Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, "Journey to Justice" Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself … [Read more...] about Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent
Advent Guide: Epiphany
Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: Epiphany
Council Offers Updated Sanctuary E-course
A growing movement of immigrant and faith communities have committed to doing what Congress and the Administration refuse to do: protect and stand with immigrants facing deportation. However, many congregations have questions. Who is seeking sanctuary? Who leads sanctuary? How do … [Read more...] about Council Offers Updated Sanctuary E-course
Hope for the Holidays: 2017 Advent Calendar to Defend Immigrants and Refugees
Last year, we created an Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees. This year, as the futures of tens of thousands of refugees, DACA recipients, and immigrants who are at risk for deportation remain in question, we have created an "Advent Calendar to Defend Immigrants … [Read more...] about Hope for the Holidays: 2017 Advent Calendar to Defend Immigrants and Refugees
Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving
For many of us living in the United States, Thanksgiving is a time when we get together with family and friends. We share food, fellowship, and the things that we are grateful for. When I think about the past year when so many of my neighbors have been under attack and living in … [Read more...] about Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving
Honoring Farmworkers Who Died in the Fields
Yesterday farmworkers and farmworker allies from across the state came together to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. On Día de los Muertos, which originated in Mexico and is also observed in other Latin American countries, people gather to remember those who … [Read more...] about Honoring Farmworkers Who Died in the Fields
Blessed Are the Dreamers
This week, the Trump administration announced it will end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an Obama initiative protecting hundreds of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants from deportation. This protection allows them to work, study, get a driver's license, … [Read more...] about Blessed Are the Dreamers
Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 Today is a pretty big deal-- it has been nearly 100 years since a total eclipse has moved from coast to coast across the … [Read more...] about Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart
Opposing the RAISE Act
Two weeks ago, the President endorsed a new bill in the Senate designed to cut legal immigration levels in half over a decade, a potentially extreme change to policies that have been in place for more than half a century in our country. The RAISE (Reforming Immigration for Strong … [Read more...] about Opposing the RAISE Act
Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams
Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable young people brought to this country as children to come out of the shadows and live their lives fully. This entailed granting them the ability to obtain a driver’s … [Read more...] about Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams
The President’s New Policies are Bad for Cuba and the Church
I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit Cuba on two occasions: the first in 2000 on a mission trip with a Baptist church and the second last September with a Witness for Peace delegation. On both visits, I have witnessed Cuban people suffering because of the U.S. … [Read more...] about The President’s New Policies are Bad for Cuba and the Church
Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day
First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20. The day marks a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and recognize the contributions of forcibly displaced people. The annual commemoration is designated to honor “the strength, … [Read more...] about Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day
Sanctuary as a Sacred Act
Photo courtesy of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Under President Trump’s recent executive orders, many people’s lives have changed, especially the lives of those who have come to North Carolina from other countries or who have family members who do not have proper … [Read more...] about Sanctuary as a Sacred Act
We Are Love Warriors
The exhilaration of Easter is fading into memory, and we are left with more routine matters. Unfortunately, the matters that are becoming more and more commonplace have frightening implications: tweets, threats, tapes, etc. All should be sobering to us. We need to be taking these … [Read more...] about We Are Love Warriors
SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25
Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly discussed SB 145, an anti-immigrant bill that would expand the 287g program, thereby allowing local law enforcement to act as ICE officials and forcing NC university system institutions to … [Read more...] about SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25
2017 Lenten Guide — Good Friday
