School Districts: Keeping It TogetherApr 13, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate School Districts: Keeping It Together Public education in North Carolina has its share of challenges, not the least of which has… Continue Reading
Council Posts Billboard about Gun ViolenceApr 5, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Council Posts Billboard about Gun Violence On your drive along I-85/40 outside of Mebane, look for our billboard on the side of… Continue Reading
Children and a Healthy Start to Life: Understanding Stress and Trauma’s ImpactApr 3, 2018Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Children and a Healthy Start to Life: Understanding Stress and Trauma’s Impact As I work with various communities, a returning issue I hear about is the first 2000… Continue Reading
Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For AllApr 2, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All It was perhaps the N.C. Supreme Court’s finest hour. In 1997, the high court held unanimously… Continue Reading
Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter SundayApr 1, 2018Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” When the sabbath was over,… Continue Reading
Lenten Reflection Guide: Good FridayMar 30, 2018Yolanda Santiago-Correa, Duke Divinity School Intern Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” My God, my God, why… Continue Reading
Soul of AppalachiaMar 29, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Soul of Appalachia Remarks originally delivered March 23 at The State of the Soul of Appalachia conference in Pipestem… Continue Reading
Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy ThursdayMar 29, 2018Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice.” Reflection written by Sabrina Rosario,… Continue Reading
Spotlight: Brown’s Chapel UMCMar 27, 2018Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate Spotlight: Brown’s Chapel UMC Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is… Continue Reading
Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm SundayMar 25, 2018Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Be gracious to me, O Lord,… Continue Reading
Council hires new Program Coordinator for Immigration AdvocacyMar 23, 2018Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Council hires new Program Coordinator for Immigration Advocacy The North Carolina Council of Churches must replace our veteran Immigration Program Director, Jennie Belle, who… Continue Reading
Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of WomenMar 22, 2018Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women 2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of… Continue Reading
On the Hot Seat, Where She BelongsMar 19, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate On the Hot Seat, Where She Belongs Ordinary Americans – those of us not allowed to know the secrets of high-level espionage work… Continue Reading
Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in LentMar 18, 2018Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Now among those who went… Continue Reading
Critical Issues Seminar: Wisdom of WomenMar 13, 2018Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate Critical Issues Seminar: Wisdom of Women The NC Council of Churches’ 2018 Critical Issues Seminar will focus on women. The theme for… Continue Reading
NC Religious Leaders’ Letter Opposing Offshore Oil Drilling Delivered to DCMar 12, 2018Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director NC Religious Leaders’ Letter Opposing Offshore Oil Drilling Delivered to DC In response to President Donald Trump and Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke’s proposal to auction off… Continue Reading
Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in LentMar 11, 2018Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You were dead through the… Continue Reading
PHW Expands and Welcomes New StaffMar 8, 2018Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness PHW Expands and Welcomes New Staff The staff of the NC Council of Churches is delighted to welcome Josie Walker and Karen… Continue Reading
Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by CongregationsMar 8, 2018Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by Congregations Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by Congregations Approved March 6, 2018 by the Governing Board… Continue Reading
Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in LentMar 4, 2018Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God spoke all… Continue Reading
Spotlight: St. John AMEFeb 28, 2018Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate Spotlight: St. John AME Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is… Continue Reading
Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in LentFeb 25, 2018Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You who fear the Lord,… Continue Reading
It’s Only 40 DaysFeb 19, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director It’s Only 40 Days Sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland yesterday, Sunday, February 18 at Millford Hills United Methodist Church in… Continue Reading
What More Can Be Said?Feb 19, 2018Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach What More Can Be Said? Powerful voices have long narrated the story of guns in America. The media. The NRA. Outraged,… Continue Reading
Lenten Guide: First Sunday in LentFeb 18, 2018Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God said to… Continue Reading
Class Sizes and More: An Awkward FinaleFeb 15, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would… Continue Reading
Lenten Guide: Ash WednesdayFeb 14, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” We entreat you on… Continue Reading
Apply Today for a PHW Mini-GrantFeb 13, 2018Katie Withers, NC State MSW Intern Apply Today for a PHW Mini-Grant There are less than two weeks remaining to apply for a Partners in Health and Wholeness… Continue Reading
The Commission Came to TownFeb 13, 2018Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach The Commission Came to Town Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.… Continue Reading
