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Religion & Society

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

Through the Eyes of Faith
Through the Eyes of Faith
Jun 5, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Through the Eyes of Faith

Rep. David Price (Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill)

Religious ideas are crucial, both to understanding this history and to dealing with its current manifestations. Realism as to people’s sinfulness and will‐to‐power figured directly in the Constitution’s checking of political power—Madison in The Federalist sounds like a good Calvinist—but taking such beliefs to the extreme can erode all trust and hobble democracy. As for current politics, as Jim Wallis asks in his new book, why should Christians believe in sinless markets any more than they believe in sinless governments?

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

Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper
Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper
May 24, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper

This workshop on energy policy is also a continuation of Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary session (available here) at the 2013 Legislative Seminar. Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest.

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

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

Legislative Process and Advocacy: Legislative Seminar Workshop
Legislative Process and Advocacy: Legislative Seminar Workshop
May 9, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Legislative Process and Advocacy: Legislative Seminar Workshop

Tune in as George Reed, our Executive Director here at the NC Council of Churches, explains the legislative process in North Carolina. How can “ordinary citizens” get involved? What strategies can we use to be as effective as possible? Listen as George crams 25 years of experience into one jam-packed hour.

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards
New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards
May 3, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors.

Gene Nichol received the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II were recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three were presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar which took place April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar
New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar
May 1, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar

Speaking to 200 social justice advocates, Gene Nichol delivered a powerful luncheon address at the Council’s… Continue Reading

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
Apr 19, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For… Continue Reading

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

Prayers for Boston

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

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More
Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More
Apr 15, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

Many of you who attended the 2013 Legislative Seminar expressed an interest in having portions of… Continue Reading

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe
Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe
Apr 15, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

The Rev. Fletcher Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building… Continue Reading

Gene Nichol: It’s Better Not to Be Poor in North Carolina
Gene Nichol: It’s Better Not to Be Poor in North Carolina
Apr 12, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Gene Nichol: It’s Better Not to Be Poor in North Carolina

Speaking to 200 social justice advocates, Gene Nichol delivered a powerful luncheon address at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar held April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh. He received the Council’s Faith Active in Public Life Award at the Seminar for his “courageous, dedicated, humane and compassionate witness in the political arena.” Rev. George Reed, the Council’s Executive Director, introduced Nichol by saying in part, “To know Gene is to see the embodiment of Catholic social teaching about social justice and the common good.”

Execution Foes at Legislature
Execution Foes at Legislature
Apr 9, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Execution Foes at Legislature

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating… Continue Reading

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

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

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

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

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

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

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians
Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians
Mar 28, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Mar 26, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Sojo.net

Jesus was a peacemaking, blessed child of God, but he also was an “other.” Reviled and persecuted, he was the paperless son of displaced immigrant parents. The prophetic iconoclast. That guy who hung out with those people, the type most modern leaders would not associate with, except for a photo opportunity at a Thanksgiving Day soup kitchen. Let us remember on Sunday when we celebrate his resurrection, that Jesus was crucified because he was an outsider whose way of doing things scared and angered the powers-that-be.

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

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

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

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
Mar 12, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not… Continue Reading

Resources for Voting Rights Sunday
Resources for Voting Rights Sunday
Mar 12, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Resources for Voting Rights Sunday

As you probably know, the Voting Rights Act is being challenged in the US Supreme Court,… Continue Reading

Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists
Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists
Mar 11, 2013
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists

Are you interested in what other faith-based communities are doing in terms of climate change? Do… Continue Reading

Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses
Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses
Feb 26, 2013
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses

If you are interested in reducing your congregation’s utility bills, increasing your congregation’s efforts to care… Continue Reading

Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts
Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts
Feb 22, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts

On March 1, new federal cuts will begin to take effect. If nothing is done, many… Continue Reading

The Green Bible is a Must Read
The Green Bible is a Must Read
Feb 17, 2013
Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The Green Bible is a Must Read

If you haven’t discovered The Green Bible yet, you are in for a joyous surprise. This… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Feb 7, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

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

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

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

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

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates
Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates
Jan 25, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates

You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve… Continue Reading

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18
2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18
Jan 25, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18

Register for the 2013 Conference on the Common Good set for Monday, February 18 at Wake Forest Divinity School.

