a wedding he’d attended. The people who couldn’t come to the wedding, he said, probably sent messages of love anyway. But for those physically present, “the spirit […]
“Valley dentist follows the golden rule, makes a difference” – Golden Rule Moments in The AZ Republic
Valley dentist follows the golden rule, makes a difference “Difference makers” are people who go out of their normal daily routine to change the lives of others. It is not something they are always rewarded monetarily in doing but are paid in ways that can only be summed up by those who receive their blessings. […]
Dear Friends, Sometime in the 1960’s, a young American woman’s first overseas diplomatic assignment was to the former French colony, Guinea. After the French left, Guinea fell under the influence of the Soviet Union.As Guinea’s official Independence Day approached, the young woman and a young colleague, John, were assigned embassy duty during the weekend event. Anticipating […]
FAITH MATTERS Unitarian Universalism I grew up outside any religious community. I was increasingly curious about spirituality and religion. More than being curious, I needed a compass to help answer the big questions: How do I live? What do I believe? There was wisdom here and there in books and media, on world religions and […]
Golden Rule Quiz: Three questions from Phoenix teacher Albert Celoza
Golden Rule Quiz: Three questions from Phoenix teacher Albert Celoza Albert Celoza Special to The Republic Jesus Christ invented the Golden Rule. True or false? The Golden Rule in its original formulation states: He who has the gold, rules. True or false? The Arizona State Legislature encouraged people of the state to live the Golden Rule and ‘treat others the […]
20 year Anniversary of Arizona – A Golden Rule State!
Over 20 years of Golden Rule moments in Arizona Anne Taylor Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK While many depressing events may be tugging at our hearts and overwhelming them, we can have hope that solutions are possible. Golden Rule Moments happen all the time and are powerful. We often don’t hear about them. Over […]
Who in the world are the Baptists? To answer that question, you would first have to ask, “Which Baptists?” While Baptists are a member of a group of Protestant Christians who share the basic beliefs of most Protestants they insist that only believers should be baptized and that it should be done by immersion rather than by the sprinkling […]
“Finding a home more than 8,000 miles away” – Golden Rule Moments PUBLISHED Dr. Albert Celoza Special to The Republic Arizona has a reputation as the ground zero of the national immigration crisis. Despite this, Phoenix has been a welcoming place to thousands of refugees from various parts of the world. The political and economic convulsions of […]
Community of Christ published in AZCentral Faith Matters Diana Hansen Guest Columnist Community of Christ has been my chosen faith since baptism as a child. I haven’t always actively attended, yet the core of who we are and who we hope to become is a journey so compelling I’ve continually been drawn back into its embrace. […]
“The light that outshines the darkness” in The Republic
The light that outshines the darkness Diane Hanover Special to The Republic For many people, regardless of their faith community, or even if they have none, the end of the Christmas season may come as a relief. As when a cloud blocks the light of the sun, so the shadows of human struggles, fears and disappointments, […]
Faith Matters: “Christian perspective on the Holy Land”
Faith Matters: Christian perspective on the Holy Land Larry Fultz Guest columnist With Israel occupying most of the headlines in the news today, it reminded me of the multiple trips that I have led to this historical and sacred land. As a Baptist minister, I have been leading Christian tours to Israel since 1990. Since it […]
The power of witnessing Faith Matters Dr. Honora Norton Guest Columnist Years ago, in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis reminded us that ‘every baptized person is called to give witness, with their words and with their lives… He asked, ‘Who is the witness?’ And what do we need to do to become a witness? He said that […]
It’s our joy to share the Golden Rule texts by many faiths represented in the Arizona Interfaith Movement and this list could grow! It’s a benefit of becoming a Member of the Arizona Interfaith Movement – you’ll get a framable copy of these texts with a personalized certificate. We hope you take a look and […]
Administrative Specialist – Start Date: June 7, 2023 Position Title: Administrative Specialist Position Description: Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) is seeking a conscientious communicator and detail-oriented team member. Our growing Nonprofit Organization is focused on building interfaith and clearing up misconceptions about our faiths, as well as bringing more awareness and use of the Golden Rule […]
Video of “Sustainability and Social Justice” Faith Forum
Just incase you missed this engaging Faith Forum, catch it HERE thanks to Brophy Prep. The Brophy students at the end, Q & A, were quite impressive, It was quite an educational experience and we enjoyed visiting the Brophy Campus and their great hospitality! The Forum on “Sustainability & Social Justice”, featured panelists were:— Phoenix […]
A common ground life principle that most all faith traditions embrace as a core bedrock is the Golden Rule. The texts may vary but the meaning holds true. Please feel free to print this off and share it. We will add the entire source of where these texts come from in sacred texts below… Here […]
Our friend, Balbir Singh Sodhi Honored at the White House!
President Joe Biden recognized Rana Singh Sodhi, brother of Balbir Singh Sodhi, the Sikh who was mistaken for a Muslim and killed in the days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United We Stand Summit held at the White House on September 15, 2022. In welcoming the honored faith leaders, Vice President Kamala Harris […]
Happy 77th Birthday United Nations… a deeper think…
Happy 77th Birthday United Nations! After emerging from the scourge of the two global wars, hope and optimism animated fifty countries to prevent another global carnage and destruction. They gathered to design and build an international organization – the United Nations. On October 24, 2022, the UN will turn 77 years old. It now consists of 193 […]
“The bookends of prayer” – published in “Faith Matters”
The bookends of prayer Having grown up in the tradition of the Bahá’í Faith, regular devotions were always part of our household practice — including my parents saying prayers with me from a young age. In the Bahá’í book of laws, there’s a directive to “recite ye the verses of God every morn and eventide.” […]
Imagine the world where there are many halls where we move from one room to another. Before we move, we perform the ceremonies and rituals. French anthropologist Van Gennep called these, “rites of passage”. My former student and friend Har Rai Singh Khalsa rode a white horse to the beautiful gurdwara bedecked with bright lights and decorated […]
Today is April 5th and it is International Golden Rule Day! Most of you are familiar with the “Do to others as you would have them do to you”; in Hinduism it is expressed as “Do not do to others what would cause pain to you’; and in Islam, “Not one of you truly believes […]
“Soka Gakkai International’s perspective – Faith Matters in AZ Central
Soka Gakkai International’s perspective Faith Matters by Edward Casper, Guest Columnist Why would Buddhists care about others? Aren’t they only concerned with attaining personal enlightenment? I recently saw a Facebook post that criticized the idea of pursuing personal growth, a core aim of Buddhist practice, at the expense of society’s ills. And that observation may seem […]
The members of Arizona Interfaith Movement are both saddened and appalled by violence and fear that it has engendered in the Muslim community in our neighboring state of New Mexico. We applaud the recent success of law enforcement authorities achieved with the cooperation of the community. They are making progress in identifying the potential suspect(s); […]
Meet Isam (Arabic for Jesus) — and he is from the Holy Land – but there is more! Have you ever visited a place and felt most welcome? In Phoenix, Isam Saed, will greet you with a smile. He will make your meal an event. He will share details about the food, its ingredients and how […]
On behalf of Arizona Interfaith Movement, we are grateful to share with you a collaborative effort — our Religious Holy Days along with Golden Rule texts from all the different faiths traditions! Here is the link to the PDF copy to print Please share, and ENJOY!!
