The North Carolina Council of Churches has unveiled our latest billboard. This time we set our sights on Public Education. The billboard is located on I-40 East at Mile Marker 354 near Faison. Beach Bound vacationers should have no trouble spotting the bright red banner with the … [Read more...] about Council Calls for More Support for Public Education
About Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director
Support the Work of the Council
Dear Friends, Like Esther, the NC Council of Churches finds itself heeding the call “for such a time as this.” Unlike Esther, we do not need an uncle to persuade us; we’ve been persuaded for the past 83 years, shifting our gaze as the clarion call for justice moves from issue … [Read more...] about Support the Work of the Council
No More Mottos
Hours after teachers marched on Raleigh to talk about funding needs for their schools, their students, and, yes, even themselves, a bill was introduced in the N.C. General Assembly to place mottos, national (“In God We Trust”) and state (“Esse quam videri”—To Be Rather Than to … [Read more...] about No More Mottos
Violence and Guns
Remarks delivered at the Community Conversation on Gun Violence on May 15, 2018 at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. God knows that we are a violent people. It’s been this way since Cain killed Abel because Cain was jealous and afraid. Jealousy and fear drive most of our … [Read more...] about Violence and Guns
Building Up Our Schools
“Build a Church, then Build a School.” Chief among the instructions for John Wesley’s itinerant ministers was this directive about education. Methodists are not the only faith group to grasp the importance of education for the flourishing of God’s people. Nearly all unite an … [Read more...] about Building Up Our Schools
Politics of Eating
Sermon originally delivered at the Jack Crum Conference at Highlands United Methodist Church in Raleigh on Saturday, April 21. The primary text was Isaiah 55:1-9. My parents have an amazing garden. Besides the fact that it’s huge, it’s also bountiful. Its bounty comes from the … [Read more...] about Politics of Eating
Partner Congregations Provide Sanctuary for Woman in Chapel Hill
Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a March 17 press conference in Chapel Hill on the Sanctuary Movement. At the North Carolina Council of Churches, we don’t pretend to be objective; we don’t pretend to represent a variety of opinions. We refract the … [Read more...] about Partner Congregations Provide Sanctuary for Woman in Chapel Hill
The Second Commandment
When the news broke about the North Carolina Council of Churches billboard suggesting a connection between guns and idolatry, responses ran from, “Thank you for naming the truth,” to “How dare you claim owning a gun means worshiping an idol.” And everything in between, not always … [Read more...] about The Second Commandment
Council Posts Billboard about Gun Violence
On your drive along I-85/40 outside of Mebane, look for our billboard on the side of the road. It will go up this week and stay in place for the next four weeks, another crucial message for all of us while gun violence continues to erupt all around. While amendments and … [Read more...] about Council Posts Billboard about Gun Violence
Soul of Appalachia
Remarks originally delivered March 23 at The State of the Soul of Appalachia conference in Pipestem State Park in West Virginia. The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares … [Read more...] about Soul of Appalachia
It’s Only 40 Days
Sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland yesterday, Sunday, February 18 at Millford Hills United Methodist Church in Salisbury, NC. The lectionary texts were Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15. 40 days--rain! 40 days--wilderness! Noah and rainbows; Jesus and temptation. 40 … [Read more...] about It’s Only 40 Days
Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday
Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, "Journey to Justice" We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we … [Read more...] about Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday
Be Reconciled
Black History month is North Carolina Council of Churches’ history starting in 1935 because our history is founded on the black experience as seen through the eyes of the white church. Fortunately, those white church leaders early on recognized their need to ground black history … [Read more...] about Be Reconciled
Medicare for All
Remarks originally delivered at the Medicare for All Rally held in Durham on Saturday, January 13. We are the fortunate ones. We are here. We are able to be here. It is safe for us to be here. Many people are not here because they are not well, they are not safe, and they are … [Read more...] about Medicare for All
Words Make a World
The words we hear form what we think. The words we say form what we do. And when powerful people use words, the words have even more power. And so it is that the person who holds the highest office in the land, an office that has been described as the “leader of the free world,” … [Read more...] about Words Make a World
That Resolution
We all do it and well we should--start the new year resolving to do better. Maybe it’s eat better, exercise more, or work less. The resolution itself quickly takes a back seat to the resolve it takes from us to follow it through. This might happen because our resolutions are too … [Read more...] about That Resolution
Christ’s Mass
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ...And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of an only child, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, … [Read more...] about Christ’s Mass
Congress: Hands Off New Rule Protecting Families from Payday Lenders
Originally appeared in the Durham Herald and signed by both Larry Hall, Secretary of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. Ignoring the voices of families and communities who have worked for … [Read more...] about Congress: Hands Off New Rule Protecting Families from Payday Lenders
Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3
Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. “But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3
Jesus, Money, and Taxes
