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Christian Unity

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Jun 4, 2020
The Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

As of this morning, Thursday, June 4, the Raleigh News & Observer reported that Covid-19 has… Continue Reading

On Not Going to Church
On Not Going to Church
May 19, 2020
North Carolina Council of Churches

On Not Going to Church

In light of recent protests and rallies from some pastors and politicians in North Carolina calling… Continue Reading

Thanksgiving Notes
Thanksgiving Notes
Nov 22, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Thanksgiving Notes

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with… Continue Reading

Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart
Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart
Aug 21, 2017
Jennie 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

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement
Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement
Jun 1, 2017
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection 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

The Plank in Your Eye
The Plank in Your Eye
May 27, 2017
Aleta 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

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions
2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions
Mar 24, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward… Continue Reading

Do the Goose
Do the Goose
Mar 19, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Do the Goose

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them… Continue Reading

Taking Away Health Care
Taking Away Health Care
Mar 8, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Taking Away Health Care

Despite evidence that the Affordable Care Act is more popular and more needed than ever, some… Continue Reading

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm
Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm
Feb 23, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat.… Continue Reading

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact
Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact
Feb 17, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director I came to North Carolina in 1978 to work with… Continue Reading

Whispers and Shouts
Whispers and Shouts
Feb 11, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Whispers and Shouts

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle… Continue Reading

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned
Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned
Feb 10, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ.… Continue Reading

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values
Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values
Jan 30, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights… Continue Reading

Blessed not Blocked or Banned
Blessed not Blocked or Banned
Jan 30, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he… Continue Reading

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul
Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul
Jan 27, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as… Continue Reading

Let’s Keep Marching
Let’s Keep Marching
Jan 23, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Let’s Keep Marching

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my… Continue Reading

Join us to Pray for Justice and Reconciliation and to Share Dinner Together
Join us to Pray for Justice and Reconciliation and to Share Dinner Together
Jan 3, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us to Pray for Justice and Reconciliation and to Share Dinner Together

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham and the NC Council of Churches invite you to join… Continue Reading

Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016
Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016
Jan 1, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016

We could not begin the new year without acknowledging the volunteers, grassroots advocates, donors, organizational partners, and all… Continue Reading

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center
The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center
Dec 28, 2016
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People… Continue Reading

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift
The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift
Dec 26, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we… Continue Reading

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace
Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace
Dec 18, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant… Continue Reading

We Didn’t Know it Was You
We Didn’t Know it Was You
Dec 17, 2016
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We Didn’t Know it Was You

I recently heard the song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” for the first time in a beautiful… Continue Reading

More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love
More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love
Dec 3, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love

A full-page ad in Sunday’s Raleigh News & Observer will include the signatures of more than… Continue Reading

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World
The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World
Dec 1, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part… Continue Reading

Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love
Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love
Nov 20, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love

On the weekend of December 2-4, the Council has called on NC faith leaders to shape… Continue Reading

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace
Advent Guide Focuses on Peace
Nov 10, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work… Continue Reading

Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor
Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor
Nov 8, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor

On December 2, the Council’s Christian Unity Committee will offer a workshop intended to help Christians… Continue Reading

Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building
Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building
Sep 16, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building

The impacts of climate variability and change affect everyone, but they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations with… Continue Reading

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred
Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred
Sep 8, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred

Early in my tenure as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches, I needed… Continue Reading

Pray for God’s Creation
Pray for God’s Creation
Aug 30, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Pray for God’s Creation

On September 1 people around the world are coming together to pray for God’s creation, and to observe the Season… Continue Reading

Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections
Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections
Aug 28, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections

Immigration is one of the most important issues in the 2016 presidential race, as it has… Continue Reading

Changing the View
Changing the View
Aug 11, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Changing the View

This sermon was preached on August 6, 2016 at the Church Women United Leadership Conference. Then… Continue Reading

Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?
Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?
Jul 16, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?