While the pandemic has robbed precious time for learning from our youth, consequently, there are also ongoing controversies regarding school funding have impacted education negatively. In spite of these difficult challenges, I had a glimmer of hope while visiting the AGREE Summer Art Workshop at the East Valley High School in Mesa. AZ Golden Rule […]
People spontaneously rose to their feet in ovations for the incredible work and Golden Rule messages being given by the Honorees. It happened with each Honoree! What a spirit of unity and appreciation – you could feel it in Banquet Hall at the Golden Rule Banquet on November 9th. In spite of the difficulties and […]
It’s been claimed that Eskimos have several words for snow. The Greeks can rightfully say that there are few words for “love”. In the Greek (Koine) New Testament, agape love stands out. It is love not in the sense of “rom coms” (aka romantic comedies) but “refers to a pure, willful, sacrificial love that intentionally […]
The Arizona Republic | Page ZH08Saturday, 10 December 2022 City of Surprise, a Golden Rule city Albert Celoza Special to The Republic The United States is a focal point for people in search of freedom and opportunities. As an immigrant nation, American society is naturally diverse with vast land expanse that extends for thousands of miles, and climatic […]
A Strong Witness to History…and Golden Rule Moments
Arizona Interfaith Movement member Reverend Ozetta Kirby is a witness to history. She lived in Jim Crow-segregated Kentucky. She had to get up early in the morning to take a two-hour bus ride of twenty miles to get to her school. Two grades were fit in one classroom. The school building’s roof leaked when it […]
Dr. Albert Celoza’s Workshop at the PWR on Aug. 16
NOTE: See our Facebook.com/azifm for LIVE STREAMING of this workshop. The Parliament of the World’s Religions returns to the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement after 30 years away to celebrate 130 years of history in the city of Chicago. Parliament Convenings attract participants from more than 200 diverse religious, indigenous, and secular beliefs and […]
We’d like to congratulate those who were recognized recently at our Golden Rule Awards Banquet as Golden Rule Difference Makers. These are individuals who are going above and beyond to “Make a Difference” in the lives of others. We’d like to highlight a few GEMS about these wonderful people: Mrs. Maureen Adams – Maureen is […]
Dear Friends, I have a special 40-second video INVITATION for you that I hope you will take a moment to look at. It will provide an opportunity to connect with other religious leaders across the Valley and is an engaging inspirational evening that I know you will enjoy. Here’s the LINK.Peace and Blessings, Rev. Larry Fultz, […]
Did you know that Arizona became a Golden Rule State in 2003? We’d like to share what has been happening since then, just in case you didn’t notice people around you expressing more kindness, empathy, respect and civility. Join us for a spectacular display of the Golden Rule in action at our State Capitol on […]
Our Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz is retiring at the end of May this year, and we thank him for his many years of service in helping this organization to come about, and to develop and grow. As a result of Larry’s retirement, we have a job opening to fill his position. Arizona Interfaith Movement, […]
Through these challenging times perhaps you’ve noticed someone we would call a “Golden Rule Difference-Maker”? You know, someone who has surpassed all expectations to show kindness and compassion to others. Maybe they saved a life. Maybe they solved a problem at work that was really needed. Maybe they helped a struggling child with virtual school work. You get […]
This year’s stories ranged from saving another’s life (Humanitarian, Health, Paul Eppinger and Youth Awards) to making genuine advances in troubled youth lives (Character in Sports). There are no shortages of awe-inspiring moments to witness. Many attendees have requested access to the videos of each honoree as we celebrated during our 15th Annual Golden Rule […]
An invitation into our culturally diverse world of cuisine!
Dear friends, A few weeks ago we invited you into our culturally diverse world of cuisine, via our Interfaith Cookbook!We’d like to share a story of an experience that provided great “Table Talk” Our VP of Education, Karolyn Benger, is of the Jewish faith and has really enjoyed digging into our Cookbook and making Saag […]
Are you looking to become a part of something more, something that can make a real difference? Are kindness, empathy, civility and respect valued in your everyday life, and do you wish you saw more of those “golden” qualities around you? Then, please consider this a call-to-action! We’d love to have your help so we […]
What does the Golden Rule have to do with InterFaith?
Dear Friends, The Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would like to be treated” – a simply stated, logical, moral code, culturally universal, and found in the narratives of almost every faith and ethical culture. It dates from ancient Egypt, India, Greece, Persia, Rome, and the Abrahamic and Christian teachings. Meet the Arizona Interfaith Movement, whose […]
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 […]
Dear Friends, What a marvelous coming together of several hundred Arizonians on Sunday, also Father’s Day, to honor and celebrate Juneteenth in Arizona! What is behind this new Federal Holiday? On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. Fact is, they had been free since 1863 through President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation Act. […]
“Black History and the African Methodist Episcopal Church”, Faith Matters
Faith Matters by Rev. Dr. Helen Hunter, Guest Columnist for The Arizona Republic For Black History Month, I present Bishop Richard Allen, born a slave in Philadelphia on Feb. 14, 1760. Richard Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the oldest black denomination in the United States in 1794. When I consider the life […]
“Golden Rule moment: A ‘warm’ tale of kindness” published!
Golden Rule moment: A ‘warm’ tale of kindness Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK “In 14 degree Fahrenheit weather, you definitely appreciate a nice sweater to keep you warm,” said Sue Shepard, Principal of Ash Creek Elementary. In fact, you’ll even see Little Joe, the school’s service dog, strutting around campus in his new […]
HUGE Thanks – 15th Annual Golden Rule Banquet was the best!!
Sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Golden Rule Awards Banquet! We hope you enjoyed the inspirational evening as much as we enjoyed organizing it. We extend our humble thanks to all who played a wonderful part in the event itself, especially each of the Honorees! • Marie Osmond • Dr. Gladys McGarey • Michael […]
“How Covid-19 Changed us spiritually” in The Republic
FAITH MATTERS Anita Rangaswami, Guest Columnists The last two years will go down in history as one of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation. The global pandemic of the 21st century was similar to the Spanish Flu that started as a European/Asian phenomenon of the 20th century and spread globally. COVID-19 spread uncontrollably with the ease […]
This month we celebrate the fathers in our lives. It is the one day of the year that is dedicated to celebrating the invaluable role our fathers play in our lives. It’s a special time to thank all of the fathers and remind them how much we appreciate and love them. My father was of the […]
It is our distinct pleasure to announce that the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) appointed Dr. Albert Celoza as its Executive Director beginning July 7, 2022. The mission of this Arizona nonprofit organization, founded in 1995, is to “build bridges of understanding, respect and support among diverse people of faith through education, dialogue, service and the implementation […]
The Lord Ganesha or Ganesh is most popular as the god with the elephant head. His name means “Lord of the People”. In the Hindu pantheon, he is the god of knowledge, of all beginnings, and the remover of obstacles. He is the offspring of Shiva, the god of destruction and his consort the goddess […]
Everyone enjoys a good meal, right? The Arizona Interfaith Movement, now comprised of more than 20 different faith groups, presents an “Interfaith Cookbook.” It is our hope that you will enjoy using these recipes and that along the way you learn some interesting facts about their origin, and in some cases their religious and cultural […]
On Tuesday Evening, December 12, 2021, I had the marvelous privilege of welcoming the City of Tempe Arizona into the growing number of Golden Rule Cities in the State of Arizona. As I told them that evening being a Golden Rule City means you are a Compassionate City. You care for your citizens using the […]
Thanksgiving 2021 Dear Friends of the Arizona Interfaith Movement, Thanksgiving is a special time of the year for many of us. Some of us go back home to be with family and friends. Others spend the occasion as guests of relatives, friends and acquaintances. If this doesn’t describe […]
We don’t always hear these good stories in the News. So, please join us an inspiring and uplifting evening – the 15th Annual Golden Rule Awards Banquet. It will be held on April 7, 2022, at the Mesa Convention Center. Dinner begins at 6:30 PMFull details here: https://interfaithmovement.com/golden-rule-banquet/ We’re elated to celebrate these Honorees:• Marie Osmond: […]
“Chaplains use Golden Rule to respond to those in need” in The Republic
Chaplains use Golden Rule to respond to those in need Dr. Honora A. Norton Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Key to service as a chaplain is the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is how you want to be treated if you were in a distress situation. […]
Have you ever wanted to ask a question of a Buddhist, Jain, Shinto, African Methodist Episcopal or a dozen other faith perspectives? We invite you to EXPERIENCE Interfaith and hear from 20 different faith traditions plus ask your questions. All sessions are free. Each speaker will share about their faith very briefly, then there will […]
Read all about it!! Printable copy here. Thanks to the Mayors Youth Council, the Fountain Hills Town Council adopted a resolution declaring Fountain Hills to be a Golden Rule Town. GREAT NEWS!! Congratulations to Fountain Hills and their dynamic Mayors Youth Council!
A way to fight extremism: Interfaith work Various groups across Arizona focus their efforts on building community, offering cultural connections BrieAnna J. Frank Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Tuesday marked the six-month anniversary of the fatal Jan. 6 Capitol riot, in which a crowd supporting former President Donald Trump stormed the building as Congress met to […]
Call for Prayers for the tragic loss of Courtney Longergan and 2 kids
To our dear Friends at Arizona Interfaith and in our Community, It is with great sorrow that we have to report that Courtney Lonergan, Ali and Almira were all killed in a tragic car accident July 10, near their home. You will remember Courtney as the wonderful leader of our Experience Interfaith events over the […]
The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) has generally chosen not to take positions on controversial political issues, as we welcome members whose politics vary. However, we have been bold and resolute when one faith, ethnic group, culture, race of people or nation is attacked. In this spirit, and after much contemplation, AZIFM feels it needs to […]
“Golden Rule gesture for all of Arizona” published!
