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PHW Success Story – Ward Street Mission UMC, High Point

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Since 2010, beginning with the spring growing season, Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church has implemented a concept called, “House Gardens Greening Project”. The concept is simple. Instead of having […]

PHW Success Story – Ward Street Mission UMC, High Point

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Since 2010, beginning with the spring growing season, Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church has implemented a concept called, “House Gardens Greening Project”. The concept is simple. Instead of having […]

New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar

By chris

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. […]

New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar

by chris

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. […]

Ruth’s Journey: What Immigration Reform Means for Women

By chris

Last week about 150 women gathered from across the Triangle to hear the stories of "Ruth's Journey: Building Communi-TEA." This one of a kind interfaith tea and dialogue focused on conversation about the impact of immigration on women and their families.

Ruth’s Journey: What Immigration Reform Means for Women

by chris

Last week about 150 women gathered from across the Triangle to hear the stories of “Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA.” This one of a kind interfaith tea and dialogue focused on conversation about the impact of immigration on women and their families.

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 2

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 2

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Legislative Seminar Workshop

By chris

Rev. Linda Walling, Executive Director at Faithful Reform in Health Care and Nicole Dozier, Assistant Project Director at the NC Health Access Coalition offered this compelling and insightful workshop on the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) at our 2013 Legislative Seminar. You can download and listent the podcast above.

Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Legislative Seminar Workshop

by chris

Rev. Linda Walling, Executive Director at Faithful Reform in Health Care and Nicole Dozier, Assistant Project Director at the NC Health Access Coalition offered this compelling and insightful workshop on the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) at our 2013 Legislative Seminar. You can download and listent the podcast above.

PHW Success Story – First Baptist, Lumberton

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

First Baptist Church in Lumberton – under the leadership of Dr. TR Murray and PHW Liaison Jay Leggette – is participating in the Partners in Health and Wholeness Certification Program, […]

PHW Success Story – First Baptist, Lumberton

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

First Baptist Church in Lumberton – under the leadership of Dr. TR Murray and PHW Liaison Jay Leggette – is participating in the Partners in Health and Wholeness Certification Program, […]

Voting Rights NC: Legislative Seminar Workshop

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar on April 11 featured a workshop about voting rights. It was provided by Bob Hall, executive director of Democracy North Carolina, a group that advocates for voting rights and for proper safeguards against the influence of self-serving special interests in the political system. The debate over whether voters should have to show a photo ID has raged from state to state, with backers saying such IDs are needed to combat voter fraud. Nobody wants to see even one vote cast illegally, and it’s true that most voters already have photo IDs. However, those who don’t have them tend to be among society’s vulnerable.

Voting Rights NC: Legislative Seminar Workshop

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar on April 11 featured a workshop about voting rights. It was provided by Bob Hall, executive director of Democracy North Carolina, a group that advocates for voting rights and for proper safeguards against the influence of self-serving special interests in the political system.

The debate over whether voters should have to show a photo ID has raged from state to state, with backers saying such IDs are needed to combat voter fraud.

Nobody wants to see even one vote cast illegally, and it’s true that most voters already have photo IDs. However, those who don’t have them tend to be among society’s vulnerable.

The Ecumenical Journey

By chris

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

The Ecumenical Journey

by chris

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

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

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has signed on to three letters involving issues being addressed at the federal level. We […]

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

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has signed on to three letters involving issues being addressed at the federal level. We […]

North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now

By chris

With the introduction of the landmark immigration legislation by the Senate, the immigration debate continues to heat up. And North Carolina is paying attention. From faith leaders to business leaders to the state's leading newspapers, we are seeing very strong support for the bill. Now is the time for our elected officials to step up and help make humane immigration reform a reality. Below is a summary of recent perspectives on the bill.

