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NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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State Budget

Give Us a Budget
Give Us a Budget
Jan 21, 2020
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Give Us a Budget

North Carolina needs a budget. With half the fiscal year gone (the year began July 1,… Continue Reading

Ambush at Override Gulch
Ambush at Override Gulch
Sep 13, 2019
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Ambush at Override Gulch

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m.… Continue Reading

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock
Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock
Aug 12, 2019
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock

It can’t have escaped many folks’ notice – even those, bless their hearts, for whom the… Continue Reading

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

Let Justice Roll: Sustain the Veto

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

No Medicaid Expansion? Just say no!
No Medicaid Expansion? Just say no!
Jun 27, 2019
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

No Medicaid Expansion? Just say no!

Not to belabor the obvious, but when North Carolina’s elected leaders craft a spending plan for… Continue Reading

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

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education

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

Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents
Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents
Jun 15, 2018
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Senate Bill 75 is on the move. It would put… Continue Reading

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

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

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

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018
Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018
May 30, 2018
North Carolina Council of Churches

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short… Continue Reading

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

No More Mottos

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

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

Marching for Schools, and for Children

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

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again
Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again
Jul 27, 2017
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is… Continue Reading

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

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

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

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

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

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

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

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

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

For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA
For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA
May 23, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA

Last week was a mixed bag for children and youth in terms of activity at the… Continue Reading

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

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

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

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

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

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

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

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

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

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017
Apr 21, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017
Apr 17, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers &… Continue Reading

Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished
Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished
Apr 6, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished

Every state legislator should be required to listen to the stories shared at a press conference… Continue Reading

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

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

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

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017
Mar 26, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION H 356, Tax Reduction… Continue Reading

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

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

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

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017
Mar 23, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School… Continue Reading

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?
Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?
Mar 13, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders… Continue Reading

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017
Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017
Mar 7, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 147, Reenact School… 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

Whispers and Shouts
Whispers and Shouts
Feb 11, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Whispers and Shouts

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle… Continue Reading

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

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

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

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace
Advent Guide Focuses on Peace
Nov 10, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work… Continue Reading

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935
Separating Church and Hate Since 1935
Nov 9, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

We work toward a church that is all-loving. That’s what we’ve always done and that’s what… Continue Reading

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule
At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule
Oct 27, 2016
Steve Ford, 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

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend
Vote Your Values and Take a Friend
Oct 13, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference with the NC NAACP in… Continue Reading

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

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

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

Tax Cap’s Enduring Mischief
Tax Cap’s Enduring Mischief
Jun 30, 2016
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Cap’s Enduring Mischief

Sorry for the sugar-coating, but the state Senate’s attempt to enshrine its preferred tax policies in… Continue Reading

The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent
The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent
Jun 13, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches The Senate Finance Committee… Continue Reading

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

Budgeting that Tests our Values

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

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

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

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

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

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016

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

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness
Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness
Apr 13, 2016
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in… Continue Reading

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13
Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13
Feb 6, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral… Continue Reading

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding
2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding
Dec 31, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all… Continue Reading

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!
‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!
Oct 3, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run… Continue Reading

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End
Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End
Sep 25, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly… Continue Reading

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

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

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

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

The Odor Around the Lottery

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

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

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

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

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

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

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

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles
Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles
Jul 24, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

Don’t be surprised if, during the General Assembly’s closed-door negotiations to craft a new state budget,… Continue Reading

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated
Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated
May 21, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives,… Continue Reading

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

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

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

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause
Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause
Apr 18, 2015
Steve Ford, 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

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, Volunteer Program Associate

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

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

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

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

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

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

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

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

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

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

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

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable
Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable
Feb 20, 2015
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.” … Continue Reading

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

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

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

So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!
So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!
Dec 29, 2014
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!

