Several times in the past decade, we have spoken out about the proliferation of guns and gun violence. In 1994, we noted why this is of concern to people of […]
Gun Violence Prevention
The North Carolina Council of Churches is the primary convener of the N.C. Gun Violence Prevention Coalition. With our partners at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (NCAGV), MomsRising, Moms Demand Action, and […]
Worship Resources on Gun Violence
Date: Proper 26 - Nov. 3, 2013<br> Topic: Gun Violence<br> Focus Text: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4<br /> What poverty of spirit causes Americans to so glorify their guns – in movies, […]
Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence
[…] Steele Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence. Effie Steele was a tireless advocate for gun violence prevention after her daughter and unborn grandson were murdered in a domestic violence dispute. She […]
Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2
[…] Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up there with a billboard vilifying Muslims displayed during […]
Peacemaking Summit to Prevent Gun Violence
Gun Violence Prevention What You Can Do to Advocate for Change Join us for a Peacemaking Summit to raise awareness on what can be done to prevent gun violence and empower […]
Interfaith Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, December 10-14
Faiths United Against Gun Violence and Washington National Cathedral are working together to have congregations and faith communities across the U.S. recognize December 10 through 14 as Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend. […]
Gun Violence Prevention and its Impact on Faith and Business Communities
ncchurches.org/event-single/gun-violence-prevention-and-its-impact-on-faith-and-business-communities
Join us, MomsRising, Action NC, and North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (NCGV) for a virtual town hall on gun violence prevention and the impact it has on faith and business communities. Participants […]
Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Gun Violence Prevention
The second annual Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Gun Violence Prevention is being organized by Wilmington Faiths Against Gun Violence in alliance with some thirty local faith communities and organizations, including the NC […]
Gun Violence Prevention Consortium
In response to the recent uptick in gun violence in Durham, Moms Demand Action is holding a community meeting to explore how we, as a community, can end gun violence. We will […]
Council Posts Billboard about Gun Violence
[…] in place for the next four weeks, another crucial message for all of us while gun violence continues to erupt all around. While amendments and policies related to gun control dominate the […]
Violence and Guns
Remarks delivered at the Community Conversation on Gun Violence on May 15, 2018 at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. God knows that we are a violent people. It’s been this way since Cain […]
National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the difference between […]
Gun Violence Prevention Summit
According to the American Public Health Association, gun violence has become a major public health issues in the United States. More than 85,000 people are affected by gun-related injuries per year, and […]
Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4
Gun violence has long been an issue of concern for the North Carolina Council of Churches. Every injury endured and life lost, whether on a downtown street corner or in a […]
Candlelight Vigil Against Gun Violence
[…] of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, as well as the 60,000 American victims of gun violence since December 2012, North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, the Peace Committee of the NC Council […]
Gun Violence Prevention Summit
According to the American Public Health Association, gun violence has become a major public health issue in the United States. More than 85,000 people are affected by gun-related injuries per year, and […]
Gun Violence and Public Health
[…] City’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, recently published a blog on the Huffington Post about Gun Violence as a public health issue. It is essential that we pay attention to this important […]
Beyond Gun Violence: A Conference for People of Faith and Conscience About Ending America’s Deadly Epidemic
[…] one month from today for a weekend of preaching and teaching about the cost of gun violence to our nation and how we can bring about change. Speakers will include: · Matthew […]
Legislative Bulletin: Gun Violence Prevention
The North Carolina Council of Churches has spoken out about the proliferation of guns and gun violence for the last several decades. Check out our updated legislative bulletin that outlines why gun […]
Candlelight Vigil Against Gun Violence
[…] shooting in 2012, there have been at least 864 other mass shootings in the U.S. Gun violence affects people regardless of age, income, location, religion, and race. For more information or to […]
2016 Gun Violence Awareness Day — Wear Orange
[…] America, and others for a Wear Orange event on the lawn at Bull McCabe’s on National Gun Violence Awareness Day. There will be pop-up style singing, games, and information about how you can […]
Gun Violence Prevention: The Work Goes On
The North Carolina Council of Churches has long cared about gun violence prevention — you would expect that from an organization that devotes much of its energy toward PEACE. A few years […]
The Path Beyond Gun Violence
[…] a day. And Vox.com points out we lose exponentially more lives in the U.S. to gun violence than to terrorism. We insist the danger comes from without when in truth it almost […]
Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures
[…] access to them do not inherently make us safer. Gail Neely with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence has put out an urgent call for folks to contact members of the NC House […]
