Introduced Bills CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 834 – Ban the Box would prohibit the state from asking a job applicant about his/her criminal history until that applicant had been selected for an interview. Introduced by Rep. K. Smith (D-Greenville) and referred to House Rules. HB … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICEHB 781 – Limitations on Use of Solitary Confinementactually contains several items related to prisons: Solitary confinement couldn't be used for inmates with serious mental illness unless there is a threat to the safety of the inmate or … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 587 – Repeal Death Penalty would abolish the death penalty, and all prisoners currently on Death Row would be resentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Introduced by Reps. Meyer (D-Hillsborough), Black (D-Durham), and Hawkins … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits asking an applicant about criminal history unless the … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019
Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced by Reps. Fisher (D-Asheville), Harrison (D-Greensboro), Insko (D-Chapel Hill), and K. … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019
Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the General Assembly has seen the introduction of several gun-related bills from all across … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019
Raleigh Report – February 26, 2019
INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 46 – Economic Security Act of 2019HB 46 is a collection of issues long of concern to workers and worker advocates. Specific provisions would: Increase the minimum wage to $15/hour over the next five years.Prohibit employers from … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 26, 2019
Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019
The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost their super-majorities in both chambers. This means that the Democratic minorities have the … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019
Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents
By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Senate Bill 75 is on the move. It would put on this November's ballot a constitutional amendment setting a maximum income tax rate of 5.5%. Introduced and passed by the Senate in 2017, the House Finance Committee gave it a favorable … [Read more...] about Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election of the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as their 27th Presiding Bishop. Those of us in North Carolina have benefited from Michael's deep faith, his leadership, and his … [Read more...] about The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision
We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and now are affirmed in continuing to perform same-gender marriages, and with … [Read more...] about Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision
Standin’ in the Need of Prayer
Raleigh's Martin Street Baptist Church (historically African-American) and Pullen Memorial Baptist Church (historically white) have a partnership that has extended over more than two decades. It grew out of the personal friendship of former pastors David Forbes and Mahan Siler. … [Read more...] about Standin’ in the Need of Prayer
Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision
The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version of Obamacare does not reach that ultimate goal, it has proved to be a … [Read more...] about Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision
Congratulations to Harriette Thompson
Photo via Telesport.al In my decades in North Carolina, first with the NC Baptist State Convention and then with the NC Council of Churches, I've known and worked with lots of remarkable and newsworthy people. But probably nobody more so than Harriette Thompson. I came to know … [Read more...] about Congratulations to Harriette Thompson
The Venue Is Important
Two events this month have reminded me of how fortunate the Council is to have congregations willing to host our events. The first was the Faith and Immigration Summit, held on a Saturday at Durham’s First Presbyterian Church. The church was easy to find, with plenty of free … [Read more...] about The Venue Is Important
Welcome Jennifer Copeland as Executive Director
I’m exceptionally pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland has been named by the Council’s Governing Board to be the next Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Jennifer has served as the United Methodist campus minister and … [Read more...] about Welcome Jennifer Copeland as Executive Director
Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?
Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches has been addressing for many years. The legal context The first words of the Bill of Rights … [Read more...] about Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?
Faith and Taxation
Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make the connection between paying taxes and living out our values. Paying taxes allows us to invest in the … [Read more...] about Faith and Taxation
Affordable Care Act and Taxes
Any of you who have already done your tax return for 2014 have discovered new questions about your health insurance status. For many of us, it’s just a matter of checking a box on our 1040 forms stating that we have an acceptable form of health insurance (through an employer, … [Read more...] about Affordable Care Act and Taxes
Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty
Gene Nichol was the recipient of the Council’s 2013 Faith Active in Public Life Award. (To see his keynote address at our 2013 Legislative Seminar, “It’s Better Not to Be Poor in North Carolina,” click here.) Gene’s upbringing and education in Catholic circles have led him to a … [Read more...] about Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty
Join us for HKonJ 2015
In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in the annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) march and People’s Assembly. It happens this … [Read more...] about Join us for HKonJ 2015
Remembering Sydnor Thompson
We received word last week of the passing of Sydnor Thompson Jr. less than a month shy of his 91st birthday. There are few people who have a longer history or greater involvement with the NC Council of Churches. When Sydnor received the Council’s Distinguished Service Award in … [Read more...] about Remembering Sydnor Thompson
Welcome Monica Motley as PHW Director
I am delighted to announce that we have hired Monica Motley as program director for Partners in Health and Wholeness. She started with us in January. Monica holds master’s degrees in education and public health from Virginia Tech and is finishing her dissertation for her PhD … [Read more...] about Welcome Monica Motley as PHW Director
Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?
