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Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Internship with PHW More than Expected

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 16, 2014 · Leave a Comment

From this internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, my main expectations were to strengthen my employment applications after graduation by adding additional experiences. However, after my first day in the field with Joy Williams, my expectations have changed. Seeing her … [Read more...] about Internship with PHW More than Expected

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Food, Health

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 21, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Tune in to WUNC’s “The State of Things” on Tuesday, June 24, to hear David Gushee ahead of his evening presentation in Raleigh. “The State of Things” airs at noon, and Dr. Gushee is currently scheduled to be on from 12:20 until 12:40. If you live beyond the broadcast range of … [Read more...] about David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

Two New Resources on Public Education

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 15, 2014 · Leave a Comment

The Council has published two new resources for people of faith interested in supporting North Carolina's public schools. One is an abbreviated version of the Council's materials for holding a public education Sabbath. It was compiled by Lauren Chesson, a recent graduate of … [Read more...] about Two New Resources on Public Education

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Public Education, Religion & Society

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 13, 2014 · Leave a Comment

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn't be there, our friends at the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina have shared some video with us. June 9 Moral Monday on … [Read more...] about Video from June 9 Moral Monday

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Critical Issues Seminar — Late Registration

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 10, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for those who do not require a gluten-free or vegan meal. Those registrations must be submitted online by 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 12. The seminar takes … [Read more...] about Critical Issues Seminar — Late Registration

Filed Under: Blog

Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 2, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Program Associate Jennie Wilburn has created a worship resource for Pentecost as an opportunity to break down linguistic and cultural barriers through the Holy Spirit. Jennie writes: This collection of worship resources can be used in your congregation on Pentecost Sunday (or … [Read more...] about Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration, Worship

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 19, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Education figured prominently in the news over the past few days, both nationally and locally. As a country, we marked the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark ruling that separate was inherently unequal in education and which set American schools on … [Read more...] about From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 29, 2014 · 1 Comment

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult.  I stood by as three of my own dozed through being "marked as Christ's own forever" and have attended a multitude of services in other churches as the babies and children of friends were welcomed into the … [Read more...] about We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Human Rights, Peace, Worship

Easter Greeting from the Council

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 19, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Revival, Renewal, Resurrection Blessings of Easter from George, Rose, Willona, Aleta, Donna, Susannah, Collins, Joy, Shannon, Marnie, Trinh, Crystal, Sandy, Steve, Lauren, Amanda, and John … [Read more...] about Easter Greeting from the Council

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Palm Sunday: Poverty & Education by Gene Nichol

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 8, 2014 · Leave a Comment

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and brothers of low-income. We hope you and your family will find cause for reflection and inspiration for action as … [Read more...] about Palm Sunday: Poverty & Education by Gene Nichol

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Public Education

Please Thank Sen. Burr

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 4, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Please join us in thanking Sen. Burr for his vote to release portions of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s report on torture. Many of you have joined us over the last several months in calling for Sen. Burr to vote for transparency and the ability of each of us to see … [Read more...] about Please Thank Sen. Burr

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Peace, Religion & Society

Please Call Senator Burr

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A vote is imminent on releasing the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report on torture, and we need you to contact Sen. Richard Burr and urge him to support the release. North Carolina people of faith signed a letter last summer urging the Senator to do just that. … [Read more...] about Please Call Senator Burr

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Peace, Religion & Society

Voting Rights Bulletin Inserts — Printed Copies Available

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Free printed copies of bulletin inserts on why people of faith should care about fair elections are now available. Contact the Council office by e-mail or by calling 919-828-6501 to make a request. Free downloads are also available. Find the inserts by scrolling down the … [Read more...] about Voting Rights Bulletin Inserts — Printed Copies Available

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured

Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 20, 2014 · Leave a Comment

The call to people of faith through Moral Mondays continues to be felt. On April 12, a daylong conference takes place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. "Forward Together -- God's Work, Our Hands, Faith in Action" is a theological conference exploring … [Read more...] about Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Public Education

Job Opening — Development Assistant

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 16, 2014 · Leave a Comment

The NC Council of Churches seeks a part-time Development Assistant to help grow our current outreach to donors including individuals, organizations, foundations, congregations, and other faith communities. With nearly eight decades of progressive activism, the Councils … [Read more...] about Job Opening — Development Assistant

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News

Photos from HKonJ 2014

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 22, 2014 · Leave a Comment

The Council helped organize a Service of Repentance and Consecration in front of the General Assembly Building prior to the Moral March and HKonJ People's Assembly held earlier this month in Raleigh. The photos above were taken throughout the day as Council friends, volunteers … [Read more...] about Photos from HKonJ 2014

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 8, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents pushed young children in strollers, old friends renewed … [Read more...] about HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

David LaMotte Remembers Pete Seeger

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 30, 2014 · Leave a Comment

photo by Johnno Chen

David LaMotte, who has helped the Council with its peace work for several years, wrote a lovely remembrance of Pete Seeger earlier this week. Pete touched my life deeply, as he did so many others, across space and generations.  I had one chance to meet him and to perform with … [Read more...] about David LaMotte Remembers Pete Seeger

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Prophetic Voice

Be An Angel — Make a Year-End Gift

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 27, 2013 · Leave a Comment

As 2013 draws to a close, the Council welcomes your year-end gift. Donations made online must be received no later than December 31. Those made by check will be counted for 2013 if they are dated on or before December 31 and received in our office by January 10. Our address is 27 … [Read more...] about Be An Angel — Make a Year-End Gift

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Christmas Greetings from the Council

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 23, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Emmanuel Brown baby boy Poor paperless precious Come to save us from ourselves If we will only heed your cries Blessed are you his mother Who ponder all things in your heart Young unwed immigrant God chose you ~Aleta Payne, Christ the King Sunday, 2013 With … [Read more...] about Christmas Greetings from the Council

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Support Artisans and the Council

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 7, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The Council is excited to hold a shopping event at the Raleigh Ten Thousand Villages. Come visit with Council friends and finish some of your holiday shopping at a store committed to supporting artisans from 38 developing countries. These artisans depend on Ten Thousand … [Read more...] about Support Artisans and the Council

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

In Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 6, 2013 · Leave a Comment

A giant for justice and a prophetic voice for his nation and our world. Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. … [Read more...] about In Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Prophetic Voice

Call for Special Legislative Session on Medicaid and Unemployment

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 30, 2013 · Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, Executive Director George Reed took part in an NAACP-organized press conference urging Gov. Pat McCrory to call a special legislative session to reconsider decisions blocking Medicaid expansion and cutting off unemployment benefits to many North Carolinians. The … [Read more...] about Call for Special Legislative Session on Medicaid and Unemployment

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly

Thanksgiving Greetings from the Council

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 25, 2013 · Leave a Comment

This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcome table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve one another and to walk together in God's gracious world. With thankful hearts we … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Greetings from the Council

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

The Council Welcomes Your Support

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 14, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The North Carolina Council of Churches could not do its work without the support of faithful individuals who share in our commitment to prophetic vision of social justice. With our fall appeal underway, Executive Director George Reed’s message to Council friends is excerpted … [Read more...] about The Council Welcomes Your Support

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Voices of Moral Mondays: Three Young Men (Aleta Payne)

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 18, 2013 · 1 Comment

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of Moral Mondays tells the story of everyday folks being motivated to speak out on account of … [Read more...] about Voices of Moral Mondays: Three Young Men (Aleta Payne)