Candlelight Vigil Marks Losses to Gun Violence
[…] Congregation on the evening of December 10 to mark lives lost or forever changed by gun violence. Speakers shared personal stories and held up ways elected leaders could and should […]
Vigil to End Gun Violence
This peaceful event organized by North Carolinians Against Gun Violence will be a great opportunity to reflect on the progress and losses of 2016, and reconnect with others who are passionate about […]
Extremism & Gun Violence: What are the Connections
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Join us and coalition partners as we continue the conversation on gun violence safety and prevention. This event will open with a presentation describing the connections between extremism […]
Justice Center Crucial Conversation: Gun Violence
A year after the Charleston tragedy: Growing hope for saner anti- gun violence policies N.C. Policy Watch presents a special Crucial Conversation luncheon: Register here It’s been nearly a year since the […]
Beyond Gun Violence
A weekend of preaching and teaching around the cost of gun violence to our nation and how we can bring about change. A schedule for the weekend can be found here. Registration […]
Lectionary on Gun Violence
[…] will be a test for all of us. The Council’s resources include a lectionary on gun violence which might prove helpful to people of faith going forward. While this resource cannot possibly […]
Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9
[…] an historic day in Connecticut as the legislative houses debated and passed the most comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation in the country in a totally bi-partisan way. I was so proud of […]
Gun Violence Prevention Summit
On November 15, 2018, we discussed solutions to gun violence at the state and national level with organizations throughout North Carolina. Join us again on Tuesday, January 15 from 10 a.m. to […]
Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the General Assembly […]
Standing Together Against Gun Violence
Remarks from a June 2 press conference recognizing Wear Orange Against Gun Violence Day. Last fall, we at the NC Council of Churches, invited all the organizations we know who are working […]
Vetting the Vote: Gun Sanity
[…] the responsibility to secure the weapon. We have gun locks for that. North Carolinians Against Gun Violence will give you one. For free. Meanwhile, we have elected officials who refuse to see […]
Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting
[…] what has been a decades-long effort to promote legislation aimed at limiting people's access to guns.
Instead, there is a growing focus on using churches and other faith-based efforts to […]
Moving Beyond Gun Violence
[…] I have also flown many times), a passenger retrieved his baggage, assembled and loaded the gun he had brought along on the trip, and shot other people waiting to retrieve […]
U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation
[…] do not make us more peaceful and compassionate nor do they make us more safe. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications Faiths Against Gun Violence Mayors Sen. Hagan Greensboro NR Policy Statement
Vigil Against Gun Violence, December 10 in Durham
As Rob Schofield at NC Policy Watch pointed out earlier this week, the situation around gun violence in this country may feel hopeless, but it’s not. Rob writes: ….there is reason to believe […]
Vigil to End Gun Violence
Come together with others to remember the half a million Americans killed or injured by guns since the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy. Hundreds of events are being held at locations […]
Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship
Our friends at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have issued the alert below. Please note that it requires action before this evening, Monday, March 27. _________________________________________________________________________ We are continuing to try and […]
NAACP, Council of Churches gather for prayer, call for end to gun violence
Community partners are calling on gun owners to secure their firearms in response to Thursday’s mass shooting. Watch the press conference:
Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10
[…] 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of Churches, partnering with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters, will host a Candlelight Vigil to Remember the Victims […]
‘Grins and Glocks’: Wake Forest orthodontist offers free gun with Invisalign treatment
[…] guns that are going to be lodged in a house somewhere, and will potentially create gun violence and gun death,” Copeland said. “It’s mind blowing to me, that an organization that I […]
Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19
[…] violence situation, women are 500% more likely to be killed if their abuser has a gun States with waiting periods to purchase firearms have 51% fewer gun suicides As people […]
N.C. Council of Churches advocates for gun violence prevention
[…] organization’s executive director says the council has been and will continue to be engaged in gun violence prevention. What You Need To Know It’s been six months since the mass shooting in […]
Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20
The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for Disaster.” That about sums it up. This is the bill that would allow anyone with a […]
Vigil to End Gun Violence
[…] fifty-nine others at a concert in Las Vegas. We mourn the lives lost due to gun violence from suicide, homicide, and accidental shootings, unfortunately out numbering the lives lost each year in […]
Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8
[…] at 6:00 p.m. The speaker will be the Rev. Rachel Smith. Rachel became involved in gun violence prevention as a leader in the Million Moms March in 2000 and is the author […]
No More of This
