The Arizona Embrace 2009: Prayers of Peace

Hundreds of Arizonans expected to gather, circling state capitol in symbolic hug

Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Department of Peace Campaign (AZDOP), The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM) and The FUSION Foundation invite all Arizonans to gather for one hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 14, 2009, on Arizona Statehood Day (also, appropriately Valentine’s Day) at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix – to envision the year 2009 as one of peace, prosperity, transpartisanship, and cooperation for all elected officials, constituents, and all Arizonans. After greetings, prayers, songs, and music are heard, all gathered participants will form a circle around the entire Capitol building – to place our collective embrace around the state capitol as a symbolic group hug for Arizona, its leadership, and all Arizonans. Welcome activities begin at 9:30 a.m., and the event program commences at 10 a.m. on the House of Representatives Lawn of the state capitol at 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The energy of this positive and uplifting action is intended to inspire our leaders and all our citizens to allow their highest selves to shine forth in 2009 and beyond, and to work together collaboratively to create the harmonious, prosperous and stable future that we all wish for our state and our communities.

Co-Hosts Terri Mansfield, Executive Director of the Arizona Dept. of Peace (AZDOP) Campaign and Dr. Paul Eppinger Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM) will lead the program. Guest speakers include Tom Ambrose of the Phoenix SUNS, former Phoenix Mayor John Driggs, and Annie Loyd of the FUSION Foundation. Prayers will be offered from various faiths. Songs will be led by Brenda Combs and RJ Shannon. And Uqualla, a Havasupai spiritual leader, will perform a traditional tribal blessing. Special musicians and dancers will ensure a festive atmosphere.

“This event is an ideal representation of what our Arizona Department of Peace Campaign movement is all about – recognizing our common humanity and coming together in a spirit of cooperation to find solutions to community challenges, in an inclusive, pro-active way,” explains Terri Mansfield. “With this symbolic act, we are embracing our leadership here in Arizona, and everyone who lives here – and calling upon each person to be that positive change they want to see in the world. On this day, we also celebrate Arizona's 97th year of statehood, which is also, appropriately for our event, Valentine's Day.”

“Like the Arizona Interfaith Movement, this event invites everyone to be a participant in helping to shape the world according to the highest values of each individual’s personal faith. At the heart of all of the Holy Scriptures of the world is the dictate to love one another and to practice the Golden Rule,” adds Dr. Eppinger.

This 2^nd annual event will culminate in one big "hug" around the State Capitol Building from several hundred people all at once, acting as one. This moving act of love and hope should make a great visual for media, especially as an aerial shot.

Coffee will be provided by Duck & Decanter www.duckanddecanter.com

Cupcakes will be provided by:

Bashas www.bashas.com & Arizona Interfaith Movement. www.interfaitharizona.com

For more information on the hosting organizations, visit

www.azdopcampaign.org

www.interfaitharizona.com

www.thefusionfoundation.org

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