People who are poor pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes than do those who are wealthy. The NC Council of Churches joined many allied organizations two years ago in opposing changes to the state’s tax structure that made it more regressive by, among other things, … [Read more...] about Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?
Welcome EdNC to the Conversation
Education has been of central importance to the NC Council of Churches throughout our history. Part of our opposition to segregation was support for a fully integrated public school system. When it seemed that too many voices of faith were bashing public schools, the Council’s … [Read more...] about Welcome EdNC to the Conversation
Pushing Back Against the Grinch
On the third Sunday of Advent, the New York Times ran an essay by Arthur C. Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute. (It was reprinted by the Raleigh News & Observer at the start of Christmas week. Click here to read it.) It began: “'Christmas is at our throats … [Read more...] about Pushing Back Against the Grinch
When a Child is Loved
I had a chance to talk with Mahan Siler at last week’s Road Show in Asheville. Mahan, who has retired to the Asheville area, was my family’s pastor at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, one of the Council’s member congregations, in the 1990s. Mahan is one of a very small … [Read more...] about When a Child is Loved
Voter Protection Hotline
We are coming to the end of the time for voting. Early Voting ends this Saturday, November 1. (Check with your local board of elections for the places and hours for Early Voting in your county.) Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Polls will be open across the state from 6:30 … [Read more...] about Voter Protection Hotline
The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage
The immediate impact of the most recent court decisions regarding marriage is that same-gender couples who want to get married in North Carolina now can, clergy who want to perform such ceremonies may, and same-gender couples who were married in other states now have those … [Read more...] about The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage
Wishing Willona Stallings Well
It is my unhappy task to announce that Willona Stallings is leaving her position as program director for Partners in Health and Wholeness. She is going to work for the Care Share Health Alliance in Cary as an Affordable Care Act Project Specialist. She will be working with a team … [Read more...] about Wishing Willona Stallings Well
Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites
Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click here to view it and use it. Just type in your address in the Search box at the top right, then click … [Read more...] about Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites
Changes Affecting Voting Rights Bulletin Insert
Because of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, some information in the Council's voter bulletin insert may no longer be applicable. As soon as there is a definitive ruling through the courts, we will post updated versions of the insert. If you have questions about … [Read more...] about Changes Affecting Voting Rights Bulletin Insert
Voting Rights — Questions Remain
October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s decision not to put any of our new voting laws on hold and overturned the Circuit Court’s decision … [Read more...] about Voting Rights — Questions Remain
Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders
November 4 is Election Day. Because of changes in election laws, it is important that people in our pews know when and where they can vote. All of the following are important: October 10 is the last day citizens can register to vote. To avoid any problems, your parishioners … [Read more...] about Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders
Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies
We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those of us with even brief personal ties to West Africa (I spent a couple of weeks in Togo and Burkina Faso in … [Read more...] about Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies
Sandy Irving to Receive Distinguished Service Award
Sandy is on the right. Her friend, Susan Cummings, is pictured on the left. I am pleased to announce that the Council’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Sandy Irving. This Award is presented each year to someone with an exceptional … [Read more...] about Sandy Irving to Receive Distinguished Service Award
Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections
One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor, shortened that to 10 days. This can make it harder on working people … [Read more...] about Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections
Lex, Rufus and Peter
I recently took a wonderful walk down Memory Lane for me, though it was also poignant at times. On a Saturday, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina sponsored a remembrance of Lex Mathews. Lex was the first Christian Social Ministries Director for the Diocese, serving from … [Read more...] about Lex, Rufus and Peter
Welcome Jennie Wilburn
I am delighted to announce that our Governing Board has elected Jennie Wilburn to the position of Program Associate for Immigrant and Farmworker Rights. Jennie is a 2009 cum laude graduate of Rice University with a major in Hispanic studies and sociology. At Rice, she was a … [Read more...] about Welcome Jennie Wilburn
Alecia’s Home
I’ve been engaged with Habitat for Humanity since its earliest days. In my previous life with the Baptist State Convention, I helped to promote this pathway to home ownership when it was in its first two or three years of existence. My wife and I supported Habitat financially, as … [Read more...] about Alecia’s Home