Good News for All Creation
Good News for All Creation
Dec 27, 2012
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Good News for All Creation

When I found out that the current issue of Unbound focuses on “Hope for Eco-Activists: Dis­cov­er­ing… Continue Reading

Have a Green Christmas
Have a Green Christmas
Dec 22, 2012
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Have a Green Christmas

Grist’s recent article A Million and One Ways (at Least!) to Simplify the Holidays makes it… Continue Reading

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence
Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence
Dec 20, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence

Across denominations and faiths, we have come together to speak out against gun violence and to call… Continue Reading

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

Lectionary on Gun Violence

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

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless
Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless
Dec 7, 2012
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc.… Continue Reading

Electioneering and the IRS
Electioneering and the IRS
Nov 21, 2012
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Electioneering and the IRS

In the weeks just before November’s general election, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association paid to place… Continue Reading

Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm
Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm
Nov 1, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm

Our prayers are with our sisters and brothers who continue to recover from the devastation of… Continue Reading

Our Responsibility to Vote
Our Responsibility to Vote
Oct 25, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our Responsibility to Vote

Our middle son and I went to early vote on Saturday, taking advantage of his visit… Continue Reading

Latest National Survey on Climate Change Beliefs
Latest National Survey on Climate Change Beliefs
Oct 25, 2012
Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

Latest National Survey on Climate Change Beliefs

The Center for Climate Change Communication, a joint project of Yale and George Mason Universities, released… Continue Reading

Rendering to Caesar
Rendering to Caesar
Oct 9, 2012
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Rendering to Caesar

Ed: This post is part of a new series called “Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice,” in… Continue Reading

“Strangers” Are God’s Gift to the Church
“Strangers” Are God’s Gift to the Church
Sep 26, 2012
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

“Strangers” Are God’s Gift to the Church

In Church, when we talk about immigration, the first question isn’t whether immigrants contribute more than they take or how to secure the border. The first question is: “Who is my neighbor?” Are immigrants our neighbors? How do we as Christians treat people who don’t have the “right” status? How do we treat those whom society rejects and treats as invisible? This is a major question throughout the Bible.

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice
Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice
Sep 7, 2012
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice

Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William Barber. Many Council folks know him. He’s the President of the NC NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Goldsboro. The power of his message was not in fiery delivery. It was a low-key conversation with a group of fifty or so progressive leaders, sitting in a circle in the chapel of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The power was in the profound thoughts he expressed and in the clear rightness of his words.

Manage the Unavoidable and Avoid the Unmanageable
Manage the Unavoidable and Avoid the Unmanageable
Aug 29, 2012
Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

Manage the Unavoidable and Avoid the Unmanageable

NCIPL is all about helping faith communities find positive responses to climate change. It’s a big… 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

Health On Earth
Health On Earth
Jul 2, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health On Earth

The News & Observer

The N.C. Council of Churches rejoices in the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act, affirming the decades-long concerns of the council for those without health care.

Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld
Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld
Jun 28, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld

The NC Council of Churches rejoices in today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the… Continue Reading

Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act
Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act
Jun 26, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act

The following is from the NC Coalition for a Moratorium and the Carolina Justice Policy Center.… Continue Reading

Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!
Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!
Jun 19, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!

One of my friends just posted this amazing YouTube video of Severn Suzuki who, at age… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act
Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act
Jun 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act

The House of Representatives has voted 73-47 to gut the Racial Justice Act. The vote was… Continue Reading

More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric
More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric
Jun 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

Thank you. Since last month, more than 400 of you have signed onto a statement rejecting toxic… Continue Reading

Affirming Principles of Concern for the Poor and Vulnerable
Affirming Principles of Concern for the Poor and Vulnerable
Jun 8, 2012
North Carolina Council of Churches

Affirming Principles of Concern for the Poor and Vulnerable

Statement Affirming the Principles of Concern for the Poor and the Vulnerable as Made More Visible… Continue Reading

Legislative Advocacy Toolkit Now Available
Legislative Advocacy Toolkit Now Available
May 29, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Legislative Advocacy Toolkit Now Available

A Legislative Advocacy Toolkit is now available from the Council. The toolkit provides a wealth of… Continue Reading

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

Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

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

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

Raleigh Report — May 18 Update

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

Statement on Passage of Amendment One
Statement on Passage of Amendment One
May 9, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Statement on Passage of Amendment One

In light of yesterday’s vote to add a discriminatory amendment about marriage to our state’s constitution,… Continue Reading

Care of Creation Faith Message Has Legs on Capitol Hill
Care of Creation Faith Message Has Legs on Capitol Hill
May 8, 2012
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Care of Creation Faith Message Has Legs on Capitol Hill

Susannah Tuttle and I had the privilege of representing NCIPL at the annual meeting of Interfaith… Continue Reading

Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One
Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One
May 7, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One

Executive Director George Reed’s full interview with NC Policy Watch from Sunday is now available here. … Continue Reading

Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show
Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show
May 4, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show

Hear George Reed explain the Council’s opposition to Amendment One on Sunday morning’s News & Views… Continue Reading

Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8
Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8
May 3, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8

Council Friends— I am writing you with a last-minute appeal to get to the polls for… Continue Reading

Being Crazy Christians
Being Crazy Christians
Apr 27, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Being Crazy Christians

It was a beautiful day spent at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem on April 19.… Continue Reading

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate
Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate
Apr 23, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

Durham Herald-Sun

The ballot referendum that could cement the definition of marriage as “the only domestic legal union” into the state Constitution has turned a political debate into a religious one — and is mustering people of faith across North Carolina to the polls.

