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

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Religion & Society

Democracy Under the Reign of God
Democracy Under the Reign of God
Nov 1, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Democracy Under the Reign of God

As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v.… Continue Reading

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit
Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit
Oct 5, 2017
Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health… Continue Reading

Time to Take a Knee
Time to Take a Knee
Sep 29, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Time to Take a Knee

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the… Continue Reading

Regaining our Faith in Democracy
Regaining our Faith in Democracy
Sep 11, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans… Continue Reading

Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography Contest
Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography Contest
Aug 23, 2017
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography Contest

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we want to hear what you… 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

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All
Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All
Jul 27, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the… 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

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!
Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!
Jul 17, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council… Continue Reading

Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects
Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects
Jul 14, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects

Yesterday, the Senate unveiled a revised version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act. According to a… 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

Healing Miracles
Healing Miracles
Jul 7, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Healing Miracles

Just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years.… 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

Sanctuary as a Sacred Act
Sanctuary as a Sacred Act
Jun 2, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Sanctuary as a Sacred Act

Photo courtesy of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Under President Trump’s recent executive orders, many… Continue Reading

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement
Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement
Jun 1, 2017
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the… 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

What Gives Me Hope
What Gives Me Hope
May 22, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

What Gives Me Hope

Remarks delivered at the NC Justice Center’s 2017 Defenders of Justice Awards where the Council was… 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

Special Interest Altar Calls
Special Interest Altar Calls
May 11, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Special Interest Altar Calls

By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it… Continue Reading

Shepherds of Creation
Shepherds of Creation
May 8, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Shepherds of Creation

Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in… Continue Reading

House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This
House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This
May 4, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This

The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives reflects a political… Continue Reading

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress
Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress
Apr 24, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of… 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

NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice
NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice
Apr 7, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice

Jesus mentions when discussing faith-based activity, “Do not sound a trumpet before you…so that [you] might… Continue Reading

Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’
Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’
Apr 1, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’

Call it a head-on collision between politics and principle. Is anyone surprised that politics prevailed? Yet… 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

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

Do the Goose
Do the Goose
Mar 19, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Do the Goose

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them… 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

PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017
PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017
Mar 3, 2017
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name,… Continue Reading

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’
N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’
Feb 25, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but… Continue Reading

Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration
Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration
Feb 24, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration

Did you miss our webinar, ““Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration?” If so, please watch… Continue Reading

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm
Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm
Feb 23, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat.… 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

Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale
Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale
Feb 11, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at HKonJ 2017. Picture this on the marquee in… 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

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality
Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality
Feb 7, 2017
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality

Second in a series of three blogs. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for… 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

Blessed not Blocked or Banned
Blessed not Blocked or Banned
Jan 30, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he… Continue Reading

Keeping With Community
Keeping With Community
Jan 29, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Keeping With Community

Enabling good health is a community restoration project. It’s really not about prescription plans, deductibles, out-of-pocket… Continue Reading

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

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees

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

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul
Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul
Jan 27, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as… Continue Reading

Let’s Keep Marching
Let’s Keep Marching
Jan 23, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Let’s Keep Marching

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my… Continue Reading

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

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start
Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start
Jan 20, 2017
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest… Continue Reading

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference
Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference
Jan 17, 2017
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference

Pizazz. Laughter. Friends. Singing. These words describe the Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference. But, did you… Continue Reading

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan 15, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Excerpts from Dr. King’s remarks delivered on May 14, 1963 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland… 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

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open
PHW Mini-Grants Now Open
Jan 7, 2017
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified… 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

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

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 Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center
The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center
Dec 28, 2016
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People… 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

UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2
UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2
Dec 20, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Updated December 21, 9:50 p.m. Special Session #5 of the… 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

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital
Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital
Dec 16, 2016
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy… 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

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness
Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness
Dec 15, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a December 15 press conference in Raleigh on the General… Continue Reading

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You
UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You
Dec 15, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15,… 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

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World
The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World
Dec 1, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part… Continue Reading

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees
Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees
Nov 29, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources,… Continue Reading

Knowing the Truth
Knowing the Truth
Nov 15, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Knowing the Truth

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a November 15 press conference in Fayetteville opposing the Atlantic… Continue Reading

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope
A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope
Nov 11, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

Those of us aligned with the Council of Churches share a political outlook whose priorities include… 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

