NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

Immigration

Worship Resources on Immigration
Worship Resources on Immigration
Mar 31, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Worship Resources on Immigration

Date: Easter 3 – May 4, 2014
Topic: Immigration
Focus Text: Luke 24:13-35
The story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, unique to Luke’s Gospel, is central to the evangelist’s message about the resurrection of Jesus and its meaning. It is one of the more unusual stories we hear about encountering Jesus, but it is Luke’s way of conveying that the surprising and the unexpected are to be found in the wake of Jesus’ resurrection. One of the most surprising things, at least for those disciples within the story, is that the stranger they meet on the road turns out to be the risen Christ. At every turn this story is about revealing and discovering Jesus—through scripture, through the breaking of bread, and even through encountering a stranger on the road.
It’s Not a Matter of If
It’s Not a Matter of If
Mar 29, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

It’s Not a Matter of If

Here at the North Carolina Council of Churches, I’ve had the distinct privilege of working alongside immigrant families, faith leaders, lay activists, and immigrant rights organizations across the state in pursuit of humane fixes to our broken immigration system. While my time at the Council is drawing to a close, I know that immigration reform for our country is not a matter of if, it’s when. How long will we let political games take precedence over real human suffering? I believe that in 20 or 30 years issues that seem controversial today – like whether immigrants deserve human rights, due process, and the chance to become a part of society – will be obvious.
Second Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Farmworkers
Second Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Farmworkers
Mar 11, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Second Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Farmworkers

I’ll never forget how it felt to serve dinner to this group. About 30 hungry, tired farmworkers arrived back at their camp just as it was getting dark, and they were kind enough to welcome us into their humble space for a shared meal. This group of mostly young men had been busy harvesting sweet potatoes down East. Most were indigenous Mexicans who learned Spanish as a second language, who didn’t know any English.

As we spooned out rice and beans and poured soda from two-liter bottles, I was struck at how rare it is for any of us to meet the people who actually produce and harvest the food we eat. From our history of slavery to our modern industrial context, our society has not really reckoned with the grim reality of those at the bottom of our food chain.
Video: Immigrant Church Feeds Families in Need
Video: Immigrant Church Feeds Families in Need
Feb 20, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Video: Immigrant Church Feeds Families in Need

Here’s an immigrant congregation in Durham that is giving back to the community and making a real difference. It’s a beautiful story about what it means to be the church together. Do you know any immigrant churches in your neighborhood? How are they fostering community?

This video was produced by Uniting NC, a great organization working to make North Carolina a place in which all people, including immigrants, have the opportunity to thrive and to engage in their communities.
A New Adventure
A New Adventure
Feb 12, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

A New Adventure

Dear Friends,

I will be leaving the NC Council of Churches at the end of March to focus full-time on Tomatillo Design, my new communications shop that works with nonprofits to create amazing, affordable websites.

Since I began working at the Council as an intern in the summer of 2006, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with the most dedicated, talented and likable group of coworkers imaginable. From its founding more than 75 years ago to today, the Council has worked on a wide range of progressive causes and I’m proud to be a small part of that legacy. Every day at the office I felt encouraged by the witness of recent saints like Sister Evelyn Mattern and Collins Kilburn.
Join the Fast for Immigrant Families
Join the Fast for Immigrant Families
Dec 13, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Join the Fast for Immigrant Families

In these waning days of 2013, when the outlook for winning comprehensive immigration reform looks rather bleak in the short term, many of you have been asking me: what can we do?

While the pace of progress on immigration reform has been appallingly slow, we need to keep speaking up and taking action to show elected officials that this movement isn’t going away. I will be participating in the North Carolina Fast for Immigrant Families on December 17.

