Black Lives Matter.
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

  • Voices
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Members
    • Covenant Partners
    • Issue Statements
    • Governing Board
  • Programs
    • Ecumenical Immigration Alliance
      • Ideas for Action
      • Sign Our Statement
      • The NC Sanctuary Coalition
      • Immigration Bible Study
      • Contact
    • NC Interfaith Power & Light
      • NCIPL Overview
      • Faith in Action NCIPL
      • NCIPL Articles
      • NCIPL Resources
      • Upcoming Events for NCIPL
      • Contact NCIPL
    • Partners in Health & Wholeness
      • PHW Staff
      • Mini-Grants
      • PHW Collaborative Pledge
      • The Overdose Crisis: The Faith Community Responds
      • PHW Articles
      • FAQs
  • Priorities
    • Racial Justice
    • The Overdose Crisis: The Faith Community Responds
    • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Public Education
    • NC Sanctuary Coalition
    • Farmworkers
    • Legislative Advocacy
    • Christian Unity
    • Peace
    • NC No Torture
  • COVID-19 Resources
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Publications & Reports
    • Raleigh Report
    • Lectionary
    • Sermons
  • Donate
  • Council Store
  • Show Search

Search NC Council of Churches

Hide Search

Taxes

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

New Tax Law Will Harm Environment
New Tax Law Will Harm Environment
Jan 5, 2018
Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

New Tax Law Will Harm Environment

The final version of the tax bill, passed in late December, will now open the pristine… Continue Reading

Jesus, Money, and Taxes
Jesus, Money, and Taxes
Dec 1, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Jesus, Money, and Taxes

Remarks offered at a press conference on tax reform at the North Carolina State Capitol on… Continue Reading

Road Work Ahead: Jesus and Taxes
Road Work Ahead: Jesus and Taxes
Dec 1, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Road Work Ahead: Jesus and Taxes

Jesus had a lot to say about money, possessions, care for those who are impoverished, and… Continue Reading

Support the Council on Giving Tuesday
Support the Council on Giving Tuesday
Nov 27, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Support the Council on Giving Tuesday

Dear Friends, Last year when we sent out our fall appeal requesting financial support for the… Continue Reading

Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates
Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates
Nov 17, 2017
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates

With Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the White House desperate to post a big legislative… 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

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

Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects

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

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

Healing Miracles

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

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

Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential Harm
Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential Harm
Jun 27, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential Harm

Late yesterday afternoon the Congressional Budget Office released their score of the Senate’s proposed health care… Continue Reading

Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So
Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So
Jun 22, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So

Members of the United States Senate have released their proposed health care plan, all 142 pages… 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

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

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

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

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

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

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017
Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017
Apr 10, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the… Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

Raleigh Report — March 26, 2017

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

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

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

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

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

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact
Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact
Feb 17, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director I came to North Carolina in 1978 to work with… Continue Reading

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

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

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

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

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

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

A Letter to President Trump
A Letter to President Trump
Jan 20, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

A Letter to President Trump

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were… Continue Reading

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

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

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

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

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

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

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

Faith Groups Keep Pushing for Solar Access in NC
Faith Groups Keep Pushing for Solar Access in NC
Oct 24, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Faith Groups Keep Pushing for Solar Access in NC

As the North Carolina Court of Appeals considers a Greensboro church’s use of a popular solar… 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

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2
Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2
Oct 1, 2016
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

Donald Trump may strike a populist, anti-big business note a la Bernie Sanders from time to… 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

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

Congregations Need NC’s Solar Tax Credits Extended
Congregations Need NC’s Solar Tax Credits Extended
Aug 28, 2015
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Congregations Need NC’s Solar Tax Credits Extended

NC Interfaith Power & Light Director Susannah Tuttle delivered this statement at a press conference held… 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

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear
Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear
Apr 11, 2015
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of… 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

Affordable Care Act and Taxes
Affordable Care Act and Taxes
Mar 22, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Affordable Care Act and Taxes

Any of you who have already done your tax return for 2014 have discovered new questions… 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

Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?
Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?
Jan 15, 2015
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?

People who are poor pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes than do those… 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

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

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

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

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

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

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

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

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution

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

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

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

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

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

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

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature
Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature
May 10, 2014
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been… 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

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

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

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

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

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

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

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

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

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

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

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

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

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

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.

