2021: A Year in Review
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Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Public Education

Decision points on districts, schools
Decision points on districts, schools
January 24
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Decision points on districts, schools

Among all the issues and challenges confronting North Carolina as 2022 gets under way – overcoming… Continue Reading

Help for schools: Courts to the rescue
Help for schools: Courts to the rescue
Nov 12, 2021
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Help for schools: Courts to the rescue

In the rough and tumble realm of politics, it can be a hard call as to… Continue Reading

Push, shove on public school spending
Push, shove on public school spending
Sep 10, 2021
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Push, shove on public school spending

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be… Continue Reading

Joint Letter from N.C. Faith Leaders to N.C. Elected Leaders
Joint Letter from N.C. Faith Leaders to N.C. Elected Leaders
Jul 1, 2020
North Carolina Council of Churches

Joint Letter from N.C. Faith Leaders to N.C. Elected Leaders

The leaders of the denominational members of the North Carolina Council of Churches have sent a… Continue Reading

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools
‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools
Jan 17, 2020
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued… Continue Reading

Let Justice Roll: Sustain the Veto
Let Justice Roll: Sustain the Veto
Jul 2, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Let Justice Roll: Sustain the Veto

Thus says the Lord:For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the… 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 – 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

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019
Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019
Mar 25, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar… Continue Reading

A Prayer for Teachers
A Prayer for Teachers
Mar 25, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

A Prayer for Teachers

The following words were delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland on Friday, March 22 as the… 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

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019
Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019
Feb 12, 2019
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result… Continue Reading

Make a Way for the Children to Come
Make a Way for the Children to Come
Jan 28, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Make a Way for the Children to Come

Closing remarks made by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the Council’s Public Education Summit on Friday,… Continue Reading

Vetting the Vote: Public Education
Vetting the Vote: Public Education
Oct 25, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Vetting the Vote: Public Education

Public education is a critical issue for Christians, and the midterm elections provide a significant opportunity… Continue Reading

Honor Students and Teachers with a Public Education Sabbath
Honor Students and Teachers with a Public Education Sabbath
Aug 21, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Honor Students and Teachers with a Public Education Sabbath

Public schools stand in the breach between chaos and a thriving society. Public schools offer our… Continue Reading

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education
Council Calls for More Support for Public Education
Jun 22, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education

The North Carolina Council of Churches has unveiled our latest billboard. This time we set our… Continue Reading

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer
Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer
Jun 11, 2018
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the… 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

No More Mottos
No More Mottos
May 25, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

No More Mottos

Hours after teachers marched on Raleigh to talk about funding needs for their schools, their students,… Continue Reading

And May We Be Changed
And May We Be Changed
May 21, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

And May We Be Changed

What will change because of May 16? Because of the Day of Advocacy for Public Education… Continue Reading

Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative
Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative
May 19, 2018
North Carolina Council of Churches

Council announces Faith Leaders for NC Children Initiative

On the day Public School educators, administrators, staff, and their supporters gathered to make their voices… Continue Reading

Marching for Schools, and for Children
Marching for Schools, and for Children
May 18, 2018
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Marching for Schools, and for Children

They suited up in their red t-shirts, hoisted their homemade signs and coursed like a river… Continue Reading

Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)
Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)
May 15, 2018
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)

The NC Council of Churches has a long history of supporting public education and recently recommitted… Continue Reading

Because of Jesus
Because of Jesus
May 15, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Because of Jesus

When the news reporter approached me, I was milling about in the grass, adjusting my pastoral… Continue Reading

Building Up Our Schools
Building Up Our Schools
May 4, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Building Up Our Schools

“Build a Church, then Build a School.” Chief among the instructions for John Wesley’s itinerant ministers… Continue Reading

Doing the School-money Shuffle
Doing the School-money Shuffle
Apr 30, 2018
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Doing the School-money Shuffle

When the N.C. General Assembly convenes on May 16, legislators will be “welcomed” by a throng… Continue Reading

School Districts: Keeping It Together
School Districts: Keeping It Together
Apr 13, 2018
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

School Districts: Keeping It Together

Public education in North Carolina has its share of challenges, not the least of which has… Continue Reading

Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All
Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All
Apr 2, 2018
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All

It was perhaps the N.C. Supreme Court’s finest hour. In 1997, the high court held unanimously… Continue Reading