Here is a detailed invitation by our friends at FaithAction International House.
Worship Resources on Refugees
Worship Resources on Refugees
Dec 11, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Worship Resources on Refugees

Date: Christmas 1 – Dec. 29, 2013
Topic: Hope for Refugees
Focus Text: Matthew 2:13-23

This story reminds us both of the circumstances of refugees and displaced peoples and of Israel’s story of suffering and hope, bondage and deliverance. As followers of Jesus we are also listeners to the story of Israel, because his story is their story. To listen to Israel—to hear her story—is to listen to the suffering of slavery, exile, and diaspora. Yet, it is also to listen to a story of God’s faithfulness in spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s deliverance in the face of their persecution.
Immigration Reform: Time is Running Out
Immigration Reform: Time is Running Out
Nov 16, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Immigration Reform: Time is Running Out

NC Policy Watch

This week, House Speaker John Boehner stated flatly that there will not be any conference with the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill. We’re hearing one excuse after another about how immigration reform is too complicated and there isn’t enough time for a vote. After months of dithering, it’s clear that House leaders are hoping to run out the clock on immigration. If it holds true that the House doesn’t vote on any other immigration bills, then an amendment to deport DREAM-eligible immigrants — which passed with overwhelming GOP support in June — will be the only immigration measure to have received a vote on the floor of the House in 2013.
Join the Fast for Family Unity
Join the Fast for Family Unity
Nov 11, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Join the Fast for Family Unity

More than 10,000 people of faith committed to the FAST Action, 40 days Prayer and Fasting for Immigration Reform. As we closed the 40 days on October 18th, we recognize the need for action and escalation is only growing as we approach a shrinking timeline for legislation.We must continue to lift up the moral imperative of immigrants’ rights and immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.

Now many people of faith from all traditions are joining labor, immigrant and community leaders in setting the moral compass and raising our voices. Many faith organizations are joining the Fast for Family Unity beginning November 12th.
An Uncomfortable Ministry
An Uncomfortable Ministry
Oct 17, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

An Uncomfortable Ministry

I was both excited and nervous as I unpacked my boxes in the parsonage to begin my first year as a pastor. It had been a busy day with people coming in and out of the house, but after a while I was sitting alone and I looked around my new home trying to decide how I was going to arrange my furniture. As I moved and pushed my furniture about, I felt prompted to look out through the front door to observe the community in which I would be living. I peered out of the window and there was a house diagonally across the street that caught my attention.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Sep 25, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The Cost of Doing Nothing

In celebration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 24, Pope Francis said:

Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.

Here in our own political context, we might re-word the Pope’s powerful message to say: Immigrants are not pawns for Congress.

It’s been 90 days since the US Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill, but the House has done nothing with it. In those 90 days, more than 100,000 immigrants have been needlessly deported.
Why I Went to the Prayer Vigil for Immigration Reform
Why I Went to the Prayer Vigil for Immigration Reform
Aug 29, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Why I Went to the Prayer Vigil for Immigration Reform

Durham Herald-Sun

On Sunday August 25, about a hundred Durham residents and faith leaders from seven different traditions gathered at the People’s Plaza to pray for our elected officials. As people with different stories, different colors of skin, even different faiths, we were united in our hope that Rep. Butterfield, Rep. Coble, Rep. Price and their colleagues in the House will support a just and moral immigration reform that offers a pathway to citizenship, unifies families, supports workers, and moves us forward together.
Events for Immigration Reform Crop Up Across NC
Events for Immigration Reform Crop Up Across NC
Aug 22, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Events for Immigration Reform Crop Up Across NC

If you’ve been following immigration reform, you know that this month is crucial to the effort for overhauling our nation’s broken immigration system. While the US Senate passed a reform bill earlier this summer, the fate of millions of immigrant families lies in the House of Representatives. This month there are a number of key events happening across NC. When you participate in a prayer vigil or march, you’re letting our leaders and the media know that North Carolinians are serious about reform. We hope to see you there.

The Ag Act: Congress Considers Turning Back the Clock to the Bracero Program
The Ag Act: Congress Considers Turning Back the Clock to the Bracero Program
Aug 16, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The Ag Act: Congress Considers Turning Back the Clock to the Bracero Program

Somewhat lost this summer amidst all the conversation about comprehensive immigration reform is a little-known bill called the “Agricultural Guestworker Act” (or “Ag Act,” HB 1773) that has already passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. This harmful bill is a thinly veiled attempt to strip farmworkers of the few rights they have on the job while propping up agribusinesses’ bottom line.
Immigration and the Body of Christ
Immigration and the Body of Christ
Jul 30, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Immigration and the Body of Christ

