The Perfect Gift for Mother’s DayMay 10, 2018Lindsay Barth, Office Manager The Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day As Mother’s Day approaches, we honor, remember, and celebrate all of the strong women in our… 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
Critical Issues Seminar: Wisdom of WomenMar 13, 2018Lindsay Barth, Office Manager Critical Issues Seminar: Wisdom of Women The NC Council of Churches’ 2018 Critical Issues Seminar will focus on women. The theme for… 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
UPDATE: Trumpcare Just Got Worse — Call Before Today’s VoteMar 24, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director UPDATE: Trumpcare Just Got Worse — Call Before Today’s Vote Thank you for every call, email, and letter to Congressional leaders that led to today’s decision… Continue Reading
Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017Mar 23, 2017Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017 By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School… Continue Reading
Women and WagesMar 8, 2017Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director Women and Wages Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference on fair wages on March… Continue Reading
Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long HaulJan 27, 2017Aleta 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
Seeds of Change in a Momentous YearDec 31, 2016Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White… Continue Reading
Separating Church and Hate Since 1935Nov 9, 2016Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Separating Church and Hate Since 1935 We work toward a church that is all-loving. That’s what we’ve always done and that’s what… Continue Reading
Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls ShortSep 19, 2016Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2… Continue Reading
Bad Law vs. Big GamesSep 17, 2016Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Bad Law vs. Big Games When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to… Continue Reading
Governor in the GlareJul 29, 2016Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Governor in the Glare There was a time, back in the range of 2008, when Pat McCrory looked as though… Continue Reading
Bathroom Drama’s Many PlotsApr 21, 2016Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North… Continue Reading
Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to SpeakApr 9, 2016Aleta 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
Making Discrimination Easier in NCMar 24, 2016Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Making Discrimination Easier in NC Almost 24 years ago, leaders of the North Carolina Council of Churches approved a policy statement… Continue Reading
Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13Feb 6, 2016Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13 Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral… Continue Reading
Men’s Health Week and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable MonthJun 11, 2014Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness Men’s Health Week and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month There’s lots to celebrate this month. Besides my birthday (smile), the month of June is when we observe Men’s Health Week and National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. These two issues, each important enough on their own, also overlap as men are encouraged to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals in order to remain healthy and strong. Our nation’s dietary guidelines are updated every five years, with the most recent set of guidelines released in 2010. In this report, the US Department of Agriculture advises both men and women to…
April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex MathewsMar 14, 2014George 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
HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s AssemblyFeb 8, 2014Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part… Continue Reading
Advent Worship Resources for Vulnerable MothersNov 20, 2013Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Advent Worship Resources for Vulnerable Mothers Date: Advent 4 – Dec. 22, 2013 Topic: Vulnerable Mothers Focus Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Drawing on the Old Testament, James speaks of the prophets who endured suffering and, for their steadfastness, are called “blessed.” This is the same word used in the beatitudes, another text which brings comfort to those who are suffering or longing for justice in light of God’s future reign. James also goes on to invoke Job, a proverbial figure of faithfulness and long-suffering in times of trial. These figures exemplify faithfulness even in the face of oppression.
The Nation is Watching NC and Moral MondaysJul 12, 2013Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an… Continue Reading
UCC Divests from Fossil FuelsJul 6, 2013Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL UCC Divests from Fossil Fuels As a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ (UCC), I feel so proud of… Continue Reading
David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to JailJun 21, 2013David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son… Continue Reading
Lectionary: Gender Equality (Proper 6)May 15, 2013Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Lectionary: Gender Equality (Proper 6) From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship Date: Proper 6 – June 16, 2013 Topic: Gender Equality Focus Text: Luke 7:36-8:3 From the pastoral reflection: “When I applied to divinity school thirty years ago, I was asked by my interviewer, “Why don’t you just be a good church member and serve the church that way?” That is, I was being advised to continue the traditional role of being a supportive woman to the men doing the “real work” of ministry. Ignoring that advice, I enrolled, and when I graduated and sought a call to ministry, the response was, “We don’t think our congregation is ready for a woman minister.”
Ruth’s Journey: What Immigration Reform Means for WomenApr 30, 2013Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Ruth’s Journey: What Immigration Reform Means for Women Last week about 150 women gathered from across the Triangle to hear the stories of “Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA.” This one of a kind interfaith tea and dialogue focused on conversation about the impact of immigration on women and their families.
Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEAApr 19, 2013Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA Join fellow women of faith at “Ruth’s Journey” as we discuss how relationships transcend barriers and the need for immigration reform. When: 3:00pm on April, 26 2013 Where: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 504 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham NC RSVP & for more information: mblickman@faithinpubliclife.org
Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select CountiesApr 5, 2013Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award. To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.
Equal Education, Unequal PayJan 9, 2013Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Equal Education, Unequal Pay For decades, we’ve been working toward equal pay and equal treatment for women in the workplace. Sadly, there is still much progress to be made – illustrated by this powerful graphic below created by Kayla Evans.
Update on Free AED and CPR ProgramDec 13, 2012Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness Update on Free AED and CPR Program In the spring of this year, the NC Council of Churches and our partners, Blue Cross… Continue Reading
Statement on Passage of Amendment OneMay 9, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Statement on Passage of Amendment One In light of yesterday’s vote to add a discriminatory amendment about marriage to our state’s constitution,… Continue Reading
Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment OneMay 7, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One Executive Director George Reed’s full interview with NC Policy Watch from Sunday is now available here. … Continue Reading
Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio ShowMay 4, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show Hear George Reed explain the Council’s opposition to Amendment One on Sunday morning’s News & Views… Continue Reading
Early Voting and Amendment OneApr 20, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Early Voting and Amendment One Early voting is now under way for North Carolina’s May 8 primary. Between now and May… Continue Reading
New County Health Rankings Point to Disparities in HealthApr 10, 2012Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness New County Health Rankings Point to Disparities in Health The 2012 County Health Rankings report, recently released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the… Continue Reading
Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1Mar 13, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1 Durham Herald-Sun Pilgrim United Church of Christ will host a community series this month on “Faith and the Marriage Amendment,” about the proposed North Carolina Amendment 1. If the ballot measure passes May 8, the only valid domestic union recognized by the state will be marriage of a man and a woman. Read more: The Herald-Sun – Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1
Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One OpponentsFeb 28, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents The NC Council of Churches, working in conjunction with the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families,… Continue Reading
Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fightFeb 23, 2012Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight The Washington Post WILMINGTON, N.C. — As the only Southern state without a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, North Carolina is the next battleground, with religious groups on both sides bracing for a high-stakes fight on May 8. Against a recent string of gay-marriage victories in California, Washington state and Maryland, North Carolinians will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment on May 8, the same day as the state Republican primary. Same-sex marriage has been illegal in the Tar Heel State since 1996; Minnesota also has a marriage amendment planned for a vote in November.
Free AEDs and CPR Trainings for CongregationsJan 4, 2012Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness Free AEDs and CPR Trainings for Congregations Have you ever been in church when someone suffered a heart attack? If so, you know… Continue Reading
For All the SaintsJan 7, 2011Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director For All the Saints Mildred Fry passed away on December 23, seven months shy of her 100th birthday. Mildred was… Continue Reading
Mother’s Day for PeaceMay 12, 2008Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate Mother’s Day for Peace In the United States, Mother’s Day was originally suggested by poet and abolitionist activist Julia Ward Howe. In 1870, after witnessing the carnage of the American Civil War and the start of the Franco-Prussian War, she wrote the original Mother’s Day Proclamation calling upon the women of the world to unite for peace. This “Mother’s Day Proclamation” would plant the seed for what would eventually become a national holiday.
Policy Statement on Domestic ViolenceMar 1, 2005North Carolina Council of Churches Policy Statement on Domestic Violence The scriptures instruct us to love one another – to create mutually respectful relationships in which there is shared responsibility, negotiation and fairness, trust and support, honesty and accountability. When violence is present in a relationship, it is a violation against the image of God in which we all have been created. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that one person uses to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner or ex-partner. This behavior includes sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse (a form of which is economic coercion).
The Woman’s Coffeehouse of SpiritOct 9, 2002Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate The Woman’s Coffeehouse of Spirit The Readers Theatre text is essentially the words of women themselves who were interviewed in small group settings by members of the North Carolina Council of Churches Task Group on the Impact of the Women’s Movement on North Carolina Congregations. Questions were formulated under the direction of the UNC Oral History Project, which will also be the repository of the taped interviews and transcripts. The Readers Theatre is the Task Group’s effort to share the fruits of those interviews with a broader audience of interested persons of faith.