Early Voting and Amendment One
Early Voting and Amendment One
Apr 20, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early Voting and Amendment One

Early voting is now under way for North Carolina’s May 8 primary. Between now and May… Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

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

Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1
Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1
Mar 13, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Durham Herald-Sun

Pilgrim United Church of Christ will host a community series this month on “Faith and the Marriage Amendment,” about the proposed North Carolina Amendment 1. If the ballot measure passes May 8, the only valid domestic union recognized by the state will be marriage of a man and a woman.

Read more: The Herald-Sun – Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One
Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One
Mar 9, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

We hope you’ll join us on April 14 for the Fourth Annual Jack Crum Conference on… Continue Reading

Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents
Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents
Feb 28, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents

The NC Council of Churches, working in conjunction with the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families,… Continue Reading

Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight
Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight
Feb 23, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight

The Washington Post

WILMINGTON, N.C. — As the only Southern state without a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, North Carolina is the next battleground, with religious groups on both sides bracing for a high-stakes fight on May 8.

Against a recent string of gay-marriage victories in California, Washington state and Maryland, North Carolinians will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment on May 8, the same day as the state Republican primary.

Same-sex marriage has been illegal in the Tar Heel State since 1996; Minnesota also has a marriage amendment planned for a vote in November.

Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet
Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet
Feb 18, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet

Charlotte Observer

Even in February, there’s a lot happening in the community garden at Central United Methodist church in east Charlotte.

A few of the 24 plots still have winter vegetables to harvest. Gardeners are building pea trellises and clearing the ground to start planting early crops.

Langston Denny, a prayer leader at the church, is building a new compost bin. He’s arranged for a local restaurant to give him its lettuce, coffee grounds and eggshells that would otherwise go to waste.

Central United is part of a growing movement among faith groups – in Charlotte and around the nation – that embrace environmental conservation as a way to care for God’s creation and for neighbors in need.

Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!
Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!
Feb 18, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!

On January 21, 2012, sixty people gathered in the fellowship hall of the United Church of… Continue Reading

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

Compromising values

Raleigh News & Observer

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

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday
Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday
Feb 6, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

The 2012 Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People’s Assembly is this Saturday, February 11. We’ll… Continue Reading

Episcopal Diocese of NC: Take Action on Climate Change
Episcopal Diocese of NC: Take Action on Climate Change
Jan 31, 2012
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Episcopal Diocese of NC: Take Action on Climate Change

On January 21, during the 196th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the delegation… Continue Reading

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment
Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment
Jan 20, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

Since 2004, the NC Council of Churches has officially opposed a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Put… Continue Reading

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

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

Raleigh News & Observer

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

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

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

Connecting the Dots in 2012
Connecting the Dots in 2012
Jan 10, 2012
Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

Connecting the Dots in 2012

As 2012 begins to unfold, I am called to reflect on the amazing world wide pro-democracy… Continue Reading

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

Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8

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

Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!
Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!
Dec 20, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!

Many in the environmental movement are aware of Transition Towns. This brilliant construct recognizes that two… Continue Reading

Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong
Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong
Dec 16, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong

Lowe’s home improvement stores confirmed last week that, in response to agitation from an anti-Muslim group,… Continue Reading

Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12
Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12
Dec 15, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12

The Durban climate talks are now over and were marked by a striking failure to act. … Continue Reading

The Values Debate We’re Not Having
The Values Debate We’re Not Having
Nov 30, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The Values Debate We’re Not Having

In his recent Washington Post op-ed article entitled “The Values Debate We’re Not Having,” Richard Cizik highlights the disconnect between an individualist market-first ideology and the Christian calling to love our neighbors. Cizik represented the National Association of Evangelicals in the corridors of power in Washington DC for 10 years. I think he’s raising some crucial questions for all people of faith, across the political spectrum.

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

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012

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

Join in the Super Vigil
Join in the Super Vigil
Nov 15, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join in the Super Vigil

This Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., please take part in a teleconference Prayer Vigil for… Continue Reading

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

Abraham Jam Poets Announced

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

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

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet
The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet
Oct 13, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

I’ve been thinking about Daniel a lot lately. Daniel and his buddies were in the first… Continue Reading

Abraham Jam Web Site Launched
Abraham Jam Web Site Launched
Oct 12, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Abraham Jam Web Site Launched

I’m happy to announce that a beautiful new student-designed web site for the Abraham Jam has… Continue Reading

What Am I Really Paying?
What Am I Really Paying?
Oct 3, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What Am I Really Paying?