North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now

by chris

With the introduction of the landmark immigration legislation by the Senate, the immigration debate continues to heat up. And North Carolina is paying attention. From faith leaders to business leaders to the state’s leading newspapers, we are seeing very strong support for the bill. Now is the time for our elected officials to step up and help make humane immigration reform a reality. Below is a summary of recent perspectives on the bill.

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

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.

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

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.

Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Pentecost - May 19, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: John 14:8-17, 25-27

From the personal vignette: “After returning from Iraq, we moved to Durham, North Carolina to start a house of hospitality in the summer of 2003. We said we wanted to try to practice in our daily lives the love we had seen in Iraq. So we called our little experiment the Rutba House. What we do here day in and day out is hardly as dramatic as rescuing enemies from a roadside while bombs are falling. We’ve tried to find ways to shape our community life together around receiving and sharing God’s love."

Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Pentecost – May 19, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: John 14:8-17, 25-27

From the personal vignette: “After returning from Iraq, we moved to Durham, North Carolina to start a house of hospitality in the summer of 2003. We said we wanted to try to practice in our daily lives the love we had seen in Iraq. So we called our little experiment the Rutba House. What we do here day in and day out is hardly as dramatic as rescuing enemies from a roadside while bombs are falling. We’ve tried to find ways to shape our community life together around receiving and sharing God’s love.”

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may […]

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may […]

Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA

By chris

Join fellow women of faith at "Ruth's Journey" as we discuss how relationships transcend barriers and the need for immigration reform.

When: 3:00pm on April, 26 2013
Where: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 504 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham NC
RSVP & for more information: mblickman@faithinpubliclife.org

Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA

by chris

Join fellow women of faith at “Ruth’s Journey” as we discuss how relationships transcend barriers and the need for immigration reform.

When: 3:00pm on April, 26 2013
Where: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 504 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham NC
RSVP & for more information: mblickman@faithinpubliclife.org

A Healthier NC: It’s All Up to Us!

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Today marks the beginning of a very important journey for our state – a journey toward better health for all North Carolinians. A Healthier NC is a statewide campaign/challenge to […]

A Healthier NC: It’s All Up to Us!

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Today marks the beginning of a very important journey for our state – a journey toward better health for all North Carolinians. A Healthier NC is a statewide campaign/challenge to […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 1

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 1

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

End Child Labor in NC: A Public Service Announcement

By chris

Growing up working on the family farm is an important tradition that should be preserved, but employing young children in hazardous work should not be a tradition any longer. Child labor laws should be the same for every industry. All children in North Carolina deserve a safe, healthy and bright future.

End Child Labor in NC: A Public Service Announcement

by chris

Growing up working on the family farm is an important tradition that should be preserved, but employing young children in hazardous work should not be a tradition any longer. Child labor laws should be the same for every industry. All children in North Carolina deserve a safe, healthy and bright future.

Prayers for Boston

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in Boston and to all those affected by the horror of Monday’s bombing. Let us continue to work toward a path for peace.

Prayers for Boston

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in Boston and to all those affected by the horror of Monday’s bombing. Let us continue to work toward a path for peace.

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Many of you who attended the 2013 Legislative Seminar expressed an interest in having portions of the day available online, and we have started that process. Audio from the Rev. […]

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Many of you who attended the 2013 Legislative Seminar expressed an interest in having portions of the day available online, and we have started that process. Audio from the Rev. […]

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

By chris

The Rev. Fletcher Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest. Download his […]

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

by chris

The Rev. Fletcher Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest. Download his […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

Tax Reform Cookies

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly closes shop. But chief bakers in both the House and Senate seem intent on […]

Tax Reform Cookies

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly closes shop. But chief bakers in both the House and Senate seem intent on […]

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

By chris

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."

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

by chris

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.”