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women
Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women
Mar 22, 2018
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of… Continue Reading

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

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale
Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale
Feb 15, 2018
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would… Continue Reading

Policy Statement on the Public Schools
Policy Statement on the Public Schools
Dec 15, 2017
North Carolina Council of Churches

Policy Statement on the Public Schools

Statement on the Public Schools Approved December 5, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North… Continue Reading

Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving
Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving
Nov 22, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Protect Dreamers This Thanksgiving

For many of us living in the United States, Thanksgiving is a time when we get together… Continue Reading

Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams
Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams
Aug 5, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams

Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable… Continue Reading

Rights Advocacy At Risk
Rights Advocacy At Risk
Aug 3, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Rights Advocacy At Risk

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be… Continue Reading

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws
Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws
Jun 30, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax… Continue Reading

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short
New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short
Jun 22, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican… Continue Reading

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful
GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful
Jun 12, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the… 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

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core
Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core
May 19, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017
Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017
May 11, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals,… 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

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services
Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services
Apr 22, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in… 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

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online
2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online
Mar 28, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh,… 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

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

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

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

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!
GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!
Mar 24, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act… 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

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

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017
Mar 14, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban… 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

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

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

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017
Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017
Jan 31, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The 2017 General Assembly has begun its work. Elected in… 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

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

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year
Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year
Dec 31, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White… Continue Reading

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

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor
Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor
Dec 15, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of… 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

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule
At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule
Oct 27, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8… Continue Reading

Supporting NC’s Public Colleges and Universities
Supporting NC’s Public Colleges and Universities
Sep 12, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Supporting NC’s Public Colleges and Universities

A couple of weeks ago, I turned and walked away from our youngest son, got into… Continue Reading

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs
Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs
Jul 10, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1,… Continue Reading

Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision
Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision
Jun 27, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision

This past week has been filled with what feels like a continuous barrage of tragic news:… Continue Reading

Budgeting that Tests our Values
Budgeting that Tests our Values
Jun 3, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Budgeting that Tests our Values

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of… Continue Reading

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song
Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song
May 26, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

Well, did anyone really expect North Carolina’s General Assembly, in finalizing a new state budget, suddenly… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016
Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016
May 25, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director.… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016
Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director.… Continue Reading

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open
Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open
Feb 9, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

Join us for the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar, focused on Race, Power, and Privilege, on… 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, Former 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

UNC System’s New Sheriff
UNC System’s New Sheriff
Oct 30, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UNC System’s New Sheriff

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made… Continue Reading

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!
‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!
Oct 3, 2015
Steve Ford, Former 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

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End
Budget Struggle’s Bitter End
Sep 17, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who… Continue Reading

The Odor Around the Lottery
The Odor Around the Lottery
Sep 5, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Odor Around the Lottery

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery,… Continue Reading

Complicated Answers to Different Questions
Complicated Answers to Different Questions
Aug 22, 2015
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Complicated Answers to Different Questions

The offices for the NC Council of Churches sit half a block from Hillsborough Street—the street… Continue Reading

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict
Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict
Aug 21, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re… Continue Reading

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’
Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’
Aug 13, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch… Continue Reading

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards
Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards
Aug 1, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they… 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

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear
Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear
Jun 23, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week,… Continue Reading

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts
Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts
May 16, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld… Continue Reading

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause
Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause
Apr 18, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is… Continue Reading

Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross
Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross
Mar 20, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross

Photo by Dan Sears, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of North Carolina… Continue Reading

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table
Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table
Mar 16, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links… Continue Reading

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!
Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!
Mar 11, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program… Continue Reading

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

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

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

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs
Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs
Mar 2, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking:… Continue Reading

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission
Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission
Feb 22, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem… Continue Reading

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty
Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty
Feb 19, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

Gene Nichol was the recipient of the Council’s 2013 Faith Active in Public Life Award. (To… Continue Reading

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link
Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link
Feb 16, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to… 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

Welcome EdNC to the Conversation
Welcome EdNC to the Conversation
Jan 13, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Welcome EdNC to the Conversation

Education has been of central importance to the NC Council of Churches throughout our history. Part… Continue Reading

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads
Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads
Nov 8, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov.… Continue Reading

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville
Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville
Nov 7, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state… Continue Reading