I am appalled. I’m disgusted. I’m outraged. And perhaps most of all, I’m ashamed. I have… Continue Reading

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

Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions
Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions
Aug 14, 2011
Lee Foster, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions

While it is true that central to Christian theology is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it would be erroneous to reduce the whole of Christian theology to a set of beliefs. If one surveys the gospels, then a person will find Jesus both expounding upon theology and liberating people. For those who were sick, he cured them of their sickness. For those who were blind, he gave them sight. For those who were saddened, he comforted them. Jesus gave concrete solutions to the problems that people faced in the 1st century and did not merely offer them a set of beliefs.

Stocks and Starvation
Stocks and Starvation
Aug 11, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Stocks and Starvation

I watched the stock market pretty closely on Monday. (Don’t tell the boss, but I did… Continue Reading

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

Resources for Remembering 9/11

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

Give Us Wisdom
Give Us Wisdom
Aug 2, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Give Us Wisdom

The news these days is filled with budget cuts, both at the state level and with the… Continue Reading

Tell Your Story to Help Medicaid and Medicare
Tell Your Story to Help Medicaid and Medicare
Jul 22, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Tell Your Story to Help Medicaid and Medicare

I was on a Faithful Reform in Health Care conference call this week and one of… Continue Reading

Conversations with Cy and Carolyn King
Conversations with Cy and Carolyn King
Jul 11, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Conversations with Cy and Carolyn King

Cy and Carolyn King, longtime activists with the NC Council of Churches, have given interviews on… Continue Reading

Help Protect Medicaid and Medicare
Help Protect Medicaid and Medicare
Jul 7, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Help Protect Medicaid and Medicare

Reports from our friends at Faithful Reform in Health Care indicate that Medicaid and Medicare are… Continue Reading

Why Acts of Faith is Important
Why Acts of Faith is Important
Jun 28, 2011
Lee Foster, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Why Acts of Faith is Important

Growing up in church, it would be fair for me to say that most sermons I heard were either concerned with A) theology or B) decrying certain practices in our contemporary Western culture. Neither of these is wrong or unimportant, as theology is the bedrock of faith, and there is much to decry in the world. The one thing I rarely heard preached on, however, was issues of social justice. And when preached on, it was through standard channels—witnessing/evangelism, donating food and clothing to our church’s pantry, and giving offerings. These are all well and good, but can we do more than these traditional categories?

Wild Goose Festival a Great Success
Wild Goose Festival a Great Success
Jun 27, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Wild Goose Festival a Great Success

The Wild Goose has flown, at least for the 2011 season.

The overwhelming consensus among attendees of the inaugural Wild Goose Festival is that it was quite a successful experiment.  People traveled from as far away as Scotland and New Zealand to be part of the event, and presenters ranging from Vincent Harding to Jim Wallis, musicians from Michelle Shocked to Beth Nielsen Chapman—each contributed their own sparks to the thousands of spontaneous and rich conversations that arose between the roughly 1500 people who gathered in Silk Hope, North Carolina this weekend.

Mr. Paul and the Work of the Church
Mr. Paul and the Work of the Church
Jun 23, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Mr. Paul and the Work of the Church

Recently, the GOP held the first debate between Republican Presidential candidates. The stalwart libertarian from Texas, Ron… Continue Reading

Truth About Climate Change
Truth About Climate Change
Jun 21, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Truth About Climate Change

There was an important story on NPR’s Morning Edition today called “Climate Change: Public Skeptical, Scientists… Continue Reading

Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’
Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’
Jun 20, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Left-leaning Christians to rally around ‘Wild Goose’

USA Today

DURHAM, N.C. — It’s summer. It’s hot. It’s the South.

That must mean it’s time for an old-fashioned camp meeting.

Starting Thursday, the bygone staple of the tent revival will be reincarnated on a bucolic North Carolina farm as The Wild Goose Festival. Nearly 10 years in the making, the festival is an attempt to reimagine Christianity for the 21st century under a bigger, wider more inclusive tent.

Wanted: 1,000 Pastors for the Poor
Wanted: 1,000 Pastors for the Poor
Jun 20, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Wanted: 1,000 Pastors for the Poor

Sojourners is calling on pastors to challenge the myth that charities and churches can solve the problems… Continue Reading

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection
Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection
Jun 10, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection

Our religious leaders and people of faith have come together in a prophetic Circle of Protection, reminding us… Continue Reading

Important Budget Alert
Important Budget Alert
Jun 2, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Important Budget Alert

The Senate’s version of the budget is on the move, and it has been crafted to… 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

Speak out on Health Benefits Exchange and Preserving Medicaid
Speak out on Health Benefits Exchange and Preserving Medicaid
May 19, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Speak out on Health Benefits Exchange and Preserving Medicaid

HB115 is expected to come before the NC House for a vote on Wed, May 25, 2011. HB115 establishes… 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

Reducing Poverty in Eastern Wake a Complex Battle
Reducing Poverty in Eastern Wake a Complex Battle
May 5, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Reducing Poverty in Eastern Wake a Complex Battle

Eastern Wake News

Poverty afflicts thousands in eastern Wake County – not just those without a job or some other source of income, but even those so-called working poor who live from paycheck to paycheck hoping to avoid a single disaster that could turn their worlds upside down.
Ever since President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society aimed the nation’s attention on the plight of the poor in the 1960s, there’s been debate about the best way to raise up those who have less than they need to lead a normal life.