April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews
The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is sponsoring a “Day of Diocesan Story-Telling and Celebration,” focusing on Lex Mathews’ time as Director of Christian Social Ministries from 1975 until 1985. Longtime activists with the NC Council of Churches will remember Lex’s many … [Read more...] about April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews
Faithful Activism — Part 2
In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be relevant to what follows and addresses the question of whether such participation would threaten a … [Read more...] about Faithful Activism — Part 2
Presbyterian Clergy Sign Letter for the Public Good
A group of Presbyterian clergy have prepared and circulated A Pastoral Letter to their colleagues. It is a fine statement, noting that “[a]n enduring principle of our discipleship is the call to sacrifice for the sake of others, after the manner of Christ, and a commitment to the … [Read more...] about Presbyterian Clergy Sign Letter for the Public Good
Faithful Activism — Part 1
I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or not to join the HKonJ Coalition. Those conversations have reminded me that it’s helpful from time to time to review the concept of the separation of church and state and to discuss the … [Read more...] about Faithful Activism — Part 1
Taylor Branch Speaks in Raleigh Feb. 23
We in the Triangle have a truly rare opportunity this Sunday, to hear and dialogue with Taylor Branch. He is a preeminent historian of the civil rights movement, probably best known for his trilogy "America in the King Years." The first volume of this monumental and influential … [Read more...] about Taylor Branch Speaks in Raleigh Feb. 23
Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday
Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and Worship Service Friday, February 7, 7 p.m. Abundant Life Christian Center 4400 Old … [Read more...] about Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday
Steve Smith Receives Honor
Congratulations to Steve Smith for being named as recipient of the 2013 Joseph Branch Professionalism Award, presented by the Wake County Bar Association. Steve is a close personal friend of mine and a friend of the Council of many years’ standing. He and his wife Rachel, a … [Read more...] about Steve Smith Receives Honor
HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8
It's now just four weeks until this year's HKonJ People's Assembly. There is nothing more important for people of faith to do this winter as we work for prophetic social justice than to attend HKonJ and encourage others to join us. Participants will assemble at Shaw … [Read more...] about HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8
Smarter Holiday Eating
For any of us trying to lose weight or to maintain a healthy weight, the weeks from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day are the hardest of the year. All that good food and drink; all the busy-ness and stress of the season; all the memories, both joy-filled and sad; even the … [Read more...] about Smarter Holiday Eating
Signers Welcome — Letter to Governor McCrory
The NC NAACP has endorsed an open letter to Gov. McCrory about the state's decision to deny certain unemployment insurance benefits and expanded Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable North Carolinians, something we have covered extensively in RR. The letter was … [Read more...] about Signers Welcome — Letter to Governor McCrory
Introduction to Voices of Moral Mondays: Mustard Seed
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 Introduction to Voices of Moral Mondays: Mustard Seed
Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership
I come with sad news. Bishop Michael Burbidge and Bishop Peter Jugis, bishops of the two Catholic dioceses in North Carolina, communicated to the Council early this year their plan to withdraw from membership at the end of December. This is not a hasty decision on their part; we … [Read more...] about Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership
Speaking Truth About the ACA
One of the problems for people of faith trying to understand the Affordable Care Act and its requirements and benefits for them is that there is bad information out there. Some of it is intentionally planted by those politically opposed to President Obama and Obamacare. An … [Read more...] about Speaking Truth About the ACA
Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh is inviting people of faith to an Interreligious Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East. It takes place Saturday, September 7, at 11 a.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, 11401 Leesville Road, … [Read more...] about Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday
Passing of Bishop Gossman
Bishop Joseph Gossman, who died yesterday, was a great friend of the North Carolina Council of Churches. He led the Diocese of Raleigh into full membership in the Council in 1977, when Catholic membership in ecumenical organizations was very unusual. He supported our work for … [Read more...] about Passing of Bishop Gossman
How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets
By J. George Reed, The News & Observer The Senate bill and a proposal from the governor’s office would require some sales-tax payments from the largest nonprofits; for churches, the primary effect would be on large construction projects. But we believe this sets a dangerous … [Read more...] about How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets
Faith Communities Cannot Do It All
Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to … [Read more...] about Faith Communities Cannot Do It All
Raleigh Report: June 17, 2013
Tax Reform: Not So Simple A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report: June 17, 2013
Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown
“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s segregation and treatment of African-American citizens was somehow un-American, un-constitutional, … [Read more...] about Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown
Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013
Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center The State Budget Tax Changes Tax Cuts' Painful Costs Racial Justice Revisited Senators Choose to Cut The State Budget Two weeks ago, leaders of the state Senate unveiled SB 402, their proposed state budget, at the start of … [Read more...] about Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013
Moral Mondays Continue in June
Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in civil disobedience and being arrested (57). I saw a lot of Council folks there – current and past Board … [Read more...] about Moral Mondays Continue in June
Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20
http://youtu.be/-X13ZxH1IrQ As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being taken during this legislative session (that direction being … [Read more...] about Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20
In Thanksgiving for the Life of Bill Smith
I learned Tuesday morning of the passing of Bill Smith. I knew of Bill long before coming to the NC Council of Churches. He had been the state director of the Baptist Student Union before I came to work for the Baptist State Convention in 1978, but he was still remembered warmly … [Read more...] about In Thanksgiving for the Life of Bill Smith
Legislative Process and Advocacy: Legislative Seminar Workshop
[powerpress] Tune in as George Reed, our Executive Director here at the NC Council of Churches, explains the legislative process in North Carolina. How can "ordinary citizens" get involved? What strategies can we use to be as effective as possible? Listen as … [Read more...] about Legislative Process and Advocacy: Legislative Seminar Workshop
Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013
House Bills Senate Bills Notable Quotes Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced In the wake of failed attempts by Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, states and localities have increased their own efforts to enforce current immigration laws and to … [Read more...] about Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013
Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
George Reed, Editor Election Laws Gun Violence Health and Healthcare Raise the Age Taxation Trafficking Workers Issues Other Issues Putting the squeeze on voters Deadlines Pass With the passage of deadlines for the introduction of most bills, there’s … [Read more...] about Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)
Voter Suppression & Campaign Finance Other New Bills Commentary Tax Fairness Public Education Voting Rights Death Penalty Rush to the Right Continues From the first days of this legislative session, we’ve seen … [Read more...] about Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)
Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians
In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to talk about the social justice and environmental issues that are defining their … [Read more...] about Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians
Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In
Education Election Laws and Voting Rights Enviroment and Energy Immigration Taxes Workers and Wages Other Bills of Interest We Need to Be Together Gun Bills Flood In In the aftermath of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December and the killing … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In
Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness
From the Palm 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 21:1-11 (NRSV) And when they drew … [Read more...] about Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness
Resources for Voting Rights Sunday
As you probably know, the Voting Rights Act is being challenged in the US Supreme Court, and General Assembly leaders in Raleigh are renewing their push to pass laws that will make voting harder, especially for African Americans, seniors who no longer drive, people who don’t own … [Read more...] about Resources for Voting Rights Sunday
Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU
There will be no more important and overarching issue before the General Assembly this year than tax reform. Proposals being floated by legislative leaders would reduce or eliminate personal and corporate income taxes and replace lost revenues by increasing the sales tax, … [Read more...] about Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU
Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
Attacks on Struggling North Carolinians Advance Medicaid Coverage Unemployment Insurance Earned Income Tax Credit Fracking Moratorium Gun Violence Raise the Age Refusing to Extend Medicaid Coverage SB 4, which would deny Medicaid coverage to more than a half … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
Raleigh Report – February 21, 2013
Payday Lending What It Is, How It Harms People, Why We Don’t Need It Back Payday lending, sadly, could be coming back to North Carolina. It was banned by the General Assembly in 2001, and strong enforcement by Attorney General Roy Cooper has led to its … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 21, 2013
What’s Wrong with Photo ID?
One of the most insidious proposals coming up in the General Assembly session is the one to require people to show photo IDs in order to vote. It has the potential to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters in NC. Proponents argue that it will prevent voter fraud, but they … [Read more...] about What’s Wrong with Photo ID?