Golden Rule gesture for all of Arizona Golden Rule Moment Kendra Ruth Guest columnist This kind of great news seldom is heard or known. First, a little background: Rep. Mark Anderson, along with countless other faith leaders and community leaders, had the fortune of meeting and knowing Mesa resident Darl Andersen. He was known by […]
“An Easter Reflection” Published “Faith Matters” article
An Easter reflection Christians in the United Church of Christ are celebrating Eastertide. Easter is about resurrection. Resurrections begin with death. The resurrection of Jesus began with his state-sanctioned execution. He was dark-skinned, non-citizen. The decision-makers in the systems responsible for Jesus dying said they felt threatened by him, that they feared for their lives, […]
“5 simple steps to help you live Golden Rule” published “Golden Rule Moments” article
5 simple steps to help you live Golden Rule Kendra Ruth Guest columnist International Golden Rule Day has been celebrated on April 5 since 2007, when several notable organizations, including the United Nations, made the proclamation. There was a strong resolve by individuals such as Ambassador Mussie Hailu, who believed a focus on the Golden Rule […]
“Golden Rule shines worldwide”, Golden Rule Moments in AZCentral
Golden Rule shines worldwide Scott Dunn was getting ready for his big moment last year to walk down the aisle and receive his diploma. Unfortunately, the night before his graduation, he suffered a near-fatal car accident. When he awoke from a medically induced coma, he was heartbroken to realize he had missed his high school […]
“Counting the days to Shavuot” printed in The Republic
Counting the days to Shavuot Shavuot marks the Jewish people receiving the Torah. This holiday, literally meaning “Weeks,” is eagerly anticipated as the days are counted from the second day of Passover until Shavuot begins. There are exactly seven weeks between the two holidays, which is why Shavuot is called the festival of “Weeks”. Counting […]
“Help build brighter futures for others”, published Golden Rule Moments
Help build brighter futures for others, by Rev. Larry Fultz Someone asked me to give a summary once of the Golden Rule, and I said, “Give what you want to get.” Maybe that’s a little oversimplified, but if we all followed that principle, there would be a great deal more giving than receiving. Recently, I […]
“Buddhism celebrates the mentor-disciple relationship” Faith Matters article in azCentral
Buddhism celebrates the mentor-disciple relationship Each year on July 3, the lay Buddhist community Soka Gakkai International (SGI) celebrates “Mentor-Disciple Day.” Why is that day important, and why write about it? It’s simple. Religion, philosophy, geography, the arts, etc., have to be passed from one person to another. In the spirit of mentor and disciple, […]
“How wearing a mask relates to the the Jain way” in The AZ Republic
How wearing a mask relates to the the Jain way With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, masks were recommended as a precaution. Did you know that masks are not a novel concept in the practice of Jainism? Just like medical professionals, Jains have been using masks for quite some time. The main principle of […]
“A Missionary’s memoir: Two years in Los Angeles” published
A Missionary’s memoir: Two years in Los Angeles You know those young guys and girls that ride on bikes and knock at your door talking about the Book of Mormon? Well, up until a month ago, I was one of them. Serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Los […]
During this time of the year, it has become increasingly awkward as to know how to wish people a happy holiday. The U.S. has traditionally been a Christian nation and while, according to the national ARIS study, about 75% of American adults currently identify themselves as Christians that number is decreasing by about 0.8 percentage point […]
So moving!! Interfaith Prayer Vigil on June 7 video
We hope you’ll enjoy the recorded Prayer Vigil for our Country and World by many Faith Leaders representing our many traditions. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted! Just Click here to view and hear it Here are the details about the event… Dear Friends of Peace,The Arizona Interfaith Movement is holding a virtual prayer […]
Considering the recent violent events in our Nation and our State, we at the Arizona Interfaith Movement will not remain silent when anyone is treated with less than the respect they deserve. The Arizona Interfaith Movement is and will remain a nonpolitical organization drawn together by our mutual faiths and our acceptance of the Golden […]
Recorded Sukkah, a fun intro to Sukkot (Festival of the Tabernacles) from our Jewish friends
If you missed the Virtual Sukkot, not to worry, it was recorded and we’re happy to share it with you, HERE. It was a shared Sukkah for the entire community for an evening of friendship and fun. You will have the opportunity to hear Rabbi Michael and Rebbitzin Karolyn explain the different rituals, ritual objects, […]
Greetings to you in the New Year! We hope you’ll enjoy our printable 2021 Holy Days Calendar! Click here to download a PDF version you may print off or refer to by the month. Additionally, our kind webmaster integrated last year’s Holy Days Calendar into our Calendar with events. We’d love to know your thoughts….what […]
“Even in solitude, find wisdom in Ramadan”, published Faith Matters article
Even in solitude, find wisdom in Ramadan In my life, each year’s Ramadan has returned as an older and wiser teacher, who has shown me a way to search for and find inner peace and reflect on my relationship with my creator. Ramadan has taught me to appreciate all I have been given and recognize […]
“Live Golden at home” – by Nivea and Evan, published!
Live Golden at home Given the unforeseen circumstances produced by COVID-19, it is more important than ever for the teenage community to stay involved and connected. As such, LiveGoldenAZ has continued to spread our message and bolster the voices of our peers across the state. Utilizing social media platforms has enabled us to not only […]
“Celebrate the women of sacred texts this Sunday”, published Golden Rule Moments article
Celebrate the women of sacred texts this Sunday In honor of Mother’s Day, I would like to highlight some mothers in sacred texts as a reminder of the roles that women have played and can play in world religions. ❚ In the Hindu tradition, Durga is one of the most common forms of Devi, the Supreme […]
“A look at the Bahá’í Faith, growing in turbulent time”, published Faith Matters article
A look at the Bahá’í Faith, growing in turbulent time As we learn how to navigate these extraordinary times and challenges, we seek shelter, consolation and guidance in what we know to be steadfast. For me, this is found in my faith as a Baháí. This may be the first time some of you are […]
“Amid division, remember to love thy neighbor” Faith Matters in The Republic
Amid division, remember to love thy neighbor Throughout history, it has been a common practice of mankind to seek vengeance on those who have mistreated or brought affliction on them. It is still seen today in the workplace with an oppressive boss or in the challenge of racial discrimination that has far too long been […]
“My life as a Jain embraces non-violence and science”, Faith Matters published
My life as a Jain embraces non-violence and science There are three basic pillars of Jainism: Non-Violence, Non-Possessiveness and Non-Absolutism. There are three jewels, which are: Right Knowledge, Right Faith and Right Conduct. As I write about my learning of the Jain religion, experiences and applications of Jain principles, non-violence has had a major influence on me. As per my learning, […]
Virtual “Community Town Hall” – a call for help with the Census
Your help is needed, please. This Community Virtual Event was held on July 28th at 7:00pm via zoom, to collaborate together regarding the Census. As you can imagine, this task at hand has become more difficult but still needs to be accomplished — and the deadline is coming in October (Now the end of September). Certain areas in […]
SGI Buddhism embraces diversity and individuality Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated that Sunday morning was the most segregated day of the week in America. While this is still largely true, this piece is about a notable exception to that observation, the Buddhist community Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA). Founded in 1930, the Soka […]
As our nation progresses toward an election there is one life principle that can serve as a guidepost to end the divisiveness that we share at this point in our nation’s history. This principle can be found in virtually all the major religious Holy Books and philosophies of the world. It is called the Golden Rule […]
“The role of religion and the coronavirus pandemic” – Faith Matters article in AZ Republic
The role of religion and the coronavirus pandemic During these difficult times, people are being called to care for one another. In my experience as a Protestant and a psychotherapist, I’ve dealt with conflicting viewpoints and found a helpful balance. Sigmund Freud is considered the father of psychoanalysis. Some believe that he was led into […]
“The sound of the Shofar brings hope” published Faith Matters article
The sound of the Shofar brings hope Faith Matters Michael Greenland Guest columnist The shofar is a musical instrument created by hollowing out a ram’s horn, shaping it and polishing it. In ancient times, the sound of the shofar was heard every day, calling the people to worship. Now people wait all year to hear the shofar […]
Diwali helps light up the world Born into a Hindu family, growing up in different parts of India, and working full-time in the United States while raising a family of three children to adulthood, is an unforgettable and enriching experience of a lifetime! Exhausting? Ay e ! Hailing from India, I have often wondered, “How […]
“Bringing the light into a dark world”, a Baha’i article for “Faith Matters” published!
