Public schools stand in the breach between chaos and a thriving society. Public schools offer our thriving students and our struggling students the challenges, enrichment, and nurture they need to grow into adults who think, observe, assess, and solve problems. Public … [Read more...] about Honor Students and Teachers with a Public Education Sabbath
And May We Be Changed
What will change because of May 16? Because of the Day of Advocacy for Public Education in North Carolina? It was a day born of heart’s work, and bearing great hopes for what is yet to come. And yet as teachers, students, and parents drag their tired bodies through the … [Read more...] about And May We Be Changed
Because of Jesus
When the news reporter approached me, I was milling about in the grass, adjusting my pastoral stole, preparing to be present with some of our local teachers at a press conference. He wanted to know why I was there. I answered with a simple affirmation of our public schools and … [Read more...] about Because of Jesus
Pray and Vote
The North Carolina Council of Churches believes that participating in our democracy is one critical component of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. We also believe that local and state elections provide significant opportunities to impact policy that … [Read more...] about Pray and Vote
What More Can Be Said?
Powerful voices have long narrated the story of guns in America. The media. The NRA. Outraged, livid, grief-stricken mothers and fathers. When it comes to the horror of mass shootings, the stories are told with images and words that sear into our brains: limp bodies, the … [Read more...] about What More Can Be Said?
Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent
Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, "Journey to Justice" Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the … [Read more...] about Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent
The Commission Came to Town
Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C. In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles to voter access. Notably, former NC Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson serves … [Read more...] about The Commission Came to Town
Looking for Help?
The Federal Government of the United States of America shut down at midnight on Friday. It reopened yesterday, but may shut down again in February. Uncertainty and disorientation abound. I lift my eyes up to the mountains. At stake are protections for Deferred … [Read more...] about Looking for Help?
Jesus, Martin, and Gilles
A reflection on Jesus of Nazareth (out of which nothing good comes)¹, the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr., and the detention of Gilles Bikindou. Jesus. Martin. Gilles. These men have been with me in recent days – days in which immigration reform has been at the … [Read more...] about Jesus, Martin, and Gilles
On the Fourth Day of Christmas
It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as for many, the Holiday Season is cluttered by rehearsals, recitals, school performances, pageants, holiday parties, classroom volunteering, shopping, shattered light bulbs from window candles that get … [Read more...] about On the Fourth Day of Christmas
Welcome Mary Elizabeth
My name is Mary Elizabeth Hanchey and I joined the staff of the NC Council of Churches as Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach on November 1. I have long been committed to the work of the Council and the spirit with which it is accomplished. Soon … [Read more...] about Welcome Mary Elizabeth