Free lectionary materials - Public Accountability

Execution Foes at Legislature

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for […]

Execution Foes at Legislature

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for […]

NCIPL LeadershipTransition

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

As I gaze out of my study window at the bright spring birds and budding trees, I am at peace with and excited about the changes unfolding at NCIPL. As […]

NCIPL LeadershipTransition

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

As I gaze out of my study window at the bright spring birds and budding trees, I am at peace with and excited about the changes unfolding at NCIPL. As […]

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The National Council of Churches, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and others are sponsoring an Interfaith Call-in Day to ensure that the voices of faithful Americans are heard throughout […]

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The National Council of Churches, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and others are sponsoring an Interfaith Call-in Day to ensure that the voices of faithful Americans are heard throughout […]

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

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

        Voter Suppression & Campaign Finance Other New Bills Commentary Tax Fairness Public Education Voting Rights Death Penalty Rush to the Right Continues From the first days […]

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

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

        Voter Suppression & Campaign Finance Other New Bills Commentary Tax Fairness Public Education Voting Rights Death Penalty Rush to the Right Continues From the first days […]

Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award. To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.

Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award.

To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.

Keep Telling Congress the Sequester is Immoral

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

At the Child Poverty Summit in Durham earlier this year, we were reminded that 25% of North Carolina children live in poverty. The National Council of Churches is reminding us […]

Keep Telling Congress the Sequester is Immoral

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

At the Child Poverty Summit in Durham earlier this year, we were reminded that 25% of North Carolina children live in poverty. The National Council of Churches is reminding us […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 7 (Reflection)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 7 (Reflection)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss […]

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss […]

comprehensive immigration reform

NC Bishops: “Immigration Laws Need Reform”

By chris

On Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, the Raleigh News & Observer published a powerful full-length editorial in support of humane immigration reform by two of North Carolina’s leading religious figures, […]

NC Bishops: “Immigration Laws Need Reform”

by chris

On Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, the Raleigh News & Observer published a powerful full-length editorial in support of humane immigration reform by two of North Carolina’s leading religious figures, […]

Peace is Not Placidity

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend and Consultant for Peace, David LaMotte, will spend part of his Easter weekend in Memphis, where he will stand in the light with others against the darkness of […]

Peace is Not Placidity

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend and Consultant for Peace, David LaMotte, will spend part of his Easter weekend in Memphis, where he will stand in the light with others against the darkness of […]

Blessings of the Easter Season

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine. […]

Blessings of the Easter Season

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine. […]

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to […]

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

2013 Faith & Immigration Statewide Summit

By chris

SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, October 12, 2013, 10am - 2pm
Primera Iglesia Bautista (First Baptist Church)
2840 Cemetery Road
Sanford, NC 27332
Cost: FREE

Workshops and additional details coming soon.

2013 Faith & Immigration Statewide Summit

by chris

SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, October 12, 2013, 10am – 2pm
Primera Iglesia Bautista (First Baptist Church)
2840 Cemetery Road
Sanford, NC 27332
Cost: FREE

Workshops and additional details coming soon.

Council Awards to Be Presented at Legislative Seminar

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have been chosen to receive the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors. Gene Nichol will receive the […]

Council Awards to Be Presented at Legislative Seminar

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have been chosen to receive the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors. Gene Nichol will receive the […]

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sojo.net

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

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Sojo.net

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

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter - April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications."

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter – April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications.”

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal […]

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal […]

A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe

By chris

Facing mounting criticism both statewide and nationally, the NC Department of Transportation has backed off from the now-infamous "pink stripe" design for driver's licenses that will be issued to young immigrants. The original pink design, which was an administrative decision made behind closed doors, ended up receiving national media coverage, including major outlets like USA Today, Reuters and the NY Times. The redesigned licenses will retain the problematic wording: "Legal Presence / No Lawful Status."

Dozens of faith communities and religious leaders from across theological traditions weighed in against the controversial license.

A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe

by chris

Facing mounting criticism both statewide and nationally, the NC Department of Transportation has backed off from the now-infamous “pink stripe” design for driver’s licenses that will be issued to young immigrants. The original pink design, which was an administrative decision made behind closed doors, ended up receiving national media coverage, including major outlets like USA Today, Reuters and the NY Times. The redesigned licenses will retain the problematic wording: “Legal Presence / No Lawful Status.”