Remarks from Jennifer Copeland at the Vigil to End Gun Violence in Durham on December 13, 2019 About two years ago, the North Carolina Council of Churches paid for a billboard on […]
Tragic Combination: Guns and Mental Illness
[…] but of looser rules. The N.C. Council of Churches, seeking more effective ways to limit gun violence and the suffering that goes with it, favors laws that keep gun owners’ rights in […]
Staying Sane: Gun Laws that Work
[…] those like it before and since, is a headline grabbing tragedy. The real tragedy about gun violence in this country, however, is even worse. 60% of gun deaths are suicides. 37% of […]
Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston
Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]
Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns
[…] members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 is scheduled to be […]
Proper 26, Year C
[…] rather quietly as most school years do. But on August 30th, a boy with a gun walked into a high school in Hillsborough, NC, and the new school year was […]
1 in 6 North Carolina counties have more gun dealers than mental health providers
[…] from two mass shootings in 10 days, the national conversation is turning to two topics: gun access and mental health. In a news conference Wednesday, Texas governor Greg Abbott placed […]
Screening of “Making a Killing — Guns, Greed, and the NRA”
This movie tells the stories of how guns, and the billions in profit they provide affect the lives of everyday Americans. The film shows how gun companies and the NRA resist legislation […]
JR x TIME: Guns in America Screening and Discussion
Join us at 21c Durham for an open discussion about gun ownership in America. Award-winning artist JR and TIME Magazine have created a video mural with interviews from people with […]
Donate
[…] Governor just created the Office of Violence Prevention, which will shore up our work on gun violence prevention. And yet, just when we thought we had fair voting districts, the North Carolina […]
You Shall Not Make an Idol
The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, during one of the four gun violence prevention vigils that occurred across North Carolina on April 24, 2022. The following vigil took […]
Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock
[…] be reliable single-issue voters. But what about the sizeable cross-section of voters appalled by unrelenting gun violence and eager to move decisively against it? Don’t they count? Anti-violence agenda In North Carolina […]
Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock
[…] be reliable single-issue voters. But what about the sizeable cross-section of voters appalled by unrelenting gun violence and eager to move decisively against it? Don’t they count? Anti-violence agenda In North Carolina […]
Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath
[…] days prior to the Stand Up Sabbath, the NC Justice Center and North Carolinians Against Gun Violence will hold a Crucial Conversation about gun violence prevention on Monday, June 6 at noon. Speakers […]
Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea
[…] to have written policy regarding the investigation of officer-involved deaths. Authorize courts to issue a gun violence restraining order, which would make it illegal for the person to have guns or ammunition. […]
Press Conference in Response to Raleigh Mass Shooting
The following remarks were delivered by Eco-Justice Connection Director, Susannah Tuttle, during a gun violence prevention press conference on October 14, 2022, in response to the recent Raleigh mass shooting. Click here […]
NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate
[…] We have spoken out for a faithful budget, for preserving low-income tax credits, and for gun violence prevention and school safety. The call for a faithful FY 2014 budget demonstrates how federal […]
No to SB 43
[…] following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on January 5, 2021 at a Gun Violence Prevention press conference. View the live stream here. When individual rights are at odds with community […]
Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
[…] on Struggling North Carolinians Advance Medicaid Coverage Unemployment Insurance Earned Income Tax Credit Fracking Moratorium Gun Violence Raise the Age Refusing to Extend Medicaid Coverage SB 4, which would deny Medicaid coverage […]
The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees
[…] Council has had a busy weekend. Much of the staff was helping with the Beyond Gun Violence Conference at United Church of Chapel Hill, but we also had folks at the Duke […]
Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
[…] of Peace, the tragedies have seemed endless. Horror in Boston, devastation in Texas, decisions around gun violence grounded in elections rather than protection and made blasphemously in the shadow of the sixth […]
Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7
[…] as detrimental to the safety of the public and law enforcement officers.” North Carolinians Against Gun Violence is continuing to urge calls to key GA members. They include: John Bradford – district […]
Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace
The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether in a South Carolina church two years ago, a Florida club one year ago, or on […]
Be an Ally: Support the Council
[…] who suffer the health consequences of poverty and neglect; those impacted by a changing climate, gun violence, or the lack of access to the ballot box; or anyone who faces […]
Program List – App
Christian Unity Farmworkers Food Gun Violence Prevention Health Care Reform Immigrant Rights NC Interfaith Power & Light Legislative Advocacy – Raleigh Report Partners in Health & Wholeness
Legislative Bulletin: Torture and North Carolina
[…] making North Carolina a just, prosperous state. We commend his support for expanding health coverage, ending gun violence, and preserving voting rights. One challenge he has yet to acknowledge, however, is North […]
What More Can Be Said?
