Blog

Three Tips for Beginners to Get Your Congregation Healthier

August 14, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I love being in the North Carolina country. There is nothing better than riding with your windows down, smelling the fresh air (sometimes loaded with smells of farm animals), the […]

Three Tips for Beginners to Get Your Congregation Healthier

August 14, 2015 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I love being in the North Carolina country. There is nothing better than riding with your windows down, smelling the fresh air (sometimes loaded with smells of farm animals), the […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

August 13, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch on its efforts to turn North Carolina into a veritable Promised Land for conservatives, […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

August 13, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch on its efforts to turn North Carolina into a veritable Promised Land for conservatives, […]

First Days on the New Job

August 10, 2015 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Jennifer is pictured on a spring break trip with students to Nome, Alaska. Monday, August 3, was my first day at work. The staff laughed with me when hearing that announcement since […]

First Days on the New Job

August 10, 2015 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Jennifer is pictured on a spring break trip with students to Nome, Alaska. Monday, August 3, was my first day at work. The staff laughed with me when hearing that announcement since […]

Clean Power Plan: Right and Moral

August 8, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

New federal safeguards to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants are necessary not just because they help the environment, but because they are the right and moral thing to […]

Clean Power Plan: Right and Moral

August 8, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

New federal safeguards to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants are necessary not just because they help the environment, but because they are the right and moral thing to […]

Week of Action to End Immigration Detention Quotas

August 7, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Next week, the American Friends Service Committee is coordinating a national week of action to end immigration detention quotas. The United States has the largest detention immigration system in the […]

Week of Action to End Immigration Detention Quotas

August 7, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

PHW Featured in June Magazine Article

August 6, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Earlier this summer, Partners in Health and Wholeness was featured in an Atlanta-based magazine article on faith and health. The June feature appeared in “Upscale” magazine and shared information about PHW’s work […]

PHW Featured in June Magazine Article

August 6, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing — Register by 8/14

August 5, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Have you ever met a faith community nurse? My guess is that if you have, you know it. They are go-getters. They know how to take an idea and make it happen. […]

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing — Register by 8/14

August 5, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Have you ever met a faith community nurse? My guess is that if you have, you know it. They are go-getters. They know how to take an idea and make it happen. […]

Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program

August 2, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last month, I had the opportunity to be one of 50 young leaders from across the country to take part in the 2015 Millennial Leaders Program at Union Theological Seminary in […]

Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program

August 2, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last month, I had the opportunity to be one of 50 young leaders from across the country to take part in the 2015 Millennial Leaders Program at Union Theological Seminary in […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

August 1, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they go about their business of determining whether laws are constitutional – from horning in […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

August 1, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they go about their business of determining whether laws are constitutional – from horning in […]

Voting Rights Trial Winding Down

July 30, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National attention has been focused on North Carolina during the federal voting rights trial going on in Winston-Salem. Closing arguments began today. For those who may have missed it, Council […]

Voting Rights Trial Winding Down

July 30, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National attention has been focused on North Carolina during the federal voting rights trial going on in Winston-Salem. Closing arguments began today. For those who may have missed it, Council […]

Vocation, Profession, and Divestment

July 26, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Being a student in a divinity school with graduates heading to careers in parishes, academia, nonprofits, and many other fields, I hear a […]

Vocation, Profession, and Divestment

July 26, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Being a student in a divinity school with graduates heading to careers in parishes, academia, nonprofits, and many other fields, I hear a […]

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

July 25, 2015 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends Service Committee calls this weapon system the “plane that ate the budget” and puts […]

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

July 25, 2015 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends Service Committee calls this weapon system the “plane that ate the budget” and puts […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

July 24, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Don’t be surprised if, during the General Assembly’s closed-door negotiations to craft a new state budget, enterprising reporters manage to pry loose some of the juicy (or gory) details. Keeping […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

July 24, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Calling for Freedom

July 20, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, I, along with the rest of the nation, celebrated our nation’s independence. Last week I, along with thousands of North Carolinians, also attended the Mass Moral […]