Dozens of faith communities and religious leaders from across theological traditions weighed in against the controversial license.

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Easter Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season […]

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Easter Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season […]

Got Food? Thank a Farmworker During Holy Week

By chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the same week that we celebrate the extraordinary gifts that farmworkers offer to our communities. As we prepare to celebrate Holy Week, we invite you to celebrate the many vital contributions that farmworkers make to our state. Join with faith communities, student groups, community organizations and many others who are taking this opportunity to lift up those who do some of the hardest work for the lowest pay.

Got Food? Thank a Farmworker During Holy Week

by chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the same week that we celebrate the extraordinary gifts that farmworkers offer to our communities. As we prepare to celebrate Holy Week, we invite you to celebrate the many vital contributions that farmworkers make to our state. Join with faith communities, student groups, community organizations and many others who are taking this opportunity to lift up those who do some of the hardest work for the lowest pay.

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 5 (Diversity)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 5 (Diversity)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

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

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

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

Earth Day Weekend: Events and Resources for Congregations

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Earth Day weekend is the perfect time to direct attention, prayer, and action to Caring for Creation. This year, Earth Day is Monday, April 22. Visit NCIPL’s Earth Day webpage for resources your congregation can use to honor Earth Day, events occurring across the state, and details on how you can share your plans.

Earth Day Weekend: Events and Resources for Congregations

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Earth Day weekend is the perfect time to direct attention, prayer, and action to Caring for Creation. This year, Earth Day is Monday, April 22. Visit NCIPL’s Earth Day webpage for resources your congregation can use to honor Earth Day, events occurring across the state, and details on how you can share your plans.

NCIPL Energy Audit “How To” Webinar Recording Online

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

NCIPL hosted a webinar on how your congregation can obtain a free energy savings analysis (also known as an energy audit) on March 12. The recording of the webinar is now online. This service is offered to all North Carolina congregations at no charge. Share the webinar with others at your congregation and contact us at info@ncipl.org to schedule your congregation’s audit today.

NCIPL Energy Audit “How To” Webinar Recording Online

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

NCIPL hosted a webinar on how your congregation can obtain a free energy savings analysis (also known as an energy audit) on March 12. The recording of the webinar is now online. This service is offered to all North Carolina congregations at no charge. Share the webinar with others at your congregation and contact us at info@ncipl.org to schedule your congregation’s audit today.

Resource on Tax Fairness

By Justin Hubbard, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

From Jerusalem to Jericho: Christian Witness on the Tax-Sustained Road Click here to download. This compelling 13-page document draws current tax policies into conversation with Scripture passages, Church theologians, and […]

Resource on Tax Fairness

by Justin Hubbard, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

From Jerusalem to Jericho: Christian Witness on the Tax-Sustained Road Click here to download. This compelling 13-page document draws current tax policies into conversation with Scripture passages, Church theologians, and […]

Putting a Face on Legislation

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette, challenged us a few weeks ago to be Citizens of Heaven and to […]

Putting a Face on Legislation

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette, challenged us a few weeks ago to be Citizens of Heaven and to […]

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for Disaster.” That about sums it up. This is the bill that would allow anyone […]

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for Disaster.” That about sums it up. This is the bill that would allow anyone […]

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

From the Palm Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season […]

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

From the Palm Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the […]

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the […]

Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free

By chris

From Chapter 5 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free

by chris

From Chapter 5 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Resources for Voting Rights Sunday

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

As you probably know, the Voting Rights Act is being challenged in the US Supreme Court, and General Assembly leaders in Raleigh are renewing their push to pass laws that […]

Resources for Voting Rights Sunday

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

As you probably know, the Voting Rights Act is being challenged in the US Supreme Court, and General Assembly leaders in Raleigh are renewing their push to pass laws that […]

Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Are you interested in what other faith-based communities are doing in terms of climate change? Do you want to invite them to your events? Do you have questions that others […]

Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Are you interested in what other faith-based communities are doing in terms of climate change? Do you want to invite them to your events? Do you have questions that others […]

Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

There will be no more important and overarching issue before the General Assembly this year than tax reform. Proposals being floated by legislative leaders would reduce or eliminate personal and […]

Faith and Fair Taxation Expert at WFU

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

There will be no more important and overarching issue before the General Assembly this year than tax reform. Proposals being floated by legislative leaders would reduce or eliminate personal and […]

Join the “Pink Tape Protest” Against Discriminatory Licenses

By chris

Young immigrants are about to be singled out by a radical new pink driver's license with the words "NO LAWFUL STATUS" on it. Learn more, sign the statement, and fight discrimination here.

Join the “Pink Tape Protest” Against Discriminatory Licenses

by chris

Young immigrants are about to be singled out by a radical new pink driver’s license with the words “NO LAWFUL STATUS” on it. Learn more, sign the statement, and fight discrimination here.

Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 3 (Enough)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 3 (Enough)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why […]

The Table Was Packed

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is awesome how many people spend their days thinking of ways to make this world better. I was reminded of this during the latest Come to the Table Conferences. Both […]

The Table Was Packed

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is awesome how many people spend their days thinking of ways to make this world better. I was reminded of this during the latest Come to the Table Conferences. Both […]

Letter to the Editor: On Pink Licenses

By chris

Raleigh News & Observer

There’s no shortage of solutions in search of problems these days in Raleigh. One classic example is the proposed pink licenses for young immigrants who are granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The special licenses, approved by Gov. Pat McCrory, were neither requested by law enforcement nor designed to follow what other states have done.

Letter to the Editor: On Pink Licenses

Raleigh News & Observer

There’s no shortage of solutions in search of problems these days in Raleigh. One classic example is the proposed pink licenses for young immigrants who are granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The special licenses, approved by Gov. Pat McCrory, were neither requested by law enforcement nor designed to follow what other states have done.

Conference Explores Dimensions Of Food Justice

By chris

By Eric Ginsburg, YES Weekly

Dozens of organizations and hundreds of people from throughout the area came together in Greensboro last week to talk about an issue central in everyone’s lives: food. The Come to the Table conference, held at UNCG, was designed to assemble people who are working on and concerned with food issues to learn, network and organize around food access and justice.

Conference Explores Dimensions Of Food Justice

By Eric Ginsburg, YES Weekly

Dozens of organizations and hundreds of people from throughout the area came together in Greensboro last week to talk about an issue central in everyone’s lives: food. The Come to the Table conference, held at UNCG, was designed to assemble people who are working on and concerned with food issues to learn, network and organize around food access and justice.

Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?

By chris

From Chapter 3 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?

by chris

From Chapter 3 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Council of Churches is partnering with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to offer healthy eating equipment grants for places of worship in Anson, Bladen, […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Council of Churches is partnering with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to offer healthy eating equipment grants for places of worship in Anson, Bladen, […]

Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week

By chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the […]

Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week

by chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 2 (Creation)

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining us for week 2 of the PHW Book Club! We hope you enjoyed reading week 2 of the Eating Well Curriculum! We are going to focus on […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 2 (Creation)

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining us for week 2 of the PHW Book Club! We hope you enjoyed reading week 2 of the Eating Well Curriculum! We are going to focus on […]

New Movie Series Comes to Charlotte

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Monthly climate change action and education movie series have been popping up all over the state. NCIPL is pleased to announce that another movie series begins this month in Charlotte. “Speaking […]

New Movie Series Comes to Charlotte

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Monthly climate change action and education movie series have been popping up all over the state. NCIPL is pleased to announce that another movie series begins this month in Charlotte. “Speaking […]