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Braising Kale + Praising Produce = Soul Food

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 15, 2013 · Leave a Comment

I have a conflicted relationship with cooking. For the big food holidays, moments of inspired recipe testing, and the occasional soup or marinara prep and freeze binge, I’m your gal. But the day-to-day planning-shopping-cooking-cleaning has never been my forte. Luckily, my … [Read more...] about Braising Kale + Praising Produce = Soul Food

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Health

NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 19, 2013 · Leave a Comment

More than 190 faith leaders from across North Carolina have sent a letter to Senator Richard Burr, asking his support for release of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) report on the use of torture after 9/11. Among the signatories are 18 bishops and other … [Read more...] about NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Good Government, Human Rights, Peace

ACA Meets the YouToons

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 12, 2013 · Leave a Comment

http://youtu.be/JZkk6ueZt-U Helping people get the health care they need is serious and important stuff. As the next phase of the Affordable Care Act kicks in on October 1, a lot of work is being done to help folks understand how the program will work and how it benefits … [Read more...] about ACA Meets the YouToons

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform

NCCC Board Statement on Syria

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 10, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The following statement was adopted by the Council's Governing Board at its September 10 meeting in Chapel Hill: We are called by our faith to turn swords into plowshares. The NC Council of Churches, while made up of denominations and individuals who are pacifist and others … [Read more...] about NCCC Board Statement on Syria

Filed Under: Blog, Issue Statements Tagged With: Council News, Good Government, Peace

ACA Offers Real Answers

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 3, 2013 · Leave a Comment

For health care advocates, the Affordable Care Act means they can finally offer solutions to those who have previously been uninsured and "uninsurable." In a Point of View column for Saturday's News & Observer, Adam Searing of the N.C. Justice Center describes the … [Read more...] about ACA Offers Real Answers

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

NCCC: Coming Soon to a City Near You

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 1, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The Council staff is taking it on the road, visiting cities across North Carolina in September and October to discuss NCCC programs as well as the most recent legislative session. Please join us when we are near you. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, so that we can plan for … [Read more...] about NCCC: Coming Soon to a City Near You

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 22, 2013 · Leave a Comment

North Carolina's public schools has suffered at the hands of this General Assembly and Governor. The impact on the schools, their employees, and the children they serve will be felt for years to come. Supporters of public education are rallying for North Carolina's schools with … [Read more...] about Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Good Government, Public Education

Affordable Care Act — Get Informed, Get Covered

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 10, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Those who do not have health insurance can begin to enroll through the Affordable Care Act on October 1, and the Council is one of many organizations working to help folks understand their benefits and options. Get Covered America has just released some excellent information … [Read more...] about Affordable Care Act — Get Informed, Get Covered

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 4, 2013 · Leave a Comment

By Kristin Rawls, Salon It might surprise you to know that Jesus is frequently and unabashedly invoked in a protest movement that includes support for LGBT and abortion rights, but such is a simple fact of life in North Carolina. The Moral Monday protests here seek to … [Read more...] about The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget

Prejudice Against the Poor

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 3, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Bob Seymour, minister emeritus of Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, recently provided a powerful commentary in the News & Observer on how society views some of the most vulnerable among us. Binkley is a member congregation of the Council. He wrote in part: Whatever … [Read more...] about Prejudice Against the Poor

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, State Budget

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 23, 2013 · Leave a Comment

We will never know if George Zimmerman would ever have gotten out of his car if he hadn't had a gun. We do know that countless children of God have died in the last year alone because of gun violence. More guns and easier access to them do not inherently make us … [Read more...] about Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Good Government, Gun Violence, Peace

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 12, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in "The New York Times" are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member … [Read more...] about The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gender, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Organized Labor, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Taxes

President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 7, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The President’s newly announced climate action plan calls for more funding for clean energy and limiting carbon emissions for new and existing power plants. This is good news for us here in North Carolina. According to the Center for American Progress, 61% of NC residents … [Read more...] about President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, State Budget

Through the Eyes of Faith

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 3, 2013 · Leave a Comment

David Price is a multi-faceted person. In addition to representing the 4th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, he has taught political science and public policy at Duke University. He is also an active and faithful member of Binkley Memorial Baptist Church … [Read more...] about Through the Eyes of Faith

Filed Under: Blog

Reflection on Moral Mondays

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 29, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on … [Read more...] about Reflection on Moral Mondays

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Health, Moral Mondays, State Budget

We Are Called by Our Faith

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 28, 2013 · 2 Comments

On Tuesday, June 25, President Obama spoke of our moral obligation to address climate change on behalf of future generations.  He has not waited for Congress and we should not either. Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) and submitting it to your local newspaper is just one thing … [Read more...] about We Are Called by Our Faith

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government

Bishop Tonyia Rawls — Why She Chose to Be Arrested at Moral Monday

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 13, 2013 · Leave a Comment

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why she chose to be arrested at the June 3 Moral Monday … [Read more...] about Bishop Tonyia Rawls — Why She Chose to Be Arrested at Moral Monday

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Good Government, Moral Mondays

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 11, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each other, the heads of Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United … [Read more...] about Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 1, 2013 · 2 Comments

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices against many of the policies of the North Carolina legislature. The group does not plan on entering the … [Read more...] about Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 29, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing Tour began May 28 in Raleigh and ends June 7 in Durham. It is … [Read more...] about NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Please Pray for Oklahoma

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 21, 2013 · Leave a Comment

All people affected by this week's devastating storms, particularly those in Moore, Oklahoma, need our prayers. In addition, donations can be made to organizations providing assistance, including denominational relief agencies, Church World Service, and the American Red … [Read more...] about Please Pray for Oklahoma

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Environment, Food, Good Government, Health, Housing, Mental Health, Public Education, Religion & Society

Growing Roots Regional Youth Conference – Fayetteville

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 17, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The Details: Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church 118 Johnson Street, Fayetteville The theme of this free conference is "Growing Roots: A Youth Training Focused on Gardening, Faith, and Collecting Stories From Our Elders." The conference is for … [Read more...] about Growing Roots Regional Youth Conference – Fayetteville

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Community Gardens, Environment, Food, Health

Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 16, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Christian Unity

Faith leaders in Asheville are adding their voices to those outraged by the actions of NC legislators. Rev. Joe Hoffman, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ and an NC Council of Churches board member, is joining his colleagues as well as those from the … [Read more...] about Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Living Wage, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Gardeners: Make the Climate Connection

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 12, 2013 · 1 Comment

One thing that almost every congregation does is eat together. Coffee hour after worship, Wednesday dinners, pancake breakfasts—where there is a congregation, there is food. Over the past years, many congregations’ food ministries have inspired community gardens, in which people … [Read more...] about Gardeners: Make the Climate Connection

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Food, Health

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 3, 2013 · Leave a Comment

[tubepress mode="vimeoAlbum" vimeoAlbumValue="2371391"] NC Council of Churches Honors Three with Awards for Faithful Service and Advocacy A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ … [Read more...] about New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Good Government, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 3

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 3, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. … [Read more...] about PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 3

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food, Health

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 19, 2013 · Leave a Comment

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may recently have celebrated the resurrection of the Prince of Peace, the tragedies have seemed endless. Horror in Boston, devastation … [Read more...] about Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Gun Violence, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Prayers for Boston

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 15, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in Boston and to all those affected by the horror of Monday's bombing. Let us continue to work toward a path for peace. … [Read more...] about Prayers for Boston

