Press Release: NAACP Responds to Coup Attempt
  • 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 Opioid Crisis: The Faith Community Responds
      • PHW Articles
      • FAQs
  • Priorities
    • Racial Justice
    • The Opioid 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

Peace

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

No More War
No More War
Jul 8, 2019
North Carolina Council of Churches

No More War

Written by Vivian Taylor, Public Policy Intern with Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director The United States of… Continue Reading

Bright Light on Interfaith Life
Bright Light on Interfaith Life
Jun 14, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Bright Light on Interfaith Life

While the headlines tell us about very real instances of violence against faith communities (a synagogue… Continue Reading

Sacrificial Lambs and Scapegoats
Sacrificial Lambs and Scapegoats
Apr 18, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sacrificial Lambs and Scapegoats

Remarks delivered at the Witness for Peace footwashing ceremony at the gates of Aero Contractors earlier… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019
Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019
Apr 5, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies… Continue Reading

North Carolina’s Role in Torture
North Carolina’s Role in Torture
Mar 5, 2019
Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

North Carolina’s Role in Torture

North Carolina’s role in torture has come in the form of a government-private contract with a… Continue Reading

More Truth About Torture
More Truth About Torture
Jan 22, 2019
Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

More Truth About Torture

The decade-long struggle for truth and justice got a welcome boost this weekend with a powerful… Continue Reading

Human Rights, North Carolina, and 49 People
Human Rights, North Carolina, and 49 People
Dec 13, 2018
Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Human Rights, North Carolina, and 49 People

Monday, December 10 marked the 70th anniversary of the United Nation’s International Human Rights Day. As… Continue Reading

Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture
Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture
Oct 18, 2018
Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture

Every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is being challenged in the upcoming election. Every… Continue Reading

In God’s Image
In God’s Image
Oct 1, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In God’s Image

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the North Carolina Commission of… Continue Reading

Bright Spot: Perseverance Pays Off
Bright Spot: Perseverance Pays Off
Sep 24, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Bright Spot: Perseverance Pays Off

Recently, two stalwart champions of justice, Christina Cowger and Allyson Caison, received the annual Joshua Heintz… Continue Reading

Confronting North Carolina’s Role in Torture
Confronting North Carolina’s Role in Torture
Aug 28, 2018
Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Confronting North Carolina’s Role in Torture

The North Carolina Council of Churches announces a new peace initiative, N.C. No Torture, to encourage… Continue Reading

Job Opening: NC No Torture Project Coordinator
Job Opening: NC No Torture Project Coordinator
Jun 29, 2018
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Job Opening: NC No Torture Project Coordinator

UPDATE: This position has been filled. The Council is hiring a half-time (20 hours per week)… 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

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

Be Reconciled
Be Reconciled
Feb 9, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Be Reconciled

Black History month is North Carolina Council of Churches’ history starting in 1935 because our history… Continue Reading

That Resolution
That Resolution
Jan 1, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

That Resolution

We all do it and well we should–start the new year resolving to do better. Maybe… Continue Reading

On the Fourth Day of Christmas
On the Fourth Day of Christmas
Dec 28, 2017
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as… Continue Reading

Christ’s Mass
Christ’s Mass
Dec 25, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Christ’s Mass

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was… 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

Torture Inquiry Hits Close to Home
Torture Inquiry Hits Close to Home
Dec 5, 2017
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Torture Inquiry Hits Close to Home

The solid citizens of Johnston County, N.C. – in a fateful quirk of geography – for… 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

Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture
Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture
Sep 13, 2017
North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture

Approved September 13, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches As… Continue Reading

The Infection in Our Democracy
The Infection in Our Democracy
Aug 25, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Infection in Our Democracy

On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now… 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

In the Face of Violence
In the Face of Violence
Aug 18, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In the Face of Violence

Today, Friday, August 18, 2017, South Main in Durham, NC, is closed to traffic. Civil employees… Continue Reading

