This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies … [Read more...] about 2016 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Updated ACA and Medicaid Expansion Resources Available
The open enrollment period for the Healthcare Marketplace will open on November 1, and the Council's Affordable Care Act resource page has been updated to provide helpful information. It is important to look at what the 2016 health care plans have to offer and to be certain that … [Read more...] about Updated ACA and Medicaid Expansion Resources Available
What Can We Say? An Invitation to Write to George
George Reed’s retirement luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 2. This is a short five weeks from now. Of course everyone will miss him in his role as Executive Director, but this gathering is a way to celebrate his work and to wish him well in the next part of his journey. There … [Read more...] about What Can We Say? An Invitation to Write to George
2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies … [Read more...] about 2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness
It’s not every day that the organization that you work with finds itself in the Acknowledgements of a newly published book. But that is the case in "WorldChanging 101" by David LaMotte, a co-worker at the North Carolina Council of Churches. David continues to work with the … [Read more...] about Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness
Worship Resources on Sustainable Living
Worship Resources on Ending Hunger
Fourth Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Housing Insecurity
In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and brothers of low-income. We hope you and your family will find cause for reflection and inspiration for action as … [Read more...] about Fourth Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Housing Insecurity
2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17
The Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches is proud to announce this year’s Conference on the Common Good on the topic “The Church's Witness to the Common Good in a Pluralist Society.” Mark Monday, February 17 on your calendar. The conference will … [Read more...] about 2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17
2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies … [Read more...] about 2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Saints of the Council
My morning devotional was about All Saints' Day, a time for remembering those who have come before us. There is no doubt that Christians have a great inheritance from those who have worked tirelessly on important social justice issues, have given themselves to enriching the … [Read more...] about Saints of the Council
Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We're offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Lent is the season of the Christian Year that includes the … [Read more...] about Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Raleigh Report – February 6, 2013
Power Grab Yesterday morning the Senate Rules Committee unveiled a committee substitute for SB 10 which would effectively kick off all of the members of several influential commissions, including the Environmental Management Commission, the Coastal Resources … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 6, 2013
Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013
Health and Healthcare Workers Issues Education Gun Violence Other Bills Suggested Action General Assembly Off to a Discouraging Start After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013
2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18
The Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches is proud to announce this year’s Conference on the Common Good on the topic “Church-State Relations.” Our keynote presenter for the discussion is Dr. Bill J. Leonard, Professor of Church History and the James … [Read more...] about 2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18
2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies … [Read more...] about 2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement
A Statement from the North Carolina Council of Churches As we approach one of the two most holy days in Christianity, our hearts are heavy. The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, is unspeakable, unimaginable. Twenty first-graders – how our hearts have been broken to hear their … [Read more...] about After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement
Raleigh Report June 12 Update
George Reed, Editor Robert L. Mason, Intern Associate Fracking Clean Energy and Economic Security Act Domestic Energy Policy Underground Injection Ban Fracking Contracts/Against Public Policy Sale of Children Senate's Budget Fracking Hydraulic fracturing, … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report June 12 Update
Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
State Budget Boards and Commissions Death Penalty Election Laws and Voting Rights Green Jobs Gambling Guns in Church Health Non-Public Schools Honoring One of the Council's Heroines New Resource: Legislative Toolkit Short Session Convenes, Could Be Truly … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric
In light of this week’s news of a North Carolina pastor calling for people who are gay or lesbian to be rounded up and fenced in – concentration-camp-like – along with other toxic anti-gay statements attributed to some pastors during the recent Amendment One campaign, the NC … [Read more...] about Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric
2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and … [Read more...] about 2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season from the NC Council of Churches
Do not get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 … [Read more...] about Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season from the NC Council of Churches
Raleigh Report – September 19, 2011
Legislature Meets for Third 2011 Session, Approves Discriminatory Constitutional Amendment, Schedules Fourth Session The General Assembly met for three days last week in its second mini-session following adjournment of the regular long session. A third mini-session is … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – September 19, 2011
Discriminatory Amendment Goes on the Ballot
The North Carolina General Assembly met earlier this week for its third session this year. This was to be the “Constitutional Amendments Session,” but when adjournment was reached Wednesday, only one amendment had been approved. It was the one excluding people who are gay or … [Read more...] about Discriminatory Amendment Goes on the Ballot
Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011
Veto Overrides Other Bills Which Have Become Law Redistricting Adjournment Resolution Adjournment, Round Two The General Assembly returned to Raleigh in July for what was, in reality, Round Two of its 2011 Long Session. The primary tasks were to take up overrides on … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011
People of Faith Must Speak Up
Friends, We can't speak up for poor people without speaking up to the powerful, writes Rev. Joel Edwards, director of Micah Challenge International. PEOPLE OF FAITH MUST SPEAK UP! Bread for the World reports that "thousands of Christians, people of other faiths, heads of … [Read more...] about People of Faith Must Speak Up
Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011
The Closing Week Suggested Action Pseudo-Adjournment The 2011 session of the General Assembly adjourned around midday on Saturday, June 18. Legislative leaders and the media are trumpeting the efficiency of the session and the fact that this is the earliest adjournment … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011
Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011
State Budget Suggested Action Unemployed Workers Racial Justice Act Health Benefit Exchange Interest Rates for Low-Income People Age of Jurisdiction for Juvenile Justice Discrimination in the State Constitution Election Issues Contacting State Leaders The … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011
Campaign and Election Laws Care of Creation Children and Families Criminal Justice Education Gambling Gun Violence Health and HealthCare Human Rights Immigration Poverty Tax Issues Work and Wages Miscellaneous Senate Deadline Passes; Most Bills Now … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011
Joyful Blessings in this Easter Season!
