The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, January 12 at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill focusing on Isaiah 42:1-9. What are the images that come to mind when you hear Isaiah announce God’s justice? If you’re like me, it … [Read more...] about Whose Justice?
2019 Advent Guide: Cultivating Care for Creation
This advent season, the Council decided our theme would be focused on Climate Change. As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and maintain. We also recognize that the quality of life … [Read more...] about 2019 Advent Guide: Cultivating Care for Creation
No More War
Written by Vivian Taylor, Public Policy Intern with Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director The United States of America is on the verge of war with Iran. Long-standing tensions have been exacerbated by the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known … [Read more...] about No More War
Request for Proposals: Art Mural
Artistic Rendering of the 85-Year History of the North Carolina Council of Churches Statement of Purpose The North Carolina Council of Churches will celebrate its 85th Anniversary in 2020. Founded by eight Christian denominations in 1935 with the common vision of addressing … [Read more...] about Request for Proposals: Art Mural
Reaffirmation of Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
Approved unanimously on June 4, 2019 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches. In response to recent ecclesial decisions that directly affect people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, intersex, and … [Read more...] about Reaffirmation of Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
Job Opening: Fund Development Coordinator
The Council is hiring a full-time Fund Development Coordinator. The full job description is posted below and at this link. Position: Fund Development Coordinator COUNCIL DESCRIPTION With more than eight decades of progressive activism, the North Carolina Council of … [Read more...] about Job Opening: Fund Development Coordinator
Advent Guide: Epiphany Sunday, January 6
Excerpted from My Soul Magnifies the Lord, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany celebrates God’s presence with humanity through the person of Jesus Christ. With the birth of this baby, the reign … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: Epiphany Sunday, January 6
Advent Guide: First Sunday after Christmas, December 30
Excerpted from My Soul Magnifies the Lord, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. This post contains the scripture passages and reflections on their application. 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: First Sunday after Christmas, December 30
Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Excerpted from My Soul Magnifies the Lord, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. This post contains the scripture passage and reflections on its application. Luke 2:1-20 The Lectionary Gospel Reading easily is divided for … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Council Calls for Redistricting Reform
At its most recent meeting the Council Governing Board unanimously endorsed Fair Districts NC’s Five Principles for Reasonable Redistricting Reform (RRR). The five RRR principles, shown at right, provide guidelines for the design of an independent citizens’ redistricting … [Read more...] about Council Calls for Redistricting Reform
Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 16
Excerpted from My Soul Magnifies the Lord, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. This post contains the scripture passage, a brief commentary on the text, and a reflection on its application. Philippians … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 16
Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 9
Excerpted from My Soul Magnifies the Lord, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. This post contains the scripture passage, a brief commentary on the text, and a reflection on its application. Luke 3:1-6 In the … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 9
Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 2
Excerpted from My Soul Magnifies the Lord, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. This post contains the scripture passage, a brief commentary on the text, and a reflection on its application. Luke 21:25-36: There will be … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 2
Eagle Solar & Light Becomes First Solar Energy Lessor in North Carolina
On Monday, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) approved Eagle Solar & Light to become the first licensed solar electric generator lessor in North Carolina. The leasing of solar energy facilities is a critical component of the bipartisan House Bill 589, “Competitive … [Read more...] about Eagle Solar & Light Becomes First Solar Energy Lessor in North Carolina
Statement of Opposition to Constitutional Amendments
Approved unanimously on September 11, 2018 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches opposes six amendments to the North Carolina Constitution that have been approved by the General Assembly … [Read more...] about Statement of Opposition to Constitutional Amendments
Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018
By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General Assembly can take up only a limited selection of bills, including: … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018
Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative
On the day Public School educators, administrators, staff, and their supporters gathered to make their voices heard at the North Carolina General Assembly, filling the streets and filling the gallery of the Legislature, the North Carolina Council of Churches announced their … [Read more...] about Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative
Job Opening: Opioid Response Program Coordinator
The Council's Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative is hiring a full-time program coordinator to enhance the faith communities' awareness and response to the opioid crisis in the state of North Carolina. The full job description is posted below and at this link. To … [Read more...] about Job Opening: Opioid Response Program Coordinator
Policy Statement on the Public Schools
Statement on the Public Schools Approved December 5, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches Because the past decade has brought a new era of school segregation in North Carolina rivaling pre Civil Rights Act (1964) segregation rates and because … [Read more...] about Policy Statement on the Public Schools
Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess
Issue Statement on Confederate Monuments Approved September 13, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The Governing Board of the N.C. Council of Churches, mindful of the tensions in our state and nation related to the display of monuments … [Read more...] about Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess
Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture
Approved September 13, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches As North Carolinians and as people of faith, we recognize the need to uncover and understand the full extent of the state's and the nation’s participation in the use of torture, a … [Read more...] about Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture
Statement Opposing Fracked Gas Pipelines
As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and maintain. As Governing Board members of the NC Council of Churches we represent nearly a million and a half North Carolinians, from many faith … [Read more...] about Statement Opposing Fracked Gas Pipelines
Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling
As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and maintain. We also recognize that the quality of life for all of us depends upon its health and well-being. As Governing Board members of the … [Read more...] about Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling
Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote
Statement on Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote Approved December 10, 2013 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The ability of those who have traditionally been unheard or unheeded to have a voice is a core concern of Christianity. The North … [Read more...] about Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote
Affirming Principles of Concern for the Poor and Vulnerable
Statement Affirming the Principles of Concern for the Poor and the Vulnerable as Made More Visible by the “Occupy” and Other Movements Approved June 5, 2012 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches In recent months, there have been numerous stories in … [Read more...] about Affirming Principles of Concern for the Poor and Vulnerable
On the Importance of the State’s Public Health System
Adopted by the Governing Board, June 5, 2012 The Issue For more than four decades now, the North Carolina Council of Churches has been fighting to protect the health of people of faith and all North Carolinians by advocating for universal health care; quality long-term care for … [Read more...] about On the Importance of the State’s Public Health System
Statement on Accusations about Candidates’ Faith
Adopted by the Governing Board, NC Council of Churches, March 6, 2012 In 1998, the NC Council of Churches issued a statement entitled With All Due Respect. It decried the “scarcity of decency and respect” seen most clearly in political campaigns. “Political rhetoric appears to … [Read more...] about Statement on Accusations about Candidates’ Faith
Rural Life Committee Supports Ban on Fracking
The field of the poor may yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice. ~ Proverbs 13:23 The Rural Life Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches has lifted up the voices of rural North Carolinians for decades. United in an ecumenical spirit and driven … [Read more...] about Rural Life Committee Supports Ban on Fracking
Statement on Annual Utility Rate Hikes without NC Utility Commission Review
Adopted by the Governing Board, NC Council of Churches, March 1, 2011 Duke Energy and Progress Energy intend to introduce legislation that would allow them to raise utility rates on customers for construction of new power plants without going through the public rate review … [Read more...] about Statement on Annual Utility Rate Hikes without NC Utility Commission Review
Statement on Physical Activity and Nutrition
Adopted by the Governing Board, NC Council of Churches, December 6, 2010 The Issue The issue of overweight and obesity[1] has been well-publicized in recent months. In the United States, more than 23 million kids (nearly one-third) are overweight or obese. In North … [Read more...] about Statement on Physical Activity and Nutrition
Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy
Adopted by the Governing Board, NC Council of Churches, September 21, 2010 The North Carolina Council of Churches represents 6,200 congregations in 17 denominations statewide. The North Carolina Council of Churches condemns all religious violence. As people of Christian faith, … [Read more...] about Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy
Ownership of Agricultural Seeds
A statement from the Rural Life Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. The land produced … [Read more...] about Ownership of Agricultural Seeds
A Policy Statement on Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Adopted by the Executive Board, NC Council of Churches, December 1, 2009 As people of faith, we are convinced that “the earth is the Lord’s and all that it holds.” (Ps 24:1) “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth…God said ‘Let the earth bring forth … [Read more...] about A Policy Statement on Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Statement on Local Immigration Enforcement
Adopted by the Executive Board of the NC Council of Churches, December 2, 2008 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, in some cases, to … [Read more...] about Statement on Local Immigration Enforcement
Statement on the Trafficking of Human Persons
A Policy Statement of the North Carolina Council of Churches, October 27, 2009 A Theological & Moral Framework The North Carolina Council of Churches (hereafter “Council”) unequivocally affirms the essential, inherent, and universal dignity of all persons, for “God created … [Read more...] about Statement on the Trafficking of Human Persons
Global Climate Change As a Religious Issue
Adopted by the Executive Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches on September 4, 2007 As people of faith we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and maintain. We also recognize that the quality of … [Read more...] about Global Climate Change As a Religious Issue
Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Resolution adopted by the N.C. Council of Churches Executive Board, December 5, 2006 Preface As people of faith and conscience, we recognize that while the issue of immigration is complex, our calling is to welcome the stranger and offer hospitality and justice to the migrant … [Read more...] about Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Good Government
Adopted by the Executive Board of the N.C. Council of Churches, December 5, 2006 Over 10 years ago, on April 18, 1996, the Executive Board of the NC Council of Churches adopted “A Statement on Christians, Churches, and Politics.” It explained: As Christians we believe in a God … [Read more...] about Good Government
Health and Secondhand Smoke
Adopted by the Executive Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches, September 5, 2006 Background In 1984, the North Carolina Council of Churches issued a report entitled “The Moral Dimensions of Tobacco.” This report, the product of a year-long study, concluded that “the … [Read more...] about Health and Secondhand Smoke
A Statement on the Public Schools
Adopted by the Executive Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches, September 5, 2006 The North Carolina Council of Churches has a long history of support for racial justice. In fact, one of the issues which brought together the Council’s founders in 1935 was their … [Read more...] about A Statement on the Public Schools
The Iraq War and the Use of Torture by Our Country
North Carolina Council of Churches Executive Board, December 6, 2005 The North Carolina Council of Churches has a long history of stands regarding our nation’s warmaking. Since 1935, we have called for political leaders to resist from entering wars, to follow international … [Read more...] about The Iraq War and the Use of Torture by Our Country
Policy Statement on Domestic Violence
Adopted by the Executive Board, March 1, 2005 The Issue The scriptures instruct us to love one another – to create mutually respectful relationships in which there is shared responsibility, negotiation and fairness, trust and support, honesty and accountability. When violence is … [Read more...] about Policy Statement on Domestic Violence
Resolution in Support of Organized Labor in North Carolina
Adopted by the Executive Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches, March 2, 2004 O Lord Jesus Christ, here are men in their coffins, blood of my blood, bone of my bone. I trust, O God, that these friends will go to a better place than this mill village or any other place … [Read more...] about Resolution in Support of Organized Labor in North Carolina
Policy Statement on a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Marriage
Adopted by the Executive Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches, March 2, 2004 The North Carolina Council of Churches opposes a Marriage Amendment to the federal or state constitution because it would enshrine at the constitutional level discrimination based on sexual … [Read more...] about Policy Statement on a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Marriage
Medical Malpractice Insurance Issues
A Policy Statement Adopted by the Executive Board, North Carolina Council of Churches, December 2, 2003 The Issues "If you've got your health, you've got everything." Little is more important to us than our health. When we get sick, we go to the doctor, at least those of us with … [Read more...] about Medical Malpractice Insurance Issues
Increasing the Cigarette Tax
A Policy Statement Adopted by the Executive Board North Carolina Council of Churches, December 2, 2003 The Issue The question of raising the tax on cigarettes appears to pose a conflict between positions taken by the North Carolina Council of Churches in previous years. On the … [Read more...] about Increasing the Cigarette Tax
Civil Liberties and the USA PATRIOT Act
A Policy Statement Adopted by the Executive Board, North Carolina Council of Churches, December 2, 2002 The Issue The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, mark a watershed in American history. Never before had such terrible events struck so many people within our national … [Read more...] about Civil Liberties and the USA PATRIOT Act
Underage Drinking
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, November 12, 2002 The Issue In North Carolina and across the nation, alcohol possession and consumption among young people have become problems of grave concern that are threatening the … [Read more...] about Underage Drinking
Our Increasing Latino Population
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, November 12, 2002 The Issue According to US Census Bureau figures, about one in eight Americans is Hispanic. The current national estimate of 35 million Latinos living in the United … [Read more...] about Our Increasing Latino Population
Remembering the Common Good in Times of Financial Crisis
A Policy Statement Adopted by the NC Council of Churches House of Delegates, November 12, 2002 The Situation Our state continues to face budget shortfalls. Each of the past three fiscal years has seen a shortfall of $1 billion or more (out of a total budget of about $14 … [Read more...] about Remembering the Common Good in Times of Financial Crisis
September 11 – Six Months Later
A Policy Statement on Terrorism and War Since the morning of September 11, fear and anger have been redefined, inviolate boundaries have been crossed, the unimaginable has become the reality of our daily lives. Even the most measured and peace-loving among us have found our … [Read more...] about September 11 – Six Months Later
Hog Lagoons
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, November 9, 2000 The Problem In less than ten years, North Carolina’s national rank in hog production has catapulted from sixth to second. This rapid growth has been stimulated by the … [Read more...] about Hog Lagoons
A Living Wage
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, November 9, 2000 Overview From the shadows of banking towers of Charlotte and Raleigh to the small towns and hamlets far away from the bustling Piedmont, the much-ballyhooed economy has … [Read more...] about A Living Wage
Tax Justice
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, November 9, 2000 Current State of Taxation North Carolina faces a financial situation that is easy to summarize: Tax cuts during the last half of the ’90’s have left the state with a … [Read more...] about Tax Justice
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, November 9, 2000 The Issues In North Carolina, over 1,000,000 people are directly affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse.[1] In recent years, the state … [Read more...] about Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