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter
Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter
Aug 3, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech… Continue Reading

Wages of War
Wages of War
Jul 20, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Wages of War

Wartime profits are a thing — from the people who make the machines we use to… Continue Reading

America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness
America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness
Jul 9, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness

With so many issues confronting us, our nation’s involvement in acts of torture is fading from… Continue Reading

NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40
NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40
Jun 26, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40

For at least the next month, drivers along I-40 West between Statesville and Hickory will see… Continue Reading

Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day
Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day
Jun 19, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day

First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20​. The day marks a… 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

Rolling Waters
Rolling Waters
Jun 2, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Rolling Waters

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I headed north for my sister’s graduation. Being… 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

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

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call
2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call
May 23, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House.… 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

Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice
Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice
Apr 24, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice

A change in New York law earlier this month leaves North Carolina alone in a place… Continue Reading

No More of This
No More of This
Apr 14, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

No More of This

In the final hours of the first day of the Triduum, these intense three days when… Continue Reading

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order
Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order
Mar 29, 2017
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress… Continue Reading

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?
If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?
Mar 17, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through… Continue Reading

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC
2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC
Mar 6, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful… Continue Reading

Ethical Debates on Industrial Agriculture
Ethical Debates on Industrial Agriculture
Feb 21, 2017
Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Ethical Debates on Industrial Agriculture

An ethical debate is a bit of a juxtaposition. As we know, ethics are a set… Continue Reading

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary
Answering your Questions about Sanctuary
Feb 16, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

President Trump’s recent executive actions impacting refugees and immigrants have faithful people increasingly interested in how… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017
Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017
Feb 15, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase… 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

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

Sanctuary, Not Deportation
Sanctuary, Not Deportation
Jan 27, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Sanctuary, Not Deportation

First in a series of three blogs. God calls people of faith to remember that they… 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

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8
Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8
Jan 6, 2017
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6
Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6
Jan 5, 2017
Nicole Johnson, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Denominational Support

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… 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

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1
Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1
Dec 30, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… 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

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day
Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day
Dec 23, 2016
Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent: A Call to Action
Advent: A Call to Action
Dec 19, 2016
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent: A Call to Action

The themes of Advent are particularly resonant and difficult this year. For me, this is in… 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

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18
Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18
Dec 17, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11
Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11
Dec 10, 2016
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Video — #LoveOneAnother
Video — #LoveOneAnother
Dec 8, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Video — #LoveOneAnother

The response to our sign-on ad was overwhelming and inspired the staff of the Council to… 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

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27
Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27
Nov 26, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Introduction
Advent Guide: Introduction
Nov 25, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide: Introduction

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with… Continue Reading

Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People
Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People
Nov 23, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People

Almost 400 years ago, in what is now Massachusetts, a group of newly arrived immigrants from… 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

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

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

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock
NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock
Nov 6, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock

Many of us have been following with great interest the resistance of Native Americans in North… Continue Reading

Prayers for Those Impacted by Matthew
Prayers for Those Impacted by Matthew
Oct 10, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Prayers for Those Impacted by Matthew

We pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Matthew’s devastation. May we be faithful in our commitment… 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

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

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day
Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day
Jun 20, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the… 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

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance
Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance
Jun 17, 2016
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of… 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

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

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better
Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better
Mar 13, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with… 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

Uncomplicating Justice
Uncomplicating Justice
Jan 5, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Uncomplicating Justice

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas
Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas
Dec 24, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday
Dec 19, 2015
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster
Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster
Dec 14, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s… 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

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday
Dec 5, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday
Nov 28, 2015
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees
Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees
Nov 21, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has… 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

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

Bombing Survivor, Priest, and Community Healer Fr. Michael Lapsley Visits NC
Bombing Survivor, Priest, and Community Healer Fr. Michael Lapsley Visits NC
Aug 31, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bombing Survivor, Priest, and Community Healer Fr. Michael Lapsley Visits NC

The Rev. Michael Lapsley, survivor of a bombing by South African apartheid agents, will visit North… Continue Reading

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget
Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget
Jul 25, 2015
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends… 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

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

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other
Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other
Jun 17, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because… 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, NCIPL 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

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?
What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?
Feb 24, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins… Continue Reading

Commentary About Torture Report Published
Commentary About Torture Report Published
Feb 19, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Commentary About Torture Report Published

People of faith with Council connections have spoken out strongly on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report… 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

What Frightens Civitas?
What Frightens Civitas?
Jan 28, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What Frightens Civitas?