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Our Creator, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. Mortals, join the … [Read more...] about Joyful Blessings in this Easter Season!
Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011
Campaign and Election Law Care of Creation Children and Families Crinminal Justice Gambling Gun Violence Health and HealthCare Housing Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Juvenile Justice Miscellaneous Contacting State Legislators and … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011
What to Do? And Then the New Wrinkle Contact Information for General Assembly and for the Governor Budget Begins to Move in House; GA Leaders Use Unemployment Benefits to Challenge Governor’s Veto Power Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011
Campaign Finance and Elections Law Children and Youth Criminal Justice Creation Care Health and Healthcare Human Rights Immigration Labor Miscellaneous Bills Update on Bills Introduced Earlier So Many Bad Bills; So Little Time The drumbeat of bad bills … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011
Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011
Budget Care of Creation Criminal Justice Election and Campaign Laws Gambling Guns Health and Health Care Immigration Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Services Public Education Taxes Miscellaneous New Bills BUDGET S 239/H 305, Food … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011
Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Governor Vetoes Attack on Health Care Reform Education Elections and Campaign Finance Environment and Energy Families and Children Farms and Farmworkers Gambling Guns and Other Weapons Health and Health Care Immigration State Budget Miscellaneous … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Report on the Common Good Conference
How should we understand the often painful dissonance between our convictions as Christians and the wild range of values we see in our culture in America today? That question was probed by 35 church leaders from a wide variety of Christian traditions in a Conference on the … [Read more...] about Report on the Common Good Conference
Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011
Health Benefit Exchange Bills Election Laws Environment Guns Taxes Miscellaneous new bills Updates on already introduced bills Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced “What the heck is a health benefit exchange?” you may already be asking. HBEs are a little known but … [Read more...] about Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011
General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed
Photo ID to Vote Attack on national health care reform The state's budget and maintaining adequate revenues Contacting your State Legislators To Contact the Governor The 2011 General Assembly convened Wednesday for its long session. The politics of this session will be … [Read more...] about General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed
Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration
The Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches invites you to attend "Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation," a one-day conversation on public witness in the public square. The event will focus on The Barmen Declaration, a theological protest … [Read more...] about Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration
Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”
On February 21, 2011, a conference on “Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation” will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Greensboro. The conference will begin with Dr. Robert T. Osborn, former professor at Duke University, speaking on The Barmen … [Read more...] about Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”
2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and … [Read more...] about 2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Wishing Everyone a Blessed Christmas
Star-Child Star-Child, earth-Child, go-between of God, love Child, Christ Child, heaven's lightning rod, Street child, beat child, no place left to go, hurt child, used child, no one wants to know, Grown child, old child, memory full of years, sad child, lost … [Read more...] about Wishing Everyone a Blessed Christmas
Standing With Us Against Hate
We have been overwhelmed at the response to our brief statement regarding the protest planned for tomorrow's service for Elizabeth Edwards. Already, as of midday on Friday, we've heard from more than 450 people who are standing with us against hate. Most are from North … [Read more...] about Standing With Us Against Hate
Happy Thanksgiving
The staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches wishes you grace, mercy and love in this blessed season of Thanksgiving. Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving
2010 Critical Issues Seminar Program Announced
The Critical Issues Seminar "Loving God's Creation: Fully Integrating Creation Care with the Church's Mission and Ministry" is set for Thursday, October 14, 2010, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. To register for this event, please call the … [Read more...] about 2010 Critical Issues Seminar Program Announced
Eat, Pray, Love: A New Green Gospel
In an op-ed, published in USA Today, Mallory McDuff offers an enticing look at the popular book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love, through the eyes of a Christian environmentalist. McDuff is the author of Natural Saints: How People of Faith are Working to Save God’s Earth and she … [Read more...] about Eat, Pray, Love: A New Green Gospel
2010 Session Wrap-Up
Good Government Health Criminal Justice People With Disabilities Domestice Violence Gambling Children and Youth Environment Yesterday was the deadline for Governor Perdue to sign or veto bills passed by the General Assembly in the last weeks of the session. Interestingly, … [Read more...] about 2010 Session Wrap-Up
Farewell to Jill Rios
The Council bids farewell to Jill Rios as Director of Interfaith Power & Light. Jill, who has served in that role for two years based out of Asheville, resigned to devote more time to her family, health and other, more locally-based projects. We are sad to see Jill go. She … [Read more...] about Farewell to Jill Rios