Calling for Freedom

July 20, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, I, along with the rest of the nation, celebrated our nation’s independence. Last week I, along with thousands of North Carolinians, also attended the Mass Moral […]

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

July 20, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Republican legislators can hardly get around the fact that their 2013 overhaul of North Carolina election laws is likely to inconvenience some groups of voters more than others. For example: […]

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

July 20, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Republican legislators can hardly get around the fact that their 2013 overhaul of North Carolina election laws is likely to inconvenience some groups of voters more than others. For example: […]

A New Heaven

July 10, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

“Joy, can you still dance. Now that I just heard about the Charleston shooting, can you dance a prayer as well as dancing to demonstrate that we offer our whole […]

A New Heaven

July 10, 2015 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

“Joy, can you still dance. Now that I just heard about the Charleston shooting, can you dance a prayer as well as dancing to demonstrate that we offer our whole […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

July 9, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

July 9, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House […]

An Encyclical for Summer Reading

July 8, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Summertime has always been considered the best season for reading and this year we are blessed with what arguably could be considered some of the best reading material ever written! […]

An Encyclical for Summer Reading

July 8, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Summertime has always been considered the best season for reading and this year we are blessed with what arguably could be considered some of the best reading material ever written! […]

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

June 29, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Over and over, we heard North Carolina’s stringent voter identification law, enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2013 over the protests of voting rights advocates, described as simply a “commonsense” […]

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

June 29, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

June 29, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election of the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as their 27th Presiding Bishop. Those of us […]

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

June 29, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election of the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as their 27th Presiding Bishop. Those of us […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision

June 26, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision

June 26, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Leadership of Pope Francis

June 26, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “[Pope] Francis almost makes me want to convert to Catholicism.” This is the sentiment generally expressed by many of my colleagues at Duke […]

The Leadership of Pope Francis

June 26, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “[Pope] Francis almost makes me want to convert to Catholicism.” This is the sentiment generally expressed by many of my colleagues at Duke […]

Standin’ in the Need of Prayer

June 25, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Raleigh’s Martin Street Baptist Church (historically African-American) and Pullen Memorial Baptist Church (historically white) have a partnership that has extended over more than two decades. It grew out of the […]

Standin’ in the Need of Prayer

June 25, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

June 25, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

June 25, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

June 23, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

June 23, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

June 23, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week, I listened to WUNC as I usually do. I heard a lot about the […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

June 23, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week, I listened to WUNC as I usually do. I heard a lot about the […]

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

June 19, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad range of people,” began Manzoor Cheema, a leader of Muslims for Social Justice and […]

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

June 19, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Evelyn and the Encyclical

June 18, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I strongly suspect Sister Evelyn Mattern would have liked Pope Francis. She’d have appreciated his focus on compassion and justice and his unwillingness to be distracted from those issues that […]

Evelyn and the Encyclical

June 18, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

June 18, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

With people across the world, the North Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. This kind of violence against people […]

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

June 18, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

June 17, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because through it you offer your listener a way into your life in an organized […]

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

June 17, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because through it you offer your listener a way into your life in an organized […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

June 14, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

June 14, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would […]

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

June 12, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical on the environment… but wait, why is this important? First, the Pope presides over […]

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

June 12, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical on the environment… but wait, why is this important? First, the Pope presides over […]

Project NO REST Needs Your Input to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking

June 12, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

At the North Carolina Council of Churches, our work is often guided by Isaiah 1:17, which advises,“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead […]

Project NO REST Needs Your Input to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking

June 12, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

At the North Carolina Council of Churches, our work is often guided by Isaiah 1:17, which advises,“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead […]

George’s Retirement Luncheon — Thanks to All~

June 8, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

There were so many hands, heads, and hearts that made the retirement luncheon for George Reed a joyful event, that it’s impossible to thank all involved. The short list of […]

George’s Retirement Luncheon — Thanks to All~

June 8, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

There were so many hands, heads, and hearts that made the retirement luncheon for George Reed a joyful event, that it’s impossible to thank all involved. The short list of […]