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.

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar
Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar
Apr 21, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar

Watch highlights from our 2011 Legislative Seminar, including: Distinguished Service Award, Faith Active in Public Life Awards and Closing Session.

A Response to the Storms
A Response to the Storms
Apr 18, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A Response to the Storms

In the wake of devastating storms that have affected North Carolina and this region, let us… Continue Reading

Bishop Curry Interviews George Reed About the Legislature
Bishop Curry Interviews George Reed About the Legislature
Mar 31, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bishop Curry Interviews George Reed About the Legislature

Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina recently interviewed George Reed about the… Continue Reading

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

Special Gift to Legislative Seminar
Special Gift to Legislative Seminar
Mar 16, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Special Gift to Legislative Seminar

Last week, we received a registration for our Legislative Seminar from Frances Creech. “Mother Creech,” as… Continue Reading

Faith in Focus: Forum to Examine Issue of Torture
Faith in Focus: Forum to Examine Issue of Torture
Mar 15, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith in Focus: Forum to Examine Issue of Torture

The Durham News

Experts in theology, religion and human rights will gather in Durham March 25-26 to discuss the use of torture in the U.S. and abroad and to prepare participants for anti-torture advocacy within their own communities.

Report on the Common Good Conference
Report on the Common Good Conference
Mar 7, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Report on the Common Good Conference

How should we understand the often painful dissonance between our convictions as Christians and the wild… Continue Reading

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

Sojourners Blog on Anti-Torture Conference

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

An Overview of Our Work (3 min video)
An Overview of Our Work (3 min video)
Jan 31, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

An Overview of Our Work (3 min video)

The celebration of the Council’s 75th anniversary in 2010 was a timely reminder of the rich history behind this organization and an affirmation of the bright future ahead of it. Program associate Chris Liu-Beers has collected some of both in this slideshow that explains beautifully how the NC Council of Churches got its start as well as where it’s going.

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

Anti-Torture Conference

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

Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration
Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration
Jan 24, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation – A conversation on the Barmen Declaration

You are invited to attend “Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation on February 21 in Greensboro, NC.

Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”
Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”
Jan 14, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Your Invitation to the the Third Annual “Common Good Project”

On February 21, 2011, a conference on “Christian Conviction and Cultural Accommodation” will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Greensboro. The conference will begin with Dr. Robert T. Osborn, former professor at Duke University, speaking on The Barmen Declaration, a theological protest against German National Socialism. Then there will be conversation on Christian witness, in the public arena, without accommodating to the prevailing culture.

Letters to the Editor Regarding Our Mission
Letters to the Editor Regarding Our Mission
Jan 14, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Letters to the Editor Regarding Our Mission

Letters to the Editor, Raleigh News & Observer

I have the pleasure of serving on the board of the N.C. Council of Churches. I agreed to serve on the board because the council reflects many of my life’s values. The council’s website states: “The Council enables denominations, congregations and people of faith to individually and collectively impact our state on issues such as economic justice and development, human well-being, equality, compassion and peace, following the example and mission of Jesus Christ.”

Talking With Bill Friday
Talking With Bill Friday
Jan 13, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Talking With Bill Friday

I hope you had a chance to see NC People this past weekend. I was honored to be invited to be one of Bill Friday’s “people.” It actually started as part of the Council’s 75th anniversary last year, though it didn’t make it to the airwaves (an outdated term, if ever there were one) until now. Bill Friday celebrated his 90th birthday last summer. Even if you are new to the state, the hoopla surrounding his birthday would have made you aware that he is one of the state’s giants. I don’t know that there’s anybody alive today who is more respected or beloved or who has had more impact on the state for a longer period of time.

Watch George Reed on NC People
Watch George Reed on NC People
Jan 11, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Watch George Reed on NC People

NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed appeared as Bill Friday’s guest on UNC-TV’s NC People on Friday, January 7. The program also aired Sunday, January 9. George spoke with Mr. Friday about the Council’s past as well as its future, discussing the Council’s work for social justice and the role faith communities and people of faith can play.

Council President Stan Kimer on WUNC
Council President Stan Kimer on WUNC
Jan 7, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council President Stan Kimer on WUNC

Stan Kimer, newly elected Council president, was interviewed on WUNC’s The State of Things on January 6. In his conversation with host Frank Stasio, Stan spoke about the Council and its work, including priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Listen to the interview by clicking here.