Bringing the light into a dark world In a recent meeting of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM), we were discussing the themes of light and darkness in different religious traditions. In the winter season, there is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, from the Hindu tradition and the light associated with the Christmas season and Christ […]
“The power of agape love” by Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton, Unity
FAITH MATTERS The power of agape love Do you ever find love confusing? I know I do. Perhaps it’s because there are so many different types of love. “Agape” is one of several Greek words for love and refers specifically to divine pure love; the love that desires another’s highest and best good. Often, though, […]
“Hopes for Restoring Peace in the World” published, AZ Republic
It is amazing what this year has brought: I was in a virtual audience of over a thousand people on December 5. I was sitting in my bedroom in front of my laptop. The rest of my family were in the other room enjoying a fantastic online presentation of the third Rally of Hope. I […]
It’s a collaborative effort by over 20 different faith traditions and cultures. We’re happy to share with you a printable version you can download. It also includes the Golden Rule from our various faiths and some secular cultures. ENJOY here!!
In light of the ongoing challenges with the Coronavirus, and spirit of “treating others as we’d like to be treated”, the Arizona Interfaith Movement is postponing the Golden Rule Banquet scheduled for April 16th. Please stay tuned for the reschedule date and details. May these days ahead give pause for prayer for the health and safety […]
“Ramadan and Eid remind us of obligations to others” – Faith Matters published
Ramadan is over. Now what? If you didn’t know, Ramadan is a holy month and one of the basic pillars in Al Islam for Muslims. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting and commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet […]
Ahimsa! Non-violence, published in “Faith Matters” AZ Republic
The marshmallow saga One sunny afternoon in Arizona, my phone chimes and I unlock it to read a message: “Bijal, you’ve got to see this.” There is a video below the message, and with curious eyes, I wait for the video to download. There is a school playground in which many kindergartners are running around. […]
A Golden Rule moment is revealed amid tragedy Trying to understand the tragedies of El Paso and Dayton is beyond the realm of possibility for civil people of any society. A senseless act of reducing human life to being irrelevant in order to carry out retribution for a sick ideology or sudden recognition goes beyond […]
“Kindness always wins, on or off the athletic field” – Golden Rule Moments column
It’s that time of the year again, when football arenas are packed with cheering fans waiting for their heroes to perform unimaginable feats of athletic skill. Before this year is over, there will be stories from the field of play that will go down in the record books as feats of extraordinary skill making a […]
Published from our Hare Krishna friends…”Faith Matters” column
Sri Krishna Janmastami celebrations at temple Faith Matters, The Arizona Republic Pratibha Somaiya Guest Columnist Have you heard of Ski Krishna Janmastami? As a local Hare Krishna devotee, I’d like to share it with you. On Frida, Aug. 23, ISKCON of Phoenix celebrated Ski Krishna Janmastami, the paramount festival for devotees of Lord Krishna celebrating His appearance in the earthly world. This festival is celebrated annually. […]
“3 F’s of society: Family, friends and fellowship”, Golden Rule Moments published
The three “F”s of any society are most important. I’m talking about family, friends, and fellowship. Never did it become more apparent in my own life than a few weeks ago. Excuse me for taking a chapter out of my own life but I just can’t help telling the world about the great day my […]
A few words from a first time attendee nailed the spirit of Experience Interfaith: “It was wonderful! … Those who participated felt welcomed, accepted, and loved!!” May the pictures help tell our story about Experience Interfaith! CLICK HERE for pictures to ENJOY… and please feel welcome to keep some dialogue going on our facebook page…facebook.com/azifm […]
“Recognizing and repenting”, Faith Matters column in the Arizona Republic
Recognizing and repenting… a “Faith Matters” article published October 23, 2019 Are you the same person today you were yesterday? Will you be the same person tomorrow? On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Jews across the globe gather together to repent for our sins — both to God and man— reflecting on our misdeeds […]
“Wake up the sun with Gratitude” – Faith Matters in The AZ Republic
Faith Matters: Wake up the sun with gratitude With the holiday season just around the corner, beginning this week with Thanksgiving, we are once again encouraged to think about gratitude. Growing up in London, England, I initially found the whole idea of Thanksgiving rather perplexing after I came to the US. A national day of […]
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done unto you. This seemingly intuitive statement has traditionally been viewed as an idealistic goal rather than a tangible way of life. However, its simplicity does not discount the pivotal role it plays in community development that is the message LiveGoldenAZ aims to spread in […]
“The Festival of Chariots is a joyous celebration”
Faith Matters Pratibha Somaiya Guest columnist It is finally that time of the year in Arizona, when my family and I can experience one of the most colorful and multicultural Hare Krishna event — the Festival of Chariots (Rathyatra), presented by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Phoenix. Historically, Festival of Chariots is an ancient festival […]
It was just another ordinary warm day in May 2017, but everything that Trevor Gentry had ever learned at his youth group, called “God’s Squad,” materialized that day. All his life, Trevor has been attending the Greater Impact Church of Phoenix and according to Pastor Jay Brown has been a regular participant in their youth group, where […]
“HOW THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH INFLUENCED MY LIFE”
My experience in the African Methodist Episcopal Church began in 1958, when I made a decision to unite with the local church. At that time I was ten years old. I attended Sunday School with my grandparents. I enjoyed learning about the great heroes and heroines in the Bible. I knew about God, but I […]
“You don’t have to be an athlete to be an all-star” Golden Rule Moments published
He thought he had heard and seen it all. After all, he was an all-star defensive tackle and defensive end for none other than the Arizona Cardinals. He had felt the “head-ons,” heard the groans and smelled the sweat of locker rooms beginning with his playing days at Sam Houston State, but somehow this evening […]
Published: “To be truly free, we must shed our mental shackles” Faith Matters column
Every year on Passover, Jewish families sit together with friends, neighbors and relatives to partake of the Seder and tell the story of Passover. “Seder” means “order,” and there is a structure to the story and meal. This is a story of the birth of the Jewish people, and we are instructed to teach it […]
“Living a holistic life by the Golden Rule” Golden Rule Moments column, published!
Living a holistic life by the Golden Rule How could a Golden Rule Moment possibly lead one to be known as the Mother of Holistic Medicine? For Dr. Gladys Taylor McGarey, it began in 1920, when she was born under the auspices of the mighty Himalayas. In India, then perhaps the poorest country in the […]
“On personal Journey to Hajj, Prayers get Answered”, Faith Matters column
On personal journey to Hajj, prayers get answered Faith Matters Haj ji Imam Khalil Sultan Guest columnist For me personally, my recent journey to Mecca as a Hajji was the culmination of a 75 years-of-life struggle, with all its ups and downs, detours, challenges, losses, gains and lessons learned and shared with my family and humanity at […]
“Golden Rule active around world in inspiring ways” published Golden Rule Moments article
Golden Rule active around world in inspiring ways For most of us, life has literally been turned upside down as we try to wait out this pandemic cycle. And yet for others, this era in our history is a time that produces heroes. Rather than one specific story, several Golden Rule Moments that have circulated […]
What an honor to visit with our dear friend, Pat McMahon on “The God Show” on July 8th! This is now on Internet Radio, with a growing audience around the world. Pat is so fun to talk with while being quite thought-provoking. He’s had many interesting guests, some of which are our members! Check it […]
We were saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, David Lincoln. His Golden Rule vision led his work in many strong ways that truly made a difference for good in the world. Some of his work included ethics programs at universities, and he helped to establish a multi-religious university in Claremont, CA, […]
The holiday season is over, but the joys of this festive time of the year still remind us of the laughter, aromas and bustle that comes with it and Golden Rule Moments waiting to happen! This year, our family decided to go to St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix and help prepare for a Christmas party […]
New 2019 Religious Holy Days Calendar with Golden Rule texts Available!