Be ReconciledFeb 9, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Be Reconciled Black History month is North Carolina Council of Churches’ history starting in 1935 because our history… Continue Reading
Job Opening: Program Coordinator for Sanctuary Sites and Immigration AdvocacyFeb 8, 2018Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Job Opening: Program Coordinator for Sanctuary Sites and Immigration Advocacy Update: This position has now been filled. The Council is hiring a part-time program coordinator for… Continue Reading
Job Opening: Opioid Response Program CoordinatorFeb 6, 2018North Carolina Council of Churches Job Opening: Opioid Response Program Coordinator The Council’s Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative is hiring a full-time program coordinator to enhance… Continue Reading
With Rights at Stake, Judges Stand TallFeb 5, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate With Rights at Stake, Judges Stand Tall The pattern has become familiar – and a welcome pattern it is, even if brought about… Continue Reading
The Severity of the FluJan 29, 2018Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy The Severity of the Flu This flu season is notably harsh and even deadly in some circumstances. According to North Carolina… Continue Reading
Looking for Help?Jan 23, 2018Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach Looking for Help? The Federal Government of the United States of America shut down at midnight on Friday. It… Continue Reading
Thumbs-up to Fairer DistrictsJan 22, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Thumbs-up to Fairer Districts Progress in rooting out North Carolina’s gerrymandered voting districts hasn’t always occurred in a straight line.… Continue Reading
Medicare for AllJan 18, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Medicare for All Remarks originally delivered at the Medicare for All Rally held in Durham on Saturday, January 13.… Continue Reading
Jesus, Martin, and GillesJan 17, 2018Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach Jesus, Martin, and Gilles A reflection on Jesus of Nazareth (out of which nothing good comes)¹, the life and death… Continue Reading
Spotlight: Bethel Christian AssemblyJan 15, 2018Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate Spotlight: Bethel Christian Assembly Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is… Continue Reading
Words Make a WorldJan 13, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Words Make a World The words we hear form what we think. The words we say form what we do.… Continue Reading
U.S. Court: Those Districts Won’t FlyJan 12, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate U.S. Court: Those Districts Won’t Fly Grand constitutional questions in this country aren’t settled until the Supreme Court has its say, either… Continue Reading
Defending Temporary Protected StatusJan 10, 2018Yolanda Santiago-Correa, Duke Divinity School Intern Defending Temporary Protected Status On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security announced the decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: Baptism of the LordJan 8, 2018Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: EpiphanyJan 6, 2018Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Advent Guide: Epiphany Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
New Tax Law Will Harm EnvironmentJan 5, 2018Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness New Tax Law Will Harm Environment The final version of the tax bill, passed in late December, will now open the pristine… Continue Reading
Council Offers Updated Sanctuary E-courseJan 5, 2018Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Council Offers Updated Sanctuary E-course A growing movement of immigrant and faith communities have committed to doing what Congress and the… Continue Reading
N.C. Judges on TrialJan 4, 2018Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate N.C. Judges on Trial Well, here we go again. If the Republican-led General Assembly in 2017 focused on trying to… Continue Reading
That ResolutionJan 1, 2018Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director That Resolution We all do it and well we should–start the new year resolving to do better. Maybe… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas DayDec 30, 2017Nicole Johnson, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Denominational Support Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
On the Fourth Day of ChristmasDec 28, 2017Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach On the Fourth Day of Christmas It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as… Continue Reading
Christ’s MassDec 25, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Christ’s Mass In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and DayDec 24, 2017Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24Dec 23, 2017Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24 Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
Welcome Mary ElizabethDec 21, 2017Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach Welcome Mary Elizabeth My name is Mary Elizabeth Hanchey and I joined the staff of the NC Council of… Continue Reading
Congress: Hands Off New Rule Protecting Families from Payday LendersDec 19, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director 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… Continue Reading
Supporting our Mental Health in the HolidaysDec 18, 2017Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Supporting our Mental Health in the Holidays The holiday season is a high-pressured time. The season’s greetings can bring unrealistic expectations, societal pressure,… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17Dec 16, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17 Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
Policy Statement on the Public SchoolsDec 15, 2017North Carolina Council of Churches Policy Statement on the Public Schools Statement on the Public Schools Approved December 5, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North… Continue Reading
Vigil to End Gun ViolenceDec 14, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Vigil to End Gun Violence This is my favorite time of the year. I’m a sap about all of it. I… Continue Reading
Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun ViolenceDec 14, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, and Beth Messersmith, North Carolina… Continue Reading
An Important Reminder – Less than 5 Days Remain to Get Insurance through the Affordable Care ActDec 11, 2017Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness An Important Reminder – Less than 5 Days Remain to Get Insurance through the Affordable Care Act If you do not have insurance through an employer or other group plan, the Affordable Care… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10Dec 9, 2017Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10 Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
NCIPL Testifies at EPA Hearing on Clean Power PlanDec 8, 2017Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness NCIPL Testifies at EPA Hearing on Clean Power Plan Last week North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light spoke at the EPA public hearing in Charleston,… Continue Reading
Torture Inquiry Hits Close to HomeDec 5, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Torture Inquiry Hits Close to Home The solid citizens of Johnston County, N.C. – in a fateful quirk of geography – for… Continue Reading
Hope for the Holidays: 2017 Advent Calendar to Defend Immigrants and RefugeesDec 4, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Hope for the Holidays: 2017 Advent Calendar to Defend Immigrants and Refugees Last year, we created an Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees. This year, as the… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3Dec 2, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3 Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading
Jesus, Money, and TaxesDec 1, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Jesus, Money, and Taxes Remarks offered at a press conference on tax reform at the North Carolina State Capitol on… Continue Reading
Road Work Ahead: Jesus and TaxesDec 1, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Road Work Ahead: Jesus and Taxes Jesus had a lot to say about money, possessions, care for those who are impoverished, and… Continue Reading
Winding Down National Diabetes Month with Partners in Health and WholenessNov 30, 2017Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator Winding Down National Diabetes Month with Partners in Health and Wholeness It isn’t too late to practice prevention. In North Carolina alone, an estimated 750,000 people have… Continue Reading
Support the Council on Giving TuesdayNov 27, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Support the Council on Giving Tuesday Dear Friends, Last year when we sent out our fall appeal requesting financial support for the… Continue Reading
Advent Guide: A Season of HopeNov 25, 2017Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Advent Guide: A Season of Hope The theme for our Advent Guide this year is hope. After considering various themes, we chose… Continue Reading
Protect Dreamers This ThanksgivingNov 22, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving For many of us living in the United States, Thanksgiving is a time when we get together… Continue Reading
Thanksgiving NotesNov 22, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Thanksgiving Notes Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with… Continue Reading
Navigating the Health Insurance MarketplaceNov 18, 2017Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate Navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace Open enrollment to sign up for or renew health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA)… Continue Reading
Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, CandidatesNov 17, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates With Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the White House desperate to post a big legislative… Continue Reading
Faith and Health Summit RecapNov 13, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Faith and Health Summit Recap Written by Council intern Katie Withers. Katie is a Master of Social Work student at North… Continue Reading
United for Puerto RicoNov 9, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations United for Puerto Rico Written by Council intern Yolanda Santiago-Correa. Yolanda is a Duke Divinity School student and was born… Continue Reading
Creating PeaceNov 6, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Creating Peace If we are not angry today, we have no faith. If we are not frustrated today,… Continue Reading
Democracy Under the Reign of GodNov 1, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Democracy Under the Reign of God As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v.… Continue Reading
Honoring Farmworkers Who Died in the FieldsOct 30, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Honoring Farmworkers Who Died in the Fields Yesterday farmworkers and farmworker allies from across the state came together to celebrate Día de los… Continue Reading
PHW Faith and Health Summit: Thank YouOct 30, 2017Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator PHW Faith and Health Summit: Thank You It has been a little over a week since our third PHW Faith and Health Summit,… Continue Reading
Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins November 1stOct 27, 2017Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins November 1st The period to enroll or renew health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or… Continue Reading
GOP’s Goal: A Tilted BenchOct 23, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central… Continue Reading
Don’t let Trump Repeal and Replace our Clean Power PlanOct 10, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Don’t let Trump Repeal and Replace our Clean Power Plan After failing to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, the Trump administration now has its… Continue Reading
Faith and Health Summit Spotlight: Mental Health WorkshopsOct 9, 2017Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Faith and Health Summit Spotlight: Mental Health Workshops Partners in Health and Wholeness invites you to join us in Greensboro on Friday, October 20,… Continue Reading
Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health SummitOct 5, 2017Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health… Continue Reading
Welcome YolandaOct 3, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Welcome Yolanda Yolanda will be with the Council during the 2017-2018 academic year as an intern through Duke… Continue Reading
Lament for Las VegasOct 2, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Lament for Las Vegas There are no words… and so my words come from the Psalms where laments make up… Continue Reading
Defenders of Rights; Defenders of PrivilegeSep 30, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege At many levels, Americans are confronting issues of race relations and racial justice with an intensity… Continue Reading
Time to Take a KneeSep 29, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Time to Take a Knee It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the… Continue Reading
Welcome LindsaySep 28, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Welcome Lindsay The Council is excited to introduce you to our newest staff member, Lindsay Barth. Lindsay joined… Continue Reading
Suicide Awareness Prevention: Shalom Instead of SilenceSep 27, 2017Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Suicide Awareness Prevention: Shalom Instead of Silence September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our work at Partners in Health and Wholeness, and with… Continue Reading
Increased Energy Rates, Decreased Funds for MissionsSep 26, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Increased Energy Rates, Decreased Funds for Missions Remarks offered at the Duke Energy Progress Rate Increase hearing on Monday, September 25. Right now… Continue Reading
What should the Peoples Climate Movement do next?Sep 25, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director What should the Peoples Climate Movement do next? It has been three years since 400,000+ people came together in the streets of New York… Continue Reading
The Affordable Care Act TodaySep 22, 2017Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness The Affordable Care Act Today The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to be one of the most divisive laws passed in… Continue Reading
Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassessSep 21, 2017North Carolina Council of Churches Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess Issue Statement on Confederate Monuments Approved September 13, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North… Continue Reading
Praying in Opposition to Fracked Gas PipelinesSep 18, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Praying in Opposition to Fracked Gas Pipelines The Atlantic Coast Pipeline met more opposition last week. This time in the form of a… Continue Reading
Hurricanes and Interfaith Power & LightSep 14, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Hurricanes and Interfaith Power & Light Over the past week we have experienced a thousand-year flood in Houston and the most powerful… Continue Reading
Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in TortureSep 13, 2017North Carolina Council of Churches 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… Continue Reading
Welcome KatieSep 12, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Welcome Katie The Council is excited to have Katie Withers, a Master of Social Work student at North… Continue Reading
Statement Opposing Fracked Gas PipelinesSep 12, 2017North Carolina Council of Churches Statement Opposing Fracked Gas Pipelines As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God… Continue Reading
Regaining our Faith in DemocracySep 11, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Regaining our Faith in Democracy In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans… Continue Reading
Emotional and Mental Health Storm PreparationSep 8, 2017Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy Emotional and Mental Health Storm Preparation Life is unpredictable. This truth is paramount with an oncoming hurricane or tropical storm. Many North… Continue Reading
Blessed Are the DreamersSep 7, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Blessed Are the Dreamers This week, the Trump administration announced it will end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an… Continue Reading
The Infection in Our DemocracyAug 25, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director The Infection in Our Democracy On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now… Continue Reading
Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography ContestAug 23, 2017Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography Contest They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we want to hear what you… Continue Reading
Praying for a Total Eclipse of the HeartAug 21, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me… Continue Reading
In the Face of ViolenceAug 18, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director In the Face of Violence Today, Friday, August 18, 2017, South Main in Durham, NC, is closed to traffic. Civil employees… Continue Reading
Opposing the RAISE ActAug 18, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Opposing the RAISE Act Two weeks ago, the President endorsed a new bill in the Senate designed to cut legal… Continue Reading
Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and WhenAug 17, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of… Continue Reading
Response to the Violence in CharlottesvilleAug 15, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Response to the Violence in Charlottesville Before I came to call the great state of North Carolina home, I was a proud… Continue Reading
Marching Orders for New MapsAug 10, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Marching Orders for New Maps The three federal judges could have just come right out and said it: The Republicans who… Continue Reading
Job Opening: Office ManagerAug 7, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Job Opening: Office Manager Update: This position has now been filled. The Council is hiring an office manager to work… Continue Reading