If you were unable to attend the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs last week, you… Continue Reading

Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders
Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders
Jun 18, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern The tragic mass murder in Orlando this past weekend… Continue Reading

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All
Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All
Jun 12, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the… Continue Reading

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak
Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak
Apr 9, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak

The Council is joining EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to bring noted Christian ethicist David Gushee to… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide — First Sunday
Lenten Guide — First Sunday
Feb 13, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Lenten Guide — First Sunday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power,… Continue Reading

The Only Way to Win
The Only Way to Win
Jan 23, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Only Way to Win

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you… Continue Reading

2016 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2016 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 10, 2016
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2016 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations… Continue Reading

Family Values for All God’s Family
Family Values for All God’s Family
Oct 31, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Family Values for All God’s Family

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Here we go again. The intersection between faith and politics… Continue Reading

Ways to Help in S.C.
Ways to Help in S.C.
Oct 6, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Ways to Help in S.C.

By Hana Suckstorff, Duke Divinity School Intern Our brothers and sisters in South Carolina are dealing… Continue Reading

Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Sep 11, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Last week, the European refugee crisis reached a tragic peak. More than 11 million Syrians have been… Continue Reading

Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program
Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program
Aug 2, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program

Last month, I had the opportunity to be one of 50 young leaders from across the country… Continue Reading

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Jun 29, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election… Continue Reading

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision
Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision
Jun 26, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry… Continue Reading

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global
Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global
Jun 19, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad… Continue Reading

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple
The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple
Jun 12, 2015
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical… Continue Reading

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study
This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study
May 15, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued… Continue Reading

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters
Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters
Mar 3, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015… Continue Reading

In Mourning
In Mourning
Feb 12, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In Mourning

The deaths of Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Deah Shaddy Barakat are an unspeakable… Continue Reading

Join us for HKonJ 2015
Join us for HKonJ 2015
Feb 9, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join us for HKonJ 2015

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith… Continue Reading

Remembering Sydnor Thompson
Remembering Sydnor Thompson
Feb 3, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Remembering Sydnor Thompson

We received word last week of the passing of Sydnor Thompson Jr. less than a month… Continue Reading

2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 8, 2015
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations… Continue Reading

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies
Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies
Aug 10, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone,… Continue Reading

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith
Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith
Apr 15, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in… Continue Reading

Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12
Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12
Mar 20, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12

The call to people of faith through Moral Mondays continues to be felt. On April 12,… Continue Reading

April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews
April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews
Mar 14, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews

The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is sponsoring a “Day of Diocesan Story-Telling and Celebration,” focusing… Continue Reading

Faithful Activism — Part 1
Faithful Activism — Part 1
Feb 27, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Faithful Activism — Part 1

I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or… Continue Reading

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday
Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday
Feb 6, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s… Continue Reading

2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17
2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17
Jan 14, 2014
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17

The Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches is proud to announce this… Continue Reading

2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 6, 2014
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations… Continue Reading

Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church
Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church
Jan 2, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church

Date: Epiphany 3 – Jan. 26, 2014
Topic: The Unity of the Church
Focus Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
The list of issues facing the Corinthian church included ethnic diversity, economic disparity, geographical and cultural difference, allegiances to different spiritual leaders, and theological disagreements as well as sinful behavior like idolatry and sexual immorality. Despite the historical gap between Paul’s day and the present, these remain common challenges to church unity.

Saints of the Council
Saints of the Council
Nov 1, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Saints of the Council

My morning devotional was about All Saints’ Day, a time for remembering those who have come… Continue Reading

Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership
Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership
Sep 30, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership

I come with sad news. Bishop Michael Burbidge and Bishop Peter Jugis, bishops of the two… Continue Reading

Disturbing the Peace
Disturbing the Peace
Aug 27, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Disturbing the Peace

Rev. Cody Sanders, Ph.D. candidate in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School

There is something in these furious, feverish words that beckons beyond a simple description of what life will be like if you choose to follow a peculiar call from Jesus and your closest friends and family don’t. Beyond description, there is something of a call in this passage trying to work its way inside of us. These words beckon us beyond a recounting of our inevitable losses on the journey, to embrace our sacred calling to disturbers the peace.

Passing of Bishop Gossman
Passing of Bishop Gossman
Aug 13, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Passing of Bishop Gossman

Bishop Joseph Gossman, who died yesterday, was a great friend of the North Carolina Council of… Continue Reading

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On
The Lord’s Mission Pushes On
Jun 25, 2013
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her… Continue Reading

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards
New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards
May 3, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors.