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness
Community Contributes to Our Wholeness
Nov 10, 2016
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness ambitiously endeavors to work for and toward issues of mind, body,… 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

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock
NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock
Nov 6, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection 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

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30
Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30
Oct 28, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

Early voting in North Carolina is on pace with some of the best years on record. In… 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

Stand Up and Vote
Stand Up and Vote
Oct 25, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Stand Up and Vote

So far, our family of five has stood in line, collectively, for five hours and 15… Continue Reading

USDA Approves Emergency Food Benefits for Matthew Victims Through 10/26
USDA Approves Emergency Food Benefits for Matthew Victims Through 10/26
Oct 24, 2016
Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

USDA Approves Emergency Food Benefits for Matthew Victims Through 10/26

Residents in 18 counties impacted by Hurricane Matthew are eligible for emergency food benefits through a… Continue Reading

Information for Voting in Eastern NC
Information for Voting in Eastern NC
Oct 20, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Information for Voting in Eastern NC

Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew in the eastern part of the state still want to vote,… Continue Reading

Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts
Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts
Oct 11, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches There has been a… Continue Reading

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week
Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week
Oct 4, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week

In September, the Council had the opportunity to partner with Americans United for Separation of Church… Continue Reading

Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season
Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season
Sep 27, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season

As the election approaches, many people of faith are turning to clergy for advice and assistance… 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

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short
Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short
Sep 19, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2… Continue Reading

Bad Law vs. Big Games
Bad Law vs. Big Games
Sep 17, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Bad Law vs. Big Games

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to… Continue Reading

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

Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching
Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching
Jun 27, 2016
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching

“Don’t charge interest when you lend money to any of my people who are in need.”… 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, Former 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

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

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

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

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance
Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance
May 13, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

Take heart, fair-minded North Carolinians. The state’s not-always-pristine but still vaguely operative image as a place… Continue Reading

Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice
Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice
Apr 25, 2016
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice

Worker Memorial Day is April 28, a day when we remember workers who have lost their… Continue Reading

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak
Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak
Apr 9, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak

The Council is joining EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to bring noted Christian ethicist David Gushee to… Continue Reading

Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending
Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending
Apr 9, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending

Remarks by Jennifer E. Copeland to Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, delivered… Continue Reading

Reform Medicaid by Expanding It
Reform Medicaid by Expanding It
Apr 4, 2016
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Reform Medicaid by Expanding It

Remarks delivered on March 30 by Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving at the Raleigh public hearing… Continue Reading

Signs of Hope After Easter
Signs of Hope After Easter
Apr 3, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Signs of Hope After Easter

I do not believe that I am the only one who feels a little hopeless right… Continue Reading

NCIPL Hosts Katharine Hayhoe, World-Renowned Climate Scientist
NCIPL Hosts Katharine Hayhoe, World-Renowned Climate Scientist
Apr 3, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

NCIPL Hosts Katharine Hayhoe, World-Renowned Climate Scientist

NCIPL is hosting Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, world-renowned climate scientist and educator with a deep faith in God, the first… Continue Reading

Hurtful Law Sends Signals
Hurtful Law Sends Signals
Apr 1, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable… Continue Reading

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them
Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them
Mar 21, 2016
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

If Donald J. Trump successfully concludes his so-far-dominant push to become this year’s Republican presidential nominee,… 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

NCCC Policy Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling
NCCC Policy Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling
Mar 3, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

NCCC Policy Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling

The following was adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches at… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide — Third Sunday
Lenten Guide — Third Sunday
Feb 27, 2016
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power,… Continue Reading

“None of These Diseases” – Faith, Justice, and God’s Desire for Healthy Community
“None of These Diseases” – Faith, Justice, and God’s Desire for Healthy Community
Feb 16, 2016
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

“None of These Diseases” – Faith, Justice, and God’s Desire for Healthy Community

By Brian Hollingsworth, Partners in Health and Wholeness Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity …When… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide Available — Love One Another
Lenten Guide Available — Love One Another
Feb 7, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lenten Guide Available — Love One Another

When we set out to prepare this year’s Lenten guide, the contributors were told they could… 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

The Only Way to Win
The Only Way to Win
Jan 23, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Only Way to Win

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you… 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

Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together
Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together
Dec 18, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together

Earlier this month, more than 170 friends and allies gathered at Durham’s St. Philip’s Episcopal Church… Continue Reading

