Black Lives Matter.
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

  • Voices
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Members
    • Covenant Partners
    • Issue Statements
    • Governing Board
  • Programs
    • Ecumenical Immigration Alliance
      • Ideas for Action
      • Sign Our Statement
      • The NC Sanctuary Coalition
      • Immigration Bible Study
      • Contact
    • NC Interfaith Power & Light
      • NCIPL Overview
      • Faith in Action NCIPL
      • NCIPL Articles
      • NCIPL Resources
      • Upcoming Events for NCIPL
      • Contact NCIPL
    • Partners in Health & Wholeness
      • PHW Staff
      • Mini-Grants
      • PHW Collaborative Pledge
      • The Overdose Crisis: The Faith Community Responds
      • PHW Articles
      • FAQs
  • Priorities
    • Racial Justice
    • The Overdose Crisis: The Faith Community Responds
    • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Public Education
    • NC Sanctuary Coalition
    • Farmworkers
    • Legislative Advocacy
    • Christian Unity
    • Peace
    • NC No Torture
  • COVID-19 Resources
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Publications & Reports
    • Raleigh Report
    • Lectionary
    • Sermons
  • Donate
  • Council Store
  • Show Search

Search NC Council of Churches

Hide Search

Gun Violence

Gun Violence Prevention: The Work Goes On
Gun Violence Prevention: The Work Goes On
Nov 18, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Gun Violence Prevention: The Work Goes On

The North Carolina Council of Churches has long cared about gun violence prevention — you would… Continue Reading

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock
Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock
Aug 12, 2019
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock

It can’t have escaped many folks’ notice – even those, bless their hearts, for whom the… Continue Reading

Staying Sane: Gun Laws that Work
Staying Sane: Gun Laws that Work
Jun 17, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Staying Sane: Gun Laws that Work

The Mother Emanuel, Charleston, SC, shooting was four years ago today, June 17. The N.C. General… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019
Apr 29, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019

Introduced Bills CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 834 – Ban the Box would prohibit the state from asking… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019
Apr 22, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICEHB 781 – Limitations on Use of Solitary Confinementactually contains several items related… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019
Apr 11, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 587 – Repeal Death Penalty would abolish the death penalty, and… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019
Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019
Mar 11, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the… Continue Reading

Vetting the Vote: Gun Sanity
Vetting the Vote: Gun Sanity
Nov 1, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Vetting the Vote: Gun Sanity

As if we need to be reminded of the preponderance of guns and gun-related violence on… Continue Reading

The Border as War
The Border as War
Jun 8, 2018
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Border as War

Sermon delivered by Council Governing Board member Isaac S. Villegas on May 28, 2018. Coming and… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018
Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018
May 30, 2018
North Carolina Council of Churches

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short… Continue Reading

Violence and Guns
Violence and Guns
May 23, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Violence and Guns

Remarks delivered at the Community Conversation on Gun Violence on May 15, 2018 at Wake Forest… Continue Reading

The Second Commandment
The Second Commandment
Apr 16, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Second Commandment

When the news broke about the North Carolina Council of Churches billboard suggesting a connection between… Continue Reading

Council Posts Billboard about Gun Violence
Council Posts Billboard about Gun Violence
Apr 5, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer 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

It’s Only 40 Days
It’s Only 40 Days
Feb 19, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer 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?
What More Can Be Said?
Feb 19, 2018
Mary 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

Vigil to End Gun Violence
Vigil to End Gun Violence
Dec 14, 2017
Andrew 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 Violence
Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence
Dec 14, 2017
Andrew 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

Creating Peace
Creating Peace
Nov 6, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Creating Peace

If we are not angry today, we have no faith. If we are not frustrated today,… Continue Reading

Lament for Las Vegas
Lament for Las Vegas
Oct 2, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer 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

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace
Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace
Jun 14, 2017
Aleta 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

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7
Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7
Jun 7, 2017
Aleta 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

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2
Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2
Jun 1, 2017
Aleta 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 Guns
Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns
May 30, 2017
Aleta 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

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
May 15, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer 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