The Arizona Interfaith Movement and it’s Council came together to produce another Holy Days Calendar that includes many of the major religious holy days from as many faith traditions as we could fit in, along with the Golden Rule from traditions around the world. We hope you enjoy it and find it helpful. Click the […]
In prayerful response to hate crime at New Zealand Mosques
Press Release: Once again the religious world has felt the results of extremism of the worse kind. The Arizona Interfaith Movement stands with our Muslim friends around the world and here in Arizona who have felt this painful act of hate in New Zealand. It should never be so that people of any faith should […]
Published! “United Church of Christ has a proud history of brave firsts”
“United Church of Christ has a proud history of brave firsts” – Faith Matters by Rev. Rock Freemont The United Church of Christ was founded in 1957 from the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches, each one having been the result of two previous church […]
What would be the incentive for a woman over the age of 80 to travel to Russia every year and bring her message of hope and healing called the Murray method? For Marilyn Murray there is only one answer and that is she believes first it is a calling that God has given her and […]
Prema-dhatri devi dasi Guest columnist — FAITH MATTERS Hare Krishna is the yoga of love Yoga is one of the most popular concepts of Eastern ideology known to the world. Although, widely understood to be a system of physical exercise, yoga in Indian tradition is beyond bodily practice of different postures; it has a meditative […]
“Caring for others doesn’t mean just the people like you” – published!
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Golden Rule Moments come in different forms. Most often, we relate them to deeds of kindness. Another form of the Golden Rule is when someone comes into our lives to teach us valuable life lessons. That’s my story for today. Hearkening back to the ’60’s, the focus in America was on race […]
Published! “Everyone was blessed when neighbors rallied to help out”
Sometimes a Golden Rule moment shapes a young life and blesses it going forward. This was the case in my own experience when I was about 11 or 12 years old. A family in our northern Indiana neighborhood had come across hard times. The father had become quite ill, which left him weak and quite […]
Published! “Wicca values life, and witches follow many paths”
With Halloween near, it is an excellent time to share a bit of truth regarding witches. We speak from the first-person perspective because we are witches and Wicca is our religion. While some may view Halloween as a time that focuses on pretend and evil witches, we affirm that witches are real. We are not collectively evil. […]
EXPERIENCE InterFaith on November 15th was notably heartwarming and gave a renewed sense of hope to attendees – Just our sincere hope and goal!! See our points below and see for yourself. Also, watch for something in the Republic about it in about 10 days… Huge thanks to everyone who helped to plan and put […]
AZIFM presented Experience InterFaith at the Parliament in Toronto!!
Great News! In case you haven’t heard…. the Arizona Interfaith Movement had a notable presence at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto this November 1-7, 2018. We presented a workshop about “Experience Interfaith”, as a sample of our 13 plus years of experience at the Arizona Interfaith Movement. Handouts were shared at the […]
“University student found new connections at interfaith event” – in the News!
Nothing is more heartwarming than to see a Golden Rule Moment happen before your eyes! Imagine growing up believing the exact opposite of the facts, then coming face to face with what is actually true! Here’s how it came about for a local university student, Mackenzie Rodriguez. I received a note from her ASU teacher […]
“Falun Dafa focuses on cultivating the mind” – Published “Faith Matters” article
Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) is an advanced practice of Buddha school self-cultivation, founded by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the practice’s master. It is a discipline in which “assimilation to the highest qualities of the universe — Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance) — is the foundation of practice. Practice is guided by these supreme […]
Published! “Accepting ‘Gift of Love’ makes us forces of good in the world” Faith Matters column
Accepting ‘Gift of Love’ makes us forces of good in the world Recently we celebrated Valentine’s Day, a day which many enjoy but which some dismiss as a “made-up holiday.” Regardless of where we may stand on Valentine’s Day, one thing to consider is that where there is great love, there is great awareness. Awareness, […]
Published, Golden Rule Moments from Japanese Internment survivor, Tom Koseki
None of us escapes, at some time in their lives, feelings of hate, resentment and a spirit of getting even. But as a young boy who was innocently violated, it seemed justified. Such is the case with Tom Koseki, and the Golden Rule wasn’t even considered at first. Here’s what happened: Tom grew up in […]
“Teen makes sure all girls can look great for prom” – Golden Rule Moments article published
Teen makes sure all girls can look great for prom The high school prom is one of the biggest moments in the lives of most girls. But what do you do when the nearest dress store is two hours away? Or what do you do if you cannot afford a dress for your teenage daughter […]
“Artist bridges cultures in a quest for peace” published in The Arizona Republic
Ken Koshio has been beating on drums since he was a young boy in his native country of Japan, where he saw the effects and was told of the devastation and tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Yet, who would guess a Golden Rule Moment would shift Ken’s life events right here in the U.S.? Not […]
“Golden Rule moment with Reverend Rock Fremont: Ministering to the marginalized” in AzCentral
Golden Rule moment with Reverend Rock Fremont: Ministering to the marginalized Albert Celoza Special to The Republic The marginalized are ‘groups and communities discriminated against and excluded from mainstream social, economic, cultural, or political life based on their identity or difference.’ They are usually considered of no importance, and have little or no influence and power […]
Highlights, Gratitude, Pictures – Golden Rule Awards Banquet 2018
Arizona celebrated the Golden Rule Day, that began internationally on April 5th via the United Nations, at the Golden Rule Awards Banquet on April 12th. Our deep gratitude to all who attended, to Pat McMahon, Emcee Extraordinare; the Faith Fair Participants; those who donated items to our silent auction; the prayers that opened the Event, […]
Your invitation to the Golden Rule Awards Banquet on April 12
You, your family and friends are invited to join in in celebrating the 2018 Golden Rule Honorees and to be inspired and encouraged by their examples and stories. This Golden Rule celebration is less than a month away…. Sell out expected! We’re so pleased to announce the 2018 Golden Rule Honorees and why they are […]
Golden Rule Honorees interviewed on AZ TV7 by Pat McMahon!
In case you missed this very informative and insightful interview by Pat McMahon on AZ TV 7’s “Daily Mix” on March 15th, with Honorees, Pastor Magdalena Schwartz, Darl Andersen Honoree, and Marily Murray, International Humanitarian Honoree…. you can have hope and still see it! Right HERE. Enjoy!!
Golden Rule Honoree, Ambassador Mussie Hailu receives post
ANNOUNCEMENT! I am very pleased to announce that Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Regional Director of the United Religion Initiative (URI) for Africa has agreed to serve as Global Envoy of United Religions Initiative. This responsibility is in addition to his work as URI Regional Director for Africa, and URI Representatives to the African Union, the Economic […]
On Thursday, November 10, 2016, the Interfaith Community around the world lost a dear friend and champion for justice and civility. The Rev. Dr. Paul Eppinger went to be with the Lord and is at peace without pain or suffering for which we all are grateful here at the Arizona Interfaith Movement. But I lost […]
In light of recent attacks on members of our local Jewish community, Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) reminds people in Arizona and around the world that the Golden Rule is part of our common understanding — may it be a guidepost for our actions rather than hate or violence. AZIFM’s vision is a world of harmony, […]
Your invitation to the Golden Rule Banquet 2017 / Menus shared
You and your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors are warmly invited to a great community-building event, the 12th Annual Golden Rule Awards Banquet! It will be at the Mesa Convention Center on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Legendary Phoenix broadcaster and KTAR News executive Pat McMahon will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Along with about 900 […]
Words can’t truly express the gratitude for this Golden Rule Awards Banquet! It stirred hearts and we’ve heard so many positive, heart-felt words of thanks that we deeply appreciate. On behalf of AZIFM’s Interfaith Council, we send our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make it so inspiring and uplifting. The Honorees and their Golden […]
Public Statement standing with our Muslim brothers and sisters with the Golden Rule
The Arizona Interfaith Movement, comprised of over 20 different faith traditions, stands opposed to the recent plans of the “ACT for America March against Sharia” that is scheduled for our city on June 10, and would promote division, hatred and misunderstandings. We stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Phoenix, across the […]
‘Dede’ pioneered services for Native Americans – published in the Republic
LARRY FULTZ GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS ‘Dede’ pioneered services for Native Americans When you think of a “change maker” in the Native American communities of Arizona, no name looms larger than Diana Yazzie Devine. Why? Her significant Golden Rule moment began in Arizona in 1979, when “Dede,” as her friends call her, started her personal odyssey to provide […]
This “Interfaith Evening of Light”event is in response to our challenging times, the Arizona Interfaith Movement invites you to join us for a special evening of illumination and fellowship as people of many faiths share uplifting readings, prayers, and music which inspire us to stand in the light. This beautiful FREE event will send you […]
Be part of the solution… International Golden Rule Day April 5 – 12
Dear Community and beyond, While many things may be tugging at our hearts, making them heavy, we can have hope that solutions are possible. May we work together, harder than ever, to bring the Golden Rule into stronger, more constant action! What does that mean? Check out the details and know you’re invited to participate […]
Published: “Adventists’ mission focuses heavily on service to humanity”
FAITH MATTERS RAY ANDREW NAVARRO Adventists’ mission focuses heavily on service to humanity Religious revivals swept the United States from the 1790s to the 1830s, transforming the religious tone of our country. This period, known as the Second Great Awakening, changed American religion’s mystique. Perhaps best known about this revival era is the large camp meetings […]
“Awards celebrate the people who spread goodwill, hope” – Published!