Of the many decisions and activities that unfold in the arena of public affairs, the ones… Continue Reading

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

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

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

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

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

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

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

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

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

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

Capital Clash over Education, Health

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

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

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

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

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity
Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity
Jun 20, 2014
Steve Ford, 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

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

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

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

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

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

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

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

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

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

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

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

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

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith
Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith
Apr 15, 2014
Steve Ford, 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

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

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

Presbyterian Clergy Sign Letter for the Public Good

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

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

Photos from HKonJ 2014

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

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

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

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

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly
HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly
Feb 8, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part… Continue Reading

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday
Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday
Feb 6, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s… Continue Reading

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8
HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8
Jan 12, 2014
George Reed, Former Executive Director

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

It’s now just four weeks until this year’s HKonJ People’s Assembly. There is nothing more important for… Continue Reading

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

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

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

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

Momentum, Maybe, on Teacher Pay

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

Teachers Walk the Talk
Teachers Walk the Talk
Nov 7, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Teachers Walk the Talk

Most people would agree that a young person’s success in school tilts the odds in favor… 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.

Shutdown’s Pain Spreads
Shutdown’s Pain Spreads
Oct 15, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Shutdown’s Pain Spreads

Once the budget snarl in Washington finally is untangled and the federal government is back up… Continue Reading

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

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

Salon

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

Prejudice Against the Poor
Prejudice Against the Poor
Aug 3, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Prejudice Against the Poor

Bob Seymour, minister emeritus of Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, recently provided a powerful commentary in the… Continue Reading

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

Short Rations for Schools

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

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

More Damage as Session Ends

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

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

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

Squeeze on Education Spending

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

Tax Cuts Take Shape
Tax Cuts Take Shape
Jul 17, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Cuts Take Shape

It could be said that the elephant – symbol of the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly and governor’s office — has labored and brought forth a mouse. But this is a mouse with sharp teeth.

After weeks of effort, the legislature’s Republican majorities and Gov. Pat McCrory have agreed on a spate of changes to the state’s tax laws centered on cuts in personal and corporate income taxes. The cuts aren’t as deep as some conservatives wanted. Still, they will sap revenues that finance the entire portfolio of state programs and services.

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.

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All
Faith Communities Cannot Do It All
Jul 10, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried… Continue Reading

President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC
President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC
Jul 7, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC

The President’s newly announced climate action plan calls for more funding for clean energy and limiting… Continue Reading

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country
Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country
Jul 5, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

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

Reflection on Moral Mondays
Reflection on Moral Mondays
Jun 29, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Reflection on Moral Mondays

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face… Continue Reading

Punishing the Jobless
Punishing the Jobless
Jun 26, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Punishing the Jobless

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to… Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

State’s Priorities in Play

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

Judges and Campaign Cash
Judges and Campaign Cash
Jun 19, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Judges and Campaign Cash

The law setting up the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund is clear about its goals. Chapter… 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

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

Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013
Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013
Jun 7, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013

A brief summary of significant points in the Senate budget with additional commentary by Steve Ford.

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

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

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

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

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

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

Jailhouse Justice
Jailhouse Justice
May 28, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Jailhouse Justice

For all the Christian emphasis on forgiveness and redemption, many if not most churchgoers likely are… Continue Reading

Senators Choose to Cut
Senators Choose to Cut
May 26, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Senators Choose to Cut

The North Carolina General Assembly has no more critical task than enacting budgets that set state… Continue Reading

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

Moral Mondays Continue in June

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

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

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.

Tax Reform: Legislative Seminar Workshop
Tax Reform: Legislative Seminar Workshop
May 2, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Tax Reform: Legislative Seminar Workshop

Alexandra Forter Sirota (Director) and Cedric Johnson (Policy Analyst) from the NC Budget and Tax Center explain the debate about North Carolina’s tax system and offer a vision of a more progressive tax structure for the state. You can download and listen to the podcast above.

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013
Apr 22, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013

With the passage of deadlines for the introduction of most bills, there’s been a flurry of new legislation. This issue of Raleigh Report will cover some of these new bills, with others to come in the next issue.

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.”

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In
Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In
Mar 19, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

Gun bills that extend the availability and use of guns flood the General Assembly.