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster
Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster
Dec 14, 2015
Steve Ford, Former 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

Eighty-Day Voter Registration Drive Kicks Off
Eighty-Day Voter Registration Drive Kicks Off
Dec 1, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Eighty-Day Voter Registration Drive Kicks Off

The following are remarks offered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference announcing a… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday
Nov 28, 2015
Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection 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

Shopping with Meaning
Shopping with Meaning
Nov 24, 2015
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Shopping with Meaning

Pope Francis has offered us a message encouraging us to actions that reflects a commitment to… Continue Reading

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees
Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees
Nov 21, 2015
Steve Ford, Former 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

2015 Advent Devotional Guide Focuses on Refugees
2015 Advent Devotional Guide Focuses on Refugees
Nov 17, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2015 Advent Devotional Guide Focuses on Refugees

How desperate would your life need to be for you to leave everyone and everything you… Continue Reading

Coffee Cups and Jesus
Coffee Cups and Jesus
Nov 12, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Coffee Cups and Jesus

Jesus does not care about your latte. Your frappuccino, cappuccino, or mocha, either. At least, he… Continue Reading

Family Values for All God’s Family
Family Values for All God’s Family
Oct 31, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Family Values for All God’s Family

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Here we go again. The intersection between faith and politics… Continue Reading

The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice
The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice
Oct 10, 2015
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice

The following was originally presented as part of an NAACP panel discussion on October 8. The… Continue Reading

Ways to Help in S.C.
Ways to Help in S.C.
Oct 6, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Ways to Help in S.C.

By Hana Suckstorff, Duke Divinity School Intern Our brothers and sisters in South Carolina are dealing… Continue Reading

Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time
Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time
Sep 27, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time

Pope Francis has been an outspoken leader about the need to welcome immigrants and refugees in… Continue Reading

Binkley Certified as Paying a Living Wage
Binkley Certified as Paying a Living Wage
Sep 23, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Binkley Certified as Paying a Living Wage

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director, NC Council of Churches Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church… 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

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

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Jun 29, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election… Continue Reading

The Leadership of Pope Francis
The Leadership of Pope Francis
Jun 26, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Leadership of Pope Francis

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “[Pope] Francis almost makes me want to convert to… Continue Reading

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision
Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision
Jun 25, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. … 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

Leadership and Hope at the Margins
Leadership and Hope at the Margins
Jun 5, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Leadership and Hope at the Margins

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern This past Tuesday, more than 200 people celebrated the… Continue Reading

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute
When Lawmakers Itch to Execute
May 7, 2015
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in… Continue Reading

Nepal and Baltimore
Nepal and Baltimore
Apr 29, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Nepal and Baltimore

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace… 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

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?
Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?
Apr 2, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina… Continue Reading

A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit
A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit
Apr 2, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit

Recently, more than 75 people of faith, including students, teachers, clergy, and youth, joined together at… Continue Reading

NCIPL’s Spring into Action Kickoff Week has Wrapped Up
NCIPL’s Spring into Action Kickoff Week has Wrapped Up
Mar 31, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NCIPL’s Spring into Action Kickoff Week has Wrapped Up

By Reuben Gelblum, NCIPL Intern Thank you to everyone who helped make our Spring Into Action… Continue Reading

Faith and Taxation
Faith and Taxation
Mar 26, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Faith and Taxation

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks.… 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

A Guide to the Christian Food Movement
A Guide to the Christian Food Movement
Mar 3, 2015
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

A Guide to the Christian Food Movement

In these opening years of the twenty-first century, the need for a more sustainable food system… Continue Reading

Join us for HKonJ 2015
Join us for HKonJ 2015
Feb 9, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join us for HKonJ 2015

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith… Continue Reading

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr
February 6 — Contact Senator Burr
Feb 5, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen.… 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

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

How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief
How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief
Dec 28, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief

On November 20, President Obama announced that his administration will make changes to immigration policy through… Continue Reading

Pushing Back Against the Grinch
Pushing Back Against the Grinch
Dec 24, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Pushing Back Against the Grinch

On the third Sunday of Advent, the New York Times ran an essay by Arthur C.… Continue Reading

Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus
Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus
Dec 22, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus

Last week, the largest detention center in the United States opened. The 50-acre center, located in… Continue Reading

Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts
Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts
Dec 17, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts

The past two months the NC Coalition for Justice for Immigrants has been busy with its… Continue Reading