Golden Rule Moments, Larry Fultz Guest columnist for The Arizona Republic (Pictured, Pastor Magdalena Schwartz and Marilyn Murray Interview with Pat on AZ TV7, March 15) While media headlines may scream out for the need of civility, Golden Rule Moments have been happening. They will be showcased at the 13th Annual Golden Rule Awards Banquet and provide a much needed respite […]
Published! “Scientology has deep roots here in Phoenix”
FAITH MATTERS by REV. GINNY LEASON – in The Arizona Republic On March 13, millions of people in 167 nations will celebrate the birth of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard following a year of unprecedented expansion for the religion. We in Phoenix are particularly proud of the role our city played in Scientology history, for it was here that our religion was born. In […]
Published! “Building Bridges of Understanding the Hindu Way”
“Building Bridges of Understanding the Hindu Way” On a breezy Sunday morning in Dallas, Texas in the fall of 1986, a young woman was getting ready for an important lunch meeting. She had just left her parents’ house in Bangalore, India and landed in Dallas a month before to pursue higher studies. A series of […]
Arizona Interfaith Movement’s America250 9/11 Day of Service
The Arizona Interfaith Movement’s America250 9/11 Day of Service Thank you all for making this wonderful day happen! The Arizona Interfaith Movement’s America250 9/11 Day of Service was centered on bringing people together—lifting up those in our community as we worked side by side with people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. More than 600+ […]
“Recognizing inherent nobility in every student” published
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Recognizing inherent nobility in every student Albert Celoza Special to The Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Dr. Paul R. Harasha sociology educator and member of the Bahá’í Faith, brings a unique perspective to the practice of the golden rule in teaching at a community college. In this interview conducted by Albert Celoza, Dr. […]
“Golden rule in action: Vasu Bandhu’s journey” – published!
Golden rule in action: Vasu Bandhu’s journey Golden Rule Moments Albert Celoza | Guest columnist Every Monday at the start of the work week, Arizona Faith Network’s Interfaith Manager, Vasu Bandhu, brings people together in peace through guided meditation. His gentle demeanor has a healing effect and offers participants moments of mindfulness and peace. The name Vasu […]
“Golden Rule: Youth volunteers making a difference” published in AzCentral
Golden Rule: Youth volunteers making a difference Albert Celoza, Ph.D. Special for The Republic One Saturday this April, three dedicated youth volunteers responded to my call for an interview—Veer Mayo, Jacob Gronner, and Jacob Denlinger. They joined a group of adult volunteers in the Arizona Langar on Wheels (ALoW) weekly food distribution for unhoused individuals. Each […]
“Bringing heaven down to earth through action and faith” published
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Bringing heaven down to earth through action and faith Albert Celoza Special for The Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz is working to fulfill his dream: “to bring heaven down to earth.” Through his innovative Beit Midrash study house and Arizona Jews for Justice, Yanklowitz embodies a unique approach to spiritual activism […]
Eldred Spain, the passing of our dear friend & AZIFM Tribute
Eldred’s family wanted to be sure you knew of Eldred’s passing. AZIFM was near and dear to his heart in furthering peace and understanding among ALL peoples. Feel free to share the news as you feel best. The Memorial Service will be held on May 9th at 11am at the Community of Christ Church, 4224 […]
“Building a community of love and service” – published Golden Rule Moments
golden rule moments Building a community of love and service Albert Celoza Special for The Republic USA TODAY NETWORK National issues and controversies often grab headlines, but the real improvement in quality of life happens in local communities. Effective leadership involves fostering trust, connection, and shared purpose by focusing on empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. It moves […]
Community Volunteers Harvest 4,000 Oranges at Historic L. Ron Hubbard Home
Community Volunteers Harvest 4,000 Orangesat Historic L. Ron Hubbard Home Arcadia Osborn neighborhood — January 10, 2026 — Over 100 neighbors and GirlScouts came together at the historic L. Ron Hubbard Home on Osborn Road for the 1stAnnual Orange Tree Harvest, collecting 4,000 oranges from 36 trees for St. Mary’sFood Bank in just over an […]
“Everyone is welcome: A service to humanity” published in azCentral
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Everyone is welcome: A service to humanity Albert Celoza Special to The Republic In ancient India, a concerned but astute father gave his son 20 rupees to start a profitable business. In the 15th century, 20 rupees would have been a substantial sum and carried expectations of a good return. The son, equally […]
“Building a family, community” – Golden Rule Moments published in AzCentral
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Building a family, community Albert Celoza Special for The Republic The front page of the July 2, 1982, New York Times featured a photo of “four thousand followers of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, most of them selected for each other by him, married amid flags and balloons yesterday in a mass […]
“Building a community of friendship through dance” – published Golden Rule Moments
Albert Celoza Special for The Republic Saturdays can be challenging for Cassie. After a long week of work, finding the motivation for an early morning class is tough, especially when sleep is tempting. Yet, she rises early for the joy of joining the community created by Zumba teacher Ana Stone. Cassie says, ‘I leave class uplifted […]
“Wrapping the world with love” published in AzCentral
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Wrapping the world with love Albert Celoza Special for The Republic The golden rule encourages treating others as you would wish to be treated. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, extended this concept further: “Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.” Phoenix artist and rapper Colby Jeffers believes that preferring […]
Additionally, this is mentioned here from the Capitol Times today. “Today, on the International Day of Peace, we as faith leaders come together to express our united belief in peaceful civic engagement. At a time when divisive rhetoric and actions are increasingly accepted as a form of expression, we condemn violence in all its forms. […]
“Character education in AZ: Teaching the golden rule” published
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Character education in AZ: Teaching the golden rule Albert Celoza Special for The Republic USA TODAY NETWORK For many years, the AZ Department of Education has supported nonpartisan, secular, and core ethical values that transcend various differences. The Arizona Interfaith’s AGREE initiative offers a free, accessible golden rule-based curriculum rooted in empathy, […]
“Golden Rule Moments: The paradox of service” published
Golden Rule Moments: The paradox of service Albert Celoza Special for The Republic ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ This quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, encapsulates a profound paradox. Those engaged in helping others often experience true self-discovery and fulfillment, while those driven by egocentric goals […]
“Learning from the Native American elders” – published
golden rule moments Learning from the Native American elders Albert Celoza Special for The Republic In Native American culture, the term ‘elder’ signifies a respected and honored position within the community, earned through a lifetime of learning, living by traditional values, and contributing to others’ well-being. In a society that values youth, Native American cultures […]
“Golden rule moment: A passion for a better world” — Published Albert Celoza Special for The Republic A man named Wayne set up camp near the walkway by Brandon’s condo. His belongings all bundled and piled up had a big sign: Wayne’s Stuff. Do not steal. I’m probably at the liquor store, bank or the laundromat. […]
“A government guided by the Golden Rule” published in azCentral, Golden Rule Moments
golden rule moments A government guided by the Golden Rule Dr. Albert Celoza Special to The Republic American politics has become so polarized that people have become sharply divided into groups vehemently opposed to the point of hating the other. Founding Father James Madison called this the ‘violence of faction’ and a great threat to democracy. In […]
“Lessons I have learned as a Hindu” – Faith Matters published in azCentral
FAITH MATTERS Lessons I have learned as a Hindu Krishna Raman Special to The Republic Growing up in India for the first twenty years of my life, I saw how my parents treated everyone they met, a friend or a stranger. They would start up a conversation with them and show such interest in their life […]
The Will to Survive Golden Rule Moments: The will to survive published in AzCentral Dr. Albert Celoza Special to The Republic Arizona has settled over 100,000 refugees since 1980 and has been consistently among the top reception states. Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their home countries due to war, violence, or persecution through […]
“Community leader helps families in need achieve their goals” – published in AzCentral