Remarks offered at a press conference on tax reform at the North Carolina State Capitol on Monday, November 29. For those of us who mark time a little differently than the Roman calendar, a new year begins on Sunday when the Christian season of Advent begins. One of the most … [Read more...] about Jesus, Money, and Taxes
Support the Council on Giving Tuesday
Dear Friends, Last year when we sent out our fall appeal requesting financial support for the work of the North Carolina Council of Churches we were only days past the presidential election and could only hypothesize about what lay ahead. In that letter I predicted … [Read more...] about Support the Council on Giving Tuesday
Thanksgiving Notes
Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Notes
Creating Peace
If we are not angry today, we have no faith. If we are not frustrated today, we have no hope. If we are not bereaved today, we have no love. As Christians, we claim faith, hope, and love as foundational elements for our identity (I Corinthians 13:13). Our faith in … [Read more...] about Creating Peace
Democracy Under the Reign of God
As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v. Whitford) and in North Carolina (Common Cause v. Rucho), along with the latest move by the North Carolina General Assembly to make judicial elections more partisan, I despair for our … [Read more...] about Democracy Under the Reign of God
Lament for Las Vegas
There are no words… and so my words come from the Psalms where laments make up the largest category. This lament from a portion of Psalm 142: With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. I pour out my complaint before him; I … [Read more...] about Lament for Las Vegas
Increased Energy Rates, Decreased Funds for Missions
Remarks offered at the Duke Energy Progress Rate Increase hearing on Monday, September 25. Right now I have the privilege or the pain of owning two houses in Durham, NC. I hope to own only one in the near future, but for now this is my reality. Both houses help support the … [Read more...] about Increased Energy Rates, Decreased Funds for Missions
Regaining our Faith in Democracy
In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” “the elected leaders just do what they want to,” and “my vote doesn’t really count.” … [Read more...] about Regaining our Faith in Democracy
The Infection in Our Democracy
On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now live in Durham, NC. He was from the upstate of South Carolina, as am I, yet there he was and here I am. The historians among us know what happened that day in 1865. Confederate General … [Read more...] about The Infection in Our Democracy
In the Face of Violence
Today, Friday, August 18, 2017, South Main in Durham, NC, is closed to traffic. Civil employees have been sent home. Some banks and many businesses in the downtown area have closed early. And a group of people have gathered on the Courthouse lawn. All this because of the … [Read more...] about In the Face of Violence
Wages of War
Wartime profits are a thing -- from the people who make the machines we use to kill other people to the garment factories that provide clothing for the people who do the killing, there is money to be made keeping the war machine equipped. Eisenhower, the retired Army general we … [Read more...] about Wages of War
America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness
With so many issues confronting us, our nation's involvement in acts of torture is fading from the public’s priorities for concern. Five years and $40 million in the making, the Senate Intelligence Committee 6,700-page report is the only official action to address the CIA's … [Read more...] about America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness
Healing Miracles
Just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” — Luke 13:11-12 The House health … [Read more...] about Healing Miracles
What Gives Me Hope
Remarks delivered at the NC Justice Center's 2017 Defenders of Justice Awards where the Council was recognized for Grassroots Empowerment. In 1960 Terry Sanford ran for Governor of NC. By all accounts, he should not have won. He was not as well-known as his opponent and he … [Read more...] about What Gives Me Hope
2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks with the outgoing ED in June learning the ropes, and then I would really get to work in August. My first day in the … [Read more...] about 2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
Special Interest Altar Calls
By now, most of us have read "Dark Money" or heard enough about the subject it explores to recognize that money is suffocating our democracy. Add to this styptic environment a potential new infusion of money, this time through the tax-free political contributions that could flow … [Read more...] about Special Interest Altar Calls
Shepherds of Creation
Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in kindergarten, we memorized the 23rd Psalm. Of course, it was the King James Version, so different from what we read here today since we’ve all moved on to the modern translations that change so … [Read more...] about Shepherds of Creation
Workers’ Memorial: Remembering Those Who Have Died
Remarks delivered at the Workers’ Memorial, April 28, at the Old Capitol Building, Raleigh Micah 7:1-4, 6:8 God has always had a preferential option for the marginalized and the down trodden of society, while also holding out hope that the dominant and powerful will see … [Read more...] about Workers’ Memorial: Remembering Those Who Have Died
Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea
Two of the most volatile elements on a college campus are alcohol and hormones. These ingredients contribute to sexual assault (23.1 percent of female and 5.4 percent of male undergraduates), property destruction (50 percent of college administrators from schools with high … [Read more...] about Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea
No More of This
In the final hours of the first day of the Triduum, these intense three days when Christians rehearse the events between Maundy Thursday and the Easter Vigil, the juxtaposition of bombs in Afghanistan and swords in Gethsemane boggles the mind. In Gethsemane when they came out … [Read more...] about No More of This
A Day in the Life of….