Educating the Littlest and the Least
Educating the Littlest and the Least
Sep 25, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Educating the Littlest and the Least

Recently, several counties in North Carolina have begun passing resolutions discouraging undocumented children, including unaccompanied minors,… Continue Reading

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution
Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution
Aug 21, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution

The N.C. General Assembly during its 2014 session – a session so rife with disputes among… Continue Reading

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls
Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls
Aug 5, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the… Continue Reading

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’
Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’
Jul 29, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House… Continue Reading

Capital Clash over Education, Health
Capital Clash over Education, Health
Jul 15, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Capital Clash over Education, Health

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week… Continue Reading

Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay
Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay
Jul 8, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay

If this year’s session of the N.C. General Assembly were a work of drama for stage… Continue Reading

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle
Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle
Jun 26, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart… Continue Reading

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity
Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity
Jun 20, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have… Continue Reading

Two New Resources on Public Education
Two New Resources on Public Education
Jun 15, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Two New Resources on Public Education

The Council has published two new resources for people of faith interested in supporting North Carolina’s… Continue Reading

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze
Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze
Jun 13, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a… Continue Reading

Video from June 9 Moral Monday
Video from June 9 Moral Monday
Jun 13, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North… Continue Reading

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education
Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education
Jun 9, 2014
Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on… Continue Reading

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable
Health Crunch for the Vulnerable
Jun 6, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality… Continue Reading

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through
Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through
May 31, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make… Continue Reading

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes
Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes
May 20, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy,… Continue Reading

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News
From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News
May 19, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

Education figured prominently in the news over the past few days, both nationally and locally. As… Continue Reading

Looming Battles Over the Schools
Looming Battles Over the Schools
May 15, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Looming Battles Over the Schools

North Carolina legislators may think they have their hands full trying to defuse the hot political… Continue Reading

Food Drive at Critical Issues Seminar for Backpack Buddies
Food Drive at Critical Issues Seminar for Backpack Buddies
May 11, 2014
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Food Drive at Critical Issues Seminar for Backpack Buddies

In conjunction with the Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education in June, the NC Council of… Continue Reading

Education Events on Tap
Education Events on Tap
Apr 30, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Education Events on Tap

The turmoil in North Carolina’s public schools, caused by budget cuts and ill-advised policy choices, has… Continue Reading

Teachers Feel the Strain
Teachers Feel the Strain
Apr 25, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Teachers Feel the Strain

North Carolina’s public school classrooms these days seem to be running short of happy campers where… Continue Reading

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

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

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

Palm Sunday: Poverty & Education by Gene Nichol
Palm Sunday: Poverty & Education by Gene Nichol
Apr 8, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Palm Sunday: Poverty & Education by Gene Nichol

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten… Continue Reading

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing
2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing
Mar 31, 2014
Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014… Continue Reading

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

Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12

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

Crossroads for Teacher Pay
Crossroads for Teacher Pay
Mar 17, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Crossroads for Teacher Pay

The gory details are right there, laid out in columns of cold hard data compiled by… Continue Reading

Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking
Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking
Mar 9, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking

He hasn’t put it quite this way, but what Gov. Pat McCrory seems to be saying… Continue Reading

Presbyterian Clergy Sign Letter for the Public Good
Presbyterian Clergy Sign Letter for the Public Good
Feb 28, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Presbyterian Clergy Sign Letter for the Public Good

A group of Presbyterian clergy have prepared and circulated A Pastoral Letter to their colleagues. It… Continue Reading

Photos from HKonJ 2014
Photos from HKonJ 2014
Feb 22, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Photos from HKonJ 2014

The Council helped organize a Service of Repentance and Consecration in front of the General Assembly Building prior… Continue Reading

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay
The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay
Feb 17, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of… 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

Boosts for Voters, Protestors
Boosts for Voters, Protestors
Jan 27, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was… Continue Reading

One State, One Rate: In-State Tuition for Young Immigrants
One State, One Rate: In-State Tuition for Young Immigrants
Jan 14, 2014
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

One State, One Rate: In-State Tuition for Young Immigrants

Education is one of the critical issues of our time. How we as a society choose… 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

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks
A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks
Dec 29, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina –… Continue Reading

Momentum, Maybe, on Teacher Pay
Momentum, Maybe, on Teacher Pay
Dec 2, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Momentum, Maybe, on Teacher Pay