Resource on Tax Fairness
Resource on Tax Fairness
Mar 18, 2013
Justin Hubbard, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Resource on Tax Fairness

From Jerusalem to Jericho: Christian Witness on the Tax-Sustained Road Click here to download. This compelling… Continue Reading

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

Putting a Face on Legislation

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

Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013
Feb 25, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013

Attacks on Struggling North Carolinians Advance Medicaid Coverage Unemployment Insurance Earned Income Tax Credit Fracking Moratorium… Continue Reading

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar
Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar
Feb 18, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at… Continue Reading

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

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

Raleigh City Council Approves Bring The War Dollars Home Proclamation

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

The Case for Fair Taxes
The Case for Fair Taxes
Nov 27, 2012
Justin Hubbard, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

The Case for Fair Taxes

The challenge of faith communities is not to deduct a set of moral principles from scripture that houses a model for a fair tax system. There are no formulas or bureaucratic maps that arise out of biblical texts that we might apply to our current context and tax system that will magically make the system fair. Rather, the biblical texts provide a framework to understand the Christian witness towards the common good and a Christian ethic of love and care for the vulnerable and exploited.

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

Canaries in the School Bus Lane

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

A Bad Day for Veto Overrides
A Bad Day for Veto Overrides
Jul 3, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A Bad Day for Veto Overrides

The General Assembly on Monday overrode Governor Perdue’s vetoes of three bills. By doing so they gutted the Racial Justice Act, revised the budget for 2012-13, and moved ahead with fracking. The outcome was not in doubt in the Senate. In fact, several Senate Democrats had excused absences and didn’t even show up for the votes. The drama was in the House.

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

Raleigh Report June 12 Update

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

Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012
Jun 1, 2012
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012

The General Assembly leadership is committed to having this short session truly be short, and there’s talk of adjourning by early July. In fact, an adjournment resolution was introduced yesterday with a target date of June 19. This session, which starts in May of even-numbered years, is primarily to tweak the second year of the budget adopted the year before. In addition, certain bills which were introduced last year (mostly ones which passed in one house) can be considered. For a new bill to be introduced this year, it must fit into one of a few specific categories, with most new bills having to do with budgetary matters or coming from a study commission which met during the interim. Finally, pending veto overrides are also thought by the House and Senate leadership to be eligible for consideration.


Also in this Raleigh Report: Guns in Church, Gambling, Death Penalty, Boards and Commissions and more.

Church Council Bulletin, Spring 2012
Church Council Bulletin, Spring 2012
May 29, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Church Council Bulletin, Spring 2012

The Spring 2012 Church Council Bulletin includes photographs from the Council’s recent Critical Issues Seminar, an update on items of interest in the General Assembly’s short session, a statement on the passage of Amendment One, the Council’s spring appeal, and more.

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

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

Upcoming Legislative Days and a Revenue Plan

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

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

Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax

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

Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools
Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools
Jan 18, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools

IndyWeek.Com

Governor Bev Perdue kicked off the 2012 budget debate today — and (unofficially) kicked off her 2012 re-electon campaign — with a call for increased school funding. Specifically, she wants 3/4ths of that temporary 1-cent sales tax for education back temporarily.

Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina
Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina
Dec 8, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina

While the Great Recession technically ended in mid-2009, its effects on North Carolina’s workers and families have dragged on. High unemployment and underemployment have led to increases in numerous measures of economic hardship, including hunger. More than two million North Carolinians faced food hardship in 2010.

For more than a million individuals in North Carolina facing hunger, the state’s food stamps program provided a vital lifeline. Participation in the program has surged since the start of the recession, with the equivalent of the population of Charlotte being added to the program.

