Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 80: 1-7; 17-19 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth … [Read more...] about Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 22
Closing Doors and Closing Borders
Hundreds of thousands of migrants are seeking refuge and asylum in the United States. Many factors contribute to migration and cause people to knock on our country’s door. Political corruption, climate change, gang violence, poverty, and criminal activity are just a few of the … [Read more...] about Closing Doors and Closing Borders
Sanctuary Leaders Threatened by Impossible Fines
The same week as our nation’s Independence Day holiday, several undocumented immigrants were fined for remaining in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified over a dozen people living in sanctuary that they owe … [Read more...] about Sanctuary Leaders Threatened by Impossible Fines
Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday
Excerpted from the Council’s 2019 Lenten Reflection Guide for Lectionary Year C. Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to … [Read more...] about Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday
National Farmworker Awareness Week
Today is the kickoff for National Farmworker Awareness Week (NFAW) - a week of action (March 25-31) for members of our community to raise awareness about farmworker issues. Student Actions with Farmworkers (SAF), along with other partner organizations and students, have prepared … [Read more...] about National Farmworker Awareness Week
Immigrant Families Fear Proposed Public Charge Rule
Earlier this year, a draft of the “public charge” rule was leaked. The final version from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was published in the Federal Register (October 10) and they are allowing a 60-day period for public comment. During this time we have the chance to … [Read more...] about Immigrant Families Fear Proposed Public Charge Rule
Familias Unidas, No Divididas
Just this week, the president signed an executive order ending the separation of families, but this order does not change the fact that thousands of children were stripped away from their parents and placed in detention centers without knowing what was happening to them. Children … [Read more...] about Familias Unidas, No Divididas
Council Launches NC Sanctuary Coalition
The North Carolina Council of Churches and its allies across North Carolina invite others to join the NC Sanctuary Coalition. We first announced plans for the coalition at a press conference in March 2018. That day Rosa Ortez Cruz entered into sanctuary with the support of … [Read more...] about Council Launches NC Sanctuary Coalition
Defend Against the Implementation of 287g
Earlier this week, Mijente, a new political home for Latinx and Chicanx organizing, launched their “Abolish I.C.E.” tour in Seattle, Washington. The purpose of the tour is to rally support across the nation to defend against unjust deportations, support immigrant communities who … [Read more...] about Defend Against the Implementation of 287g
Stranglehold Tightens Again for Immigrant Families
The draft of a new rule from the Department of Homeland Security was recently leaked to the press. On top of all the new restrictions and regulations related to immigration over the past sixteen months, this rule will examine the “public charge” potential of would be permanent … [Read more...] about Stranglehold Tightens Again for Immigrant Families
Support the Sanctuary Movement
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). As people of faith, we are called to change the way our minds work. Renewing ourselves … [Read more...] about Support the Sanctuary Movement