For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a favorite hymn to write about. We will post their reflections throughout Lent, for Ash Wednesday, each Sunday, and throughout Holy Week. I danced on a Friday When the sky turned black It's … [Read more...] about 2017 Lenten Guide — Good Friday
Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration
Did you miss our webinar, "“Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration?” If so, please watch the one-hour video below to learn ways to protect immigrants and refugees in the wake of new, harmful federal legislation as well as possible anti-immigrant threats at a state and local … [Read more...] about Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration
Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned
Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we welcome our creator. Refugees, immigrants, those yearning to be free—these are the ones whom Jesus spoke about when he … [Read more...] about Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned
Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality
Second in a series of three blogs. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2) The idea of “building a wall” has been extremely popular in this administration, and President Trump’s first … [Read more...] about Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality
Sanctuary, Not Deportation
First in a series of three blogs. God calls people of faith to remember that they once were strangers in a strange land and they must, must welcome the stranger as an expression of covenant faithfulness. (Leviticus 19:33-34) For the past several weeks I have been working on … [Read more...] about Sanctuary, Not Deportation
Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1
Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1
The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World
In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I witnessed many things. I saw a fantastic healthcare system and an educational system that … [Read more...] about The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World
Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees
Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources, others questionable), I was taken with a graphic shared by Hacking Christianity, a blog that engages in conversations about faith using the lenses of progressive … [Read more...] about Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees
Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth
Earlier this month, the North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Pilgrimage event, a time when several thousand middle and high school students come together for a weekend to hear from speakers, worship together, and enjoy fellowship. This year a group of young Latino students … [Read more...] about Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth
Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People
Almost 400 years ago, in what is now Massachusetts, a group of newly arrived immigrants from Europe received lifesaving hospitality from a group of indigenous Americans. Tomorrow, we celebrate and remember this act of welcome for the stranger as Thanksgiving. The Wampanoag tribe, … [Read more...] about Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People
Mourn, Pray, Serve, Organize
Last week’s election has left a lot of people filled with anxiety and uncertainty, especially our brothers and sisters who immigrated here. Millions of people who have come here from other countries or whose families did so, often because they were fleeing violence and … [Read more...] about Mourn, Pray, Serve, Organize
Community IDs Aren’t Only for Immigrants
In the midst of election season, I have been reminded once again of the importance of having an ID in order to vote. When I went to my polling place (which I did early), I was well aware that although the controversial photo ID requirement was repealed by federal courts in July … [Read more...] about Community IDs Aren’t Only for Immigrants
Celebrate Citizenship Day by Attending the Faith & Immigration Summit
September 17 marks Citizenship and Constitution Day, a combined event that commemorates the anniversary of the United States Constitution and recognizes all U.S. citizens. Ceremonies and celebrations will take place around the country, including naturalization ceremonies in … [Read more...] about Celebrate Citizenship Day by Attending the Faith & Immigration Summit
Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections
Immigration is one of the most important issues in the 2016 presidential race, as it has been in previous election cycles. Debates about our response to immigrants and refugees coming to this country continue to be divisive, and the consequences could be detrimental for the … [Read more...] about Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections
Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?
If you were unable to attend the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs last week, you missed an amazing four days of fellowship, talks, music, and telling stories. Watch the 3 minute summary of the workshop "Troubling the Parables of Jesus" led by our Executive Director, Jennifer … [Read more...] about Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?
Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest
By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern This week our nation has again experienced the inevitable results of living with the factions and fears that plague us. Three shootings in three days, right on the heels of the commemoration of our independence as a nation, each … [Read more...] about Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest
At the Twilight’s Last Gleaming: Reflections from Haiti
By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern One dark night in September of 1814, a captured amateur poet gazed into the glowing evening sky as he beheld the bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry by his British captors. In response to the sight of the starry-striped banner … [Read more...] about At the Twilight’s Last Gleaming: Reflections from Haiti
The Council Presents at the Wild Goose Festival
The Wild Goose Festival is a 4-day spirit, justice, music and arts festival where all kinds of people come together, not only to hear great music and incredible speakers, but also to dive into lively conversations with thought leaders, writers, dreamers, artists, visionaries, … [Read more...] about The Council Presents at the Wild Goose Festival
New Staff Members Join the Council
The Council gained two new staff members in May. Meet Nicole Johnson and Jessica Stokes below. https://vimeo.com/172958255 … [Read more...] about New Staff Members Join the Council
Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision
This past week has been filled with what feels like a continuous barrage of tragic news: the shootings in Orlando and subsequent lack of gun control measures by Congress, World Refugee Day and the reminder that the world refugee crisis continues, and then the news that the U.S. … [Read more...] about Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision
Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day
Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home countries due to violence in search of safety and a better life for themselves and their families. Due to … [Read more...] about Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day
Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders
By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern The tragic mass murder in Orlando this past weekend is yet another reminder of the challenges that we as Americans must rise to meet – together. Public news media reports a connection between the shooter and the Islamic State, further … [Read more...] about Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders
Webinar: A Faithful Response to ICE Raids and Detentions
At the beginning of 2016, ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) stepped up deportations of undocumented Central Americans in North Carolina. Last week it was announced that another wave of deportations is being planned for the summer. Now is the time for faith communities … [Read more...] about Webinar: A Faithful Response to ICE Raids and Detentions
Webinar: A Faithful Response to ICE Raids and Detentions
Tuesday, May 17 Noon At the beginning of 2016, ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) stepped up deportations of undocumented Central Americans in North Carolina. Now is the time for faith communities to respond to these raids, which have separated families, imposed … [Read more...] about Webinar: A Faithful Response to ICE Raids and Detentions
Signs of Hope After Easter
I do not believe that I am the only one who feels a little hopeless right now. Members of the news media bombard us with news of the attack on Brussels, the passage of HB 2, ICE raids on undocumented youth and families, hateful political attacks and propaganda, the constant … [Read more...] about Signs of Hope After Easter
Farmworkers and the ACA
The deadline for enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace came and went at the end of January. Though the ACA open enrollment period has passed, those experiencing certain life events – including marriage, moving, or a change in immigration status – may be eligible for a … [Read more...] about Farmworkers and the ACA
Video: Opening of Aquí Estamos by José Galvez
On February 5, the Council hosted an opening reception to see the work of Pulitzer Prize winning photographer José Galvez at City Gallery, 118 South Person Street in Raleigh. Video from opening night is below. For more than 40 years, José Galvez has used black and white film … [Read more...] about Video: Opening of Aquí Estamos by José Galvez
Lenten Guide — First Sunday
Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Deuteronomy 26:1-11 When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in … [Read more...] about Lenten Guide — First Sunday
The ACA and the Latino Community: Challenges and Successes
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. This law put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that helped to make health care more affordable and accessible for families, seniors, businesses, and taxpayers alike. This includes previously … [Read more...] about The ACA and the Latino Community: Challenges and Successes
“Aquí Estamos, Here We Are” Art Show Opening Reception
Join us for an opening reception to see the work of Pulitzer Prize winning photographer José Galvez on Friday, February 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the City Gallery, 118 South Person Street in Raleigh. For more than 40 years, José Galvez has used black and white film to create a … [Read more...] about “Aquí Estamos, Here We Are” Art Show Opening Reception
Health Care for Legal Immigrants: Resources and Events
To see this message in Spanish click here. Para ver este mensaje en español haga un clic aquí). At the North Carolina Council of Churches, we believe that access to health care for everyone is important. Our concern is especially great for those most vulnerable in our society: … [Read more...] about Health Care for Legal Immigrants: Resources and Events
Uncomplicating Justice