Supporting Young Immigrants’ DreamsAug 5, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable… Continue Reading
One Last Time…..Aug 4, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director One Last Time….. Even when the opportunity before you is grand, it is hard to leave a place you… Continue Reading
Rights Advocacy At RiskAug 3, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Rights Advocacy At Risk The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be… Continue Reading
Police Brutality is not a Joking MatterAug 3, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech… Continue Reading
Thankful and Ever Vigilant When it Comes to Health CareJul 28, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Thankful and Ever Vigilant When it Comes to Health Care We find ourselves in a better place than we might have been when it comes to… Continue Reading
Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, AgainJul 27, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is… Continue Reading
Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us AllJul 27, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the… Continue Reading
What the Senate’s Motion to Proceed Vote Means for Health CareJul 25, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director What the Senate’s Motion to Proceed Vote Means for Health Care The U.S. Senate’s vote this afternoon moves the debate forward to potentially repeal and replace the… Continue Reading
July 25 Update — Senate Health Care Vote Appears Likely TodayJul 25, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director July 25 Update — Senate Health Care Vote Appears Likely Today It appears that the U.S. Senate will vote today on some sort of health care action.… Continue Reading
Gov. Cooper Speaks Up for Protecting NC’s CoastJul 24, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Gov. Cooper Speaks Up for Protecting NC’s Coast Governor Roy Cooper has announced his strong opposition to offshore drilling and seismic blasting along North… Continue Reading
Honor Workers with a Labor Day SabbathJul 24, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath The Council is partnering with Raise the Wage NC to encourage faith communities to hold a… Continue Reading
Wood Pellet Plant Would Be Environmental InjusticeJul 22, 2017Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness Wood Pellet Plant Would Be Environmental Injustice More than 10,000 individuals and 50 organizations have signed a petition asking Governor Cooper to revoke… Continue Reading
Senate May Still Vote on Health Care; Please Keep CallingJul 21, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Senate May Still Vote on Health Care; Please Keep Calling No one seems completely clear on whether the Senate will vote next week on health care… Continue Reading
Wages of WarJul 20, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Wages of War Wartime profits are a thing — from the people who make the machines we use to… Continue Reading
Council Executive Director Honored with Asbury AwardJul 20, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Council Executive Director Honored with Asbury Award Jennifer Copeland, the Council’s Executive Director, has been honored with the 2017 Francis Asbury Award by… Continue Reading
Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!Jul 17, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Great to Meet You at Wild Goose! We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council… Continue Reading
Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating EffectsJul 14, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects Yesterday, the Senate unveiled a revised version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act. According to a… Continue Reading
America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to ForgivenessJul 9, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director 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… Continue Reading
Healing MiraclesJul 7, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Healing Miracles Just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years.… Continue Reading
More Wind Energy, Not LessJul 3, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director More Wind Energy, Not Less It is becoming a national trend for politicians to “divide and conquer” by attacking the wind industry… Continue Reading
Rising Up with Richmond CountyJul 1, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Rising Up with Richmond County “Biomass” may sound like a clean idea, but it actually means cutting down and turning trees… Continue Reading
Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget FlawsJun 30, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax… Continue Reading
With Prescription Medication, Verify Before You BuyJun 29, 2017Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness With Prescription Medication, Verify Before You Buy Would you be Surprised to know 97 percent of online pharmacies are illegitimate? The North Carolina… Continue Reading
Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential HarmJun 27, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential Harm Late yesterday afternoon the Congressional Budget Office released their score of the Senate’s proposed health care… Continue Reading
The President’s New Policies are Bad for Cuba and the ChurchJun 27, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director The President’s New Policies are Bad for Cuba and the Church I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit Cuba on two occasions: the first in… Continue Reading
NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40Jun 26, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40 For at least the next month, drivers along I-40 West between Statesville and Hickory will see… Continue Reading
Video: What’s the Council Staff Up to this Summer?Jun 25, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Video: What’s the Council Staff Up to this Summer? It has been a busy year and is shaping up to be an even busier summer.… Continue Reading
Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More SoJun 22, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So Members of the United States Senate have released their proposed health care plan, all 142 pages… Continue Reading
