2026 AFN Annual Gathering
Tuesday, Oct. 20th
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
First Church UCC
1407 N 2nd Street Phoenix
Hybrid
(In-Person | Zoom)
Join Arizona Faith Network for our 2026 Annual Gathering as faith and community leaders, community members, and partners from across Arizona gather for a day of inspiration, reflection, and relationship-building.
As Arizona and our nation continue to navigate another election year, many of our communities are experiencing heightened polarization, political tension, misinformation, fear, and growing distrust. Yet our faith traditions remind us that even in times of disagreement, we are called to see one another's humanity, seek understanding, and work together for the common good.
This year's theme, From Conflict to Community, invites us to explore how we move beyond division and build stronger, more resilient communities rooted in dignity, belonging, and hope. Together, we will examine how people of faith can model courageous leadership, foster meaningful dialogue across differences, reduce political violence, and strengthen the relationships our communities need to thrive long after Election Day.
Inspired by peacemaking efforts in Belfast and communities around the world that have transformed conflict into opportunities for reconciliation, we are honored to welcome internationally recognized peacemaker and Methodist minister Rev. Dr. Gary Mason as our keynote speaker. As Founder of Rethinking Conflict, Rev. Mason has spent decades helping communities navigate deep divisions through relationship, courage, and practical peacebuilding. His experience offers timely wisdom for Arizona as we seek to build bridges across political, religious, and cultural differences.
Whether you're a longtime AFN partner or joining us for the first time, you belong here.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rev. Dr. Gary Mason
Rev. Dr. Gary Mason is an internationally recognized peacebuilder, Methodist minister, author, and founder of Rethinking Conflict in Belfast, Northern Ireland. For more than three decades, he has worked at the forefront of conflict transformation, reconciliation, and community healing, playing a significant role in Northern Ireland's peace process and advising governments, faith leaders, and civic organizations around the world.
Gary serves as a Senior Research Fellow at Maynooth University's Edward Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention and has taught and lectured at leading universities, including Emory, Harvard, Duke, and Boston College. His work focuses on helping communities navigate polarization, build trust across differences, and transform conflict into lasting relationships.
Drawing on lessons from Northern Ireland and global peacebuilding efforts, Gary brings practical wisdom for communities seeking to build courage, resilience, and hope in divided times. Click/tap here to read more about Rev. Dr. Gary Mason.