Preached on April 12 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill Holy Week, this week, is the most intense week of the Christian year. The secular world might say, looking at us, that the week leading up to Christmas Day is the most intense because they see us … [Read more...] about A Day in the Life of….
NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice
Jesus mentions when discussing faith-based activity, "Do not sound a trumpet before you...so that [you] might be praised" (Matthew 6:2) and advises that those who work toward the Reign of God do so regardless of reward. More often than not, that's exactly what we do here at the … [Read more...] about NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice
Standing on Our Heads
Sermon preached by the Rev. Jennifer Copeland on April 1, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, Mocksville for the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women's Legislative Day. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than … [Read more...] about Standing on Our Heads
Do the Goose
If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC, July 13-16, 2017. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Wild Goose is an amalgamation of spirit, … [Read more...] about Do the Goose
Women and Wages
Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference on fair wages on March 8, 2017. Today is a day without women. Across the world women have been encouraged not to labor, whether for pay or not for pay. We are taking the day off, all on the same … [Read more...] about Women and Wages
Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm
Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers over the past two months—69 bomb threats at 54 Jewish community centers in 27 states and a … [Read more...] about Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm
Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale
Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at HKonJ 2017. Picture this on the marquee in front of your favorite house of worship: Pulpit for Sale! For the right price I will support the Republican candidate for office, but bring me more money next week and I’ll … [Read more...] about Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale
Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values
For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” We started with the issue of racial equality in 1935 and forthrightly moved into “migrant labor” and … [Read more...] about Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values
Keeping With Community
Enabling good health is a community restoration project. It’s really not about prescription plans, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, or any other cost-benefit analysis. It’s about community. When people are sick or hurt they usually don’t feel like getting out much and, … [Read more...] about Keeping With Community
Moving Beyond Gun Violence
Two weeks ago I flew to Florida for a national gathering of state ecumenical leaders and a few days later I flew home. In between my landing and leaving, in a different Florida airport (into which I have also flown many times), a passenger retrieved his baggage, assembled and … [Read more...] about Moving Beyond Gun Violence
A Letter to President Trump
Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these United States. True, my ancestors tried to secede from the union in 1861, but the ancestors of others prevailed against them and … [Read more...] about A Letter to President Trump
Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27
Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27
December 2-4: Preach Love
The North Carolina Council of Churches is calling on people of faith and leaders of the faith communities across NC to shape their worship services the weekend of December 2-4 around the theme: Love One Another. After an election season that has seen unprecedented divisiveness, a … [Read more...] about December 2-4: Preach Love
Local Measures Also Matter
There’s more to pay attention to when voting down the ballot than just the Governor’s race, though that is surely among the most important boxes to check when you step into the booth. Also on many ballots this go round are referenda crucial to the well-being of our … [Read more...] about Local Measures Also Matter
Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30
Early voting in North Carolina is on pace with some of the best years on record. In the spirit of keeping the momentum building, the NC Council of Churches is supporting the effort of EqualityNC to designate this Sunday as Faith and Equality Sunday. Calling on faith communities … [Read more...] about Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30
Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season
As the election approaches, many people of faith are turning to clergy for advice and assistance in the voting process. This year the Council is partnering with the nonpartisan voting rights organization Democracy North Carolina to provide materials to help congregations … [Read more...] about Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season
Speak Peace
Remarks delivered on September 21 by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference marking the International Day of Peace. Words make a world. The words we use become embedded in the ways we think about the world around us. So, we have bullet points, target dates, … [Read more...] about Speak Peace
Sore Afraid
We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News about a savior, but who will assuage our fears about the news from Charlotte, Tulsa, Dallas, Baton … [Read more...] about Sore Afraid
Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred
Early in my tenure as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches, I needed a pithy answer to the question: “What do you do?” I honed the response: “We are the progressive voice of Christianity in NC; the front line of most issues being debated across society and within … [Read more...] about Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred
Changing the View
This sermon was preached on August 6, 2016 at the Church Women United Leadership Conference. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, … [Read more...] about Changing the View
Welcoming Strangers and Neighbors
These remarks were delivered at the Reason for Reform press conference on August 3, 2016 at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. In addition to my job as leader of the NC Council of Churches, I also have the high privilege of serving on the General Board of Higher Education and … [Read more...] about Welcoming Strangers and Neighbors
Two Steps Forward
If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to live the adage, “two steps forward, one step back,” welcome to North Carolina. We’re having a 2-step forward celebration after three long years of step-back. Once again, people in North Carolina who want to vote can vote without running … [Read more...] about Two Steps Forward
Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters
Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! — Genesis 4:10 For days now, I’ve heard the same cry God is hearing. The blood of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, and Jai Williams crying out from the ground. And then the blood of Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, … [Read more...] about Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters
The NC Council of Churches Opposes HB 100
This speech was delivered by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland at a press conference against House Bill 100 on June 28, 2016. The Old Testament is filled with instructions on how the People of God are to treat those who come to their country from another place. Exodus 22:21 – … [Read more...] about The NC Council of Churches Opposes HB 100
How Do We Respond?