As We Enter A New Year
As We Enter A New Year
Jan 4, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As We Enter A New Year

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to… Continue Reading

Legislative Seminar 2011
Legislative Seminar 2011
Dec 27, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Legislative Seminar 2011

Join us on Tuesday, April 5 in Raleigh for our 2011 Legislative Seminar. Complete information, including workshops and online registration, will be available soon.

Wishing Everyone a Blessed Christmas
Wishing Everyone a Blessed Christmas
Dec 17, 2010
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Wishing Everyone a Blessed Christmas

Star-Child Star-Child, earth-Child, go-between of God, love Child, Christ Child, heaven’s lightning rod, Street child, beat… Continue Reading

Thank You for Standing With Us
Thank You for Standing With Us
Dec 14, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank You for Standing With Us

Thank you. More than 900 of you stood with us, adding your names to the call… Continue Reading

Standing With Us Against Hate
Standing With Us Against Hate
Dec 10, 2010
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Standing With Us Against Hate

We have been overwhelmed at the response to our brief statement regarding the protest planned for tomorrow’s… Continue Reading

Our Response to Protesters at Elizabeth Edwards’ Service
Our Response to Protesters at Elizabeth Edwards’ Service
Dec 10, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Our Response to Protesters at Elizabeth Edwards’ Service

The protesters from Kansas have come many miles to spread their hatred at Elizabeth Edwards’ memorial service. Let us be clear: the Bible calls us to kindness and respect for one another, and Jesus Christ preached throughout his life that we should love one another. The protesters’ appalling and repeated violation of the sacred services by which we honor our dead, along with their representation of themselves as messengers of Christ, are offensive and misrepresent Christian faith.

Sign On to Support Health Care Reform
Sign On to Support Health Care Reform
Dec 9, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sign On to Support Health Care Reform

Faithful Reform in Health Care is still working hard to try to prevent the health care… Continue Reading

Triangle Congregations Break Silence on War
Triangle Congregations Break Silence on War
Nov 22, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Triangle Congregations Break Silence on War

Raleigh News & Observer

On Christ the King Sunday, when many Roman Catholic and Protestant churches celebrate their allegiance to God rather than country, some Triangle congregations talked about a subject rarely mentioned these days: war. They discussed the rising suicide rate among U.S. Army veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

David LaMotte to Serve on AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee
David LaMotte to Serve on AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee
Nov 12, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

David LaMotte to Serve on AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee

We knew when David LaMotte joined the NC Council of Churches’ staff in July as program… Continue Reading

Proper 29 – an open letter to preachers
Proper 29 – an open letter to preachers
Nov 9, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Proper 29 – an open letter to preachers

In light of data recently released in the Wikileaks documents regarding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a group of pastors, priests, theologians and seminarians has issued a call to preachers to address the acts of violence detailed in those documents, and their failure to live up even to the standards of Just War theory.

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary
Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary
Oct 29, 2010
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary

I was struck, as I listened to remembrances from the past, that we really are seeing progress on issues of social justice. But it happens over a period of years or even decades. The issues we heard about at the Anniversary are difficult ones. They have produced years of frustration and sometimes what looked like complete failure. And yet . . .

Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville
Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville
Oct 28, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville

I’ll be speaking and singing at several events in the next few weeks, and thought I would let you know the details.

Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence
Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence
Oct 18, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence

Dr. Terrence Rynne is the founder of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. His new book “Gandhi and Jesus, the Saving Power of Nonviolence” examines the intersections between the life of Jesus and the teachings of Gandhi. He has three presentations coming up in North Carolina, in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh.

Youth and Campus Ministers — Please Join Us!
Youth and Campus Ministers — Please Join Us!
Oct 12, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Youth and Campus Ministers — Please Join Us!

On behalf of the North Carolina Council of Churches (NCCC) and North Carolina State University, please… Continue Reading

NC Council of Churches supports Muslims’ right to build NYC project
NC Council of Churches supports Muslims’ right to build NYC project
Sep 23, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC Council of Churches supports Muslims’ right to build NYC project

The American Independent

The NC Council of Churches on Thursday strongly endorsed the right of Muslims to build a community center near the site of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City. “We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters in affirming their right to build on a site two-and-a-half blocks from Ground Zero,” the council said in statement unanimously adopted by its governing board at its meeting this week in Greensboro. The statement comes as controversy flares around a TV ad being aired by North Carolina Republican congressional candidate Renee Ellmers.

Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy
Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy
Sep 21, 2010
North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement on the New York Muslim Community Center Controversy

The North Carolina Council of Churches represents 6,200 congregations in 17 denominations statewide. The North Carolina Council of Churches condemns all religious violence. As people of Christian faith, we value a teaching common to the Abrahamic faiths, which in the Christian tradition is expressed as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  As Christians in a nation largely founded by religious refugees, we value the freedom of religion guaranteed by our Constitution and proudly proclaimed worldwide as a foundational principle of United States government and society. For freedom of religion to have substance and integrity, it must extend to people of all faiths. 