A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it's complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is complicated. Immigration reform is complicated. Climate change is complicated. And it is. History is complicated … [Read more...] about Uncomplicating Justice
Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas
Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of … [Read more...] about Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas
2015 Clergy Breakfasts Highlight Issues Facing Immigrants in NC
Every year, I have the wonderful task of arranging a series of clergy breakfasts across the state with the goal of educating faith leaders about immigrants in their communities and facilitating the development of relationships among clergy who are excited about working with … [Read more...] about 2015 Clergy Breakfasts Highlight Issues Facing Immigrants in NC
Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together
Earlier this month, more than 170 friends and allies gathered at Durham's St. Philip's Episcopal Church in support of our refugee sisters and brothers. We prayed and sang and then broke bread together. It was a special evening worth remembering for those who could join us. For … [Read more...] about Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together
Testifying to Hope for Refugees — Join Us for Dinner
As I sat down to Thanksgiving dinner with my family last week, I was reminded, as I am every year, of the contributions of immigrants to our communities. I always give thanks for the hands that picked the food that I eat and recognize that the overwhelming majority of the hands … [Read more...] about Testifying to Hope for Refugees — Join Us for Dinner
Immigration in Three Minutes: Terrorist Attacks and Blaming Refugees
At the Council, we are adding to the ways we connect with you. And so today, we offer the short video below on the Christian response to both terrorism and refugees. As you will see in the video, the Council joins with those who believe we must continue to welcome our refugee … [Read more...] about Immigration in Three Minutes: Terrorist Attacks and Blaming Refugees
Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318
In the final hours of the 2015 legislative session, the NC House of Representatives passed House Bill 318, a measure that would prohibit communities from being so-called “sanctuaries” for people living in this country illegally and would limit the forms of acceptable personal … [Read more...] about Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318
Clergy Breakfasts Come at a Crucial Time
Pope Francis has been an outspoken leader about the need to welcome immigrants and refugees in our communities. This past Thursday, he continued his positive track record of expressing compassion for immigrants and refugees when he addressed Congress. He invoked the Golden Rule … [Read more...] about Clergy Breakfasts Come at a Crucial Time
FAQs About Clergy Breakfasts
This fall, the Council is continuing its successful annual Clergy Breakfast series on immigration with events as far east as Wrightsville Beach and as far west as Weaverville. As we continue to plan these six events, I want to invite everyone in these areas to attend. Here are … [Read more...] about FAQs About Clergy Breakfasts
Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Last week, the European refugee crisis reached a tragic peak. More than 11 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. Many of these people have had no option but to put their lives at risk again and again in an attempt to reach a country … [Read more...] about Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis
The Rotten Fruit of Hatred
The past few weeks and months have been filled with a lot of hatred. Innocent people have been killed while trying to go about their daily lives, whether that be on the job or worshipping in church. It’s hard to understand how senseless these acts of violence are. Sometimes it … [Read more...] about The Rotten Fruit of Hatred
Observe Labor Sunday
The Sunday of Labor Day weekend is Labor Sunday, a day to celebrate workers and their contributions and to support their struggles. It is also a day to commit ourselves to improving conditions for workers and to lament that workers often confront unjust situations such as low … [Read more...] about Observe Labor Sunday
Week of Action to End Immigration Detention Quotas
Next week, the American Friends Service Committee is coordinating a national week of action to end immigration detention quotas. The United States has the largest detention immigration system in the world. This system has continued expanding in recent years due to the immigration … [Read more...] about Week of Action to End Immigration Detention Quotas
Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program
Last month, I had the opportunity to be one of 50 young leaders from across the country to take part in the 2015 Millennial Leaders Program at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. The purpose of the conference is to gather together these millennial leaders to foster … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program
Calling for Freedom
A few weeks ago, I, along with the rest of the nation, celebrated our nation’s independence. Last week I, along with thousands of North Carolinians, also attended the Mass Moral Monday March for Voting Rights in Winston-Salem. At the rally there was also much talk about freedom, … [Read more...] about Calling for Freedom
Project NO REST Needs Your Input to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking
At the North Carolina Council of Churches, our work is often guided by Isaiah 1:17, which advises,“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.” In my work I often focus on calling people to see the sacred worth in … [Read more...] about Project NO REST Needs Your Input to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking
This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study
I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in the church, and if my partner and I have children, I plan to raise them in the church. I also went to seminary and currently work … [Read more...] about This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study
Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day
A few weeks ago, The News & Observer published an article entitled “Many NC workers’ death go uncounted,” describing how often workplace deaths in North Carolina are uninvestigated, undocumented, and unreported. The article details the ways that the NC Department of Labor … [Read more...] about Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day
What Makes the North Carolina Farmworker Institute Unique
On April 16, more than 150 farmworker advocates gathered at the United Church of Chapel Hill to network with each other and learn about issues affecting farmworkers. Workshops included an update on how DACA and DAPA expansion will affect farmworkers, an explanation of the … [Read more...] about What Makes the North Carolina Farmworker Institute Unique
A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit
Recently, more than 75 people of faith, including students, teachers, clergy, and youth, joined together at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Durham to learn more about issues affecting immigrant children and youth. The day began with a bilingual worship service. Prayers and … [Read more...] about A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit
How Your Congregation Can Celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week
This week – March 24th through 31st – is National Farmworker Awareness Week. This is a time for us to recognize the two to three million men, women and children who perform often dangerous and backbreaking work to ensure our nation’s abundant, low-cost food supply. There are many … [Read more...] about How Your Congregation Can Celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week
Second Edition of “Come to the Table Guidebook” Released
In 2008, the first "Come to the Table Guidebook" was released. Claire Hermann, Laura Beach, and Chris Liu-Beers of the North Carolina Council of Churches were the contributors. The original "Guidebook" created the framework for the Come to the Table conferences that have been … [Read more...] about Second Edition of “Come to the Table Guidebook” Released
Elon Come to the Table Conference and Service Cancelled Due to Weather
Due to the severe weather expected across central North Carolina later this week, the Come to the Table Conference in Elon and the ecumenical worship service have been cancelled. For more information, see RAFI's announcement on their website. … [Read more...] about Elon Come to the Table Conference and Service Cancelled Due to Weather
Elon Come to the Table – Inclement Weather Update
RAFI has posted information on its website about pending weather decisions for the Come to the Table Ecumenical Service on Wednesday evening and all-day conference on Thursday, both in Elon. Please also keep an eye on our website for updates about the conference and service. … [Read more...] about Elon Come to the Table – Inclement Weather Update
What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and to dust you shall return" are spoken, Christians are marked on their foreheads with ashes in the shape of the cross. This … [Read more...] about What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?
Showing Love to Workers this Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day marks one of the biggest shopping days of the year, especially when it comes to chocolate and flowers. But did you know that often your tokens of affection are supporting pesticides, child slavery and farmworker exploitation? The Bible calls for us not only to … [Read more...] about Showing Love to Workers this Valentine’s Day
Reclaiming Epiphany
January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, is a time when Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi from the East. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning “manifestation,” and it celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the whole world. We are reminded that December 25 … [Read more...] about Reclaiming Epiphany
How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief
On November 20, President Obama announced that his administration will make changes to immigration policy through an administrative relief program. This will include changing removal priorities, expanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, creating a new work permit for … [Read more...] about How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief
Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus
Last week, the largest detention center in the United States opened. The 50-acre center, located in Dilley, TX, will hold up to 2,400 migrants who have crossed the border illegally and is especially designed to hold women and children. This week, Christians around the world are … [Read more...] about Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus
Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts
The past two months the NC Coalition for Justice for Immigrants has been busy with its annual clergy breakfast series. This year we hosted five events across the state, as far west as Black Mountain and to the east toward Greenville. In total, 87 clergy and congregational leaders … [Read more...] about Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts
Giving Thanks for Christmas Trees
This time of year we give thanks for many things -- including our families, our health, and our churches. We often overlook our decorations, however. Putting up the Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, stringing the lights and hanging the ornaments can seem like a daunting task … [Read more...] about Giving Thanks for Christmas Trees
Obama Unveils Immigration Plan: “We Were Strangers Once, Too”
Yesterday, President Obama took a courageous and controversial step toward reforming our country’s immigration system. He announced his plan to allow millions of undocumented immigrants to apply to stay in this country without the fear of deportation. One significant change … [Read more...] about Obama Unveils Immigration Plan: “We Were Strangers Once, Too”