Community leader helps families in need achieve their goals Albert Celoza Special for The Republic ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’ This quote, attributed to Muhammad Ali, underscores the importance of giving back as both a responsibility and an expression of gratitude for life. Community volunteerism is […]
“The unconditional love of parents for children”, Golden Rule Moments published in azCentral
golden rule moments The unconditional love of parents for children Albert Celoza Special to The Republic The unconditional love of parents for their children provides the strong foundation for what their children will be formed as adults. Love expressed in word and in deed are constant Golden Rule moments that are carried on from one […]
There will be a 10AM viewing followed by an 11 AM celebration of life for Dr. Fairbanks on Saturday February 8th at Desert Palm United Church of Christ – 1230 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, Arizona 85283 It is with deep sorrow that we, the Arizona Interfaith Movement, mourn the loss of Dr. Leland Fairbanks, a […]
“Finding meaning in the Baha’i faith”, published in Faith Matters, azCentral
Finding meaning in the Baha’i faith Faith Matters Peggy Schlesinger Special to The Republic My life has been a series of discoveries and efforts. I was born a Presbyterian but became a member of the Baha’i Faith when I was in high school. My older sister told me about the Baha’i Faith, and I felt it […]
Global Ethics: Beyond the Deficits of Knowledge and Care
Published Global Ethics: Beyond the deficits of knowledge and care Albert Celoza Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement Special to The Republic Experiencing war first-hand exerts a powerful way of deeply impacting personal perspectives. For John Marc, being deployed with 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division during its combat service in Afghanistan in 2010-2011, opened him […]
Thank You, Dr. Honora Norton Published in AZ Central Golden Rule moments were so apparent as I learned from Honora and her efforts at building community here in Arizona. While a native of Wisconsin, she has given tremendous efforts in her adopted state She said, ‘We are created for community and fashioned for fellowship. We […]
The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM) partnered with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF) and Just Serve, to provide over 3,000 thank you cards to the Arizona Army National Guard and over 1,000 thank you cards to the Arizona Air National Guard on the occasion of the anniversary of 9-11. The project was the brainchild […]
published in AzCentral commentary Golden Rule sparked formation of interfaith group Anne Taylor Special to The Republic Challenges may be tugging at our hearts and overwhelming us but we can have hope that solutions are possible. Golden Rule Moments happen all the time and are powerful. We often don’t hear about them. In 1995, this life […]
“Gratitude is for everyone” – Faith Matters article
“Gratitude is for everyone” – Faith Matters article Moving to Arizona last year was not an easy decision for our family. Work and finances necessitated the move, but we worried about what it would mean to leave our community of family and friends behind, especially for our young children and their sense of belonging. Yet […]
“Sikhism” – Published Faith Matters article in azCentral
Faith Matters – Sikhism Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa Special to The Republic A remarkable saint-poet, Guru Nanak, rose from humble beginnings in Northern India in the 15th c. to become the person now known as the founder of Sikhism, the world’s 5th largest religion. His teachings were simple: 1) Praise God’s Holy Name, 2) Earn an honest living, […]
Golden Rule Moments published in AzCentral A retreat place to heal injury and trauma Albert Celoza Special to The Republic More than three in four veterans and active service members who served after September 11, 2001, have experienced an injury or illness reported having PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder. While the United States has not experienced […]
On September 26th, the Arizona Interfaith Movement held its second faith forum using the Talking Circles method. The surveys collected and individual feedback have shown this method to be effective at managing meaningful group dialogue and active listening, especially with divergent points of view. Discussion Topic Thank you, Mark, for your leadership in the Talking […]
With the creation of our new youth committee, we are missing one thing, the youth! We would love for you to reach out to your communities to find high school-aged leaders passionate about their faith and appoint them to our new youth committee to foster the next generation of Arizona interfaith leaders. Thank you for […]
“Golden Rule moments at Brophy College Preparatory” in AZCentral
Golden Rule moments at Brophy College Preparatory Albert Celoza, Ph.D. Special to The Republic The students at the distinguished Brophy College Preparatory assemble each day. They experience Golden Rule Moments as they follow the ‘examen’ from Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. For a few minutes, they ponder the question: how […]
Members of the Arizona Interfaith Movement gathered on August 29,2024 for one of the most anticipated and well-attended faith forums of the year. It may have been because the RSVP attendees list included football legend Larry Fitzgerald Jr, or because many people sincerely want to learn about the Community of Christ faith. Either way, the […]
I have been told again and again that interfaith organizations should not be political. As AZIFM’s executive Director, I have been urged to veer away from taking any action or statement that would be misconstrued as political. I personally and professionally respond that all our actions, political, or otherwise, should strive to be spiritually based. Hence, […]
From Curiosity to Knowledge: Fostering a Love of Learning at Home
by Jenna Sherman If you want to inspire a lifetime of discovery for your kids, invest in instilling a passion for learning. It’s truly an enviable gift. The best part is that you can help cultivate their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge with a few practical strategies. This AGREE article lays out a supportive […]
“Anita and Mahdav Rangaswami’s Golden Rule Moments in Japan” published, AZCentral
By Albert Celoza, Ph.D., Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement Special to The Republic Anita and Mahdav Rangaswami and their family hail from India, but they have experienced Golden Rule Moments in different parts of the world. Now based in Chandler, they continue to have fond memories of living in another Asian country known for its […]
Golden Rule Moments: Arene Rushdan of Arizona Faith Network, published
Golden Rule Moments: Arene Rushdan of Arizona Faith Network Albert Celoza, Ph.D. Special to The Republic People move to Phoenix for its conducive warm climate. Recently, however, it set the record for excessively dangerous temperatures. During the summer of 2023, Phoenix was the hottest city in the US. The high temperature caused 645 heat-associated deaths—more than […]
The Arizona Interfaith Movement has a responsibility from the Department of Education to educate Arizonans on the Golden Rule in offering opportunities to learn and practice civility, respect and empathy. At a recent Interfaith Council meeting, a diverse panel of council members discussed ways to do this in preparation for one of the most combative […]
Arizona Interfaith Movement, coordinated by Interfaith Council member Judy Renfro, encouraged youth to serve the homeless by doing yard work and preparing an urban garden for Paz de Cristo. In addition 20 young people were also encouraged to serve at St. Vincent De Paul Urban Farm which provides fresh vegetables for those who are living in […]
“Cullison supports community through grant organization”, Golden Rule Moments article
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS Cullison supports community through grant organization Dr. Albert Celoza Special to The Republic “We come together, each in our own way, to make a difference in the lives of others.” These are the words of my friend Paula Giangreco Cullison, a builder and sustainer of networks of friendly relationships. We gathered in Scottsdale one […]
“Cherished memories and prized photos from David”- Golden Rule Moments
Cherished memories and prized photos from David Golden Rule Moment Albert Celoza Guest columnist People keep and carry important information wherever they go. David pulled out and showed me two prize photos from his smartphone. ‘Here’s my granny with Aunt Hattie and Aunt Paulette.’ It took me a few seconds to realize that his family is […]
Golden Rule moment Judy’s story Albert Celoza Special to the Republic Listening to Judy about her Golden Rule moment filled me with delight. She recounted that when she was about eight, her parents invited her to come and visit an older adult. ‘I was excited to go because here was my chance to get a cookie. […]
EXPERIENCE Interfaith! The count is on for 9/28/23
If you’ve never been to this event, check the details out and join us! Just remember to register before September 20th.HERE on our website! The event is on September 28th at 5:00pm – at the Guru Nanak Dwara Sikh Gurdwara, 2302 N 9th Street, Phoenix, (In their Courtyard downstairs, and the Langar Hall, just inside […]
“Recognizing that fatherhood is a sacred thing” published in AZCentral
Recognizing that fatherhood is a sacred thing Albert Celoza Special to The Republic Women predominantly carry the burden of single parenting. This might not come as a surprise. It is, however, notable that in a study of 130 countries, the United States has the highest rate of single-parent households, while children in China, Nigeria and India […]