NC Ranks 21st in Protecting Youth from Tobacco
NC Ranks 21st in Protecting Youth from Tobacco
Dec 5, 2011
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

NC Ranks 21st in Protecting Youth from Tobacco

According to a recent report released by top public health organizations, NC spends just 16.2% of… Continue Reading

How Our Health Affects the Bottom Line
How Our Health Affects the Bottom Line
Nov 10, 2011
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

How Our Health Affects the Bottom Line

A new report by the Trust for America’s Health examines how the health of a community… Continue Reading

Safety Net Programs: They’re Worth Fighting For
Safety Net Programs: They’re Worth Fighting For
Oct 26, 2011
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Safety Net Programs: They’re Worth Fighting For

NC Policy Watch

It’s no wonder why our political leaders are scrambling to find solutions, even while bumping heads in the process. Both sides want what’s best for America, but the process through which we work to achieve that has become increasingly contentious and politically charged. And I can’t help but believe that our own personal experiences and beliefs, not the persuasive views of political pundits, ultimately determine on which side of an issue we fall and what we deem worth fighting for.

Let me share a story.

Taking a Stand for the Vulnerable
Taking a Stand for the Vulnerable
Oct 21, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Taking a Stand for the Vulnerable

To raise the voices of NC’s faith community on behalf of poor and vulnerable people in NC, please sign on to the letter below. We will be releasing this letter to the media and sending it to the NC’s Congressional Delegation.

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

Budget with conscience

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

Proper 24, Year A
Proper 24, Year A
Sep 8, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 24, Year A

The payment of taxes is one of the ways we demonstrate we are an extended family as citizens of this state and nation. While we hardly agree on how much we should be taxed, or how our taxes should be used, there is agreement that the burden falls to all of us in some measure. But here is where my family metaphor breaks down in discussing tax policy. Whereas we would never expect a family member with few resources to pay as much of his or her money for the family’s living expenses as another family member with greater resources, our current tax system does just that. Or worse.

Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011
Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011
Aug 8, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011

The General Assembly returned to Raleigh in July for what was, in reality, Round Two of its 2011 Long Session. The primary tasks were to take up overrides on bills Governor Perdue had vetoed and to adopt redistricting plans for U.S. Congressional districts and for the state House and Senate.

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

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011
Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011
Jun 23, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011

The 2011 session of the General Assembly adjourned around midday on Saturday, June 18. Legislative leaders and the media are trumpeting the efficiency of the session and the fact that this is the earliest adjournment since 1973. But that is misleading since they aren’t really finished with their work. The adjournment resolution calls them back into a special session on July 13. At that time, they will take up the thorny issue of redistricting as well as controversial bills from the just-ended session which remain in conference committees and any bills vetoed by the Governor.

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

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

Truth to Power

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

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

Why I Am in Jail

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

Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011
Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011
May 24, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011

The focus of this issue is a handful of the most important items currently under consideration at the General Assembly. These are issues that are under challenge by the current majorities in both houses.

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

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.

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

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

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

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

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011
Mar 17, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Help Us Improve Our Legislative Seminar
Help Us Improve Our Legislative Seminar
Mar 12, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Help Us Improve Our Legislative Seminar

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2011 Pilgrimage for Justice & Peace
2011 Pilgrimage for Justice & Peace
Mar 7, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

2011 Pilgrimage for Justice & Peace

Join Witness for Peace Southeast, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and a host of other… Continue Reading

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

A Great Day at HKonJ

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

Watch video of HKonJ here.

Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011
Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011
Feb 7, 2011
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011

Bills needing immediate attention; Updates on other bills; Information on contacting legislators.

2011 Legislative Seminar
2011 Legislative Seminar
Feb 7, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2011 Legislative Seminar

Protecting the Common Good Let justice roll down like waters… Amos 5:24 Additional information is now… Continue Reading

Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action
Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action
Feb 4, 2011
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action

The North Carolina Council of Churches is a member of the Together NC Coalition. In light… Continue Reading

General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed
General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed
Jan 28, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed

The 2011 General Assembly convened Wednesday for its long session. The politics of this session will be unlike any we have ever known because Republicans are now in the majority in both the House and Senate, and the Governor – with a veto – is a Democrat. We’ve not been here before.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Photo ID to Vote, Health Care Reform, State Budget and more.