Gene Nichol received the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II were recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three were presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar which took place April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

The Ecumenical Journey
The Ecumenical Journey
Apr 24, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The Ecumenical Journey

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
Apr 19, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For… Continue Reading

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians
Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians
Mar 28, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Mar 26, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Sojo.net

Jesus was a peacemaking, blessed child of God, but he also was an “other.” Reviled and persecuted, he was the paperless son of displaced immigrant parents. The prophetic iconoclast. That guy who hung out with those people, the type most modern leaders would not associate with, except for a photo opportunity at a Thanksgiving Day soup kitchen. Let us remember on Sunday when we celebrate his resurrection, that Jesus was crucified because he was an outsider whose way of doing things scared and angered the powers-that-be.

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
Mar 12, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Feb 7, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this… Continue Reading

Lent and Getting Back to Basics
Lent and Getting Back to Basics
Feb 4, 2013
Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

Lent and Getting Back to Basics

The 40 days of Lent are a wonderful time for Christians to explore deeply our relationship… Continue Reading

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates
Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates
Jan 25, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates

You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve… Continue Reading

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18
2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18
Jan 25, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18

Register for the 2013 Conference on the Common Good set for Monday, February 18 at Wake Forest Divinity School.

2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 4, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations… Continue Reading

Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Jan 4, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute has prepared material for the celebration of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which runs from January 18-25, 2013. You will find prayer services, prayers of the faithful and musical suggestions at their website. The theme for 2013 is “What Does God Require of Us?” (cf. Micah 6:6-8). In North Carolina, there will be several observances of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence
Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence
Dec 20, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence

Across denominations and faiths, we have come together to speak out against gun violence and to call… Continue Reading

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice
Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice
Oct 11, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen… Continue Reading

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice
Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice
Sep 7, 2012
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice

Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William Barber. Many Council folks know him. He’s the President of the NC NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Goldsboro. The power of his message was not in fiery delivery. It was a low-key conversation with a group of fifty or so progressive leaders, sitting in a circle in the chapel of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The power was in the profound thoughts he expressed and in the clear rightness of his words.

Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill
Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill
Jun 4, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill

Two time-sensitive issues for advocates: 1) A vote to override the Governor’s veto of the Racial… Continue Reading

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate
Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate
Apr 23, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

Durham Herald-Sun

The ballot referendum that could cement the definition of marriage as “the only domestic legal union” into the state Constitution has turned a political debate into a religious one — and is mustering people of faith across North Carolina to the polls.

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights
Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights
Mar 19, 2012
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Pee Dee Baptist Educational Congress, an auxiliary to the Pee Dee Baptist Educational Association, will conduct the Annual Christian Educational Institute from March 19 to 23, 2012, at the Pee Dee Educational Building in Dobbin Heights.

There will be classes for church officers and each department in the church.

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh
International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh
Feb 24, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

Neville Callam is the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. (For you non-Baptists out there,… Continue Reading

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday
Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday
Feb 6, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

The 2012 Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People’s Assembly is this Saturday, February 11. We’ll… Continue Reading

Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012
Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012
Jan 20, 2012
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

Thanks to Mary McKeithan for being a key instrumental player in uniting churches in Bladen County… Continue Reading

Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29
Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29
Jan 13, 2012
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29

Richmond County has answered the call to Being Healthy,  Being Faithful 2012. Mary Swann and Yvonne… Continue Reading

2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Dec 29, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that… Continue Reading

Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good
Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good
Dec 14, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good

Join us for the 2012 Conference on the Common Good sponsored by the Council’s Christian Unity Committee. The title of this year’s gathering is Catholic Social Teaching: A Vision for the Common Good. It takes place Monday, February 20 at Raleigh’s Highland United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The standard and guide for Roman Catholic approaches to social justice for the last hundred years was set by a Papal Encyclical near the turn of the 20th Century. Centesimus Annus celebrates the 100th anniversary of that document and restates its teachings for our generation. It is a comprehensive summary of social and economic justice perspectives that resonate with Christians of every denomination. Rev. Dr. Brian Johnstone, Professor of Moral Theology at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, will be our guest speaker and leader.