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Religion & Society

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 15, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Many of you who attended the 2013 Legislative Seminar expressed an interest in having portions of the day available online, and we have started that process. Audio from the Rev. Joe Brown's opening worship, the Rev. Fletcher Harper's plenary "Communicating the Values We Believe," … [Read more...] about Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Execution Foes at Legislature

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 9, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Free lectionary materials - Public Accountability

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for years has helped focus the case against executions, is bringing religious leaders to the … [Read more...] about Execution Foes at Legislature

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 8, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The National Council of Churches, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and others are sponsoring an Interfaith Call-in Day to ensure that the voices of faithful Americans are heard throughout the halls of Congress on April 9. You can call NC Senators Hagan and Burr at … [Read more...] about Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, Human Rights, Mental Health, Religion & Society

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 2, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss of life by those who turn to guns as a surrogate for civil disagreement, progress on the issue … [Read more...] about U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Peace is Not Placidity

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 29, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Our friend and Consultant for Peace, David LaMotte, will spend part of his Easter weekend in Memphis, where he will stand in the light with others against the darkness of a planned Ku Klux Klan rally. Not exactly an egg hunt, is it? And yet it is highly appropriate in this … [Read more...] about Peace is Not Placidity

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace

Blessings of the Easter Season

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 28, 2013 · Leave a Comment

From the Staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine. --From Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; Lyrics by Henry J. van Dyke … [Read more...] about Blessings of the Easter Season

Filed Under: Blog

Council Awards to Be Presented at Legislative Seminar

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 27, 2013 · Leave a Comment

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council's board have been chosen to receive the North Carolina Council of Churches' highest honors. Gene Nichol will receive the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II will be … [Read more...] about Council Awards to Be Presented at Legislative Seminar

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 26, 2013 · Leave a Comment

By Aleta Payne, Sojo.net “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all … [Read more...] about Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Interfaith, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 25, 2013 · Leave a Comment

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal and to celebrating the progress made through ACA. Our friends at Faithful Reform in … [Read more...] about Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Substance Abuse

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 22, 2013 · Leave a Comment

From the Easter Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 5:9-12 (NRSV) “Blessed are the … [Read more...] about Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Worship

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 15, 2013 · Leave a Comment

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 concealed carry permit for a handgun to take that weapon into eating establishments, including … [Read more...] about Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food, Good Government, Gun Violence

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 12, 2013 · 1 Comment

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 automatic and semi-automatic. Just as taking away guns does not inherently make us … [Read more...] about National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Bulletin Insert from PFADP

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 21, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Our friends at People of Faith Against the Death Penalty have provided a bulletin insert for churches interested in helping work to repeal the death penalty. PFADP, which began as a program of the Council, has been a leader in this movement. There has not been an execution in … [Read more...] about Bulletin Insert from PFADP

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 18, 2013 · Leave a Comment

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at 919-828-6501 on Tuesday, April 9 until 5:00 p.m. Gene Nichol, Director of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the UNC-CH School of Law will be the lunch speaker at this year's … [Read more...] about Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Organized Labor, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 14, 2013 · Leave a Comment

From Chapter 1 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We're offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Exodus 16:4-8; 13-18 (NRSV) Then the LORD said to Moses, … [Read more...] about Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Food, Worship

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 28, 2013 · Leave a Comment

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 suburban classroom, runs directly counter to message of the Prince of Peace. As Council leaders said in their … [Read more...] about Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Mental Health, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 20, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Across denominations and faiths, we have come together to speak out against gun violence and to call for meaningful change from our leaders. We enter this season of peace heartbroken by what our nation has lost and continues to lose on a daily basis. But we also enter this time … [Read more...] about Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Council News, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, Mental Health, Peace, Religion & Society

Lectionary on Gun Violence

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 15, 2012 · 1 Comment

The horror of what has occurred in Connecticut is unimaginable, and the days ahead 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 explain … [Read more...] about Lectionary on Gun Violence

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society, Worship

Blessings of the Christmas Season

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

This son of refugees in swaddling clothes has walked in his mother's womb through drought and hunger vast-eyed staring and skinless. Only this child is flame born in the halo of pain at the center of peace. ---- Sr. Evelyn Mattern Blessings of the season from the … [Read more...] about Blessings of the Christmas Season

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Help Sustain Wind Power Tax Credit

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 10, 2012 · 1 Comment

Sunshine, wind and waves are all free gifts from God and expressions of God’s amazing power and love.  North Carolina is blessed with all three in abundance. That puts our state in a wonderful position to lead the nation and the world in clean, renewable energy production – … [Read more...] about Help Sustain Wind Power Tax Credit

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Good Government

2012 A Victory for NC and for PFADP

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 7, 2012 · Leave a Comment

For the first time in the modern era, no one was sentenced to death in North Carolina during 2012. The milestone marks a victory for people throughout the state and for the organization People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, which began as a program of the North Carolina … [Read more...] about 2012 A Victory for NC and for PFADP

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity

Making Peace between a Planet and Its People

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 1, 2012 · Leave a Comment

By Chrystal Bartlett, Baptist Peacemaker Google “care for creation” and you’ll find it’s a panreligious movement. If nothing else, this demonstrates that all major religions—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Baptist—all agree on at least one thing. … [Read more...] about Making Peace between a Planet and Its People

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Environment

Thankful for Your Support

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment

From farmworkers to food; climate change to personal health; immigration to rural life; good government to peace. The North Carolina Council of Churches continues to work toward a time when “the least of these” are recognized and valued as beloved children of God. When elected … [Read more...] about Thankful for Your Support

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment

  Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.   Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Words by Robert Robinson   Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season … [Read more...] about Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 1, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Our prayers are with our sisters and brothers who continue to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and also with those who are working tirelessly to provide relief. The road ahead of them is long. May we remember their struggle as we move into the seasons of … [Read more...] about Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Interfaith, Religion & Society

Our Responsibility to Vote

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 25, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Our middle son and I went to early vote on Saturday, taking advantage of his visit home for fall break. He is 18, and this is his first general election. We have impressed upon him and his older brother that how they vote – for whom and what – is a matter of thoughtful, … [Read more...] about Our Responsibility to Vote

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Interfaith, Religion & Society

Welcome Duke Divinity Interns!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment

We are delighted to welcome Justin Hubbard and Scott Schomburg, the Council's interns from Duke Divinity School for 2012-2013. Justin received a Bachelor's of Individualized Studies in Psychology, Sociology, and International Politics from the University of Minnesota-Twin … [Read more...] about Welcome Duke Divinity Interns!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 11, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as … [Read more...] about Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Environment, Farmworkers, Health, Immigration, Peace

emPOWERed Greensboro

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment

  Event Details: Thursday, October 11 6:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Emanuel 1129 Jefferson Road Greensboro Come and learn about NCIPL’s new energy-related resources and programs, all offered at no charge to congregations. These events are showcases of our emPOWERed … [Read more...] about emPOWERed Greensboro

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Environment

Clean Air, Clean Water, Good Jobs

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Over the past few months, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has been a proud part of a coalition of nonprofits and businesses participating in a statewide ad campaign emphasizing the link between clean air, clean water and good jobs. The slogan for the campaign was “All … [Read more...] about Clean Air, Clean Water, Good Jobs

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Rural Life

What We Do

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 6, 2012 · 4 Comments

Explaining what the NC Council of Churches does is both exceedingly simple and exceptionally complex. I should know – it’s a big part of what I do for a living. In simple terms, we are a faith-based organization working on issues of social justice, peace and Christian unity. How … [Read more...] about What We Do

