By Nancy MacLaughlin, Greensboro News & Record
For 75 years the N.C. Council of Churches has offered a faith voice for progressive social justice and Christian unity in North Carolina. Founded by a group of white church leaders who were opposed to segregation and wanted to speak with a unified voice on issues, the council has continued its work for racial justice, but has expanded to include other areas at the forefront of social advocacy.
“Throughout our history, the council has been a crucial faith voice for ‘the least of these,’” said Executive Director George Reed.
Those efforts also have included work on gender equality, fair treatment of gays and lesbians, and the rights of those who live in poverty or with a disability. Before many others did, the council raised issues about the health effects of tobacco and the impact on the state’s farmers of moving away from growing tobacco.
The group will hold a series of events on May 18 at the Duke University Divinity School, including a music and worship service led by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. At the time she was elected bishop, Ward was the council’s first vice president.
Music includes United Voices of Praise, the Moravian Brass Choir, and the Goodson Chapel organ.
All events are open to the public, and all are free except the dinner, which is $40 per person. Reservations for the meal must be received by May 11 to nccofc@nccouncilofchurches.org, (919) 828-6501, or the council’s website,www.nccouncilofchurches.org.