New Budget with Old Agenda Falls ShortJun 22, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican… Continue Reading
Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep CallingJun 21, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all… Continue Reading
Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee DayJun 19, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20. The day marks a… Continue Reading
Thursday, June 15 — NC Health Care Call-in DayJun 14, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Thursday, June 15 — NC Health Care Call-in Day The Council’s commitment to health care as a basic justice issue dates back decades. Significant progress… Continue Reading
Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for PeaceJun 14, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether… Continue Reading
Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, NowJun 14, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were,… Continue Reading
GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not HelpfulJun 12, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the… Continue Reading
UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts FairlyJun 8, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s… Continue Reading
Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7Jun 7, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7 Representatives in the General Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are… Continue Reading
Sanctuary as a Sacred ActJun 2, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director Sanctuary as a Sacred Act Photo courtesy of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Under President Trump’s recent executive orders, many… Continue Reading
Rolling WatersJun 2, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations Rolling Waters A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I headed north for my sister’s graduation. Being… Continue Reading
Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate MovementJun 1, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the… Continue Reading
Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2Jun 1, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2 Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that… Continue Reading
Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on GunsMay 30, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would… Continue Reading
We Are Love WarriorsMay 28, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director We Are Love Warriors The exhilaration of Easter is fading into memory, and we are left with more routine matters. Unfortunately,… Continue Reading
The Plank in Your EyeMay 27, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director The Plank in Your Eye As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians are not always particularly peaceful people, which is… Continue Reading
Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting MapMay 25, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against… Continue Reading
Heal the SickMay 24, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Heal the Sick For more than two decades, the NC Council of Churches has called for access to health… Continue Reading
2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our CallMay 23, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director 2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House.… Continue Reading
For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GAMay 23, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA Last week was a mixed bag for children and youth in terms of activity at the… Continue Reading
Justice on GerrymanderingMay 22, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Justice on Gerrymandering Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirms what many in North Carolina knew – the… Continue Reading
Join the Council at Wild Goose!May 22, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Join the Council at Wild Goose! The Council is a sponsor of the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs this July. Members… Continue Reading
What Gives Me HopeMay 22, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director What Gives Me Hope Remarks delivered at the NC Justice Center’s 2017 Defenders of Justice Awards where the Council was… Continue Reading
Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling CoreMay 19, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide… Continue Reading
2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18May 15, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director 2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18 About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director… Continue Reading
Special Interest Altar CallsMay 11, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Special Interest Altar Calls By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it… Continue Reading
Apply for PHW Collaborative by May 31 to be Eligible for June Mini-GrantMay 11, 2017Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator Apply for PHW Collaborative by May 31 to be Eligible for June Mini-Grant The next Partners in Health and Wholeness Mini-grant Cycle will begin June 5. Interested congregations must… Continue Reading
Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017May 11, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017 By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals,… Continue Reading
The People’s Climate March — Called to RespondMay 8, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director The People’s Climate March — Called to Respond Multi-faith pilgrims on a moral high road unified to honor God’s creation at the Peoples Climate… Continue Reading
Shepherds of CreationMay 8, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Shepherds of Creation Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in… Continue Reading
Have You Downloaded the NC Council of Churches App?May 5, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Have You Downloaded the NC Council of Churches App? If you haven’t, here’s a bit of encouragement from Council staff.