Filed Under: Blog

Dynamic Pastor and Determined Teens Lead Together

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Most people don't think of flying basketballs, high rebounds, and tough competition when you say “I'm meeting with the pastor.” But Dave Halloway, pastor at Godwin Heights Baptist Church in Robeson County, is running some tough b-ball games. Usually, when I meet with pastors, I … [Read more...] about Dynamic Pastor and Determined Teens Lead Together

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Health

Strive to Revive: All Places of Worship Invited to Apply

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 9, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Places of worship across North Carolina are invited to apply for a free Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR training through a program called Strive to Revive (STR). STR is a three-year partnership between the North Carolina Council of Churches, Blue Cross and Blue … [Read more...] about Strive to Revive: All Places of Worship Invited to Apply

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Health

Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Wisconsin

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 6, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The North Carolina Council of Churches joins with our sisters and brothers in Wisconsin to mourn Sunday’s horrific actions against a Sikh faith community peacefully gathered in their house of worship. We join with them in prayer for those injured and killed, for their families … [Read more...] about Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Wisconsin

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Gun Violence, Interfaith

Win Your Own Olympic Gold

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Are you following the Olympics? I am just amazed at the beauty and grace of the swimmers, the gymnasts, the volleyball players and so many others. I dreamily imagine myself being the one in those races trying to beat the Olympic record and going for the gold. And on Monday, July … [Read more...] about Win Your Own Olympic Gold

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

PHW Collaborates to Promote Good Health in Troy

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 29, 2012 · 1 Comment

Cindy Taylor and Sheila Menendez of Troy, NC planned a spectacular day of taste testing and health pledge signing. Their respective organizations, Bodies for Christ United and Montgomery County Farmers Market Association,  worked with Partners in Health and Wholeness to promote … [Read more...] about PHW Collaborates to Promote Good Health in Troy

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Community Gardens, Farmworkers, Food, Health

A Bad Day for Veto Overrides

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The General Assembly on Monday overrode Governor Perdue’s vetoes of three bills. By doing so they gutted the Racial Justice Act, revised the budget for 2012-13, and moved ahead with fracking. The outcome was not in doubt in the Senate. In fact, several Senate Democrats had … [Read more...] about A Bad Day for Veto Overrides

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, State Budget

Racial Justice Act Supporters Push to Sustain Veto of New Bill

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

By Ann Blythe, The News & Observer Death penalty opponents and advocates of the state’s Racial Justice Act have embarked on an intense petition drive, letter-writing and email campaign, targeting five Democrats in the state House of Representatives. The goal is to persuade … [Read more...] about Racial Justice Act Supporters Push to Sustain Veto of New Bill

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government

Health On Earth

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The News & Observer The N.C. Council of Churches rejoices in the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act, affirming the decades-long concerns of the council for those without health care. The ACA not only offers benefits to many people who need … [Read more...] about Health On Earth

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Religion & Society

Help Sustain the Governor’s Veto of the Gutted Racial Justice Act

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 29, 2012 · Leave a Comment

We applaud Governor Beverly Perdue for her veto of a rewritten Racial Justice Act that had been gutted of key provisions. The Council has long worked for fairness in our criminal justice system and the RJA currently in effect is a much-needed step in that direction. Racial bias … [Read more...] about Help Sustain the Governor’s Veto of the Gutted Racial Justice Act

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity

Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 28, 2012 · 5 Comments

The NC Council of Churches rejoices in today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which affirms the decades-long work and concerns of the NCCC for those without health care. This decision means that millions who had no health insurance and … [Read more...] about Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld

Filed Under: Blog, In the Media Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, People with Disabilities, Religion & Society

Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 26, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The following is from the NC Coalition for a Moratorium and the Carolina Justice Policy Center. The fate of the Racial Justice Act probably rests with the three representatives listed below. The Governor's veto could come at any time and the override vote could happen shortly … [Read more...] about Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Ask the Governor to Veto Fracking Bill

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 25, 2012 · 3 Comments

The General Assembly has passed S 820 and sent it to the Governor. This is the bill that would move North Carolina farther down the road toward extraction of natural gas by hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, a technique which has had serious impact on health, … [Read more...] about Ask the Governor to Veto Fracking Bill

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Environment, Fracking, Good Government

Stop Hunger Now Meals Packaged with Help from Council Supporters

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 25, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Young people from Charlotte had the opportunity to pack meals with Stop Hunger Now thanks to Council supporters. A meal-packaging event originally scheduled after the Council's April Critical Issues Seminar in Winston-Salem had to be cancelled, but a number of those who had paid … [Read more...] about Stop Hunger Now Meals Packaged with Help from Council Supporters

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Food, Hunger

Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 19, 2012 · Leave a Comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZsDliXzyAY One of my friends just posted this amazing YouTube video of Severn Suzuki who, at age 12, addressed the United Nations at the first Earth Summit in Rio twenty years ago.  Her words ring out with perfect clarity now as they did then, … [Read more...] about Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Environment, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Human Rights, Interfaith, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The House of Representatives has voted 73-47 to gut the Racial Justice Act. The vote was on S 416, a bill originally about using tire retreads on school buses. The House stripped out the original content and replaced it with language limiting the use of statistical evidence to … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 15, 2012 · 1 Comment

Thank you. Since last month, more than 400 of you have signed onto a statement rejecting toxic and offensive words being preached against gays and lesbians. You said that that pastors responsible for anti-gay rhetoric did not represent you or your faith. In the words of  … [Read more...] about More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Council Welcomes Interns for the Summer

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 14, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Once again this summer, the Council will benefit from the talents of outstanding young people who come to us as interns. In prior years, interns have made a lasting contribution to the mission and work of the Council, and we expect no less from this group. A bit of information … [Read more...] about Council Welcomes Interns for the Summer

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Two time-sensitive issues for advocates: 1) A vote to override the Governor's veto of the Racial Justice Act could come up any time. 2) There is a lobby day tomorrow in opposition to fracking. We will send more information on fracking, including other related bills, later in the … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Rural Life

Spring Appeal Is Underway

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Intern and Duke Divinity School student Lisa Talbott learned a lot in her year working on social justice issues with the Council. It was a physical journey, from Alaska to North Carolina, and a spiritual one, as well. Lisa agreed to write the Council's spring appeal letter … [Read more...] about Spring Appeal Is Underway

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Legislative Advocacy Toolkit Now Available

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 29, 2012 · Leave a Comment

A Legislative Advocacy Toolkit is now available from the Council. The toolkit provides a wealth of information for people of faith who want to be effective as grass-roots lobbyists, especially with the state's General Assembly. Information includes how to register and vote, how … [Read more...] about Legislative Advocacy Toolkit Now Available

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report, Resources Tagged With: Good Government, Religion & Society

Church Council Bulletin, Spring 2012

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 29, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The Spring 2012 Church Council Bulletin includes photographs from the Council's recent Critical Issues Seminar, an update on items of interest in the General Assembly's short session, a statement on the passage of Amendment One, the Council's spring appeal, and more. --Aleta … [Read more...] about Church Council Bulletin, Spring 2012

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Council News, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Good Government, Health, Immigration, LGBTQ, State Budget

Lifelong Commitments

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 28, 2012 · Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago, Steve Ford, editor of the editorial page of the Raleigh News & Observer, wrote an excellent piece about Amendment One. As I commented to him, I was really impressed with his column even before I saw that he had affirmed the NC Council of Churches and … [Read more...] about Lifelong Commitments