Apparently I scare Civitas. Maybe it’s my upbringing. I was raised by a single mom (my… Continue Reading

Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?
Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?
Jan 8, 2015
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?

Now that Epiphany is over, we are looking back on Advent and Christmas, and remembering our… Continue Reading

Advent – What Peace?
Advent – What Peace?
Dec 12, 2014
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent – What Peace?

This second week of Advent is often set aside to reflect on peace.  Reflection is a… Continue Reading

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct
Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct
Dec 11, 2014
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to… Continue Reading

Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness
Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness
Nov 28, 2014
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness

It’s not every day that the organization that you work with finds itself in the Acknowledgements… Continue Reading

2014 Advent Guide
2014 Advent Guide
Nov 24, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2014 Advent Guide

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take… Continue Reading

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource
NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource
Sep 16, 2014
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For… Continue Reading

Peace In Music
Peace In Music
Sep 2, 2014
Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

Peace In Music

As a teenage girl, pop culture, especially music, is seemingly everything. As a teenage girl growing up… Continue Reading

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities
From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities
Aug 22, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

The recent trial of Alamance County Sheriff Andrew Johnson has focused on alleged profiling abuses against… Continue Reading

PHW Honors Helen Livingston
PHW Honors Helen Livingston
Aug 13, 2014
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the… 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

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!
2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!
Aug 10, 2014
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which… Continue Reading

Cy King’s Noble Example
Cy King’s Noble Example
Jul 3, 2014
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Cy King’s Noble Example

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s… Continue Reading

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday
David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday
Jun 21, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

Tune in to WUNC’s “The State of Things” on Tuesday, June 24, to hear David Gushee ahead… Continue Reading

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month
Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month
May 29, 2014
Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

June is Torture Awareness Month, and we are gearing up for a presentation by David Gushee, Distinguished University… Continue Reading

David Gushee: Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation
David Gushee: Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation
May 13, 2014
Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

David Gushee: Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation

“This nation admits its errors, as painful as they may be.”  — Sen. Dianne Feinstein, April… Continue Reading

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture
We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture
Apr 29, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult.  I stood… Continue Reading

Please Thank Sen. Burr
Please Thank Sen. Burr
Apr 4, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please Thank Sen. Burr

Please join us in thanking Sen. Burr for his vote to release portions of the Senate… Continue Reading

Please Call Senator Burr
Please Call Senator Burr
Mar 25, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please Call Senator Burr

A vote is imminent on releasing the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report on torture, and… Continue Reading

Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral injury after War — What Faith Communities Can Do
Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral injury after War — What Faith Communities Can Do
Mar 14, 2014
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral injury after War — What Faith Communities Can Do

The North Carolina Soul Repair conference took place March 6 and 7. It was sponsored by… Continue Reading

Becoming a More Peaceful Nation
Becoming a More Peaceful Nation
Feb 23, 2014
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Becoming a More Peaceful Nation

Bipartisanship between North Carolina’s Senators Burr and Hagan does occasionally show through — but why and… Continue Reading

Outer Banks Half Marathon, Part 2
Outer Banks Half Marathon, Part 2
Dec 31, 2013
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Outer Banks Half Marathon, Part 2

In the opening scene of the holiday movie Love Actually, Hugh Grant’s character has a beautiful… Continue Reading

Advent Worship Resources on Peace
Advent Worship Resources on Peace
Oct 30, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Advent Worship Resources on Peace

Date: Advent 1 – Dec. 1, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
To take Isaiah’s words to heart is to envision a world without hunger, poverty, war, violence, or fear. The prophet’s oracle challenges our endless pursuit for bigger and better weapons, the perpetuation of hatred and violence, the ever-widening gap between the rich and poor, and our insatiable appetite for more resources and power.

NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release
NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release
Sep 19, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release

More than 190 faith leaders from across North Carolina have sent a letter to Senator Richard Burr,… Continue Reading

NCCC Board Statement on Syria
NCCC Board Statement on Syria
Sep 10, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NCCC Board Statement on Syria

The following statement was adopted by the Council’s Governing Board at its September 10 meeting in… Continue Reading

Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday
Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday
Sep 5, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh is inviting people of faith to… 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

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

David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail
David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail
Jun 21, 2013
David 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

Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report
Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report
Jun 15, 2013
Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report

While the U.S. does not condone torture, it has become clear that torture has been done… Continue Reading

Were You at the March on Washington?
Were You at the March on Washington?
Jun 3, 2013
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Were You at the March on Washington?

On a hot Wednesday afternoon in August 1963, thousands of Americans from all parts of the… Continue Reading

Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)
Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)
Apr 22, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Pentecost – May 19, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: John 14:8-17, 25-27

From the personal vignette: “After returning from Iraq, we moved to Durham, North Carolina to start a house of hospitality in the summer of 2003. We said we wanted to try to practice in our daily lives the love we had seen in Iraq. So we called our little experiment the Rutba House. What we do here day in and day out is hardly as dramatic as rescuing enemies from a roadside while bombs are falling. We’ve tried to find ways to shape our community life together around receiving and sharing God’s love.”

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

Prayers for Boston
Prayers for Boston
Apr 15, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Prayers for Boston

Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in Boston and to all those affected by the horror… 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

Peace is Not Placidity
Peace is Not Placidity
Mar 29, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Peace is Not Placidity

Our friend and Consultant for Peace, David LaMotte, will spend part of his Easter weekend in… Continue Reading

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)
PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)
Mar 28, 2013
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up… 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.

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Mar 22, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

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

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)
PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)
Mar 14, 2013
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up… 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

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

Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)
Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)
Feb 17, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent – March 10, 2013
Topic: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths
Focus Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

From the pastoral reflection: “Nadia dramatically called us into the reality of her life and away from our being disengaged onlookers. Angrily, she described the early morning hours onslaught as she, her husband, and three little children huddled on their bedroom floor, bullets ricocheting around the room for half an hour. They assumed they would die in the hail of gunfire. But surviving the experience, the family began cleaning up their devastated home and quickly recognized the telltale imprint of American military hardware: spent shells that they knew came from American-made equipment.”

PHW Launches Book Club
PHW Launches Book Club
Feb 14, 2013
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Launches Book Club

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope… Continue Reading

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

Raleigh City Council Approves Bring The War Dollars Home Proclamation
Raleigh City Council Approves Bring The War Dollars Home Proclamation
Jan 17, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Raleigh City Council Approves Bring The War Dollars Home Proclamation

I was thrilled to attend the Raleigh City Council meeting on January 15 where Council members… 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

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

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

The Passing of Carolyn King
The Passing of Carolyn King
Oct 4, 2012
George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Passing of Carolyn King

  Our friend Carolyn King passed on Tuesday evening after a long “medical adventure” (to use… Continue Reading

Urge Congress to Promote the Common Good, Protect the Vulnerable
Urge Congress to Promote the Common Good, Protect the Vulnerable
Aug 24, 2012
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Urge Congress to Promote the Common Good, Protect the Vulnerable

Laypeople, clergy and organizational leaders can urge Congress to protect programs vital to vulnerable people as… Continue Reading

Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric
Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric
May 25, 2012
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