When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough
When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough
Sep 18, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough

Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn, Temple Emanuel (Winston-Salem)

What is it about the rear side of a car that they are a primary location to display our affiliations: sports, political groups, rock bands, restaurants, ideologies, personal interests, vacation spots, synagogues (a very popular one here in Winston-Salem)… You see these signs everywhere.

Building and Burning Down
Building and Burning Down
Sep 12, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Building and Burning Down

There have been no shortage of condemnations of the pastor in Florida who threatened to burn Korans. Those condemnations are effectively demolition work. Sometimes dangerous structures need to be torn down, and I’m not necessarily criticizing that. Demolition is most useful, though, when it makes space to build something new and constructive. I heartily celebrate the building of relationships and the expressions of respect and support that have come in response to this.

Journey of Faith
Journey of Faith
Sep 2, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Journey of Faith

In seeking to capture the essence of the past 25 years, this history brings the Council’s story up to the present as we celebrate 75 years of ecumenical service in the cause of justice and peace. Nothing has changed in the basic purposes of the Council. However, the manner in which these ministries have taken place shows a keen awareness of the changing times and the need to be current in the most effective ways to address the issues of the day in our witness to the people of this state.

International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21
International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21
Aug 30, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21

The NCCC encourages member congregations to celebrate and promote the International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21. A bulletin insert for your use is linked here, as well as further resources.

Partners in Health & Wholeness Launches Breakfast Series
Partners in Health & Wholeness Launches Breakfast Series
Aug 9, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Partners in Health & Wholeness Launches Breakfast Series

What: Clergy Breakfast on Health
When: Thursday, Aug. 26, 8:30-10am
Where: St. James AME Zion Church, Goldsboro (206 S. George St.)
Why: Discuss opportunities for clergy to improve their health as well as the health of their congregants through PHW and other faith-based health initiatives.

Social Justice and Mainline Protestants
Social Justice and Mainline Protestants
Aug 3, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Social Justice and Mainline Protestants

Last month I received an email from Deborah Arca Mooney, a writer and editor with Patheos.com,… Continue Reading

The role of the church in modern politics and social change
The role of the church in modern politics and social change
May 27, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The role of the church in modern politics and social change

NC Policy Watch

In the 21st Century, we must no longer view Church as a semiweekly activity that occurs within the confines of a physical structure with four walls and a pulpit. Instead, we must take our message of hope, justice, unity and peace to the wider community, and, yes, even Capitol Hill! I believe that real change happens when various groups – public and private, secular and religious, progressive and conservative, privileged and disadvantaged, old and young, black and white – work together to achieve a common goal.

Listen, But Don’t Emulate
Listen, But Don’t Emulate
May 16, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Listen, But Don’t Emulate

Rev. Jonah Kendall, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (Durham)

Where are we with this? Have we ever used our faith to challenge and disrupt? For on this Ascension Sunday when we’ve been called by Christ to proclaim a message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins, that is God’s love for all, when we have heard in Acts about Paul and Silas, about how the proclamation of this love can lead to imprisonment, we’re invited to ask ourselves how our lives show forth Christ’s Gospel, a Gospel that precisely because it proclaims a love and well-being for all is radical and disruptive.

Beholding the New Creation
Beholding the New Creation
May 10, 2009
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Beholding the New Creation

Dr. H. Stephen Shoemaker, Myers Park Baptist Church

For the love of Christ controls us, lays claim to us, compels us, grasps us at our deepest being. This is the heart of Christianity for Paul: the love of Christ permeating and shaping our lives, sweeping through us as breath carrying oxygen to every cell in the body. Paul’s words in this passage are more than prose; they are incantation.

Religious Liberty
Religious Liberty
Oct 28, 1998
North Carolina Council of Churches

Religious Liberty

Religious liberty is sometimes called the “first freedom.” While this is not the place to debate the relative worth of our many freedoms, the simple fact is that, when you begin to read our Bill of Rights, what you read first are the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment. Many of us in the religious community feel that religious freedom is a hallmark of American liberty and that it has made possible a vibrancy and diversity in religious life unlike that in most other countries, without the religious turmoil found in many parts of the world.

The Role of Religion in Public Education
The Role of Religion in Public Education
May 7, 1998
North Carolina Council of Churches

The Role of Religion in Public Education

Disagreements about the proper role of religion in public schools divide local communities and fuel national controversies.  Across North Carolina and the United States battles are being fought over school prayer, the celebration of religious holidays, sex education, Bible courses, evolution and creationism. The voucher movement is fueled, in large part, by the opposition of religious conservatives to public education.  Many members of Congress are pressing for a constitutional amendment that would permit organized prayer in public schools.