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, LGBTQ

Raleigh Report — May 18 Update

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 21, 2012 · 1 Comment

The General Assembly convened this past Wednesday for its regular “short session.” As always, the primary purpose of the short session is to tweak the budget for the fiscal year that starts on July 1, but there are several other important issues either still rattling around from … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report — May 18 Update

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Religion & Society, State Budget

The Fierce Urgency of Now

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 17, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Martin Luther King Jr.’s phrase “the fierce urgency of now,” articulated in his 1967 sermon, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence”, is more relevant now than ever. Although the context is different (in 1967 King spoke of violence towards races and nations, now we recognize … [Read more...] about The Fierce Urgency of Now

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment

Upcoming Legislative Days and a Revenue Plan

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Several additional legislative days have been announced. Among them are: HKonJ, People of Color Justice and Unity Legislative Day is Wednesday, May 23. The opening session will be at Raleigh's First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street at 9:00. The group will then march to the … [Read more...] about Upcoming Legislative Days and a Revenue Plan

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Good Government, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget

Statement on Passage of Amendment One

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 9, 2012 · 4 Comments

In light of yesterday’s vote to add a discriminatory amendment about marriage to our state’s constitution, it is important to consider what was accomplished through this campaign and what it tells us about progress. First, the fine work of a committed group of people has … [Read more...] about Statement on Passage of Amendment One

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Health, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 7, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Executive Director George Reed's full interview with NC Policy Watch from Sunday is now available here.  In it, Reed explains the Council's opposition to Amendment One. People of faith who have not yet voted can make their voices heard on May 8 and prevent this discriminatory … [Read more...] about Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One

Filed Under: Blog, In the Media Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Hear George Reed explain the Council's opposition to Amendment One on Sunday morning's News & Views hosted by Chris Fitzsimon of NC Policy Watch. The program airs at 7 a.m. on WRAL 101.5 and at 7:30 a.m. on WCMC 99.9. For those who miss it, check the Council website on … [Read more...] about Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show

Filed Under: Blog, In the Media Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Council Friends— I am writing you with a last-minute appeal to get to the polls for next Tuesday’s election, when voters decide whether to amend the state constitution, defining marriage between a man and a woman as “the only domestic legal union” inNorth Carolina. In addition … [Read more...] about Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Exciting Updates from PHW

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment

We are happy to announce that the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Initiative has received continued support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. This enables PHW’s continued work to improve the health of … [Read more...] about Exciting Updates from PHW

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

“Eating Well” at the Critical Issues Seminar

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 28, 2012 · Leave a Comment

I have helped to make the arrangements for the food served at Council meetings for ten years. But the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar was different. In staff meetings leading up to the recent Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet Critical Issues Seminar, one … [Read more...] about “Eating Well” at the Critical Issues Seminar

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food

Being Crazy Christians

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 27, 2012 · Leave a Comment

It was a beautiful day spent at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem on April 19.  I was there for the annual NC Council of Churches Critical Issues Seminar; this year’s theme was, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet.  The Right Rev. Michael … [Read more...] about Being Crazy Christians

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Food, Health, Religion & Society, Worship

Father Joe Vetter Receives the 2012 Distinguished Service Award

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 23, 2012 · Leave a Comment

On April 19, Father Joe Vetter received the Council's Distinguished Service Award during lunchtime ceremonies at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar.  After Council President Stan Kimer offered the following remarks in presenting the award, Father Joe was greeted with a standing … [Read more...] about Father Joe Vetter Receives the 2012 Distinguished Service Award

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 23, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Christina Holder, Durham Herald-Sun DURHAM – The ballot referendum that could cement the definition of marriage as “the only domestic legal union” into the state Constitution has turned a  political debate into a religious one — and is mustering people of faith across  North … [Read more...] about Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Early Voting and Amendment One

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 20, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Early voting is now under way for North Carolina's May 8 primary. Between now and May 5, you can vote if you are already registered, and you can register and vote at the same time (one-stop voting) if you are not already registered. To find out the places and hours for early … [Read more...] about Early Voting and Amendment One

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Join us on April 19 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem as we package meals with Stop Hunger Now, the Raleigh-based non-profit that provides nutritious dehydrated meals which are shipped to support school feeding and crisis-relief programs around the world. The … [Read more...] about Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Hunger, Peace

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The deadline to guarantee lunch at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar has been extended to April 12. This year's seminar, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet, takes place on April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in … [Read more...] about Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Community Gardens, Economic Justice, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Economic Justice Way of the Cross

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · April 2, 2012 · 1 Comment

Updated on April 9 with video from the Pilgrimage. On April 6, state religious leaders and activists will remember Jesus Christ’s suffering and death and the suffering and death of immigrants coming to this country in an “Economic Justice Way of the Cross.” The North Carolina … [Read more...] about Economic Justice Way of the Cross

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Immigration, Peace

Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition Meeting

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 29, 2012 · 1 Comment

The Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition, a joint effort of the Association along with Partners in Health and Wholeness, takes place April 3 at 7 p.m at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church, 198 Gaines St., Aberdeen (Jackson Hamlet). Snacks will be provided, and the event … [Read more...] about Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition Meeting

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Health

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 26, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Alexia Kelley will deliver the keynote address for the North Carolina Council of Churches' 2012 Critical Issues Seminar, and Father Joe Vetter will receive the Council's Distinguished Service Award at the April 19 event. Kelley, who is Catholic,  is the Director of … [Read more...] about Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Community Gardens, Council News, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Peace, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Champions of Change

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 26, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Congratulations to two of the Council’s friends and colleagues on being designated Champions of Change by the White House. Linda Walling, Executive Director, of Faithful Reform in Health Care (and soon to be a NC resident) and native North Carolinian Adam Searing, Director of the … [Read more...] about Champions of Change

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Celebrates its Second Anniversary

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 20, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The Affordable Care Act was approved two years ago. Join the virtual second-anniversary celebration through a conference call with Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin on Thursday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Hear all the benefits already in place and what is to come. An RSVP in advance is … [Read more...] about Affordable Care Act (ACA) Celebrates its Second Anniversary

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Substance Abuse

An End to Hunger

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Ending world hunger is a pretty big goal, but the folks at Stop Hunger Now have set it for themselves and have been working toward it for 13 years. With the help of volunteers, the Raleigh-based non-profit packages nutritious dehydrated meals which are shipped to support school … [Read more...] about An End to Hunger

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Hunger, Peace

In Thanksgiving for the Life of Lynice Williams

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 14, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Lynice Williams died this weekend. Too soon by any measure. She was one of this state's great advocates for and organizers of people of low income and low wealth. Among other things, she was executive director of North Carolina Fair Share for 24 years and was a member of the … [Read more...] about In Thanksgiving for the Life of Lynice Williams

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Living Wage

Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

BY DAWN BAUMGARTNER VAUGHAN, Durham Herald-Sun DURHAM – Pilgrim United Church of Christ  will host a community series this month on “Faith and the Marriage Amendment,” about the proposed North Carolina Amendment 1. If the ballot measure passes May  8, the only valid domestic … [Read more...] about Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · March 9, 2012 · Leave a Comment