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017
Apr 27, 2017
Aleta 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 Idea
Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea
Apr 25, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer 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

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017
Apr 21, 2017
Aleta 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

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017
Apr 17, 2017
Aleta 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

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017
Apr 10, 2017
Aleta 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

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship
Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship
Mar 27, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship

Our friends at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have issued the alert below. Please note that… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017
Mar 26, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION H 356, Tax Reduction… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017
Mar 23, 2017
Aleta 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

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017
Mar 7, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 147, Reenact School… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017
Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017
Mar 1, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills ENVIRONMENTAL CARE H 171, Change Exclusion for… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — February 20, 2017
Raleigh Report — February 20, 2017
Feb 20, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — February 20, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 75, Constitutional Amendment… 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

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees
The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees
Jan 28, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees

The Council has had a busy weekend. Much of the staff was helping with the Beyond… 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

Moving Beyond Gun Violence
Moving Beyond Gun Violence
Jan 21, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Moving Beyond Gun Violence

Two weeks ago I flew to Florida for a national gathering of state ecumenical leaders and… Continue Reading

A Letter to President Trump
A Letter to President Trump
Jan 20, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

A Letter to President Trump

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were… Continue Reading

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees
Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees
Jan 10, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s… Continue Reading

Beyond Gun Violence: A Conference for People of Faith and Conscience About Ending America’s Deadly Epidemic
Beyond Gun Violence: A Conference for People of Faith and Conscience About Ending America’s Deadly Epidemic
Dec 27, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Beyond Gun Violence: A Conference for People of Faith and Conscience About Ending America’s Deadly Epidemic

Join us one month from today for a weekend of preaching and teaching about the cost… 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

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935
Separating Church and Hate Since 1935
Nov 9, 2016
Aleta 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

Speak Peace
Speak Peace
Sep 25, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Speak Peace

Remarks delivered on September 21 by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference marking the… Continue Reading

Sore Afraid
Sore Afraid
Sep 23, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sore Afraid

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the… Continue Reading

Gun Violence and Public Health
Gun Violence and Public Health
Jul 15, 2016
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Gun Violence and Public Health

New York City’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, recently published a blog on the Huffington Post… Continue Reading

Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest
Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest
Jul 11, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern This week our nation has again experienced the inevitable… Continue Reading

How Do We Respond?
How Do We Respond?
Jun 13, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

How Do We Respond?

After Sunday morning, no one can dispute we are under attack. The real attack, however, is… 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

Standing Together Against Gun Violence
Standing Together Against Gun Violence
Jun 9, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Standing Together Against Gun Violence

Remarks from a June 2 press conference recognizing Wear Orange Against Gun Violence Day. Last fall,… Continue Reading

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath
Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath
Jun 1, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

NC advocates in orange at the General Assembly last year. Photo provided by Beth Messersmith, NC Campaign… Continue Reading

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19
Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19
May 16, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19

According to the news reports, it all started over a place on a pew. One parishioner… Continue Reading

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13
Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13
Feb 6, 2016
Aleta 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

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding
2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding
Dec 31, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all… Continue Reading

Candlelight Vigil Marks Losses to Gun Violence
Candlelight Vigil Marks Losses to Gun Violence
Dec 11, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Candlelight Vigil Marks Losses to Gun Violence

Dozens of people gathered at Durham’s Judea Reform Congregation  on the evening of December 10 to mark… Continue Reading

Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10
Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10
Dec 7, 2015
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10

December 10, 7 p.m. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of… Continue Reading

Interfaith Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, December 10-14
Interfaith Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, December 10-14
Nov 23, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Interfaith Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, December 10-14

Faiths United Against Gun Violence and Washington National Cathedral are working together to have congregations and… Continue Reading

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!
‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!
Oct 3, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run… Continue Reading

The Path Beyond Gun Violence
The Path Beyond Gun Violence
Oct 2, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Path Beyond Gun Violence

For those of us who believe in a merciful God, days like this are particularly hard.… Continue Reading

Standin’ in the Need of Prayer
Standin’ in the Need of Prayer
Jun 25, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Standin’ in the Need of Prayer