A Statement on Christians, Churches and Politics
A Statement on Christians, Churches and Politics
Apr 18, 1996
North Carolina Council of Churches

A Statement on Christians, Churches and Politics

Fifteen years ago the N. C. Council of Churches’ House of Delegates adopted a statement on the subject of Christians, churches, and politics. This statement is an update of that earlier one, repeating some of the same points but also elaborating on some new ones. Once again we raise the question, should church groups be involved in politics? What is appropriate or inappropriate in this area?

The statement sets forth some guidelines on some aspects of religion and politics which reflect the perspective of the N. C. Council of Churches and which we commended to the denominational bodies which comprise the Council’s membership. The guidelines offered do not cover every aspect of the subject, but touch upon several which seem urgent at the current time.

We Come Together by Working Together
We Come Together by Working Together
May 15, 1985
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

We Come Together by Working Together

The history of the North Carolina Council of Churches is the story of persons, religious leaders struggling to respond in faith to the signs of their times. Sometimes the signs could be clearly read; at other times they had to be discerned through a glass darkly. The records show that the leaders would prefer to be measured in terms of the fullheartedness of their responses rather than the accuracy of their discernment, in terms of their deeds rather than their words. This document outlines the first fifty years of the Council’s work in North Carolina.


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2021 is the year for drawing districts in each state after the completion of the US Census. Check out the @LWV's blog on encouraging people to speak up about the drawing of fair maps. Read now >> lwv.org/blog/redistr… pic.twitter.com/4KMR…

About 3 days ago

ICYMI: Rob Schofield from @NCPolicyWatch highlights five hard truths that need to be addressed about violence against the AAPI community and other people of color in this commentary. Read more at the link >> ncpolicywatch.com/20…

About 4 days ago

Read Steve Ford's new Raleigh Report on H.B. 446, a new voting rights bill: "'Safeguarding Voting Rights,' introduced March 31 as House Bill 446, would protect popular voting options and in general encourage citizens to have their say at the polls." ncchurches.org/2021/…

About 4 days ago

ICYMI: Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, a scientist & Christian, says we are at a "love your neighbor" moment, when Americans can get vaccinated to help protect the vulnerable from severe illness and death. Watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=…

About 5 days ago

Our partners at @DownHome_NC have recognized that engaging people by listening is at the heart of building a responsible & active community. Check out their project of ways you can learn & support their efforts through listening & building relationships. docs.google.com/docu…

About 5 days ago

Follow @ncchurches

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"We lost 88,000 people in the 12-month period ending in August 2020.'" (@NPRHealth) npr.org/2021/04/01/9… Please hold the #harmreduction community close and learn more about how you can get involved by visiting our website at ncchurches.org/progr…. #MindfulTogether

About 2 days ago

#YourSpotYourShotNC #MindfulTogether twitter.com/ncdhhs/s…

About 3 days ago

Make sure to register for "Growing Communities of Inclusion: Mental Health and Harm Reduction" happening tomorrow at 10 AM! #harmreduction #mentalhealth #MindfulTogether twitter.com/healthan…

About 4 days ago

Happy Easter! Today we find comfort in God's love that heals and nourishes our spirits. As we celebrate Easter again in the midst of COVID-19, let's continue to hold each other close from a distance as we await the moment we may hold each other close in person once again. pic.twitter.com/2BHP…

Last week

Reflect with the Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, PHW Associate Director of Healthy Aging, on this Good Friday as we feel the faith, hope, and redemption of God's love that nourishes our spirits. #EnoughForAll ncchurches.org/2021/…

Last week

Follow @healthandfaith

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RT @foe_us HUGE WIN! Thank you @POTUS for giving NOAA the funding it needs to protect the ocean & coastal communities from the climate crisis. @NOAA, use these new dollars wisely – don't add more industrial fish farms to our public waters! #DontCageOurOcean washingtonpost.com/w…

Yesterday

RT @mocleanair The U.S. has released most of the GHG that are in the air now. We need a #USFairSharesNDC to set a fair, just, and ambitious goal to slow down global warming: 195% emissions reduction by 2030, to keep us in line with the #1o5C climate goal. #ClimateJustice foe.org/usa-fair-sha…

Yesterday

RT @RepDeborahRoss The offshore wind industry is projected to invest nearly $140 billion in the U.S. by 2035 for the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance of offshore wind projects.

Yesterday

RT @RepDeborahRoss Yesterday, @RepDavidRouzer and I led members of the NC delegation in a letter urging BOEM to promptly and responsibly advance lease sales of wind energy areas off our coast. NC has the potential to be a leader in offshore wind generation capacity and manufacturing. pic.twitter.com/QDFn…

Yesterday

RT @Fridays4future We are still here and still united, and we still #FightFor1Point5. Despite the pandemic, our grassroots movement grows stronger every day. We are unstoppable! Another world is possible! #NoMoreEmptyPromises. pic.twitter.com/7Fww…

Yesterday

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