Perhaps they’re hearing footsteps – the footsteps of all those teachers who have turned out in… Continue Reading

Holy Discontentment: Lifting Your Voice and Letting Your Little Light Shine
Holy Discontentment: Lifting Your Voice and Letting Your Little Light Shine
Sep 29, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Holy Discontentment: Lifting Your Voice and Letting Your Little Light Shine

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo… Continue Reading

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout
Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout
Sep 6, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a… Continue Reading

Back to School Amid Tight Times
Back to School Amid Tight Times
Aug 28, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Back to School Amid Tight Times

Of the many public policies North Carolina has followed across the decades, none has brought greater… Continue Reading

Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26
Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26
Aug 22, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26

North Carolina’s public schools has suffered at the hands of this General Assembly and Governor. The impact… Continue Reading

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday
The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday
Aug 4, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

Salon

Every week prayers and gospel songs infuse the air and participants offer blessings to the latest batch of 100 or so activists entering the Raleigh General Assembly building to commit civil disobedience. If you’re not from here, it may all seem a little counter-intuitive: A movement for inclusive and just secular governance that is deeply inflected with Christian ethics and arguments.

Short Rations for Schools
Short Rations for Schools
Aug 1, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Short Rations for Schools

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding… Continue Reading

More Damage as Session Ends
More Damage as Session Ends
Jul 26, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

More Damage as Session Ends

The General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 session after a final cascade of disappointing and disturbing bills that now await review by Gov. Pat McCrory. Among the bills approved are ones that will make it less convenient for many citizens to vote and that weaken regulatory oversight of the environment.

There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

Squeeze on Education Spending
Squeeze on Education Spending
Jul 22, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Squeeze on Education Spending

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for… Continue Reading

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays
The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays
Jul 12, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an… Continue Reading

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.

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013
Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013
Jun 25, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years… Continue Reading

State’s Priorities in Play
State’s Priorities in Play
Jun 21, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

State’s Priorities in Play

North Carolina’s state government leaders will make some heavy-duty decisions over the next few days. A… Continue Reading

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown
Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown
Jun 17, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil… Continue Reading

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays
Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays
Jun 11, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support… Continue Reading

Tax Cuts’ Painful Costs
Tax Cuts’ Painful Costs
Jun 8, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Cuts’ Painful Costs

“Moral Monday” demonstrators at the General Assembly bring a wide range of grievances. They charge the… Continue Reading

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy
Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy
Jun 1, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at… Continue Reading

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour
NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour
May 29, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city… Continue Reading

Moral Mondays Continue in June
Moral Mondays Continue in June
May 25, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays Continue in June

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest… Continue Reading

Please Pray for Oklahoma
Please Pray for Oklahoma
May 21, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please Pray for Oklahoma

All people affected by this week’s devastating storms, particularly those in Moore, Oklahoma, need our prayers.… Continue Reading

Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville
Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville
May 16, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville

Faith leaders in Asheville are adding their voices to those outraged by the actions of NC… Continue Reading

Childhood Poverty is a Disease
Childhood Poverty is a Disease
May 16, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Childhood Poverty is a Disease

Pediatrician and author Perri Klass has written a powerful essay on childhood poverty as a disease.… Continue Reading

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20
Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20
May 15, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly… Continue Reading

Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House
Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House
May 14, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House

The Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr. is Presiding Elder, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He is a… 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

Tax Reform Cookies
Tax Reform Cookies
Apr 13, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Reform Cookies

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly… Continue Reading

Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)
Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)
Apr 6, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)

        Voter Suppression & Campaign Finance Other New Bills Commentary Tax Fairness Public… 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.

Putting a Face on Legislation
Putting a Face on Legislation
Mar 15, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Putting a Face on Legislation

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty… 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.

Canaries in the School Bus Lane
Canaries in the School Bus Lane
Sep 6, 2012
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Canaries in the School Bus Lane

You probably know how the phrase “canary in the coal mine” came into being, but it… 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

For Young Farmworkers, No Time for Homework
For Young Farmworkers, No Time for Homework
Jun 27, 2012
Daryn Lane, Former Student Action with Farmworkers Intern

For Young Farmworkers, No Time for Homework

At a farmworker camp this past week, sitting on the ground with a plate of rice… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report June 12 Update
Raleigh Report June 12 Update
Jun 12, 2012
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report June 12 Update

George Reed, Editor Robert L. Mason, Intern Associate Fracking Clean Energy and Economic Security Act Domestic… 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.