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

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

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

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

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

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

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

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

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

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

Tax Reform: Not So Simple
Tax Reform: Not So Simple
Jun 16, 2013
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its… Continue Reading

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

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

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

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

Tax Cuts’ Painful Costs

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

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

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

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

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.

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

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate
NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate
Apr 23, 2013
Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has… Continue Reading

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

Tax Reform Cookies

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

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

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

Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU
Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU
Mar 11, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU

There will be no more important and overarching issue before the General Assembly this year than… 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

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

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

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

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.


Footer

Contact

NC Council of Churches
27 Horne St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 828-6501
info@ncchurches.org

Facebook

Partners in Health and Wholeness

Featured

Latest Tweets

ICYMI: Check out our spotlight piece on Olive Branch Ministry, Hickory, to learn more about their faith-based harm reduction work serving the foothills and piedmont of North Carolina. ncchurches.org/2021/…

About 2 days ago

This Earth Month, we're calling on our network to advocate with compassion for a just & sustainable future. To support you in this hard & holy work, @NCIPL complied a toolkit with policy positions, calls to action, & how we engage in faith-based advocacy. ncchurches.org/advoc…

About 2 days ago

Make sure to register for our upcoming Legislative Seminar. Our opening worship service and award ceremony will honor Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, with the Faith Active in Public Life award. ncchurches.ourpowerb… pic.twitter.com/rG7U…

About 3 days ago

Faith Climate Action Week is coming up! This year's theme is Sacred Ground: Cultivating Connections Between our Faith, our Food, and the Climate. Follow the link to find events >> faithclimateactionwe…

About 5 days ago

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…

Last week

Follow @ncchurches

Latest Tweets

Now that all North Carolinians age 16+ are eligible to receive a #COVID19 vaccine, use the @ncdhhs resource hub to find a local provider near you to get your shot! #MySpotMyShotNC #NC covid19.ncdhhs.gov/v… #MindfulTogether

About 2 days ago

Join us next Thurs., April 22 for our Sacred Conversations event on caring for creation. We'll be discussing environmental caretaking, collective action, and our Sustainability Pledge. Register online at ncchurches.ourpowerb… @NCIPL #MindfulTogether #EarthDay pic.twitter.com/GTpI…

About 3 days ago

Read our spotlight piece on Olive Branch Ministry to learn more about their faith-based harm reduction work serving the foothills and piedmont of North Carolina. ncchurches.org/2021/… @olivebranchgals #MindfulTogether pic.twitter.com/xj2U…

About 4 days ago

Our work has led us to recognize the impact our environment has on our health and ability to flourish. Click below to read more about our commitment to being stewards of God’s good Creation through our Sustainability Pledge. ncchurches.org/phw-s… @NCIPL #MindfulTogether

About 5 days ago

Awesome opportunity from our partners at @emergingissues! #MindfulTogether twitter.com/emerging…

About 6 days ago

Follow @healthandfaith

Latest Tweets

RT @faithinplace Next week is #FaithClimateActionWeek! Join @interfaithpower on April 21 @ 1pm CT for “Sacred Ground: A Message of Hope”—a conversation with @kissthegroundoc filmmaker @JoshTickell & Statewide Outreach Dir. Veronica Kyle on @faithinplace amazing CSAs! bit.ly/Sacred-Ground… pic.twitter.com/xxX7…

About 7 hours ago

RT @ecoAmerica Register for the American Climate Leadership Summit today for the opportunity to join 1000+ climate leaders including Nana Firman, Senior Ambassador of @greenfaithworld to help move America along the solutions path faster! Sign up here: acls2021.org #ACLS2021 pic.twitter.com/Rdxc…

About 7 hours ago

RT @ClimateReality It’s time to follow the money and fight for justice. grist.org/race/how-w…

About 7 hours ago

RT @middlechurch “Where one lives should not determine how long one lives, the quality of the air you breathe or the water you drink.” - @AyannaPressley #RevLove21

About 7 hours ago

Watch livestream @PullenChurch 11am EST pullen.org/livestrea… to hear our Director preach on #climatefairshare & “Manna In The Wilderness” usfairshare.org @uscan @interfaithpower @ELCA @ncchurches @Gina_McCarthy @JoeBiden @JohnKerry @mtmalcom @billmckibben #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/3bkX…

About 9 hours ago

Follow @ncipl

Latest Tweets

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