PHW Funding Opportunity – Webinar Posted

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation, recently conducted a webinar for places of worship interested in the new Healthy Eating […]

PHW Funding Opportunity – Webinar Posted

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation, recently conducted a webinar for places of worship interested in the new Healthy Eating […]

Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

If you are interested in reducing your congregation’s utility bills, increasing your congregation’s efforts to care for creation, and taking a positive action in response to climate change, we invite […]

Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

If you are interested in reducing your congregation’s utility bills, increasing your congregation’s efforts to care for creation, and taking a positive action in response to climate change, we invite […]

Stories That Lean Toward Liberation: My Discussion with Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve

By Scott Schomburg, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Exploring the power of witness in the midst of a raging immigration debate, Scott Schomburg reflects on his experience interviewing Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve, pastor of Iglesia Hispana Emanuel in Durham, NC.

Stories That Lean Toward Liberation: My Discussion with Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve

by Scott Schomburg, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Exploring the power of witness in the midst of a raging immigration debate, Scott Schomburg reflects on his experience interviewing Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve, pastor of Iglesia Hispana Emanuel in Durham, NC.

Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Attacks on Struggling North Carolinians Advance Medicaid Coverage Unemployment Insurance Earned Income Tax Credit Fracking Moratorium Gun Violence Raise the Age Refusing to Extend Medicaid Coverage SB 4, which would […]

Raleigh Report – February 25, 2013

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Attacks on Struggling North Carolinians Advance Medicaid Coverage Unemployment Insurance Earned Income Tax Credit Fracking Moratorium Gun Violence Raise the Age Refusing to Extend Medicaid Coverage SB 4, which would […]

Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

On March 1, new federal cuts will begin to take effect. If nothing is done, many hundreds of thousands of people will be hurt by across-the-board cuts to education, job […]

Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

On March 1, new federal cuts will begin to take effect. If nothing is done, many hundreds of thousands of people will be hurt by across-the-board cuts to education, job […]

Raleigh Report – February 21, 2013

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

    Payday Lending What It Is, How It Harms People, Why We Don’t Need It Back Payday lending, sadly, could be coming back to North Carolina. It was banned […]

Raleigh Report – February 21, 2013

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

    Payday Lending What It Is, How It Harms People, Why We Don’t Need It Back Payday lending, sadly, could be coming back to North Carolina. It was banned […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 1 (Overview)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 1 (Overview)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be […]

Bulletin Insert from PFADP

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at People of Faith Against the Death Penalty have provided a bulletin insert for churches interested in helping work to repeal the death penalty. PFADP, which began as a […]

Bulletin Insert from PFADP

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at People of Faith Against the Death Penalty have provided a bulletin insert for churches interested in helping work to repeal the death penalty. PFADP, which began as a […]

Preparing the Way: Caring for Creation – A Lenten “Carbon Fast”

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

From Chapter 2 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Preparing the Way: Caring for Creation – A Lenten “Carbon Fast”

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

From Chapter 2 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

The NRA Takes Aim at Latinos

By chris

In a recent column for the Daily Caller, Wayne LaPierre – the official spokesman for the NRA and a recent witness in Congress – urges his readers to buy more […]

The NRA Takes Aim at Latinos

by chris

In a recent column for the Daily Caller, Wayne LaPierre – the official spokesman for the NRA and a recent witness in Congress – urges his readers to buy more […]

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at 919-828-6501 on Tuesday, April 9 until 5:00 p.m. Gene Nichol, Director of the Center […]

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at 919-828-6501 on Tuesday, April 9 until 5:00 p.m. Gene Nichol, Director of the Center […]

The Green Bible is a Must Read

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

If you haven’t discovered The Green Bible yet, you are in for a joyous surprise. This 2008 edition of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is made unique […]

The Green Bible is a Must Read

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

If you haven’t discovered The Green Bible yet, you are in for a joyous surprise. This 2008 edition of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is made unique […]

Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent - March 10, 2013
Topic: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths
Focus Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

From the pastoral reflection: “Nadia dramatically called us into the reality of her life and away from our being disengaged onlookers. Angrily, she described the early morning hours onslaught as she, her husband, and three little children huddled on their bedroom floor, bullets ricocheting around the room for half an hour. They assumed they would die in the hail of gunfire. But surviving the experience, the family began cleaning up their devastated home and quickly recognized the telltale imprint of American military hardware: spent shells that they knew came from American-made equipment."

Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent – March 10, 2013
Topic: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths
Focus Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

From the pastoral reflection: “Nadia dramatically called us into the reality of her life and away from our being disengaged onlookers. Angrily, she described the early morning hours onslaught as she, her husband, and three little children huddled on their bedroom floor, bullets ricocheting around the room for half an hour. They assumed they would die in the hail of gunfire. But surviving the experience, the family began cleaning up their devastated home and quickly recognized the telltale imprint of American military hardware: spent shells that they knew came from American-made equipment.”

PHW Update: New Funding Opportunity for Congregations

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches is happy to announce a new partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to increase access to healthy, local food through […]

PHW Update: New Funding Opportunity for Congregations

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches is happy to announce a new partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to increase access to healthy, local food through […]

PHW Launches Book Club

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters.  Our first […]

PHW Launches Book Club

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters.  Our first […]

Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From Chapter 1 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From Chapter 1 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent […]

For the Good of All God’s Children — Accept Federal Money Offered to NC

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

If you are following the actions of the 2013 NC legislature, you know that the idea of accepting federal funds that will cover health insurance for hundreds of thousands of […]

For the Good of All God’s Children — Accept Federal Money Offered to NC

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

If you are following the actions of the 2013 NC legislature, you know that the idea of accepting federal funds that will cover health insurance for hundreds of thousands of […]

White Water Black Gold

White Water, Black Gold: We Can’t Have Both

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

On the eve of the National Preach-In on Climate Change, I just watched an amazing movie called White Water, Black Gold. It’s a beautifully crafted and accurate exploration of one of the hidden costs of continued development of tar sands oil in Canada’s North Country. That cost is clean water. This Canadian production is available for free viewing until February 18th and is well worth the 57 minutes it takes to watch it. Elegantly juxtaposing video of pristine examples of God’s glorious creation with shocking shots of lands and waters defiled by human industry, this movie calls us to action and to change.

White Water, Black Gold: We Can’t Have Both

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

On the eve of the National Preach-In on Climate Change, I just watched an amazing movie called White Water, Black Gold. It’s a beautifully crafted and accurate exploration of one of the hidden costs of continued development of tar sands oil in Canada’s North Country. That cost is clean water. This Canadian production is available for free viewing until February 18th and is well worth the 57 minutes it takes to watch it. Elegantly juxtaposing video of pristine examples of God’s glorious creation with shocking shots of lands and waters defiled by human industry, this movie calls us to action and to change.

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of […]

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of […]

Raleigh Report – February 6, 2013

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Yesterday morning the Senate Rules Committee unveiled a committee substitute for SB 10 which would effectively kick off all of the members of several influential commissions, including the Environmental Management Commission, the Coastal Resources Commission, the Utilities Commission, and the Lottery Commission, and then enable the General Assembly and the Governor to appoint new members.

Raleigh Report – February 6, 2013

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Yesterday morning the Senate Rules Committee unveiled a committee substitute for SB 10 which would effectively kick off all of the members of several influential commissions, including the Environmental Management Commission, the Coastal Resources Commission, the Utilities Commission, and the Lottery Commission, and then enable the General Assembly and the Governor to appoint new members.

“God Made a Farmer” – But What About Farmworkers?

By chris

As I watched the Super Bowl with my family on Sunday night, one ad stood out. It was the beautiful slideshow of farmers, accompanied by the eloquent words of the late Paul's Harvey's speech entitled "God Made a Farmer." The ad was a moving tribute, evoking powerful emotions while praising the often unrewarding daily labor of farming.