We hope you'll join us on April 14 for the Fourth Annual Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry. This annual ecumenical event takes place at Raleigh's Fairmont United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and focuses on Amendment One with the theme "For Such a Time As … [Read more...] about Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 28, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The NC Council of Churches, working in conjunction with the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families, has developed a toolkit to help people of faith working against Amendment One. If passed in May, this amendment to the state's constitution would define marriage in a way that … [Read more...] about Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Children & Youth, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 24, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Neville Callam is the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. (For you non-Baptists out there, the BWA is the international collaboration of most of the world’s Baptist conventions and union. Also for you non-Baptists, “General Secretary” is about as close to “Bishop” as … [Read more...] about International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity

Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 23, 2012 · 2 Comments

By  Amanda Greene, Religion News Service WILMINGTON, N.C. — As the only Southern state without a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, North Carolina is the next battleground, with religious groups on both sides bracing for a high-stakes fight on May 8. Against … [Read more...] about Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment

By Erin Ryan, Charlotte Observer Even in February, there's a lot happening in the community garden at Central United Methodist church in east Charlotte. A few of the 24 plots still have winter vegetables to harvest. Gardeners are building pea trellises and clearing the ground … [Read more...] about Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Community Gardens, Environment, Religion & Society

Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment

On January 21, 2012, sixty people gathered in the fellowship hall of the United Church of Chapel Hill to experience the first ever workshop on Transition Congregations.  Drawing together the concepts from the Transition Towns movement  and scriptural wisdom, Tina Clarke, a … [Read more...] about Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Religion & Society

Winter Church Council Bulletin

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 17, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The winter edition of the Church Council Bulletin is posted. It includes an overview of the Council's work in 2011 along with a listing of those individuals who helped make that work possible through their generosity. We are humbled and grateful. --Aleta Payne, Development … [Read more...] about Winter Church Council Bulletin

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

Eating Well: A Lenten Practice

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

As Lent quickly approaches, you may be thinking about a fast or discipline on which you will focus. Oftentimes Lenten practices revolve around food – giving up chocolate or alcohol or kicking the coffee habit. The purpose of Lenten fasting is not to punish you or make you suffer … [Read more...] about Eating Well: A Lenten Practice

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Rural Life, Worship

Compromising values

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 14, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Letter to the Editor, Raleigh News & Observer We would not have chosen to be a part of an issue like this, but we are. The world is watching North Carolina to see what we will do. There is compelling evidence that conspiracy to commit kidnapping and torture were committed by … [Read more...] about Compromising values

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Peace, Religion & Society

Contact Congress: No Cuts, No Barriers

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Remember the words of Mordecai to Esther:  "For if you keep silent at such a time as this...you and your father's family will perish."  (NRSV-Esther 4:14) It is unbelievable and disheartening that Congress is considering using children to "pay for"  the unemployment insurance … [Read more...] about Contact Congress: No Cuts, No Barriers

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Immigration

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment

To register for the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar and to choose your workshops, complete the form below. The Seminar is taking place April 19 in Winston-Salem.  This exciting day-long event focuses on the social justice implications of what we eat and how it is grown, and features … [Read more...] about Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Community Gardens, Economic Justice, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Immigration, Peace, Rural Life

Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 7, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The newly formed House Select Committee on the State’s Role in Immigration Policy met for the second time in as many months on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The focus of the most recent Committee hearing was squarely on how much unauthorized immigrants cost the taxpayers of … [Read more...] about Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Farmworkers, Human Rights, Immigration, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · February 6, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The 2012 Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People's Assembly is this Saturday, February 11. We'll gather at Shaw University in Raleigh starting at 9:30 and march to the Legislative Building. Other than voting, there's probably nothing more important for you to do in … [Read more...] about Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Living Wage, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Earth Sabbath Celebrations Spread to Asheville, Chapel Hill and Durham

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 29, 2012 · 1 Comment

Anyone who has attended an Earth Sabbath Celebration knows how special they are. Over the past year, Earth Sabbath Celebrations have occurred monthly at Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh. As NCIPL and partners prepare to launch them in Asheville, Chapel Hill, and … [Read more...] about Earth Sabbath Celebrations Spread to Asheville, Chapel Hill and Durham

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Interfaith

Get Inspired (…and Help Us Raise Money in the Process)!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 27, 2012 · Leave a Comment

I am very excited to share with you an online storytelling initiative that has just launched, called Inspired. A program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation, Inspired is telling the stories of select individuals and organizations from across … [Read more...] about Get Inspired (…and Help Us Raise Money in the Process)!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Health

Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 23, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The NC Council of Churches is co-sponsor of a town hall meeting, Bring Our War Dollars Home and Restore Our Communities, which takes place Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Building Auditorium, 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh. Since 2001, North Carolina taxpayers have spent $14 … [Read more...] about Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Good Government, Peace

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 20, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Since 2004, the NC Council of Churches has officially opposed a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Put simply, the Council's board does not believe discrimination has a place in our state or federal constitution. For that reason, we are working with other organizations … [Read more...] about Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Religion & Society

Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Governor Perdue has called on the General Assembly to restore three-quarters of a cent of sales tax which the General Assembly allowed to expire last year and to use the money to reduce cuts to education. In a statement, the Governor noted that “The North Carolina Association … [Read more...] about Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Public Education, State Budget

Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment

By Bob Geary, IndyWeek.Com Governor Bev Perdue kicked off the 2012 budget debate today — and (unofficially) kicked off her 2012 re-electon campaign — with a call for increased school funding. Specifically, she wants 3/4ths of that temporary 1-cent sales tax for education back … [Read more...] about Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, State Budget

Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 14, 2012 · Leave a Comment

BY J. ANDREW CURLISS,  The News and Observer A gathering on a hillside outside a church in West Raleigh late Sunday marked the one-year anniversary since a shooting in Tucson, Ariz., left a federal judge and five other people dead and 13 injured, including U.S. Rep. … [Read more...] about Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Good Government, Gun Violence, Religion & Society

Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

There’s still time to get FREE hard copies of the 2012 Preach-In on Global Warming materials sent to you, but the deadline is close of business on January 17, 2012.  What you get for registering through the NC IPL website is a package from national Interfaith Power & Light … [Read more...] about Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Worship

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 10, 2012 · 2 Comments

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications for our world and its inhabitants. We need to consider this very fundamental part of our lives as a faith issue. So … [Read more...] about 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Human Rights, Peace, Rural Life

Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · January 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

As part of the national "Too Many Victims" campaign, there will be a vigil in Raleigh on Sunday, January 8. That day is the one-year anniversary of the Tucson shootings, which claimed the lives of six and wounded 13 others, including Congressperson Gabrielle Giffords. The vigil … [Read more...] about Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Religion & Society

Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 20, 2011 · 2 Comments

Many in the environmental movement are aware of Transition Towns. This brilliant construct recognizes that two major juggernauts are going to change our world no matter what we do – that is climate change and the end of cheap oil. Rather than await these changes passively, … [Read more...] about Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Environment, Religion & Society

Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 16, 2011 · 1 Comment

Lowe’s home improvement stores confirmed last week that, in response to agitation from an anti-Muslim group, they had pulled their advertising from TLC’s All American Muslim, a reality TV show that follows the lives of five mainstream Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. In … [Read more...] about Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The Durban climate talks are now over and were marked by a striking failure to act.  At the same time that we are seeing irrefutable evidence of climate change and record weather around the globe, the global leaders have again failed to rise to the urgent need for action—instead … [Read more...] about Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Environment, Good Government, Religion & Society

Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · December 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Join us for the 2012 Conference on the Common Good sponsored by the Council's Christian Unity Committee. The Conference is co-sponsored by The Ecumenical Institute of he Carolinas and The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi.  The title of this year's gathering is Catholic … [Read more...] about Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Christian Unity

Racial Justice Act and Fracking — Make Your Voice Heard on Two Critical Issues

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 28, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The General Assembly has returned for another mini-session, this one scheduled to last a couple of days. (The one in early November concerned itself with revising the newly re-drawn districts for the US House of Representatives and the state Senate and House after it was … [Read more...] about Racial Justice Act and Fracking — Make Your Voice Heard on Two Critical Issues

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Race/Ethnicity, Rural Life

Abraham Jam — Take a Look!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Thanks to all of those who supported Abraham Jam and the wonderful performers who made it happen. We hope to have links to additional video from the concert soon, but for now, here's a sneak peek provided by the Duke Chronicle: You can also listen to Frank Stasio's … [Read more...] about Abraham Jam — Take a Look!