Congratulations to Harriette Thompson

June 7, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Photo via Telesport.al In my decades in North Carolina, first with the NC Baptist State Convention and then with the NC Council of Churches, I’ve known and worked with lots […]

Congratulations to Harriette Thompson

June 7, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Photo via Telesport.al In my decades in North Carolina, first with the NC Baptist State Convention and then with the NC Council of Churches, I’ve known and worked with lots […]

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

June 6, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s General Assembly has muddled through many undistinguished moments since conservative Republicans took charge four years ago. Now, with an ongoing cascade of wrongheaded decisions, it’s adding to that […]

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

June 6, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Leadership and Hope at the Margins

June 5, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern This past Tuesday, more than 200 people celebrated the career of NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed before his retirement at […]

Leadership and Hope at the Margins

June 5, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern This past Tuesday, more than 200 people celebrated the career of NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed before his retirement at […]

Come to the Table Conference Feeds the Soul

June 4, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

“It’s like a mini-family reunion” said one participant about the Come to the Table Conference that happened at Elon Community Church on Thursday, May 28. There were many encounters that […]

Come to the Table Conference Feeds the Soul

June 4, 2015 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

“It’s like a mini-family reunion” said one participant about the Come to the Table Conference that happened at Elon Community Church on Thursday, May 28. There were many encounters that […]

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

June 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Anticipation of an unpleasant event – gallows humorists usually cite the prospect of being hanged – is said to concentrate the mind. Although 17 months will pass before North Carolina […]

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

June 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Anticipation of an unpleasant event – gallows humorists usually cite the prospect of being hanged – is said to concentrate the mind. Although 17 months will pass before North Carolina […]

Retirement Luncheon — Directions

May 29, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We look forward to seeing those of you who will be joining us for George Reed’s retirement luncheon on June 2. While the program begins at noon, we encourage you to arrive […]

Retirement Luncheon — Directions

May 29, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We look forward to seeing those of you who will be joining us for George Reed’s retirement luncheon on June 2. While the program begins at noon, we encourage you to arrive […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

May 28, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

May 28, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

May 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

May 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

May 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

May 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged […]

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

May 15, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in […]

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

May 15, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in […]

Warm Weather Recipe: Cranberry-Ginger Ade

May 12, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Looking for a cool and refreshing way to make use of those cranberries you have in the freezer from the holidays? I chose to make a spring digestive aid and […]

Warm Weather Recipe: Cranberry-Ginger Ade

May 12, 2015 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Looking for a cool and refreshing way to make use of those cranberries you have in the freezer from the holidays? I chose to make a spring digestive aid and […]

David LaMotte on the Fair Food Program

May 11, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s Farmworker Ministry Committee has long been supportive of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and its efforts on behalf of those who work in the fields. The Committee has […]

David LaMotte on the Fair Food Program

May 11, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s Farmworker Ministry Committee has long been supportive of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and its efforts on behalf of those who work in the fields. The Committee has […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained enough support to make them worth fussing with during the remainder of the legislative […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Nepal and Baltimore

April 29, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace and ease. In both Nepal and Baltimore, lives have been lost tragically. Let us […]

Nepal and Baltimore

April 29, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace and ease. In both Nepal and Baltimore, lives have been lost tragically. Let us […]

Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day

April 28, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, The News & Observer published an article entitled “Many NC workers’ death go uncounted,” describing how often workplace deaths in North Carolina are uninvestigated, undocumented, and […]

Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day

April 28, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

What Makes the North Carolina Farmworker Institute Unique

April 24, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

On April 16, more than 150 farmworker advocates gathered at the United Church of Chapel Hill to network with each other and learn about issues affecting farmworkers. Workshops included an update […]

What Makes the North Carolina Farmworker Institute Unique

April 24, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

April 23, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s certainly no guarantee that the U.S. Supreme Court, in sending North Carolina’s election district scheme back to the state Supreme Court for review, eventually will find that the General […]

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

April 23, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

What Can We Say? An Invitation to Write to George

April 21, 2015 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

George Reed’s retirement luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 2. This is a short five weeks from now. Of course everyone will miss him in his role as Executive Director, […]