“Ginny Leason’s golden rule moments in disaster relief and emergency response” published in AZCentral
Ginny Leason’s golden rule moments in disaster relief and emergency response Best Reads Albert Celoza Guest Columnist One of the most murderous acts of terrorism other than the Sept. 11, 2001, attack happened on April 19, 1995. On that day, 168 people including children were killed and more than 800 were injured in the Oklahoma City bombing […]
“Rev. Ozetta Kirby’s life full of Golden Rule moments” in AZCentral
Reverend Ozetta Kirby’s life full of Golden Rule moments Albert Celoza Special to the Republic Women are witnesses to the unfolding of Golden Rule moments in history. Ozetta Kirby is one such witness to changing times often fraught with challenges. She lived in Jim Crow-segregated South. She had to get up early in the morning to […]
Published! Being fed by Mama Kim and her Golden Rule Moments
Being fed by Mama Kim and her Golden Rule Moments Albert Celoza Special to The Republic In light of the pandemic and the many threats to our health and survival, one of the most suggested concepts is “self-care.” Self-care would say, “Only you know best what is good for you, and you are your best advocate. […]
“Golden rule moment: Listening to her heart” published
Golden rule moment: Listening to her heart Albert Celoza Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Even though there is an abundance of food to feed everyone, there are many still suffering from hunger. This is a challenge that has inspired many golden rule moments. This story started in 2008 when Lon Taylor saw 42 truckloads […]
While it is hard to put something really meaningful into a few words, we’re going to try! The evening provided such a sanctified space; voices were reverent, individuals were engaged and genuinely listening to each other. No one spoke over another, and the respect that was offered seemed to nearly transform the space into something […]
“Living the golden rule in the business world” published in The Republic
Living the golden rule in the business world Golden Rule Moments Albert Celoza Guest columnist Inflation, the increase in prices of most everything, has caused panic, dissatisfaction and grief among consumers in the past months. It is heartwarming to see golden rule moments popping up. Back in July and August, when gas prices were so high, I […]
My Three Mothers I am blessed with three mother figures in my life. My mother (Gregoria Francisco Celoza, Nanay) who brought me to this world and cared for me with faith and love; my mother’s older sister (Venturada Francisco Tugade, who I called Inang). Then I have a Mom (Lina Francisco) who shaped the person […]
In American culture keeping busy is a badge of honor. Our days are filled with things to do, places to be, deadlines to meet, and an seemingly endless list of plans and projects. The invention of artificial light extended the number of hours in a day. Thus, we can extend wake up time that requires more […]
“The golden rule means paying it forward”, published Golden Rule Moments article
The golden rule means paying it forward Albert Celoza Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Stacy, who was raised by a single mom, knows what it is like to be poor. She grew up with a diverse group of neighbors and friends. Along the way, a golden rule moment shifted her understanding heart to be driven with compassion and became […]
To love your enemy is a difficult and baffling ethical teaching. You can read this in Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your […]
Many of the world’s religions honor saints. They are human beings distinguished for their exemplary qualities. They are not perfect but they have led their lives trying to do what is good and have achieved success in their quest for a life for others but more importantly they are dedicated for the love of God. […]
“Compassion and faith: My mother’s legacy” published Faith Matters article
Compassion and faith: My mother’s legacy Faith Matters Albert Celoza Guest columnist The end of the semester presents challenges to students: completing final exams, term papers, and projects that had to be done in practically one week. I had an extreme challenge during my graduation year from college. In addition to school projects, I had an upcoming clarinet […]
Tradition of service is a priceless gift to moms”, by Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa: Faith Matters Column
For any woman, the first true Mother’s Day is the day she gives birth. It can be a time of wonder, exhilaration and exhaustion all at the same time. Taking care of such a small, helpless human being may seem overwhelming. Within the Eastern tradition that I embraced as a college student, there is a […]
Published! “An NFL Hall of Famer shares lessons with youth” – Golden Rule Moments column
An NFL Hall of Famer shares lessons with youth “Focus, passion and purpose — restore the creative genius each of us has within us that manifests our highest self!” This is the message of Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Nick Lowery. He has clearly had a Golden Rule Moment, but when and how? Nick […]
When she was only 6 years old, Danielle Burns had a Golden Rule moment. She told her mother she was going to fly to Africa with suitcases full of water bottles when she was older. She had heard about the plight of some school children in Uganda who had to walk miles for clean water […]
Published! Pastor fosters understanding between Latinos and Police
“Pastor fosters understanding between Latinos and police” by Rev. Larry Fultz Pastor Magdalena Schwartz moved to America from Chile 20 years ago. She was a brand new immigrant with broken English but was looking for a place to serve. So she began taking her guitar to the Mesa jail to sing and play for the […]
Published! “Buddhist group devoted to peace, personal growth” Faith Matters by Ed Casper
FAITH MATTERS EDWARD CASPER Buddhist group devoted to peace, personal growth Around 500 B.C. in what is now Nepal, a young man named Gautama Siddhartha abandoned his sheltered, princely life to find a way to deal with the inescapable sufferings all people face — birth, aging, sickness and death. After enduring many austerities, the story goes that […]
Published! “Baptists: We are many, but we also are one”
FAITH MATTERS PASTOR KAREN E. STEWART – Published in the Arizona Republic (c)12 2017 “Baptists: We are many, but we also are one” If you do a Google search on the word “Baptist,” your results will have a list of many types of Baptists! Wow! It almost leads you to believe that Baptists are many different religions instead of […]
Published – “Gesture of goodwill built bridges and a movement”
“A Golden Rule Moment”, by Rev. Larry Fultz Yellow suspenders that said “Live the Golden Rule” — you couldn’t miss them. They showed up like a beacon the moment he walked into the room! Who is WAS this man? The first time I met Darl Andersen Sr., I knew immediately that this was no ordinary person. It happened to be at one of our […]
St. Andrews Clinic delivers care and compassion for kids – published in the Republic
GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS THE REV. LARRY FULTZ St. Andrews Clinic delivers care and compassion for kids St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Nogales is just like any other ordinary church on a Sunday morning, but on the first Thursday of every month, the church is miraculously turned from a soul clinic into a children’s clinic. This Golden Rule Moment […]
Bahá’ís mark anniversary of faith founder’s birth – in the AZ Republic
FAITH MATTERS by ANGELINA GHRIST [ published in The Arizona Republic 10/28/17] Bahá’ís mark anniversary of faith founder’s birth The weekend of Oct 21 and 22 was very special to Bahá’ís, as millions of people in thousands of communities throughout the world gathered to celebrate two annual holy days called the “Twin Holy Days.” These holy days […]
Thu Oct 27th 5:30pm – 8:30pm Experience-Interfaithlearning-faithsbuilding-bridgesgolden-rule 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA map directions This year our event will be FREE, thanks to our generous sponsors! Tickets are required (so we have the right amount of food) and are already available HERE. Back by popular demand, we will EXPERIENCE INTERFAITH on October 27, […]
Did you know that you can support Arizona Interfaith Movement just by shopping at www.smile.amazon.com and selecting our organization? How to Change Your AmazonSmile Charitable Organization On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you are prompted to select a charitable organization from our list of eligible organizations. You can change your selection at any time. […]
It is our privilege to share this wonderful news! At the Parliament of World Religions held in Salt Lake City, at the inaugural Gold Banquet on October 18, 2015, Dr. Paul Eppinger received the first Golden Rule Award. This Awards Dinner was modeled after the Arizona Interfaith Movement’s Golden Rule Awards Banquet. There was wonderful […]
Eppinger Emeritus Rev. Dr. Paul Eppinger retired on October 31, 2015 as the Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM), which he founded in 1995, and now becomes the organization’s first Executive Director Emeritus. Beginning November of 2015 AZIFM will have Reverend Larry A. Fultz as Executive Director. In his life’s work […]
Arizona Interfaith Event Draws Record Numbers Nutshell version – People were ON FIRE with the event this year. Many students wanted to come and learn. Professors brought classes. There were lots of people who had never heard of this event before, having a great time. There were plenty of others who keep coming back year […]