The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home
The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home
Nov 15, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home

The church of which I’m a member, Pullen Memorial Baptist in Raleigh, has had a partnership for many years with First Baptist Church in Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia (formerly part of the Soviet Union). The pastor with whom we’ve had the closest contact, Malkhaz Songulashvili, has now become the Archbishop for Baptists in Georgia. (You did not read that wrong. Baptists in the Republic of Georgia have bishops and an archbishop!) Malkhaz was at Pullen on November 13 to preach and lead in the celebration of Eucharist.

Malkhaz has been courageous in his advocacy and practice of nonviolent action as Georgia has gone through its “Rose Revolution,” which moved Georgia away from authoritarian government and toward democratic reform. The Church of England honored his leadership in September 2005 when he was awarded the Lambeth Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Reflections on Interfaith Dialogue
Reflections on Interfaith Dialogue
Nov 14, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Reflections on Interfaith Dialogue

Interfaith Dialogue is a crucial endeavor in light of the increasing religious diversity in our nation and our own communities. Globalization is a wondrous, yet in some ways perplexing reality, and it brings us into ever more frequent contact with persons of other faiths. While at one time the dialogue between Christians and Jews was common and we often spoke of our Judeo-Christian heritage, that conversation has necessarily expanded to include our increasingly numerous Muslim neighbors and we now speak of the Abrahamic Faiths. We are becoming increasingly aware of Buddhist, Hindu and Native American neighbors as well as persons of other religious traditions. It is imperative that we acknowledge, understand, and appreciate each other for the sake not only of civility, but because all our religious traditions require hospitality of us.

North Carolina Interfaith Dialogue Project
North Carolina Interfaith Dialogue Project
Nov 14, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

North Carolina Interfaith Dialogue Project

When a distinguished group of Muslim Imams published their historic “A Common Word Between Us and You” it was met with resounding expressions of appreciation by religious and secular leaders alike. It was an effort to initiate a broad dialogue across the United States between Muslims and Christians. It focused on two central themes which these two historic faiths hold in common: Love of God, and Love of Neighbor, and it sites the many texts of the Hebrew Scriptures which are venerated by both religious traditions. It seemed inappropriate to engage in such a dialogue without including our Jewish colleagues from whose faith tradition these texts originated. Hence, a three way dialogue was seen as the best approach.

National Food Day Was Cooked Just Right!
National Food Day Was Cooked Just Right!
Nov 3, 2011
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

National Food Day Was Cooked Just Right!

People nationwide celebrated National Food Day on October 24th.  The mission of National Food Day is… Continue Reading

Two Kinds of Religion
Two Kinds of Religion
Sep 27, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Two Kinds of Religion

In my non-work life, I have the pleasure of serving on the advisory board for the… Continue Reading

Another Christian Unity Conversation Begun in North Carolina
Another Christian Unity Conversation Begun in North Carolina
Sep 19, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Another Christian Unity Conversation Begun in North Carolina

Bilateral and multilateral dialogues between denominations have to take place at a higher level than the… Continue Reading

Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11
Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11
Sep 10, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11

Pictured left, St. Paul’s Chapel became a refuge for rescue workers after September 11.

The tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is next month, and it happens to fall on a Sunday. The NC Council of Churches has already posted some resources for worship planners, and there are a couple more links at the end of this blog. We also want to make you aware of community services which are being planned.

Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions
Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions
Aug 14, 2011
Lee Foster, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions

While it is true that central to Christian theology is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it would be erroneous to reduce the whole of Christian theology to a set of beliefs. If one surveys the gospels, then a person will find Jesus both expounding upon theology and liberating people. For those who were sick, he cured them of their sickness. For those who were blind, he gave them sight. For those who were saddened, he comforted them. Jesus gave concrete solutions to the problems that people faced in the 1st century and did not merely offer them a set of beliefs.

Proper 16, Year A
Proper 16, Year A
Jul 15, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 16, Year A

Much of the book of Romans is given over to some pretty heavy theological work. What is the meaning of God’s righteousness? Where does Israel fit into this? What about justification by faith? What happens to the Mosaic law? What role does grace play? Heavy questions facing the newly developing church in the First Century.