Raleigh’s Martin Street Baptist Church (historically African-American) and Pullen Memorial Baptist Church (historically white) have a… Continue Reading

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston
Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston
Jun 23, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing… Continue Reading

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston
Statement on the Shootings in Charleston
Jun 18, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

With people across the world, the North Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of… Continue Reading

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles
Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles
Jun 6, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

North Carolina’s General Assembly has muddled through many undistinguished moments since conservative Republicans took charge four… Continue Reading

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing
At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing
Apr 30, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained… Continue Reading

Healthy North Carolina 2020: Are We Gaining or Losing Ground?
Healthy North Carolina 2020: Are We Gaining or Losing Ground?
Apr 3, 2014
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Healthy North Carolina 2020: Are We Gaining or Losing Ground?

Healthy North Carolina 2020 is a health improvement plan for our state. It addresses a wide… Continue Reading

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly
HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly
Feb 8, 2014
Aleta 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

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

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8
HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8
Jan 12, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

It’s now just four weeks until this year’s HKonJ People’s Assembly. There is nothing more important for… Continue Reading

Tragic Combination: Guns and Mental Illness
Tragic Combination: Guns and Mental Illness
Sep 26, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tragic Combination: Guns and Mental Illness

Let’s hope this isn’t the case, but recent history suggests that President Obama is not done… Continue Reading

Worship Resources on Gun Violence
Worship Resources on Gun Violence
Sep 26, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Worship Resources on Gun Violence

Date: Proper 26 – Nov. 3, 2013
Topic: Gun Violence
Focus Text: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
What poverty of spirit causes Americans to so glorify their guns – in movies, on television, in video games, on the streets of our neighborhoods and in the halls of Congress? Where are the prophets who will condemn the religion of the second amendment which preaches a sacred right to own any and all kinds of firearms? Why are people of faith and conscience not protecting the sacred trust of children’s lives as vehemently as Congress protects the gun lobby? It is time for pastors, priests, rabbis, and imams to speak out against the blasphemy of gun violence.

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures
Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures
Jul 23, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

We will never know if George Zimmerman would ever have gotten out of his car if… Continue Reading

Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013
Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013
May 6, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013

House Bills Senate Bills Notable Quotes Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced In the wake of failed attempts… Continue Reading

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate
NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate
Apr 23, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has… Continue Reading

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
Apr 22, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013

With the passage of deadlines for the introduction of most bills, there’s been a flurry of new legislation. This issue of Raleigh Report will cover some of these new bills, with others to come in the next issue.

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

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9
Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9
Apr 8, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

The National Council of Churches, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and others are sponsoring an… Continue Reading

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation
U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation
Apr 2, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In
Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In
Mar 19, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

Gun bills that extend the availability and use of guns flood the General Assembly.

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20
Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20
Mar 15, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness
Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness
Mar 15, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

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

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

Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
Feb 25, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013

Attacks on Struggling North Carolinians Advance Medicaid Coverage Unemployment Insurance Earned Income Tax Credit Fracking Moratorium… Continue Reading

The NRA Takes Aim at Latinos
The NRA Takes Aim at Latinos
Feb 20, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The NRA Takes Aim at Latinos

In a recent column for the Daily Caller, Wayne LaPierre – the official spokesman for the… Continue Reading

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar
Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar
Feb 18, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013
Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013
Feb 4, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013

After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills introduced and advanced during these first two days give a taste of things to come. Note especially the bills affecting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, weakening the benefits of unemployment insurance, and extending the presence of guns.

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)
Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)
Feb 1, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4
Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4
Jan 28, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

Gun violence has long been an issue of concern for the North Carolina Council of Churches.… Continue Reading

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

After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement
After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement
Dec 20, 2012
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement

We join in the shared grief of our nation and especially offer words of comfort to all of those who have had loved ones torn from them.