[…] more can be said? The more that can be said is critical. People die of gun violence every day in the United States. Every single day. The mass shootings are only one […]
Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013
After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills introduced and advanced during these first two days give a taste of […]
The NRA Takes Aim at Latinos
[…] the NRA and a recent witness in Congress – urges his readers to buy more guns to protect themselves from Latinos. Without citing any sources, he launches into this fear-mongering […]
Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All
[…] in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage made infinitely easier to execute because of a gun. And so, again, we call on people of faith to hold those killed, injured, […]
Statement on the Shootings in Charleston
[…] anger all of us feel in the wake of this crime. Once again easy access to guns is a vehicle for senseless death, compounded on this occasion by the heartbreak of […]
Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
[…] are also thought by the House and Senate leadership to be eligible for consideration. Also in this Raleigh Report: Guns in Church, Gambling, Death Penalty, Boards and Commissions and more.
Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017
[…] of antibiotic drugs in livestock. Introduced by Reps. Harrison (D-Greensboro), Autry (D-Charlotte), and Farmer-Butterfield (D-Wilson). GUN VIOLENCE H 588, Omnibus Gun Changes, contains many of the provisions of earlier bills that would […]
Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011
New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.
How Do We Respond?
[…] drove at least three wedges deeper into the fabric of our society: homophobia/transphobia, Islamophobia, and guns. Guns are a wedge issue in this country, made so primarily by a well-funded […]
Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019
[…] RR, March 25.) Introduced by Reps. Dahle and Insko. Referred to House Elections, then Rules. GUN VIOLENCE HB 454 – Allow ERPOs to Save Lives and Prevent Suicides creates a process by […]
Peace
[…] Resolution (1/1/2018) On the Fourth Day of Christmas (12/28/2017) Christ’s Mass (12/25/2017) Vigil to End Gun Violence (12/14/2017) Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (12/14/2017) Torture […]
Legislative Advocacy
[…] government Supporting equitable public education policies Supporting a compassionate response to the opioid crisis Reducing gun violence Removing confederate monuments in our state Supporting racial justice Promoting progressive tax policies Advocating for […]
Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”
[…] so much about protection these days. Lots of folks will tell us we need a hand gun to protect us from all those people who are out there trying to get […]
2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
[…] the senseless loss of life because of lenient gun regulations and irresponsible gun ownership. Our Gun Violence Prevention Page includes resources and links to our allies in this work. There can be […]
In God’s Eye
[…] home and more contemporary for us is the conversation in our country right now about gun violence prevention. I’ve been engaged in this work for a long time, trying to tell the […]
Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Wisconsin
[…] killed, for their families and loved ones, for peace and respect of all God’s children. Gun violence this summer has taken a tremendous toll. The Council remains committed to working with organizations […]
Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017
[…] Introduced by Sens. Tillman (R-Archdale), Randleman (R-Wilkesboro), and Wade (R-Guilford). Referred to Senate Rules. GUN VIOLENCE There’s a spate of bills from legislators who believe it is just too gosh-darned difficult […]
A Statement on the Tops Supermarket Shooting in Buffalo, New York
[…] rampage and killed ten innocent people in Buffalo, N.Y. He is described as a lone gunman, but was he really? Sharing in the responsibility for this crime are those who […]
Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011
Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced; Other New Bills; Updates on already introduced bills.
Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
With the passage of deadlines for the introduction of most bills, there’s been a flurry of new legislation. This issue of Raleigh Report will cover some of these new bills, […]
Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” […]
Raleigh Report — February 20, 2017
[…] Rep. Bert Jones (R-Reidsville). Referred to House Judiciary I and, if favorable, to House Elections. GUN VIOLENCE H 134, Pistol Permit/Mental Health Record to Sheriff. Current law requires an applicant for a […]
2023 Legislative Seminar
[…] Boone to Wilmington and all parts between – has what they need to thrive. Preventing Gun Violence in North Carolina: Advocating for Programs and Policies that Work by Sara Smith, North Carolinians […]