George Reed’s Remarks from Mowbray Presentation
George Reed’s Remarks from Mowbray Presentation
Jul 8, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

George Reed’s Remarks from Mowbray Presentation

On June 24, NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed received the Luke Mowbray Award… Continue Reading

Luke Mowbray Award Presented to George Reed
Luke Mowbray Award Presented to George Reed
Jun 30, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Luke Mowbray Award Presented to George Reed

NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed has received the 2011 Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award presented by the American Baptist Churches USA. The honor is given to an individual for his or her outstanding contribution to the cause of advancing ecumenism either through sustained performance or special achievement.

Wild Goose Festival a Great Success
Wild Goose Festival a Great Success
Jun 27, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Wild Goose Festival a Great Success

The Wild Goose has flown, at least for the 2011 season.

The overwhelming consensus among attendees of the inaugural Wild Goose Festival is that it was quite a successful experiment.  People traveled from as far away as Scotland and New Zealand to be part of the event, and presenters ranging from Vincent Harding to Jim Wallis, musicians from Michelle Shocked to Beth Nielsen Chapman—each contributed their own sparks to the thousands of spontaneous and rich conversations that arose between the roughly 1500 people who gathered in Silk Hope, North Carolina this weekend.

Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’
Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’
Jun 20, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’

USA Today

DURHAM, N.C. — It’s summer. It’s hot. It’s the South.

That must mean it’s time for an old-fashioned camp meeting.

Starting Thursday, the bygone staple of the tent revival will be reincarnated on a bucolic North Carolina farm as The Wild Goose Festival. Nearly 10 years in the making, the festival is an attempt to reimagine Christianity for the 21st century under a bigger, wider more inclusive tent.

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection
Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection
Jun 10, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection

Our religious leaders and people of faith have come together in a prophetic Circle of Protection, reminding us… Continue Reading

Pentecost, Year A
Pentecost, Year A
May 12, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Pentecost, Year A

It seems to be a prayer that we who love Jesus may be at one with him and with the Father and that, somehow, the world’s believing in him depends on our witness to him in unity. That is to say, if his followers are splintered into many varying and conflicting entities, the witness that could draw people to him is greatly diminished. This is not an accident – this is crucial to Jesus!

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar
Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar
Apr 21, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar

Watch highlights from our 2011 Legislative Seminar, including: Distinguished Service Award, Faith Active in Public Life Awards and Closing Session.

A Response to the Storms
A Response to the Storms
Apr 18, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A Response to the Storms

In the wake of devastating storms that have affected North Carolina and this region, let us… Continue Reading

Moravian and Episcopal Churches Enter into Full Communion — with an NCCC Tie
Moravian and Episcopal Churches Enter into Full Communion — with an NCCC Tie
Apr 11, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Moravian and Episcopal Churches Enter into Full Communion — with an NCCC Tie

Much of the structural work of Christian unity goes on in national dialogues between or among… Continue Reading

Jack Crum Conference Focuses on School Diversity
Jack Crum Conference Focuses on School Diversity
Mar 24, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Jack Crum Conference Focuses on School Diversity

Please join us for the 3rd Annual Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry: Saturday, April 9,… Continue Reading

Report on the Common Good Conference
Report on the Common Good Conference
Mar 7, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Report on the Common Good Conference

How should we understand the often painful dissonance between our convictions as Christians and the wild… Continue Reading

An Overview of Our Work (3 min video)
An Overview of Our Work (3 min video)
Jan 31, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

An Overview of Our Work (3 min video)

The celebration of the Council’s 75th anniversary in 2010 was a timely reminder of the rich history behind this organization and an affirmation of the bright future ahead of it. Program associate Chris Liu-Beers has collected some of both in this slideshow that explains beautifully how the NC Council of Churches got its start as well as where it’s going.

Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration
Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration
Jan 24, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration

You are invited to attend “Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation on February 21 in Greensboro, NC.

Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”
Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”
Jan 14, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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 Declaration, a theological protest against German National Socialism. Then there will be conversation on Christian witness, in the public arena, without accommodating to the prevailing culture.

Letters to the Editor Regarding Our Mission
Letters to the Editor Regarding Our Mission
Jan 14, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Letters to the Editor Regarding Our Mission

Letters to the Editor, Raleigh News & Observer

I have the pleasure of serving on the board of the N.C. Council of Churches. I agreed to serve on the board because the council reflects many of my life’s values. The council’s website states: “The Council enables denominations, congregations and people of faith to individually and collectively impact our state on issues such as economic justice and development, human well-being, equality, compassion and peace, following the example and mission of Jesus Christ.”