Filed Under: Blog, In the Media Tagged With: Interfaith, Peace

Join in the Super Vigil

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment

This Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., please take part in a teleconference Prayer Vigil for a Faith-Filled Budget. Join people of faith from all over our country as religious leaders offer reflections and prayers for: Government officials – calling them to moral discernment … [Read more...] about Join in the Super Vigil

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Good Government, Religion & Society

The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The church of which I’m a member, Pullen Memorial Baptist in Raleigh, has had a partnership for many years with First Baptist Church in Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia (formerly part of the Soviet Union). The pastor with whom we’ve had the closest contact, Malkhaz … [Read more...] about The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Peace

Seven Billion and Growing

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The temperatures are dropping. The leaves are changing. Holidays are speeding by. We’ve already passed Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, All Hallow’s Eve, Reformation Day, All Saints’ Day, All Soul’s Day. Thanksgiving is bearing down on us, and there’s already Christmas music … [Read more...] about Seven Billion and Growing

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Environment, Food, Health

Farm Bill and Your Health—What’s the Connection?

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Interested in healthy and affordable foods? Well, then you are interested in the Farm Bill. Check out the forum that Harvard School of Public Health Held on October 20th regarding the health implications of the renewal of the 2012 Farm Bill. Click here. --Joy Williams, PHW … [Read more...] about Farm Bill and Your Health—What’s the Connection?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Rural Life

NC People of Faith Urge Congressional Leaders to Protect the Vulnerable

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 7, 2011 · 2 Comments

More than 125 people of faith in North Carolina, including the heads of 10 denominations, are calling on the state’s leaders in Congress to protect vulnerable people in the midst of heated and divisive budget talks. The faith leaders have signed a letter, circulated by the … [Read more...] about NC People of Faith Urge Congressional Leaders to Protect the Vulnerable

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Healthcare Reform, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Religion & Society

Sleeping Beauty Wake Up!

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · November 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment

If we were to write a modern-day fairy tale about sleep, the storyline would be how the princess was robbed of going to sleep.  She would be a reflection of our society. You and I are constantly telling ourselves to wake up, and this is exactly what would happen in this fairy … [Read more...] about Sleeping Beauty Wake Up!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Fall Appeal Underway

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 24, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The North Carolina Council of Churches has launched its fall appeal.  As Executive Director George Reed points out, the Council's work has never been stronger. But a combination of the economic downturn and a push for regressive policies means we need your support now more than … [Read more...] about Fall Appeal Underway

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 13, 2011 · 1 Comment

I’ve been thinking about Daniel a lot lately. Daniel and his buddies were in the first wave of exiles to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had them brought to the palace and assigned them a daily portion of royal food and wine. But Daniel refused to eat the rations. Why? They were … [Read more...] about The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Health, Religion & Society, Rural Life

What Am I Really Paying?

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · October 3, 2011 · 5 Comments

I am appalled. I'm disgusted. I'm outraged. And perhaps most of all, I'm ashamed. I have worked at the North Carolina Council of Churches for less than 10 hours, and already my life will never be the same. I'm a student at Duke Divinity School earning my Master's of Divinity … [Read more...] about What Am I Really Paying?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Immigration, Religion & Society

Two Kinds of Religion

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 27, 2011 · Leave a Comment

In my non-work life, I have the pleasure of serving on the advisory board for the Raleigh-area Episcopal Campus Ministry. It is a privilege to serve with the other board members in support of the diocese, the ministry led by the Rev. Deborah Fox, and the wonderful young people … [Read more...] about Two Kinds of Religion

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity

Another Christian Unity Conversation Begun in North Carolina

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 19, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Bilateral and multilateral dialogues between denominations have to take place at a higher level than the state. In other words, the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians in North Carolina can’t just get together and agree to recognize each other’s ordinations or accept each other’s … [Read more...] about Another Christian Unity Conversation Begun in North Carolina

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity

Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 10, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The NC Council of Churches has posted some resources for worship planners for the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11, and there are a couple more links at the end of this blog. We also want to make you aware of community services which are being planned. Here’s what we’ve currently … [Read more...] about Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Peace

Artists for Abraham Jam Announced

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I'm thrilled to report the good news that we've lined up firm commitments for the musicians performing at the Nov. 16 Abraham Jam at Duke University's Page Auditorium. Here are the artists: Dan Nichols and Eighteen Dawud Wharnsby David LaMotte These three internationally … [Read more...] about Artists for Abraham Jam Announced

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Peace

Partners in Health and Wholeness Launches Information Webinar

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · September 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The NC Council of Churches wants you to know how important it is to view health as a faith issue.  Please join our free introductory short webinar about Partners in Health and Wholeness and why health is a faith issue on September 16th from 11 -11:45am.   You can also check out … [Read more...] about Partners in Health and Wholeness Launches Information Webinar

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Health

Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 25, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Schools across North Carolina are opening in the face of substantial budget cuts. All those touched by public education are affected; in particular, children and families who have the least also have the most to lose. Even those not being served directly by the state's … [Read more...] about Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Public Education, Religion & Society

NC Marks Five Years Without an Execution

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 16, 2011 · Leave a Comment

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty notes an important milestone for the state today. It has been five years since North Carolina carried out an execution. The Council has long been committed to abolitioning the death penalty and even gave PFADP a start organizationally. … [Read more...] about NC Marks Five Years Without an Execution

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Death Penalty

The Debt Deal — What it Was and What it Could Have Been

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 15, 2011 · 1 Comment

You can educate yourself about the " debt deal" and how it affects the most vunerable and learn how the faith community played a role in keeping it from being worse than it is. View and listen to the recording of "What's the Deal?" - an excellent webinar, offered by the … [Read more...] about The Debt Deal — What it Was and What it Could Have Been

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Healthcare Reform

Your Faith Community’s Health Advantage

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment

For anyone who has ever been frustrated when trying to increase their exercising or improve their diet, Matthew Feinstein has a suggestion for you. Go to church!  Feinstein, lead investigator in a recent religion and obesity study writes: “Churches already have infrastructures … [Read more...] about Your Faith Community’s Health Advantage

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Stocks and Starvation

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 11, 2011 · 1 Comment

I watched the stock market pretty closely on Monday. (Don’t tell the boss, but I did it on work time and on the office computer.) You see, I’m at that delicate age when I should be moving my retirement money into less risky places. I had met just over a week before with a … [Read more...] about Stocks and Starvation

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Religion & Society

Give Us Wisdom

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · August 2, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The news these days is filled with budget cuts, both at the state level and with the ongoing mess in Washington. These cuts unduly affect vulnerable people and care of God's creation, concerns which the NC Council of Churches has worked on for years or even decades. Cathy … [Read more...] about Give Us Wisdom