The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage
The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage
Oct 13, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage

The immediate impact of the most recent court decisions regarding marriage is that same-gender couples who… Continue Reading

Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome
Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome
Oct 9, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome

Health Care for All NC is continuing the important work for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.… Continue Reading

Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders
Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders
Sep 26, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders

November 4 is Election Day. Because of changes in election laws, it is important that people… Continue Reading

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By
Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By
Sep 24, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first… Continue Reading

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend
Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend
Aug 25, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura… 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

Saving Our Souls
Saving Our Souls
Aug 6, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Saving Our Souls

News about children at the border – what’s happening to them, what politicians believe or say… Continue Reading

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?
What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?
Jul 25, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children… Continue Reading

Cy King’s Noble Example
Cy King’s Noble Example
Jul 3, 2014
Steve Ford, Former 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

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

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

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

Lex, Rufus and Peter
Lex, Rufus and Peter
Apr 14, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lex, Rufus and Peter

I recently took a wonderful walk down Memory Lane for me, though it was also poignant at… 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

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

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

Faithful Activism — Part 2
Faithful Activism — Part 2
Mar 1, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Faithful Activism — Part 2

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If… Continue Reading

Faithful Activism — Part 1
Faithful Activism — Part 1
Feb 27, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Faithful Activism — Part 1

I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or… Continue Reading

Two Churches Talk About Race
Two Churches Talk About Race
Feb 26, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Two Churches Talk About Race

A newcomer to Raleigh sooner or later comes up against a riddle: How can the city… 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

King’s Voice for Voters
King’s Voice for Voters
Jan 17, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

King’s Voice for Voters

Our country’s annual salute to the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. honors him as the… 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

Voting Rights and Faith
Voting Rights and Faith
Jan 6, 2014
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Voting Rights and Faith

Elections in the United States must be carried out in line with rules meant to ensure… Continue Reading

The Council Welcomes Your Support
The Council Welcomes Your Support
Nov 14, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council Welcomes Your Support

The North Carolina Council of Churches could not do its work without the support of faithful… Continue Reading

Crossroads for Food Aid
Crossroads for Food Aid
Nov 13, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Crossroads for Food Aid

Does hunger cause people to work harder, or to make better decisions as to how to… Continue Reading

Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership
Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership
Nov 6, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership

Date: Advent 2 – Dec. 8, 2013
Topic: Responsible Leadership
Focus Text: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
If we are willing to read Psalm 72 with the early church as pointing to Christ and his kingship, we may see in the ministry of Jesus concrete steps which the church can take in serving the poor and needy among us in our local communities. In Jesus’ ministry and teaching, we come to glimpse a picture of the Kingdom of God with its eternal justice for the poor.

Saints of the Council
Saints of the Council
Nov 1, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Saints of the Council

My morning devotional was about All Saints’ Day, a time for remembering those who have come… Continue Reading

Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink
Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink
Oct 11, 2013
Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink

The political stakes and motives are plain to see. President Obama and his Democratic allies on… 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

Conversations Today or Crisis Tomorrow
Conversations Today or Crisis Tomorrow
Sep 24, 2013
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Conversations Today or Crisis Tomorrow

I spent August 2011 through August 2012 working as a chaplain resident at Wake Forest Baptist… Continue Reading

Federal Spending: Are You Concerned, Confused or Both?
Federal Spending: Are You Concerned, Confused or Both?
Sep 13, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Federal Spending: Are You Concerned, Confused or Both?

Congress is back in session.  Are you concerned about how your federal tax dollars are being… 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

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

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law in NC Schools
Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law in NC Schools
Jul 22, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law in NC Schools

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the… Continue Reading

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law for NC Government
Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law for NC Government
Jul 22, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law for NC Government

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with… Continue Reading

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets
How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets
Jul 13, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

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

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

A State of Urgency
A State of Urgency
Jun 19, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

A State of Urgency

As rabbis at this week’s event told reporters, the civil disobedience was not an option of first resort – Republican legislators repeatedly blew off meeting requests from clergy who are eager to discuss the impact the North Carolina GOP’s policies have on the common good. As the movement has gained steam, some politicians have resorted to insulting Moral Mondays participants. The governor dismissed it all as an effort led by “outsiders,” and one state legislator dubbed it “Moron Mondays.” It brings to mind Gandhi’s saying, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