What Can We Say? An Invitation to Write to George

April 21, 2015 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

George Reed’s retirement luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 2. This is a short five weeks from now. Of course everyone will miss him in his role as Executive Director, […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

The Venue Is Important

April 17, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Two events this month have reminded me of how fortunate the Council is to have congregations willing to host our events. The first was the Faith and Immigration Summit, held […]

The Venue Is Important

April 17, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Two events this month have reminded me of how fortunate the Council is to have congregations willing to host our events. The first was the Faith and Immigration Summit, held […]

Welcome Jennifer Copeland as Executive Director

April 16, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’m exceptionally pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland has been named by the Council’s Governing Board to be the next Executive Director of the North Carolina […]

Welcome Jennifer Copeland as Executive Director

April 16, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’m exceptionally pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland has been named by the Council’s Governing Board to be the next Executive Director of the North Carolina […]

Retirement Luncheon for George Reed — June 2

April 15, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please join us at Raleigh’s Highland United Methodist Church as we wish Executive Director George Reed well in his retirement. The buffet lunch will be catered by The Irregardless Café […]

Retirement Luncheon for George Reed — June 2

April 15, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please join us at Raleigh’s Highland United Methodist Church as we wish Executive Director George Reed well in his retirement. The buffet lunch will be catered by The Irregardless Café […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

April 11, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

April 11, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken […]

2015 Legislative Seminar — Directions

April 10, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are delighted to have so many of you joining us for Tuesday’s Legislative Seminar. Directions are below. We will be able to accommodate some additional registrations prior to the seminar […]

2015 Legislative Seminar — Directions

April 10, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are delighted to have so many of you joining us for Tuesday’s Legislative Seminar. Directions are below. We will be able to accommodate some additional registrations prior to the seminar […]

Easter Greeting

April 4, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lo, the fair beauty of earth, from the death of the winter arising, every good gift of the year now with its Master returns. Excerpted from Hail Thee, Festival Day, […]

Easter Greeting

April 4, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lo, the fair beauty of earth, from the death of the winter arising, every good gift of the year now with its Master returns. Excerpted from Hail Thee, Festival Day, […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

North Carolina Redistricting on High Court’s Radar

April 2, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Racial gerrymandering strikes at the heart of our democratic process, undermining the electorate’s confidence in its government as representative of a cohesive body politic in which all citizens are equal […]

North Carolina Redistricting on High Court’s Radar

April 2, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit

April 2, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Recently, more than 75 people of faith, including students, teachers, clergy, and youth, joined together at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Durham to learn more about issues affecting immigrant children […]

A Look Back at the 2015 Faith & Immigration Summit

April 2, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

NCIPL’s Spring into Action Kickoff Week has Wrapped Up

March 31, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Reuben Gelblum, NCIPL Intern Thank you to everyone who helped make our Spring Into Action kickoff week a success! You all participated from all over the state, listening in […]

NCIPL’s Spring into Action Kickoff Week has Wrapped Up

March 31, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Reuben Gelblum, NCIPL Intern Thank you to everyone who helped make our Spring Into Action kickoff week a success! You all participated from all over the state, listening in […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

March 27, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

March 27, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand […]

How Your Congregation Can Celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week

March 26, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This week – March 24th through 31st – is National Farmworker Awareness Week. This is a time for us to recognize the two to three million men, women and children […]

How Your Congregation Can Celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week

March 26, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This week – March 24th through 31st – is National Farmworker Awareness Week. This is a time for us to recognize the two to three million men, women and children […]

Faith and Taxation

March 26, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make […]

Faith and Taxation

March 26, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make […]

Diabetes Alert Day

March 24, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Today is Diabetes Alert Day. Seven million Americans don’t know they have diabetes. African Americans, Hispanics/Latino/as, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and people who have a family history of the […]

Diabetes Alert Day

March 24, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Affordable Care Act and Taxes

March 22, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Any of you who have already done your tax return for 2014 have discovered new questions about your health insurance status. For many of us, it’s just a matter of […]

