As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community and our vision for the future. Stay tuned for these inspiring reflections throughout the year!
As the Communications Director for the North Carolina Council of Churches, I am honored to amplify the impactful work of this incredible organization. In this role, I have not only had the opportunity to grow and learn but also to highlight the Council’s initiatives in creative and inspiring ways. Every email I send, every post I write, and every campaign we launch is rooted in a deep desire to connect and inspire. For me, this role is about sharing stories of hope, resilience, and faith-driven action—reminding us all that we are not alone in this work, and that together, we can live out our shared call to justice. Because we know that this work cannot be done alone.
I am continually inspired by my colleagues, the congregations, and the people of faith in our network who understand that it is their calling to live out the tenets of scripture—tenets that urge us to love our neighbors, act with compassion, and challenge the harmful rhetoric and toxic extremism that Christian nationalism has too often been associated with, particularly in unjust policies. Scripture does not call us down the path of hate and division. Instead, it calls us to act with humility, to be bold in our convictions, to open our arms wide in love, and to stand together. Communicating this message is crucial, particularly in a time when so many unjust policies are being pushed forward under the guise of faith. It is only through this collective action that I believe we can truly move mountains.
When I reflect on how I got to where I am now, I’m reminded of my early days at the Council. I joined in 2018 as the Immigration Program Coordinator, a time when the Sanctuary Movement was inspiring churches across the nation to take radical steps to welcome the sojourner and open their doors to our most vulnerable community members–our immigrant neighbors. Those days were challenging yet hopeful, as I witnessed congregations embodying scripture through their actions—standing in solidarity with immigrants and providing safe spaces of refuge. That work taught me a lot about resilience, faith, and the power of collective action rooted in love and justice.
While recent news has brought challenges, including the reversal of the memo that once protected immigrants in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and schools, I am reminded of the resilience and creativity of people of faith. Even in the face of setbacks, our work continues, driven by a deep commitment to love, justice, and the belief that another way is possible. I am especially proud that the North Carolina Council of Churches joined as a plaintiff this week alongside more than two dozen Christian and Jewish denominations and associations to affirm the sacred obligation to welcome and care for our immigrant neighbors and to defend religious freedom for all.
As a woman married to another woman and expecting a child, my fears about the next four years are both valid and undeniable. The political landscape feels increasingly hostile, and the threats to families like mine are very real. Yet, it is precisely because of these fears that I must hold onto hope. Hope cannot be passive either—it must be active. It is the hope that the love and compassion we show one another will outshine the hatred and division. It is the hope that, together, we can create a future where justice and equity thrive in our communities.
This hope compels me, and so many of us, to act boldly, to stand together, and to never give up on the promise of a better future—especially for our children and the generations to come. As the North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates 90 years rooted in faith, I am filled with gratitude and resolve. Together, we will continue this legacy of love, justice, and active hope.
Join us in continuing this legacy of justice and courage. Your gift supports the Council’s work for equity and compassion across North Carolina. Donate today.