Lifting Up the Mexican Children and Students
As I have been traveling across the state educating clergy about immigrants in their communities and facilitating discussion through the Clergy Breakfast tour, I have heard from some amazing people: health workers, school outreach workers, community organizers, pastors and … [Read more...] about Lifting Up the Mexican Children and Students
Celebrating the Lives, Deaths, and Contributions of NC Farmworkers
Last week, advocates joined with farmworkers from across the state to remember fallen farmworkers who have died in the fields of North Carolina. The event took place on November 1, which is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico and All Saints’ Day for Christians around … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Lives, Deaths, and Contributions of NC Farmworkers
Voting Information Bulletin in Spanish
The last couple of months have been particularly frustrating for Latinos who have been hoping for action in regard to repairing our country’s immigration system. Latino voters in North Carolina have felt that both major parties either use or ignore them, which has led some to … [Read more...] about Voting Information Bulletin in Spanish
Clergy Breakfasts Kick Off with Sermons, Stories and Questions
For the past two weeks, the NC Religious Coalition for Justice for Immigrants has been on the road for its annual clergy breakfast series on immigration. These breakfasts are designed to encourage conversations about immigration and how churches can play a role in welcoming … [Read more...] about Clergy Breakfasts Kick Off with Sermons, Stories and Questions
Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters
Gov. McCroy recently declared that from September 15 to October 15, North Carolina would join with the rest of the country in celebrating the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our state and our nation; this is to be accomplished by … [Read more...] about Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters
Educating the Littlest and the Least
Recently, several counties in North Carolina have begun passing resolutions discouraging undocumented children, including unaccompanied minors, from attending schools in these counties. These children, who often have no family in the United States and do not speak English, are … [Read more...] about Educating the Littlest and the Least
Clergy Breakfasts on Immigration in October
This year, the NC Council of Churches is continuing its successful statewide series of "Clergy Breakfasts" on immigration. These events are geared towards busy religious professionals and faith leaders, and they provide an overview of immigration issues in the context of a great … [Read more...] about Clergy Breakfasts on Immigration in October
Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend
As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura Hall, however, wants people to be thinking about something different: labor unions. Hall, a professor at Duke Divinity School, is calling for congregations to observe a Labor … [Read more...] about Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend
From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities
The recent trial of Alamance County Sheriff Andrew Johnson has focused on alleged profiling abuses against Latinos. He is accused of detaining and arresting Latino drivers without probable cause. During the Winston-Salem-based trial, two retired supervising deputies testified … [Read more...] about From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities
Saving Our Souls
News about children at the border – what’s happening to them, what politicians believe or say about them, where they are going, what will happen to them -- continues and the facts are becoming more sensationalized as politicians seek to push their partisan agendas. No single … [Read more...] about Saving Our Souls
What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?
This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for these children and sending them letters, and distributed an e-bulletin about ways your congregation can … [Read more...] about What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?
Prayers and Letters for Children at the Border
The issue of unaccompanied children at the border has caused great concern about the thousands of refugee children who have fled violence and poverty to seek a safe haven here in the U.S. The presence of these same children has also prompted feelings of resentment, hatred and … [Read more...] about Prayers and Letters for Children at the Border
Celebrating Our Shared History & Continued Prosperity
As we head into a long Independence Day weekend, most Americans are anticipating a Friday off from work and a time to spend with their families celebrating the largest secular holiday in the United States. However, as American citizens celebrate their nation through fireworks, … [Read more...] about Celebrating Our Shared History & Continued Prosperity
Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup
I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune into a game that I wouldn’t normally watch. Such events in which the entire world comes together to battle it out for a … [Read more...] about Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup
Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields
Workers in tobacco fields suffer the same injustices that other farmworkers face, including the low wages, weak workplace protections, and harsh conditions. However, their work is even more unhealthy and dangerous because of risks posed by pesticides and Green Tobacco Sickness, a … [Read more...] about Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields
In the Media: The Moral Urgency of Farmworkers
A few weeks ago, Human Rights Watch published a report on child labor in tobacco farming. Below, former NCCC intern John Zambenini comments on the large amount of media attention that this report has generated and how you can help children in the fields. This post was originally … [Read more...] about In the Media: The Moral Urgency of Farmworkers