UFCM Joins Council
UFCM Joins Council
Jan 10, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

UFCM Joins Council

The North Carolina Council of Churches welcomes the Fourth Jurisdiction of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement… Continue Reading

George Reed Wins National Ecumenism Award
George Reed Wins National Ecumenism Award
Jan 7, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

George Reed Wins National Ecumenism Award

NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed has been chosen to receive the 2011 Luke… Continue Reading

Council President Stan Kimer on WUNC
Council President Stan Kimer on WUNC
Jan 7, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council President Stan Kimer on WUNC

Stan Kimer, newly elected Council president, was interviewed on WUNC’s The State of Things on January 6. In his conversation with host Frank Stasio, Stan spoke about the Council and its work, including priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Listen to the interview by clicking here.

2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 3, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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 pryers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state.

Thank You for Standing With Us
Thank You for Standing With Us
Dec 14, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank You for Standing With Us

Thank you. More than 900 of you stood with us, adding your names to the call… Continue Reading

Moving Forward with the NCCC
Moving Forward with the NCCC
Dec 2, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Moving Forward with the NCCC

As December begins, we make the transition from a time of thanksgiving to a season of… Continue Reading

Mennonites Join the Council
Mennonites Join the Council
Nov 4, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Mennonites Join the Council

The Eastern Carolina District of the Virginia Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church USA is the newest member of the North Carolina Council of Churches. The addition of the group brings to 17 the number of denominations who have chosen to work with the Council on issues of social justice and Christian unity.

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary
Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary
Oct 29, 2010
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary

I was struck, as I listened to remembrances from the past, that we really are seeing progress on issues of social justice. But it happens over a period of years or even decades. The issues we heard about at the Anniversary are difficult ones. They have produced years of frustration and sometimes what looked like complete failure. And yet . . .

Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville
Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville
Oct 28, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville

I’ll be speaking and singing at several events in the next few weeks, and thought I would let you know the details.

Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence
Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence
Oct 18, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence

Dr. Terrence Rynne is the founder of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. His new book “Gandhi and Jesus, the Saving Power of Nonviolence” examines the intersections between the life of Jesus and the teachings of Gandhi. He has three presentations coming up in North Carolina, in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh.

NC Council of Churches supports Muslims’ right to build NYC project
NC Council of Churches supports Muslims’ right to build NYC project
Sep 23, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC Council of Churches supports Muslims’ right to build NYC project

The American Independent

The NC Council of Churches on Thursday strongly endorsed the right of Muslims to build a community center near the site of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City. “We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters in affirming their right to build on a site two-and-a-half blocks from Ground Zero,” the council said in statement unanimously adopted by its governing board at its meeting this week in Greensboro. The statement comes as controversy flares around a TV ad being aired by North Carolina Republican congressional candidate Renee Ellmers.

Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy
Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy
Sep 21, 2010
North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy

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, we value a teaching common to the Abrahamic faiths, which in the Christian tradition is expressed as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  As Christians in a nation largely founded by religious refugees, we value the freedom of religion guaranteed by our Constitution and proudly proclaimed worldwide as a foundational principle of United States government and society. For freedom of religion to have substance and integrity, it must extend to people of all faiths. 

When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough
When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough
Sep 18, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough

Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn, Temple Emanuel (Winston-Salem)

What is it about the rear side of a car that they are a primary location to display our affiliations: sports, political groups, rock bands, restaurants, ideologies, personal interests, vacation spots, synagogues (a very popular one here in Winston-Salem)… You see these signs everywhere.

Building and Burning Down
Building and Burning Down
Sep 12, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Building and Burning Down

There have been no shortage of condemnations of the pastor in Florida who threatened to burn Korans. Those condemnations are effectively demolition work. Sometimes dangerous structures need to be torn down, and I’m not necessarily criticizing that. Demolition is most useful, though, when it makes space to build something new and constructive. I heartily celebrate the building of relationships and the expressions of respect and support that have come in response to this.