Durham’s Faith Summit on Child Poverty
The NC Council of Churches has been engaged with issues related to child poverty for decades. We were one of the founders of the Covenant with NC’s Children, a leading advocacy group on behalf of children, especially the most vulnerable ones. And we were instrumental in creation … [Read more...] about Durham’s Faith Summit on Child Poverty
Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates
You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve already had a one-day organizational meeting. You probably also already know that this will be a difficult session for those of us who have worked for years (or even decades) … [Read more...] about Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates
Baptist Peacemaker Highlights Churches’ Care of Creation Work
A recent article in the Baptist Peacemaker focuses on what churches are doing to address creation care and global climate change. In addition to mentioning our NC Interfaith Power & Light program, it features four North Carolina congregations with ties to the NC Council of … [Read more...] about Baptist Peacemaker Highlights Churches’ Care of Creation Work
Electioneering and the IRS
In the weeks just before November’s general election, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association paid to place full-page ads in newspapers including the [Raleigh] News & Observer to The New York Times. These ads quoted Billy Graham calling on voters to “cast [their] ballots … [Read more...] about Electioneering and the IRS
The Passing of Bishop James McCoy
Last week, North Carolina lost a religious leader we hardly knew. Bishop James McCoy had been named back during the summer to be the Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church. He took office here a couple of months ago, was … [Read more...] about The Passing of Bishop James McCoy
Critical Issue — Children’s Dental Health
I’ve got critical issue overload. How about you? So probably the last thing you want to hear about is one more issue that really needs to be on our radar screens but isn’t. But here it is – dental care for children, especially for children who live in or near poverty. Last … [Read more...] about Critical Issue — Children’s Dental Health
Rendering to Caesar
Ed: This post is part of a new series called “Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice,” in which Council staff consider the biblical and theological roots of their work. You can read more from the series here. Mark Chapter 12:13-17 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees … [Read more...] about Rendering to Caesar
The Passing of Carolyn King
Our friend Carolyn King passed on Tuesday evening after a long “medical adventure” (to use Sr. Evelyn Mattern’s term) with cancer. She and her husband Cy have been leaders in the work for peace and justice for decades. Because of that history, they received the … [Read more...] about The Passing of Carolyn King
Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice
Ed: This post is the first in a new series called “Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice,” in which Council staff consider the biblical and theological roots of their work. You can read more from the series here. Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William … [Read more...] about Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice
Canaries in the School Bus Lane
You probably know how the phrase “canary in the coal mine” came into being, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat it. Before there were other ways of monitoring for dangerous gases in coal mines, like carbon monoxide, miners took caged canaries with them into the tunnels. If gases were … [Read more...] about Canaries in the School Bus Lane
The Food We Waste
You may have seen news yesterday about a just-released report from the Natural Resources Defense Council on food waste. I read the full report – only 26 pages, and eminently readable. Here’s a taste (!) of it: “Food is simply too good to waste. Even the most sustainably farmed … [Read more...] about The Food We Waste
Remarks from Strive to Revive
The following are some of Executive Director George Reed's remarks at the statewide launch of the Strive to Revive campaign on August 7: We see preserving health as an issue of faith. We who are Christians follow a religious leader whom we still call “The Great Physician”. … [Read more...] about Remarks from Strive to Revive
Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011
Protect Health Care Freedom Postsecondary Education/Illegal Aliens Budget Education Gambling Medical Liability Reforms Immigration Miscellaneous Contacting State Legislators Contacting the Governor BILLS NEEDING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION H 2 – Protect Health Care … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011
Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary
By Rev. George Reed, Executive Director NC Council of Churches At the Council’s 75th Anniversary celebration in May, it had been my happy assignment, after hearing from several Council leaders about the past, to bring us up to today and to look ahead a bit. Unfortunately, at … [Read more...] about Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary
It’s all the same water
Penny Hooper and Richard Fireman, both with the Council’s NC Interfaith Power & Light program, have collaborated to write a powerful op-ed on coal ash which has just appeared in the Wilmington StarNews. I was most intrigued by how they framed their piece, noting that, from … [Read more...] about It’s all the same water
Let Us Pray for a Clean Environment
Certainly the BP spill has heightened concern about the environment, but that concern was already growing among many people of faith. It's an area the Council has been working on for decades, most recently through our program North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light. In … [Read more...] about Let Us Pray for a Clean Environment
Faith Voices Strong at Wake County March
Last week’s march and rally to halt re-segregation in Wake County was a powerful experience. Thanks to all of the Council folks who turned out. I saw several current leaders of Council member bodies (Bishop Richard Thompson, Bishop George Walker, Bishop Al Gwinn, Bishop Michael … [Read more...] about Faith Voices Strong at Wake County March
