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 the North Carolina Council of Churches has a long history of support for racial justice, we are recommitting to supporting a public school system that is built on racial equity and excellence for all students.
The Council also has a long history of support for public education. In 1986, we reaffirmed “our support for the system of public education in North Carolina… Being a system of our government financed by public funds, responsive to the community as a whole, and open to all without distinctions as to race, creed, national origin or economic status. Public education serves as a major cohesive force in our pluralistic society; and we believe that by training for citizenship, education serves as a primary means of strengthening our constitutional democracy. We believe that freedom of thought and learning in our public schools is the necessary precondition to political and religious freedom.
Council Resources
NC Council of Churches Legislative Bulletin
The Council is committed to advocating for the creation of equitable school systems in North Carolina. As people of faith, we must keep our elected officials accountable to put children first. Download our legislative bulletin for more scripture, key facts, talking points, and action items.
Celebrating a Public Education
We invite every religious and faith community in North Carolina to join us in celebrating a Public Education Sabbath on their day of worship before the school year begins or at another appropriate time during the school year.
Denominational Members’ Resources
- Alliance of Baptists, Statement on Public Education
- African Methodist Episcopal Church, The Church’s Role in Education
- Episcopal Church, All Our Children
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Our Calling in Education
- Presbyterian Church, Loving Our Neighbors: Equity and Quality in Public Education (K-12)
- Religious Society of Friends, Friends and Education
- United Church of Christ, Justice in Public Education
- United Methodist Church, United Methodist Advocates for Public Schools (UMAPS)
Education Resources
The Council takes positions on issues through policy statements that inform, guide, and frame our work. Policy statements are adopted by our governing body, often upon the recommendation of one or more of the Council’s program committees which are made up of representatives of our member bodies.
- Policy Statement on the Public Schools (12/15/2017)
- A Statement on the Public Schools (9/5/2006)
- The Role of Religion in Public Education (5/7/1998)
Below is a list of our partners statewide with a link to their website for more information:
- Church Women United in NC– Click here to sign their petition asking the North Carolina legislature to increase funding for public schools.
- EdNC
- EveryChild NC
- League of Women Voters of NC
- NC Child
- North Carolina Association of Educators
- NC Justice Center Education and Law Project
- Pastors for NC Children
- Public Schools First NC
- United Methodist Advocates for Public Schools (UMAPS)
Learn more about Leandro v. State of North Carolina
Visit EveryChild NC’s website to learn more about Leandro – North Carolina’s legislative roadmap for meeting the educational needs of every child.
Join Mission Amplify of Pastors for North Carolina Children!
Join Mission Amplify to voice your support for the 1.5 million public school students in N.C. and the staff who care about them. This letter-writing campaign takes the message of love for N.C. children straight to our lawmakers in order to serve the best interest of students and teachers across our state.
Become a Community Ally with the North Carolina Association of Educators
Community Allies are the friends, parents, and community members who believe that every student in North Carolina, regardless of family income or place of residence, deserves a quality education.
Contact Person
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland
Executive Director
North Carolina Council of Churches
jennifer@ncchurches.org
(919) 828-6501 Ext. 101