In light of this week’s news of a North Carolina pastor calling for people who are… Continue Reading

Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now
Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now
Apr 3, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now

Join us on April 19 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem as we package meals… Continue Reading

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch
Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch
Apr 2, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

The deadline to guarantee lunch at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar has been extended to April… Continue Reading

Economic Justice Way of the Cross
Economic Justice Way of the Cross
Apr 2, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Economic Justice Way of the Cross

On April 6, state religious leaders and activists will remember Jesus Christ’s suffering and death and the suffering and death of immigrants coming to this country in an “Economic Justice Way of the Cross.” The North Carolina Council of Churches is a co-sponsor of the event which takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the N.C. State Capitol.

The Good Friday commemoration of Jesus’ suffering and death will be linked with the need for justice, immigration reform, a change in US trade policies, and an end to US support for the war in Afghanistan and Colombia. Money needs to be spent on food and economic development instead of war, according to Gail Phares, director of Witness for Peace Southeast, the event’s primary organizer.

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues
Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues
Mar 26, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

Alexia Kelley will deliver the keynote address for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ 2012 Critical Issues… Continue Reading

An End to Hunger
An End to Hunger
Mar 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

An End to Hunger

Ending world hunger is a pretty big goal, but the folks at Stop Hunger Now have… Continue Reading

Compromising values
Compromising values
Feb 14, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Compromising values

Raleigh News & Observer

We would not have chosen to be a part of an issue like this, but we are. The world is watching North Carolina to see what we will do. There is compelling evidence that conspiracy to commit kidnapping and torture were committed by Johnston County’s Aero Contractors. The state should investigate these claims and determine their validity.

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”
Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”
Feb 10, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

To register for the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar and to choose your workshops, complete the form… Continue Reading

Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!
Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!
Jan 23, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!

The NC Council of Churches is co-sponsor of a town hall meeting, Bring Our War Dollars… Continue Reading

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet
2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet
Jan 10, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us,… Continue Reading

Celebrate Martin Luther King – Wage Peace
Celebrate Martin Luther King – Wage Peace
Jan 4, 2012
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Celebrate Martin Luther King – Wage Peace

In April 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at New York’s Riverside Church about the war being fought by the U.S. in Asia at that time, in Vietnam. His words remind us of the choices we now face about war and peace at home and abroad. Click here to download the bulletin insert celebrating Dr. King’s life and work.

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012
Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012
Nov 28, 2011
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012

Each year in North Carolina, thousands of people die of preventable diseases and almost 1.5 million… Continue Reading

Abraham Jam — Take a Look!
Abraham Jam — Take a Look!
Nov 17, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Abraham Jam — Take a Look!

Thanks to all of those who supported Abraham Jam and the wonderful performers who made it happen. We hope to have links to additional video from the concert soon, but for now, here’s a sneak peek provided by the Duke Chronicle.

You can also listen to Frank Stasio’s interview with musicians David LaMotte, Dan Nichols, and Dawud Wharnsby from the Nov. 16 edition of WUNC’s The State of Things.

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.

Abraham Jam Poets Announced
Abraham Jam Poets Announced
Nov 8, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Abraham Jam Poets Announced

The Abraham Jam, a concert and poetry event, will be happening on Nov. 16 at Duke’s Page Auditorium. The line-up of nationally and internationally known poets has just been announced.

Budget with conscience
Budget with conscience
Oct 9, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Budget with conscience

As the “Super Committee” begins to negotiate a deal to cut $1.5 trillion from our national budget, the faith community wants to be sure that our North Carolina congressional delegation – Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan as well as our 13 representatives – remember the calling of the God of all creation to provide for the common good. As the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, a native North Carolinian and senior pastor emeritus of New York’s Riverside Church reminds us, budgets are moral documents that determine who eats and who starves.

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.