Lectionary on Gun Violence
Lectionary on Gun Violence
Dec 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lectionary on Gun Violence

The horror of what has occurred in Connecticut is unimaginable, and the days ahead will be… Continue Reading

Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Wisconsin
Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Wisconsin
Aug 6, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Wisconsin

The North Carolina Council of Churches joins with our sisters and brothers in Wisconsin to mourn… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
Jun 1, 2012
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012

The General Assembly leadership is committed to having this short session truly be short, and there’s talk of adjourning by early July. In fact, an adjournment resolution was introduced yesterday with a target date of June 19. This session, which starts in May of even-numbered years, is primarily to tweak the second year of the budget adopted the year before. In addition, certain bills which were introduced last year (mostly ones which passed in one house) can be considered. For a new bill to be introduced this year, it must fit into one of a few specific categories, with most new bills having to do with budgetary matters or coming from a study commission which met during the interim. Finally, pending veto overrides are also thought by the House and Senate leadership to be eligible for consideration.


Also in this Raleigh Report: Guns in Church, Gambling, Death Penalty, Boards and Commissions and more.

Raleigh Report — May 18 Update
Raleigh Report — May 18 Update
May 21, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — May 18 Update

The General Assembly convened this past Wednesday for its regular “short session.” As always, the primary… Continue Reading

Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting
Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting
Jan 14, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting

Raleigh News & Observer

A gathering on a hillside outside a church in West Raleigh late Sunday marked the one-year anniversary since a shooting in Tucson, Ariz., left a federal judge and five other people dead and 13 injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Organizers used the occasion to highlight a shifting focus in what has been a decades-long effort to promote legislation aimed at limiting people’s access to guns.

Instead, there is a growing focus on using churches and other faith-based efforts to promote a change in how the American culture views guns, they said. It’s also an acknowledgement that work in legislatures across the country have been met with resistance to many anti-gun measures.

Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8
Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8
Jan 3, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8

As part of the national “Too Many Victims” campaign, there will be a vigil in Raleigh on… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011
Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011
Aug 8, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011

The General Assembly returned to Raleigh in July for what was, in reality, Round Two of its 2011 Long Session. The primary tasks were to take up overrides on bills Governor Perdue had vetoed and to adopt redistricting plans for U.S. Congressional districts and for the state House and Senate.

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011
Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011
Jun 23, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011

The 2011 session of the General Assembly adjourned around midday on Saturday, June 18. Legislative leaders and the media are trumpeting the efficiency of the session and the fact that this is the earliest adjournment since 1973. But that is misleading since they aren’t really finished with their work. The adjournment resolution calls them back into a special session on July 13. At that time, they will take up the thorny issue of redistricting as well as controversial bills from the just-ended session which remain in conference committees and any bills vetoed by the Governor.

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011
Apr 28, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011
Apr 20, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011
Apr 4, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

The drumbeat of bad bills continues. Suffice it to say that it’s a tough year for those of us who have advocated for public policy decisions promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable people, and caring for God’s creation. We can’t respond to every bad idea or bad bill. On many of these issues, we feel like we are butting our heads against a wall. Our tendency may be to throw up our hands in despair.

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011
Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011
Mar 23, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

New bills on the budget, care of creation, criminal justice, election and campaign law, gambling, guns, health and health care, immigration, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse services, public eduction, and taxes.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Mar 17, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011
Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011
Feb 22, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011

Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced; Other New Bills; Updates on already introduced bills.

Proper 26, Year C
Proper 26, Year C
Oct 4, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 26, Year C

The school year of 2006 began rather quietly as most school years do. But on August 30th, a boy with a gun walked into a high school in Hillsborough, NC, and the new school year was marked by violence.

Little did we know that this August 30th shooting at a North Carolina high school would be a harbinger of a national spate of school shootings. The young shooter in Hillsborough had a deadly plan and a number of guns; after killing his father he shot and wounded a student at a nearby high school.

Children and Gun Violence
Children and Gun Violence
Oct 28, 1998
North Carolina Council of Churches

Children and Gun Violence

Several times in the past decade, we have spoken out about the proliferation of guns and gun violence. In 1994, we noted why this is of concern to people of faith.