Upcoming Legislative Days and a Revenue Plan
Upcoming Legislative Days and a Revenue Plan
May 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Upcoming Legislative Days and a Revenue Plan

Several additional legislative days have been announced. Among them are: HKonJ, People of Color Justice and… Continue Reading

Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration
Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration
Feb 7, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration

The newly formed House Select Committee on the State’s Role in Immigration Policy met for the… Continue Reading

New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches
New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches
Feb 2, 2012
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches

Back in November, I told you about the political battle that was ensuing over school lunches… Continue Reading

Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax
Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax
Jan 18, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax

Governor Perdue has called on the General Assembly to restore three-quarters of a cent of sales… Continue Reading

NC People of Faith Urge Congressional Leaders to Protect the Vulnerable
NC People of Faith Urge Congressional Leaders to Protect the Vulnerable
Nov 7, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC People of Faith Urge Congressional Leaders to Protect the Vulnerable

More than 125 people of faith in North Carolina, including the heads of 10 denominations, are… Continue Reading

DREAM Sabbath Takes Off in NC
DREAM Sabbath Takes Off in NC
Sep 26, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

DREAM Sabbath Takes Off in NC

Across North Carolina, congregations are participating in this year’s groundbreaking national event called the DREAM Sabbath 2011. Sponsored by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, the DREAM Sabbath is a month-long opportunity to integrate stories of DREAM students into prayers, readings, reflections, or study sessions as a way to help educate and spread awareness of DREAM students and their hopes to attain full recognition of their contributions to our communities. Over 300 congregations nationwide are participating.

Join the DREAM Sabbath
Join the DREAM Sabbath
Aug 30, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Join the DREAM Sabbath

From September 16th to October 9th, congregations across the United States will lift up the lives of DREAM students in prayers, readings, reflection and education during at least one Sabbath service as a way to help educate and spread awareness of DREAM students and their hopes to attain full recognition of their contributions to this country. The large showing of support by faith groups will hopefully continue to build momentum for the DREAM Act in Congress.

Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action
Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action
Aug 25, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action

Schools across North Carolina are opening in the face of substantial budget cuts. All those touched… Continue Reading

Proper 21, Year A
Proper 21, Year A
Aug 22, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 21, Year A

This is the purpose of education wherever it takes place, moving beyond rote repetition to provide each learner the possibility of a future better than what might otherwise be expected. Psalm 78 invites humility, gratitude, and “the exercise of power in the form of love, not of force.

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.

Truth to Power
Truth to Power
May 25, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Truth to Power

The seven individuals who were arrested at the General Assembly on Tuesday showed great courage and… 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

Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly
Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly
May 13, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

The office of Rep. Garland Pierce, who is also a Baptist pastor, sent me the following… Continue Reading

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber
Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber
May 12, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

Rev. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, organizer of the HKonJ movement (of which the NC… Continue Reading

Civil Rights Panel Gets an Earful on Wake Schools
Civil Rights Panel Gets an Earful on Wake Schools
May 5, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Civil Rights Panel Gets an Earful on Wake Schools

The News & Observer

All the conflict raging about the Wake schools for the past year and a half came spilling out Wednesday night when a panel of federal civil rights investigators heard testimony – often heated – in an East Raleigh church.

The hearing concerned a complaint against Wake Public Schools, filed with the federal education department by the state NAACP. An estimated 200 people nearly filled the fellowship hall at Martin Street Baptist Church, with speakers making emphatic points on both sides of the issues.

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 18, 2011
Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011
Apr 20, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

Budget Edition: Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees started revealing their plans for the 2011-13 budget. Not surprisingly, their plans differ in significant ways from the budget proposed by Governor Perdue. The most important difference is that the House leaders will not approve the continuation of any of the emergency tax increases enacted in 2009.

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

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.

Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn
Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn
Mar 4, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn

A Reflection on Public Education in God’s World Today

Rev. Joe Brown, chair of the Council’s Public Education Committee and a Presiding Elder in the AME Zion Church, is encourging congregations across North Carolina to use a Lenten Study Guide which has been created by members of the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy.

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.


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