HK on J March
HK on J March
Jan 20, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

HK on J March

The Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J) rally and march will take place on February 12 in Raleigh. A coalition of nearly a hundred social justice and community development organizations, including the North Carolina Council of Churches, have banded together to promote this event for the last several years.

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.

Moving Forward with the NCCC
Moving Forward with the NCCC
Dec 2, 2010
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Moving Forward with the NCCC

As December begins, we make the transition from a time of thanksgiving to a season of… Continue Reading

Another gamble: electronic sweepstakes
Another gamble: electronic sweepstakes
Jun 21, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Another gamble: electronic sweepstakes

Let’s get one thing straight: there is no worthwhile distinction to be made between video poker, currently banned in North Carolina with one notable exception, and the electronic “sweepstakes” game parlors sweeping the state.

State Budget Update
State Budget Update
Jun 19, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

State Budget Update

Here’s a quick update on the state budget process: the Senate passed its version of the budget on May 20, eight days after the summer session convened. The House finished its version on June 4. A Conference Committee is now putting together the final budget.

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed
Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed
May 27, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

The summer’s “short session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened on May 12, a continuation of the 2009 session. Its primary task will be to adjust the 2010-11 budget adopted last year, though it can also take up bills that made it through one house last year, bills coming from study commissions, and bills amending the state Constitution.

Remembering the Common Good in Times of Financial Crisis
Remembering the Common Good in Times of Financial Crisis
Nov 12, 2002
North Carolina Council of Churches

Remembering the Common Good in Times of Financial Crisis

In each year of budget shortfalls, efforts have been made to fix the problem solely through cuts in spending. These proposed cuts have seemed most draconian and inhumane in programs to help people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse problems. But they have also impacted education, environmental protection, health care, abused children, and, in fact, virtually the whole spectrum of vulnerable people assisted by the state. While advocates for these people have succeeded in protecting some services by persuading legislators to raise revenues, many of these revenue-enhancers have been regressive in nature, falling disproportionately on people of low income.

Tax Justice
Tax Justice
Nov 9, 2000
North Carolina Council of Churches

Tax Justice

North Carolina faces a financial situation that is easy to summarize:  Tax cuts during the last half of the ’90’s have left the state with a revenue stream inadequate to provide the services which are expected by the state’s citizens and to respond to unexpected emergencies.  However, because the state’s political climate is less than hospitable towards tax increases, solutions to this situation will be more difficult to implement.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once stated that “taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.”  In order for a civilized society to thrive, taxes at all levels of government must be sufficient to meet the legitimate needs of society, especially the modern equivalents of the biblical widows and orphans.

On Special Provisions in the State Budget
On Special Provisions in the State Budget
Oct 28, 1998
North Carolina Council of Churches

On Special Provisions in the State Budget

Recent years have seen a proliferation of “special provisions” in the state budget. While special provisions are not new, their increased use to bypass parts of the legislative process and to weaken the voice of the people is troubling. Special provisions are items included in the state budget that go beyond the mere allocation of state money. Some special provisions are clearly relevant and appropriate in the budget (example: a requirement that certain independent groups receiving state money report back to the General Assembly on how they spend it or a requirement that part of an appropriation be spent in a specific way). Other special provisions have only minimal relationship to the budget (example: increasing the penalties for drug crimes).

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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RT @greenthechurch Tune into Environmental Defense Fund’s Instagram Live on Broadening & Growing the Environmental & Climate Justice Movement in celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth tonight at 6pmEST #EJ #Environmentalist #Environmental #ClimateChange #ClimateJustice #CleanEnergy #ClimateActionNow pic.twitter.com/hBfn…

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RT @greenthechurch If you’re passionate about what we do and can bring something unique to the team, get in touch! Email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample(s) to jennifer@greenthechurch.org. pic.twitter.com/CE44…

About 2 days ago

RT @interfaithpower .@RepDebHaaland: "I can promise you that if I am confirmed as Secretary we will be guided by science." The Senate act quickly to #ConfirmHaaland to ensure @Interior has a leader to fulfill its mission to follow science & protect our #PublicLands for future generations.

About 2 days ago

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