Gun violence, especially handgun violence, has increasingly become a cause for alarm in our nation and state. As Christians, we especially are disturbed. The way of Christ is a way of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and love for enemies. The spirit of Christ is sharply opposed to the spirit of violence and the instruments of violence. It is also opposed to the law of retaliation or responding to injury with injury. Christ rejected the use of violence in the pursuit of his mission, and when one of the disciples drew his sword in defense of Jesus, the Lord said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:51-53).


Footer

Contact

NC Council of Churches
27 Horne St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 828-6501
info@ncchurches.org

Facebook

Partners in Health and Wholeness

Featured

Latest Tweets

Moving away from fossil fuels is vital to loving our neighbor! Say so during the public hearing on the @DukeEnergy IRP on March 16th. Register today: dukesenergyplan.org/… pic.twitter.com/FD9u…

About 4 hours ago

The #ForThePeopleAct (#HR1) just passed in the #House! We are one step closer to: ✅ Protect the freedom to vote ✅ Ensure the integrity of our elections ✅ Hold elected officials accountable ✅ End the era of big money in our politics pic.twitter.com/Mkhb…

Yesterday

"One day when the glory comes It will be ours, it will be ours" - John Legend, "Glory" Read our resolution at the link >> ncchurches.org/2021/… pic.twitter.com/y9Vs…

Yesterday

"Our knowing that divine reality exists gives us permission to be humble, gentle, and kind." Read more from Susannah Tuttle and her reflection for the third Sunday in Lent. >> ncchurches.org/2021/… pic.twitter.com/cEzo…

Yesterday

Read or listen to this article from @PNS_News about a new data dashboard in North Carolina that would help local county officials better allocate vaccines to where they're needed most. Follow the link to find out more >> publicnewsservice.or…

About 2 days ago

Follow @ncchurches

Latest Tweets

Glad to be on this journey with you! Another workweek in the books and another reason to be proud 💪 twitter.com/StampSti…

About an hour ago

#harmreduction is love. twitter.com/HarmRedu…

About 2 days ago

RT @WakeMed Today marks one year since our state’s first #COVID19 case. #WakeMed staff, visitors and patients observed a #momentofsilence to honor the legacy of those we've lost and reflect on the strength and compassion of every essential worker, patient and family as we begin to heal. pic.twitter.com/E92V…

About 2 days ago

Dr. Satcher questioned the structures that have upheld health disparities in our communities. By laying the foundation for this work, we can continue taking meaningful action towards promoting a society where we can all thrive. #BlackHistoryMonth @HHSGov @Surgeon_General pic.twitter.com/zrw2…

Last week

Amen! #MindfulTogether twitter.com/cornerpr…

Last week

Follow @healthandfaith

Latest Tweets

RT @CUREriver The bankruptcy filing by Brazos could destabilize the entire REC systems. The U.S. need to take action to avoid this in other places. We need to make investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and grid modernization right now. #RuralPower ow.ly/6Erz50DMYPJ

Yesterday

RT @greenthechurch Be sure to read Green The Church's COO Kim Noble's op ed, "#EnvironmentalJustice in Focus this #BlackHistoryMonth", in the Texas Metro News! @Kimrenay22 #Austin #DFW #Houston #Texas #SanAntonio #EJ ow.ly/mOtw50DGQnN pic.twitter.com/IPOO…

Last week

RT @ActionAidUSA To build a truly just, equitable & sustainable world, we need to fight for a new #socialcontract. That means: ✔️ Defending democracy ✔️ Fighting for climate justice ✔️ Building equitable food systems ✔️ Supporting women’s leadership. Learn more: bit.ly/2M8xT40 pic.twitter.com/fEWv…

Last week

RT @interfaithpower IPL is proud to be a signer on this letter. The U.S. must provide bold and socially just leadership to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change, including the threats to our economy- @sbhendershot twitter.com/RealBank…

Last week

RT @interfaithpower "This is all of our country, this is our mother. It's difficult to not feel obligated to protect this land" - @DebHaalandNM with a powerful reminder of what she believes in. Her passion is exactly what we need right now; the Senate must #ConfirmHaaland! #ConfirmClimate

Last week

Follow @ncipl

Latest Tweets

Copyright © 2021 NC Council of Churches · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tomatillo Design · Hosted by WP Engine