Artists for Abraham Jam Announced
Artists for Abraham Jam Announced
Sep 9, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Artists for Abraham Jam Announced

I’m thrilled to report the good news that we’ve lined up firm commitments for the musicians performing… Continue Reading

Interfaith Event – Your Opinion?
Interfaith Event – Your Opinion?
Aug 29, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Interfaith Event – Your Opinion?

Your opinion is valued as we try to pick a title for the upcoming Triangle Interfaith event at Duke. What do you think?

Resources for Remembering 9/11
Resources for Remembering 9/11
Aug 10, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Resources for Remembering 9/11

In one month, our country will mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our nation on 9/11. Many denominations, faith groups and religious organizations have prepared materials for use in community gatherings and worship services in congregations – click here for links to those resources. You will also find pastoral care materials and age appropriate resources for children.

Proper 19, Year A
Proper 19, Year A
Aug 9, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 19, Year A

In a community of Christians, the hopeful possibilities present in conflict will only be realized when we deal with the tension in a productive way. When a congregation faces conflict openly and directly with the people involved, there is a good opportunity for the situation to result in positive change and closer relationships between people. When conflict is handled in a way that cuts off communication and silences questions, the conflict can escalate and become destructive.

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.

Gardens of Forgiveness film and discussion
Gardens of Forgiveness film and discussion
Jun 4, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Gardens of Forgiveness film and discussion

The Reverend Lyndon Harris, Executive Director of Gardens of Forgiveness and the priest in charge of Saint Paul’s Chapel at ground zero will be speaking about his experience during 9/11 and how that led him to create Forgiveness Gardens all over the world.

3rd National Restorative Justice Conference
3rd National Restorative Justice Conference
Jun 3, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

3rd National Restorative Justice Conference

The Third National Conference on Restorative Justice will bring together academics, community leaders, educators, faith leaders,… Continue Reading

Why I Am in Jail
Why I Am in Jail
May 24, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Why I Am in Jail

As I write this note, it is 12:30PM and I’m sitting comfortably in my office at… Continue Reading

Building Interfaith Community
Building Interfaith Community
May 12, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Building Interfaith Community

Building community is the most effective (though perhaps least dramatic) way to resist divisive rhetoric that demonizes the ‘other.’ It is much easier to caricature people we don’t know. It is hard not to challenge stereotypes when one’s own personal experience and relationships contradict them.

Wild Goose Tix & Volunteering
Wild Goose Tix & Volunteering
May 3, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Wild Goose Tix & Volunteering

June 23, the first day of the Wild Goose Festival, is 50 days away, and excitement is definitely building. Tickets are on sale and volunteers are needed. Read on for more information…

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

Interfaith Concert @ NC State moved to Fall
Interfaith Concert @ NC State moved to Fall
Mar 24, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Interfaith Concert @ NC State moved to Fall

Three bands, three faiths, three nationalities. This fall there will be a free concert on the… Continue Reading

Sojourners Blog on Anti-Torture Conference
Sojourners Blog on Anti-Torture Conference
Feb 18, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sojourners Blog on Anti-Torture Conference

Sojourners, a leading publication on the intersection of faith, politics and culture, ran a Feb. 16… Continue Reading

A Great Day at HKonJ
A Great Day at HKonJ
Feb 14, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

A Great Day at HKonJ

There was a great turnout for Saturday’s HKonJ5. Thanks to all of you who attended and marched.

Watch video of HKonJ here.

School Diversity Sign-On Statement
School Diversity Sign-On Statement
Feb 8, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

School Diversity Sign-On Statement

Please join us and people of faith across North Carolina in committing to diversity in North Carolina schools by signing this statement.

Anti-Torture Conference
Anti-Torture Conference
Jan 24, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Anti-Torture Conference

Torture conference logoOn March 25 and 26, 2011, the Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina will be hosting a conference on torture. This two-day event aims to equip participants to understand the arguments against torture and to prepare them for anti-torture advocacy within their own communities, trusting that the greatest protection against the U.S. government’s use of torture is a shared understanding that torture is always wrong.