Clergy, Laity and Child Abuse
A Policy Statement Adopted by the Executive Board, North Carolina Council of Churches, December 2, 1998 Over the past two years, increased attention has been focused on the issue of child abuse, both because of a few highly publicized cases in which children died and because … [Read more...] about Clergy, Laity and Child Abuse
Resolution to Support Legislation to Close the School of the Americas
Adopted by the Executive Board of the NC Council of Churches, December 2, 1998 Whereas the U.S. Army School of the Americas has trained 60,000 Latin American soldiers who have consistently returned to their countries to murder, torture, rape, and intimidate the poor and those … [Read more...] about Resolution to Support Legislation to Close the School of the Americas
Electric Utility Restructuring
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches , October 28, 1998 Introduction - What is the issue? North Carolina's state government is engaged in a debate that is occurring nationwide: should we restructure our electric utilities? This … [Read more...] about Electric Utility Restructuring
Older Adults in Long-Term Care
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 28, 1998 The plaintive cry of the Psalmist, "Cast me not off in the time of old age" (Ps. 71:9), demands renewed attention by the church as the number of older citizens escalates … [Read more...] about Older Adults in Long-Term Care
Children and Gun Violence
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 28, 1998 Several times in the past decade, we have spoken out about the proliferation of guns and gun violence. In 1994, we noted why this is of concern to people of faith. Gun … [Read more...] about Children and Gun Violence
With All Due Respect
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 28, 1998 In a letter to a friend in the spring of 1776, John Adams said, "We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular governments, God grant us the way. But I fear … [Read more...] about With All Due Respect
Religious Liberty
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 28, 1998 Religious liberty is sometimes called the "first freedom." While this is not the place to debate the relative worth of our many freedoms, the simple fact is that, when you … [Read more...] about Religious Liberty
On Special Provisions in the State Budget
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 28, 1998 Recent years have seen a proliferation of "special provisions" in the state budget. While special provisions are not new, their increased use to bypass parts of the … [Read more...] about On Special Provisions in the State Budget
The Role of Religion in Public Education
Get the Latest on Public Education Now A Policy Statement adopted by The House of Delegates of the North Carolina Council of Churches, May 7, 1998 Introduction Disagreements about the proper role of religion in public schools divide local communities and fuel national … [Read more...] about The Role of Religion in Public Education
Youth Access to Tobacco Products
A Policy Statement of the North Carolina Council of Churches, January 1997 Summary The Current Status Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of premature death and disease- .Approximately 25,000 North Carolina teenagers start smoking each year. Most smokers start at … [Read more...] about Youth Access to Tobacco Products
A Policy Statement on Health Care
A Policy Statement of the North Carolina Council of Churches, January 1997 Summary Four years ago, the Council of Churches issued a policy statement on health care that expressed concern about the large number of North Carolinians without adequate health insurance and about the … [Read more...] about A Policy Statement on Health Care
Welfare Reform
A Policy Statement of the North Carolina Council of Churches, January 1997 Summary The biblical prophet Amos declared "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream." In the Hebrew Scriptures, conm1unity responsibility for the poor was built into … [Read more...] about Welfare Reform
The Church and Public Policy for Children
Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 29, 1996 The condition of children in our society must be a special and urgent concern for churches. From a biblical point of view, children are a blessing from God (Genesis 15:1), and poor children … [Read more...] about The Church and Public Policy for Children
A Statement on Christians, Churches and Politics
Adopted by the House of Delegates, NC Council of Churches, April 18, 1996 Fifteen years ago the N. C. Council of Churches' House of Delegates adopted a statement on the subject of Christians, churches, and politics. This statement is an update of that earlier one, repeating some … [Read more...] about A Statement on Christians, Churches and Politics
Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination against Gay Men and Lesbians
Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, April 30, 1992 Violence cannot be ignored by those who stand in the prophetic tradition of justice and peace and in the gospel tradition of Jesus Christ, who came “to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” … [Read more...] about Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination against Gay Men and Lesbians
Support for Farmers by Buying Locally and Encouraging Sustainable Farming
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, October 16, 1990 WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina supports the State’s farmers and manufacturers through a voluntary program entitles “Goodness Grows in North Carolina,” which labels … [Read more...] about Support for Farmers by Buying Locally and Encouraging Sustainable Farming
The Church and the Rural Crisis in North Carolina
A Policy Statement Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, May 5, 1988 In recent years rural North America, and specifically rural North Carolina, has seen increases in farm foreclosures, family displacements, poverty, and psychological … [Read more...] about The Church and the Rural Crisis in North Carolina
Resolution on the Death Penalty
Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, April 23, 1987 WHEREAS, the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday (April 22, 1987) by a 5 to 4 decision upheld as constitutional the Georgia State Court’s imposition of the death penalty in the McCleskey case, … [Read more...] about Resolution on the Death Penalty