House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than ThisMay 4, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives reflects a political… Continue Reading
Urgent Action Alert: Please Call Congress about Health CareMay 4, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Urgent Action Alert: Please Call Congress about Health Care Our allies at the NC Justice Center have put out the following action alert about efforts… Continue Reading
Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s DayMay 1, 2017Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day We often struggle to address mental health in our communities of faith. This Mother’s Day, as… Continue Reading
When the Good Samaritan is Your NeighborApr 30, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations When the Good Samaritan is Your Neighbor If you’re part of the Christian tradition then you have probably heard the story of the… Continue Reading
Workers’ Memorial: Remembering Those Who Have DiedApr 28, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director 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,… Continue Reading
Retiring Judge Stands TallApr 27, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Retiring Judge Stands Tall As Shakespeare’s King Lear famously put it, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to… Continue Reading
Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017Apr 27, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017 By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have… Continue Reading
Guns on Campus Are a Bad IdeaApr 25, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea Two of the most volatile elements on a college campus are alcohol and hormones. These ingredients… Continue Reading
Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in CongressApr 24, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of… Continue Reading
Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile JusticeApr 24, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice A change in New York law earlier this month leaves North Carolina alone in a place… Continue Reading
Science Must Matter to People of FaithApr 22, 2017Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director Science Must Matter to People of Faith Crowds are gathered on this Earth Day in Washington, D.C. and in cities across the country… Continue Reading
Tax-Cut Fever Threatens ServicesApr 22, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in… Continue Reading
There’s an App for ThatApr 21, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations There’s an App for That The Council is excited to announce the release of our free app for iOS and Android… Continue Reading
Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017Apr 21, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017 By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the… Continue Reading
Do We Treat Workers as We Would Treat Jesus?Apr 21, 2017Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate Do We Treat Workers as We Would Treat Jesus? In this Easter season of the Christian church, we have just celebrated Resurrection Sunday and the… Continue Reading
Congress is on Recess but You Can Still Take ActionApr 19, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Congress is on Recess but You Can Still Take Action Congressional leaders are still in their home states for their spring recess, but your voices are… Continue Reading
SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25Apr 18, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25 Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly discussed SB 145, an… Continue Reading
From Sour to SweetApr 17, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations From Sour to Sweet Confession: I didn’t give anything up for Lent this year and I don’t feel bad about… Continue Reading
Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017Apr 17, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017 By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers &… Continue Reading
2017 Lenten Guide — Easter SundayApr 15, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director 2017 Lenten Guide — Easter Sunday For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a… Continue Reading
Easter Greetings from the CouncilApr 15, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Easter Greetings from the Council Sanctuary of West Raleigh Presbyterian Church as photographed by Martie Leming Maundy Thursday, 2017 Goodness is… Continue Reading
New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better HealthApr 14, 2017Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health North Carolina’s failure under Republican leadership to improve low-income residents’ access to health care via the… Continue Reading
No More of ThisApr 14, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director No More of This In the final hours of the first day of the Triduum, these intense three days when… Continue Reading
2017 Lenten Guide — Holy SaturdayApr 14, 2017Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations 2017 Lenten Guide — Holy Saturday For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a… Continue Reading
2017 Lenten Guide — Good FridayApr 13, 2017Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director 2017 Lenten Guide — Good Friday For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a… Continue Reading
A Day in the Life of….Apr 13, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director A Day in the Life of…. Preached on April 12 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill Holy Week, this… Continue Reading
2017 Lenten Guide — Maundy ThursdayApr 12, 2017Nicole Johnson, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Denominational Support 2017 Lenten Guide — Maundy Thursday For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a… Continue Reading
Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017Apr 10, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017 By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the… Continue Reading