  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

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

Are you interested in Christian unity, peace, and social justice? Do you know someone who is? Share this post and stay updated on what is coming up this year by signing up for our weekly newsletter! ncchurches.org/email…

About 14 hours ago

The 2021 MLK Brochure edition from @democracync features info about voting in local elections this year, advocating for fair & transparent redistricting, and more. Follow the link to get these brochures! docs.google.com/form…

Yesterday

RT @NCPolicyWatch The real perpetrators of fraud regarding the 2020 election shar.es/ao4BUi via @NCPolicyWatch #NCPOL #NCGA #ElectionIntegrity #Trump @ncchurches

Yesterday

RT @healthandfaith Join us, @ncdhhs, and @ncchurches next Friday for a webinar focused on the COVID-19 Vaccine roll out. We will discuss the process and how faith communities can get involved. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meet… #MindfulTogether pic.twitter.com/Nm90…

Yesterday

"The United States Congress, a week after the nation’s Capitol was overrun by a violent mob while lawmakers were carrying out one of their paramount duties, now faces a paramount challenge.." Read more from this Raleigh Report by Steve Ford. ncchurches.org/2021/…

About 2 days ago

Follow @ncchurches

Latest Tweets

Awesome things to come this year - subscribe and stay in touch! #MindfulTogether twitter.com/ncchurch…

About 12 hours ago

So important and needed. You are so loved. twitter.com/NAMINCar…

About 13 hours ago

Join us, @ncdhhs, and @ncchurches next Friday for a webinar focused on the COVID-19 Vaccine roll out. We will discuss the process and how faith communities can get involved. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meet… #MindfulTogether pic.twitter.com/Nm90…

About a day ago

Check it out! twitter.com/CityofDu…

About 3 days ago

Don't forget to register for our final Becoming a Trauma-Informed Faith Community webinar next Tuesday. Join this whole-person driven conversation as we support and honor one another's stories and experiences. Register here: ow.ly/xNNI50D3lHp #mentalhealth #MindfulTogether pic.twitter.com/mtZM…

Last week

Follow @healthandfaith

Latest Tweets

RT @interfaithpower Join IPL Jan 19 for a free screening of the short film Unbreathable, followed by webinar: The EPA and Clean Air in 2021. Register: bit.ly/unbreathable @episcopalchurch @LungAssociation @faithinplace @alinterfaithpl @iowaipl @NCIPL @VAIPL @NewMexicoIPL @GeorgiaIPL pic.twitter.com/yDlx…

Yesterday

RT @CCLTriangle This is the jobs engine the country needs @SenThomTillis @SenatorBurr @GKButterfield @DeborahRossNC: 81% of additional generating capacity in the USA last year was solar, wind or battery. Great news. Please make sure the percentage rises this year! eia.gov/todayinenerg… pic.twitter.com/zarU…

About 3 days ago

RT @interfaithpower Join IPL Jan 19 for a free screening of the short film Unbreathable, followed by webinar: The EPA and Clean Air in 2021. Register: bit.ly/unbreathable @episcopalchurch @LungAssociation @faithinplace @alinterfaithpl @iowaipl @NCIPL @VAIPL @NewMexicoIPL @GeorgiaIPL pic.twitter.com/zSKE…

About 5 days ago

RT @noel_johnny Oil & gas corporations, including Chevron and Exxon, have donated a total of $5.4 million to the seven Senators who voted to overturn the presidential election and bolstered a violent, failed attempted coup by pro-Trump extremists. greenpeace.org/usa/n…. #RemoveOrResign

About 5 days ago

RT @UniteThePoor Nine moral witnesses with the #PoorPeoplesCampaign were arrested on June 12, 2018 for praying for repentance & justice on the steps of the US Supreme Court. They were taken to jail & held till the following day. #TBT 📷: #HopeInFocus pic.twitter.com/66Zn…

Last week

Follow @ncipl

Latest Tweets

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