Secular Summit Recap

We had a wonderful time at last week's Secular Summit! It was wonderful to see so many familiar (and new!) faces at this day full of inspiration, education, and activism. 

Speakers included Matthew D. Taylor, Talia Lavin, Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, and Rev. Ken Heintzelman, as well as legislative/legal updates from Secular AZ's Jeanne Casteen and Dianne Post. 

Missed the Summit? Watch on Secular AZ's YouTube channel. 

It's Been Quite a Ride

Horrific fires driven by climate change. Incoherent, dishonest, and imperialist pronouncements from an incoming president. Contrasts of character and ethics highlighted by Pres. Carter's passing.

It's difficult not to see this week's events as a sign of the hellscape future toward which our country is hurtling heading. Secular AZ ED Jeanne Casteen shares here thoughts in our Substack:

Hey there, Secular Fam. As I type this, I’m watching the funeral service for President Carter. 

I’m also monitoring the apocalyptic hellscape that is currently Southern California. 

Someone on Bluesky posted that this funeral for President Carter feels like a funeral for America, and goTDAMN, if that doesn’t feel accurate. 

Click here to read the full article on Secular AZ's Substack.

The Violent Take it By Force: Matthew Taylor on the Threat of Christian Nationalism

Last Saturday, Matthew D. Taylor spoke to us about the threat of Christian nationalism, a topic he covers extensively in his new book The Violent Take it by Force.

He had a lot to say about today's toxic intersections of religion and politics, including the key point that MAGA is a populist authoritarian movement that's wedded to a religious nationalist movement.

It's a dangerous combination... and one that's been extremely effective, using primal fears and promises of tribal empowerment to sway a democratic election and bring an authoritarian government into power. 

Watch Matt Taylor's presentation. 

Internship Opportunities

Secular AZ offers internships in four key areas: Legal, Communications, Development, and Advocacy. Interns have the chance to make a real impact while learning valuable skills.

• Legal interns dive into research and help analyze policies that protect the separation of church and state.
• Communications interns create engaging content and help spread our message through social media and other platforms.
• Development interns get hands-on experience with fundraising, donor outreach, and event planning.
• Advocacy interns play a big role in grassroots campaigns, policy research, and building connections with the community.

Join us and be part of the fight for secular values in Arizona!