But why were all the farmers white? Why didn't the ad depict the reality of farmworkers, the millions of men and women whose hard labor makes possible the abundance on our plates?

“God Made a Farmer” – But What About Farmworkers?

by chris

As I watched the Super Bowl with my family on Sunday night, one ad stood out. It was the beautiful slideshow of farmers, accompanied by the eloquent words of the late Paul’s Harvey’s speech entitled “God Made a Farmer.” The ad was a moving tribute, evoking powerful emotions while praising the often unrewarding daily labor of farming.

But why were all the farmers white? Why didn’t the ad depict the reality of farmworkers, the millions of men and women whose hard labor makes possible the abundance on our plates?

Join the Let’s Learn NC Campaign for Tuition Equality

By chris

Tuition Equality: Good For Our Students, Good For Our State  Today marks the launch of a new campaign seeking tuition equality for all North Carolina students. Let’s Learn NC is […]

Join the Let’s Learn NC Campaign for Tuition Equality

by chris

Tuition Equality: Good For Our Students, Good For Our State  Today marks the launch of a new campaign seeking tuition equality for all North Carolina students. Let’s Learn NC is […]

Lent and Getting Back to Basics

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The 40 days of Lent are a wonderful time for Christians to explore deeply our relationship with God and God’s creation. Everything we need to survive and thrive is on […]

Lent and Getting Back to Basics

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The 40 days of Lent are a wonderful time for Christians to explore deeply our relationship with God and God’s creation. Everything we need to survive and thrive is on […]

Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills introduced and advanced during these first two days give a taste of things to come. Note especially the bills affecting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, weakening the benefits of unemployment insurance, and extending the presence of guns.

Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills introduced and advanced during these first two days give a taste of things to come. Note especially the bills affecting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, weakening the benefits of unemployment insurance, and extending the presence of guns.

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

By chris

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

by chris

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

What’s Wrong with Photo ID?

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most insidious proposals coming up in the General Assembly session is the one to require people to show photo IDs in order to vote. It has the […]

What’s Wrong with Photo ID?

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most insidious proposals coming up in the General Assembly session is the one to require people to show photo IDs in order to vote. It has the […]

Toward a Healthier New Year

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Are the holidays over already? Well, yes. But what remains for many of us are the extra pounds packed on from Thanksgiving to the New Year holiday. Darn. I came […]

Toward a Healthier New Year

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Are the holidays over already? Well, yes. But what remains for many of us are the extra pounds packed on from Thanksgiving to the New Year holiday. Darn. I came […]

Immigration Webinar Resources

By chris

Click here for a recording of the Jan 9, 2013 webinar: Help – How Do I Talk with My Congregation about Immigration? with Lori Fernald Khamala of American Friends Service Committee.

Immigration Webinar Resources

by chris

Click here for a recording of the Jan 9, 2013 webinar: Help – How Do I Talk with My Congregation about Immigration? with Lori Fernald Khamala of American Friends Service Committee.

Make it an Adventure

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are few things I love more than setting out on a grand adventure. I know there are folks out there who prefer the safety, security, and dependability of home. But…there […]

Make it an Adventure

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are few things I love more than setting out on a grand adventure. I know there are folks out there who prefer the safety, security, and dependability of home. But…there […]

The Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Begins

By chris

It's been an exciting week as President Obama and a bipartisan group of key senators have started the real work of getting comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) passed this year. On Monday, the "Gang of Eight" released a framework for the new legislation. On Tuesday, the President gave a speech outlining his vision for CIR. You can watch his speech here.

The Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Begins

by chris

It’s been an exciting week as President Obama and a bipartisan group of key senators have started the real work of getting comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) passed this year. On Monday, the “Gang of Eight” released a framework for the new legislation. On Tuesday, the President gave a speech outlining his vision for CIR. You can watch his speech here.