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Good Government, Religion & Society, State Budget

Tell Your Story to Help Medicaid and Medicare

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I was on a Faithful Reform in Health Care conference call this week and one of the participants was Cynthia Abrams from the United Methodist Church -- General Board of Church and Society. She emphasized the need to share our personal stories with our Congress people. If you have … [Read more...] about Tell Your Story to Help Medicaid and Medicare

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Religion & Society

Conversations with Cy and Carolyn King

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 11, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Cy and Carolyn King, longtime activists with the NC Council of Churches, have given interviews on the history of the struggle for civil rights in North Carolina.  The primary focus of these conversations is on civil rights activities in the 1950s and 1960s. Other topics include … [Read more...] about Conversations with Cy and Carolyn King

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

George Reed’s Remarks from Mowbray Presentation

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 8, 2011 · 1 Comment

On June 24, NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed received the Luke Mowbray Award presented by the American Baptist Churches USA. His remarks from the presentation are below. The national honor is given to an individual for his or her outstanding contribution … [Read more...] about George Reed’s Remarks from Mowbray Presentation

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity

Help Protect Medicaid and Medicare

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · July 7, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Reports from our friends at Faithful Reform in Health Care indicate that Medicaid and Medicare are at risk in the ongoing budget and debt negotiations in Washington. Decisions are believed to be imminent, and the voice of the faith community is needed to help protect these … [Read more...] about Help Protect Medicaid and Medicare

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Healthcare Reform, People with Disabilities, Religion & Society

Luke Mowbray Award Presented to George Reed

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 30, 2011 · Leave a Comment

NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed has received the 2011 Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award presented by the American Baptist Churches USA. The honor is given to an individual for his or her outstanding contribution to the cause of advancing ecumenism either through … [Read more...] about Luke Mowbray Award Presented to George Reed

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity

A Pastor’s Calling to WORK for LGBT Inclusion

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 23, 2011 · Leave a Comment

By Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan, Durham Herald-Sun Jimmy Creech spent his career as an ordained United Methodist pastor until the church took his credentials away as punishment for conducting same sex commitment ceremonies in Omaha and Chapel Hill. He was not convicted at a trial … [Read more...] about A Pastor’s Calling to WORK for LGBT Inclusion

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: LGBTQ

Mr. Paul and the Work of the Church

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 23, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Recently, the GOP held the first debate between Republican Presidential candidates. The stalwart libertarian from Texas, Ron Paul attended and according to the LA Times, won the debate. He may have alienated a few of the more conservative voters however, when he criticized the … [Read more...] about Mr. Paul and the Work of the Church

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration, Religion & Society

Truth About Climate Change

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 21, 2011 · Leave a Comment

There was an important story on NPR’s Morning Edition today called “Climate Change: Public Skeptical, Scientists Sure.”  Only 13% of people polled by Yale University knew that 97% of the world’s scientists are convinced that the global climate change due to human activities  is … [Read more...] about Truth About Climate Change

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Religion & Society

Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment

photo by Johnno Chen

By Yonat Shimron, USA Today DURHAM, N.C. — It's summer. It's hot. It's the South. That must mean it's time for an old-fashioned camp meeting. Starting Thursday, the bygone staple of the tent revival will be reincarnated on a bucolic North Carolina farm as The Wild Goose … [Read more...] about Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Peace, Religion & Society

Take Action to Protect Medicaid

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Faithful Reform in Health Care is urging people of faith to act to protect Medicaid--health care for the voiceless and our most vulnerable citizens. This is our chance to be a voice for God's children who often have no voice. Medicaid cuts are being considered in Congress that … [Read more...] about Take Action to Protect Medicaid

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform

Tarheel Footprints in Health Care

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment

North Carolina Medical Journal The NCMJ  features Dr. Kathy Shea, Executive Director of North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, on page 87 of its March/April 2011 edition. Find out how her medical career and environmental concerns came to intersect. … [Read more...] about Tarheel Footprints in Health Care

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Environment, Health

Wanted: 1,000 Pastors for the Poor

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Sojourners is calling on pastors to challenge the myth that charities and churches can solve the problems of poverty in this country. Six pastors have recently launched an "Open Letter from 1,000 Pastors" to let our political leaders know this isn't true.  Sojourners reports that … [Read more...] about Wanted: 1,000 Pastors for the Poor

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Religion & Society

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 10, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Our religious leaders and people of faith have come together in a prophetic Circle of Protection, reminding us that "budgets are moral documents, and how we reduce future deficits are historic and defining moral choices."  Christian leaders urge "Congress and the administration … [Read more...] about Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Good Government, Religion & Society

Cool Harvest Program Offered at Church of the Nativity

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

In response to the growing awareness among members of faith communities that we have not been good stewards of our land and that we have lost connection with our food sources, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has developed the Cool Harvest program. Over four … [Read more...] about Cool Harvest Program Offered at Church of the Nativity

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Environment

Important Budget Alert

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · June 2, 2011 · 1 Comment

The Senate’s version of the budget is on the move, and it has been crafted to gain the support of enough House Democrats to overturn a gubernatorial veto. (Senate Republicans already have a veto-proof majority in their house.) For more information, see the “Senate Budget” article … [Read more...] about Important Budget Alert

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Religion & Society, State Budget

Truth to Power

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 25, 2011 · 2 Comments

The seven individuals who were arrested at the General Assembly on Tuesday showed great courage and commitment to social justice. They spoke for those who often have no voice, were a visible presence for those our society often treats as invisible, and did justice as they walked … [Read more...] about Truth to Power

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, People with Disabilities, Public Education, State Budget

Moving Backwards and Playing Games

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 24, 2011 · Leave a Comment

At a recent House judiciary committee focused on legislation to do away with the 2009 Racial Justice Act, Seth Edwards, president of the North Carolina Association of District Attorneys, insisted that in NC capital cases, “… prosecutors do not see color.” Really? Then why … [Read more...] about Moving Backwards and Playing Games

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Speak out on Health Benefits Exchange and Preserving Medicaid

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 19, 2011 · Leave a Comment

HB115 is expected to come before the NC House for a vote on Wed, May 25, 2011. HB115 establishes the Health Benefits Exchange (where individuals and small businesses in need of health insurance can purchase it). Unfortunately, this bill leaves those currently in charge of our … [Read more...] about Speak out on Health Benefits Exchange and Preserving Medicaid

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Healthcare Reform, Religion & Society

Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 13, 2011 · 1 Comment

The office of Rep. Garland Pierce, who is also a Baptist pastor, sent me the following message in italics about an opportunity to come to Raleigh and express your opposition to legislative measures which will make life more difficult for people who are poor: I invite you to … [Read more...] about Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Good Government, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Rev. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, organizer of the HKonJ movement (of which the NC Council of Churches is a partner), and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, has issued an update and call to action. It gives details about the multi-faceted assault … [Read more...] about Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Reducing Poverty in Eastern Wake a Complex Battle

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director · May 5, 2011 · Leave a Comment

By Johnny Whitfield, Eastern Wake News EASTERN WAKE COUNTY - Poverty afflicts thousands in eastern Wake County - not just those without a job or some other source of income, but even those so-called working poor who live from paycheck to paycheck hoping to avoid a single … [Read more...] about Reducing Poverty in Eastern Wake a Complex Battle

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: Economic Justice, Religion & Society

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