After Sunday morning, no one can dispute we are under attack. The real attack, however, is not the one involving assault rifles like the ArmaLite Rifle - 15 (Yes, I know the “a” doesn’t stand for “assault” even though enabling assault is what the AR-15 does). The real attack is … [Read more...] about How Do We Respond?
Standing Together Against Gun Violence
Remarks from a June 2 press conference recognizing Wear Orange Against Gun Violence Day. Last fall, we at the NC Council of Churches, invited all the organizations we know who are working for gun safety to join us for one big conversation. Since that time, we’ve discovered … [Read more...] about Standing Together Against Gun Violence
Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”
Baccalaureate sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland on May 5 at Louisburg College. Isaiah 2:2-4; Revelation 21:1-7; Luke 4:16-21 You are the most watched generation in history. Of course, it’s easy to watch you because everything you do is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, … [Read more...] about Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”
How Do You Read the Bible?
Remarks from an April 19 press conference in opposition to HB2. There are lots of ways to read the Bible. Some of us read it like a self-help manual; not a bad plan since there’s some pretty good individual improvement impetus in it. But the primary reason these scriptures … [Read more...] about How Do You Read the Bible?
George Reed to Receive Distinguished Service Award at Critical Issues Seminar
In the era of participation trophies, one more award might seem just that. This is not your ordinary award, however, nor is the recipient your ordinary participant. The Distinguished Service Award is given once a year by the NC Council of Churches to an individual who does much … [Read more...] about George Reed to Receive Distinguished Service Award at Critical Issues Seminar
Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending
Remarks by Jennifer E. Copeland to Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, delivered in Washington, DC, as part of a national coalition to address predatory lending. Representatives from 12 states and the District of Columbia met with Director … [Read more...] about Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending
Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better
Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks in the spring thinking about the … [Read more...] about Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better
Lenten Guide — Ash Wednesday
Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, "Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege" Ash Wednesday —Psalm 51: 1-17 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my … [Read more...] about Lenten Guide — Ash Wednesday
The Only Way to Win
Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you have just heard is only one-seventh of the real thing. You heard 16 verses, but the real sermon will go for a 109 verses, clear to the end of chapter seven, three … [Read more...] about The Only Way to Win
Home by Another Way
Preached at the Epiphany Service of Trinity Lutheran Church, Raleigh. How many wise men are there? Three? Who told you there were three? Three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, so we think three givers. But we don’t know. Where did the wise men find Jesus after they left … [Read more...] about Home by Another Way
Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday
Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard … [Read more...] about Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday
Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10
December 10, 7 p.m. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of Churches, partnering with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters, will host a Candlelight Vigil to Remember the Victims of the Sandy Hook … [Read more...] about Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10
The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice
The following was originally presented as part of an NAACP panel discussion on October 8. The givens in the title are: We are pursuing justice. We want to pursue justice morally, the right way—the means justify the ends. Morality requires a framework. “Right” does not … [Read more...] about The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice
Complicated Answers to Different Questions
The offices for the NC Council of Churches sit half a block from Hillsborough Street—the street that automatically conjures up images of NC State, as well it should since the campus looms large along Hillsborough for about 10 blocks. These weeks, as the media have consistently … [Read more...] about Complicated Answers to Different Questions
First Days on the New Job
Jennifer is pictured on a spring break trip with students to Nome, Alaska. Monday, August 3, was my first day at work. The staff laughed with me when hearing that announcement since I’ve been having “first” days since the first week of June. The most important first was … [Read more...] about First Days on the New Job