Journey of Faith
Journey of Faith
Sep 2, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Journey of Faith

In seeking to capture the essence of the past 25 years, this history brings the Council’s story up to the present as we celebrate 75 years of ecumenical service in the cause of justice and peace. Nothing has changed in the basic purposes of the Council. However, the manner in which these ministries have taken place shows a keen awareness of the changing times and the need to be current in the most effective ways to address the issues of the day in our witness to the people of this state.

International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21
International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21
Aug 30, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21

The NCCC encourages member congregations to celebrate and promote the International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21. A bulletin insert for your use is linked here, as well as further resources.

Partners in Health & Wholeness Launches Breakfast Series
Partners in Health & Wholeness Launches Breakfast Series
Aug 9, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Partners in Health & Wholeness Launches Breakfast Series

What: Clergy Breakfast on Health
When: Thursday, Aug. 26, 8:30-10am
Where: St. James AME Zion Church, Goldsboro (206 S. George St.)
Why: Discuss opportunities for clergy to improve their health as well as the health of their congregants through PHW and other faith-based health initiatives.

Social Justice and Mainline Protestants
Social Justice and Mainline Protestants
Aug 3, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Social Justice and Mainline Protestants

Last month I received an email from Deborah Arca Mooney, a writer and editor with Patheos.com,… Continue Reading

75 years later, unity keeps council going
75 years later, unity keeps council going
May 27, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

75 years later, unity keeps council going

Raleigh News & Observer

By the time H. Shelton Smith was hired to teach at Duke University in 1931, the movement to unite Christians of different denominations was under way in New York and other places.

But four years later when Smith founded the N.C. Council of Churches, the idea that Christians of various stripes could work together, especially in overcoming racial segregation, was still largely unheard of in the South.

Today, the N.C. Council of Churches is marking 75 years of activism on a broad range of issues, including racial equality, women’s empowerment, children’s health care, prison reform, farmworker rights and environmental conservation.

NC Council Of Churches Marks 75th Anniversary
NC Council Of Churches Marks 75th Anniversary
May 17, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

NC Council Of Churches Marks 75th Anniversary

Associated Press

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates Tuesday with an evening of events at the Duke University Divinity School. The council has been a voice for social justice in North Carolina since it was formed in 1935.

Honoring a crucial voice for ‘the least of these’
Honoring a crucial voice for ‘the least of these’
May 8, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Honoring a crucial voice for ‘the least of these’

Greensboro News & Record

For 75 years the N.C. Council of Churches has offered a faith voice for progressive social justice and Christian unity in North Carolina. Founded by a group of white church leaders who were opposed to segregation and wanted to speak with a unified voice on issues, the council has continued its work for racial justice, but has expanded to include other areas at the forefront of social advocacy.

2010 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2010 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 1, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

2010 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 beyond the state.

Centenary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Centenary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Jan 18, 2008
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Centenary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

David J. McBriar, O.F.M.

It’s a joy for me as Ecumenical Officer of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh to join my welcome to that of our bishop, Michael Burbidge. I have gotten to know many of you these past ten years and I can only say how grateful I am for your faith and for your unflinching commitment to the cause of Christian unity. My own faith has been nourished and enriched because of prayer with you, dialogue with you, and witness with you. The cause of Christian unity has indeed been advanced in Raleigh and in our state through your prayer and your dedicated work.

A Reflection on the Churches’ Doctrine of Humanity
A Reflection on the Churches’ Doctrine of Humanity
Jul 11, 2004
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

A Reflection on the Churches’ Doctrine of Humanity

It is no secret that there are great contentions, often over moral matters, in the churches of North Carolina today. Therefore, it might make some sense to bracket the moral issues of the day, for a season, and turn attention elsewhere. With the brackets securely in place, this project, “A Reflection on the Churches’ Doctrine of Humanity,” revisits the doctrine that systematic theologians call “anthropology” or “Christian anthropology.”

We Come Together by Working Together
We Come Together by Working Together
May 15, 1985
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

We Come Together by Working Together

The history of the North Carolina Council of Churches is the story of persons, religious leaders struggling to respond in faith to the signs of their times. Sometimes the signs could be clearly read; at other times they had to be discerned through a glass darkly. The records show that the leaders would prefer to be measured in terms of the fullheartedness of their responses rather than the accuracy of their discernment, in terms of their deeds rather than their words. This document outlines the first fifty years of the Council’s work in North Carolina.


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