In these fever-pitch days of summer, with the once-in-a-generation chance at real immigration reform in Congress, we’re hearing a lot about how reform is good politics (for both parties) and good for the economy. These are of course important factors, especially in the political context of a major legislative fight on Capitol Hill, but for Christians, should these be the most determinative considerations?
Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers
Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers
Jul 24, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers

Since the end of slavery in America, no workers have been more exploited than the men and women who bend to the earth in backbreaking labor, picking fruits, vegetables, and tobacco. Despite miracles of agricultural progress and innovation over the decades, the harsh lives and working conditions of migrant laborers have changed very little. Their cause has been championed in the past by Edward Murrow, Cesar Chavez, and the United Farmworkers. But that list is incomplete without Baldemar Velásquez . Velásquez was among hundreds of thousands of children who joined their migrant parents working long hours in the fields. Inspired by that early experience, Velásquez founded the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) in 1967.
Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You
Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You
Jul 19, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You

Only in today’s Washington would legislation that grows the economy, reduces the debt, curtails illegal immigration, helps the GOP politically and enjoys public approval in the 80% range be seen as a problem for the House Republican caucus. With every flimsy excuse crumbling, it comes down to John Boehner. Actually his choice is pretty simple: a bipartisan majority for reform with a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America exists right now; he should find a way to have that majority express its will.
Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country
Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country
Jul 5, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I’m deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.
Talking about Immigration with Bishop Curry…
Talking about Immigration with Bishop Curry…
May 30, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Talking about Immigration with Bishop Curry…

I had the wonderful privilege of sitting down with Bishop Michael Curry to discuss this critical moment in the struggle for humane immigration reform. Millions of immigrant families are living in the shadows, afraid to drive to work or drop their children off at school. Here in North Carolina, thousands of children live with the constant fear that today could be the day that their parents don’t make it home. Immigrants are our brothers and sisters, and when one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer with it. That’s why it’s so crucial for faith communities to publicly support the US Senate’s immigration bill.
Nuns on the Bus Coming to NC
Nuns on the Bus Coming to NC
May 27, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Nuns on the Bus Coming to NC

Nuns on the Bus – a 6,500 mile odyssey exploring the need for humane immigration reform – is coming to North Carolina during May 31-June 1.

Nuns on the Bus were welcomed last year by thousands of well wishers as they traveled from state to state in support of of federal budget priorities that address the needs of struggling families. This year, they are traveling across the Unite States–6,500 miles over 15 states–53 events in 40 cities–standing with immigrants, faith-filled activists, community organizations, and Catholic sisters who serve immigrant communities.

Their message is clear: Congress must act now to implement commonsense immigration policies that reflect our values, not our fears.
Farmworkers Address Reynolds American: Do More to Protect Workers
Farmworkers Address Reynolds American: Do More to Protect Workers
May 14, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Farmworkers Address Reynolds American: Do More to Protect Workers

Last week, members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) joined allies and activists from across the state in protesting Reynolds American Inc.’s treatment of farmworkers. Last year, Reynolds earned $1.3 billion in profits, but the company has hesitated to take proactive steps in guaranteeing good housing and fair pay to the workers at the very heart of its supply chain. Here at the NC Council of Churches, we have long supported farmworkers’ rights to living wages and dignity on the job. No one should have to work in slave-like conditions to provide for their family. Corporations should take responsibility for their supply chains, and the people whose labor makes possible their profits.
North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now
North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now
Apr 23, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now

With the introduction of the landmark immigration legislation by the Senate, the immigration debate continues to heat up. And North Carolina is paying attention. From faith leaders to business leaders to the state’s leading newspapers, we are seeing very strong support for the bill. Now is the time for our elected officials to step up and help make humane immigration reform a reality. Below is a summary of recent perspectives on the bill.
A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe
A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe
Mar 25, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe

Facing mounting criticism both statewide and nationally, the NC Department of Transportation has backed off from the now-infamous “pink stripe” design for driver’s licenses that will be issued to young immigrants. The original pink design, which was an administrative decision made behind closed doors, ended up receiving national media coverage, including major outlets like USA Today, Reuters and the NY Times. The redesigned licenses will retain the problematic wording: “Legal Presence / No Lawful Status.”

Dozens of faith communities and religious leaders from across theological traditions weighed in against the controversial license.