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


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Learn what’s at stake for North Carolinians and how our courts impact our daily lives on 5/25 with @NCVCE Director, Melissa Price Kromm. The U.S. courts play such an important role in our lives no matter what the issue. #2022CriticalIssues bit.ly/3KZgi7z pic.twitter.com/1z1v…

Yesterday

Since redistricting affects who is elected to governmental bodies, the decisions about boundaries also affect policies these bodies enact. Anyone who cares about the way laws affect communities should care about this. Learn more #2022CriticalIssues bit.ly/3KZgi7z @scsj pic.twitter.com/sls7…

Last week

Through the assistance of @CarterCenter, Jennifer Roberts & Bob Orr are assembling a cross-partisan network of respected North Carolinians advocating for adherence to democratic & civic values in NC elections. Learn more & register: bit.ly/3KZgi7z #2022CriticalIssues pic.twitter.com/dCTl…

About 2 weeks ago

RT @healthactionnc Help us keep Medicaid expansion in the spotlight by joining our letter to the editor campaign. Never written an LTE before? No problem, register for our Action Hour and get all the tools you will need! bit.ly/MedExActionHo… twitter.com/healthac…

About 2 weeks ago

Our Democracy is being threatened more than ever and together we can learn the facts, educate ourselves, and preserve our democracy and protect it from those who would cause it harm. Join us for #2022CriticalIssues every day starting May 23 until May 27. bit.ly/3KZgi7z pic.twitter.com/NKKl…

About 2 weeks ago

Follow @ncchurches

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RT @FaithCompassWFU Consider becoming an HIV & Faith Ambassador! To learn more, plan to join us for a virtual information session on 05/18 at 2 PM, 06/30 at 2 PM, or on 07/20 at 11 AM, all EST. Register now: bit.ly/FaithAmbInfo #faithandHIV #faithcompassWFU #transformthestory pic.twitter.com/oZo7…

About 6 days ago

Join us now Attorney General Josh Stein for a virtual conversation, “A Faith-Based harm Reduction Approach to the Opioid Crisis.” youtube.com/watch?v=…

About 2 weeks ago

RT @NCAGO Join Attorney General @JoshStein_ today at 1 p.m. for a discussion on a faith-based harm reduction approach to the opioid crisis with representatives of Olive Branch Ministries. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webi… pic.twitter.com/XB05…

About 2 weeks ago

Register here! #phw #MentalHealthAwareness ncchurches.ourpowerb… pic.twitter.com/VTN7…

About 2 weeks ago

Please Join Us! ncchurches.ourpowerb… pic.twitter.com/KG6o…

About 2 weeks ago

Follow @healthandfaith

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RT @mocleanair Read our editorial in @GeorgiaRecorder. georgiarecorder.com/… @EnergyFdn @GCVoters @cleanenergyorg @GeorgiaIPL @gasierraclub @CleanAirMoms_GA @PSEquityMatters @SouthfaceInst @GAChapterAAP @CEHN @docsforclimate @enviRN @schoolnurses @uwomenfaith @eldersclimate @NCIPL @AlabamaPJC

Yesterday

RT @mocleanair Comments due in 3 days - if you haven't submitted one yet, do it today! For tips, read our blog about the different kinds of air pollution heavy duty vehicles make. #HealthyAirIsHealthCare #CleanAir @CEHN @TheOxygenProj @eldersclimate @uwomenfaith @GeorgiaIPL @AlabamaPJC @NCIPL twitter.com/mocleana…

Yesterday

RT @WECAN_INTL 📢Today, Indigenous women leaders & 200+ groups sent a letter calling on @USACEHQ to deny the permits for Line 5, conduct a federal EIS & respect Indigenous rights! To protect communities, water & our climate we must #StopLine5. Learn more👉bit.ly/3MBazW4 pic.twitter.com/FqeQ…

Yesterday

RT @interfaithpower North Carolina congregations with @NCIPL are taking advantage of their utility's solar panel rebate program to save on their lighting and space heating and cooling costs. #Faiths4Climate #EarthWeek twitter.com/PNS_NC/s…

About 3 weeks ago

RT @scennetwork1 This past weekend, Alexander Easdale, our Executive Director, attended the Fight for Our Future rally in Washington D.C. to advocate for climate action! Read more about this event here and see if you can spot our SCEN T-shirts in one of the pictures: nytimes.com/2022/04/… pic.twitter.com/5voq…

About 3 weeks ago

Follow @ncipl

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