Affordable Care Act and Taxes

March 22, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Any of you who have already done your tax return for 2014 have discovered new questions about your health insurance status. For many of us, it’s just a matter of […]

Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross

March 20, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by Dan Sears, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors, in telling system President Tom Ross in January that he […]

Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross

March 20, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by Dan Sears, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors, in telling system President Tom Ross in January that he […]

Support the NC Council of Churches through AmazonSmile

March 19, 2015 By Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

The North Carolina Council of Churches is now partnering with AmazonSmile, a program launched by Amazon that automatically gives a portion of your online purchases back to the charity of […]

Support the NC Council of Churches through AmazonSmile

March 19, 2015 by Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

The North Carolina Council of Churches is now partnering with AmazonSmile, a program launched by Amazon that automatically gives a portion of your online purchases back to the charity of […]

We Believe

March 17, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Nicole Johnson, PHW Intern March is already here, with the official start of spring only days away. Is your New Year’s resolution a distant memory? Resolutions are so inspiring; it […]

We Believe

March 17, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Nicole Johnson, PHW Intern March is already here, with the official start of spring only days away. Is your New Year’s resolution a distant memory? Resolutions are so inspiring; it […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

March 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

March 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by […]

Advocate for Family-Sustaining Living Wages and the Right to Organize

March 12, 2015 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

According to Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ), “four million fast food workers across the country are struggling to make ends meet. Many workers are standing up for $15 per hour and […]

Advocate for Family-Sustaining Living Wages and the Right to Organize

March 12, 2015 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

According to Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ), “four million fast food workers across the country are struggling to make ends meet. Many workers are standing up for $15 per hour and […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

March 11, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

March 11, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, […]

Second Edition of “Come to the Table Guidebook” Released

March 10, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In 2008, the first “Come to the Table Guidebook” was released. Claire Hermann, Laura Beach, and Chris Liu-Beers of the North Carolina Council of Churches were the contributors. The original […]

Second Edition of “Come to the Table Guidebook” Released

March 10, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In 2008, the first “Come to the Table Guidebook” was released. Claire Hermann, Laura Beach, and Chris Liu-Beers of the North Carolina Council of Churches were the contributors. The original […]

Thoughts on Obama’s Veto of Keystone XL

March 6, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

President Obama has vetoed the Keystone XL bill that he received from Congress, one of only three times he has used his presidential veto (for comparison, President Reagan used his a […]

Thoughts on Obama’s Veto of Keystone XL

March 6, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

President Obama has vetoed the Keystone XL bill that he received from Congress, one of only three times he has used his presidential veto (for comparison, President Reagan used his a […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

A Guide to the Christian Food Movement

March 3, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

In these opening years of the twenty-first century, the need for a more sustainable food system has increasingly become a focus of our national conversation. As a Christian, sometime in […]

A Guide to the Christian Food Movement

March 3, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

In these opening years of the twenty-first century, the need for a more sustainable food system has increasingly become a focus of our national conversation. As a Christian, sometime in […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

March 2, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

March 2, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A Note from PHW’s New Director

March 1, 2015 By Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Growing up in a household where one of my parents is a community activist and the other is a teacher, my brother and I were strongly encouraged to use our […]

A Note from PHW’s New Director

March 1, 2015 by Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Growing up in a household where one of my parents is a community activist and the other is a teacher, my brother and I were strongly encouraged to use our […]

NC Alliance for Health Releases New Poll

February 26, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Alliance for Health recently released poll results that show 70% of North Carolina voters are in support of funding a Healthy Corner Store Initiative to improve access to healthy food. […]

NC Alliance for Health Releases New Poll

February 26, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Alliance for Health recently released poll results that show 70% of North Carolina voters are in support of funding a Healthy Corner Store Initiative to improve access to healthy food. […]

Elon Come to the Table Conference and Service Cancelled Due to Weather

February 25, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Due to the severe weather expected across central North Carolina later this week, the Come to the Table Conference in Elon and the ecumenical worship service have been cancelled. For […]

Elon Come to the Table Conference and Service Cancelled Due to Weather

February 25, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Due to the severe weather expected across central North Carolina later this week, the Come to the Table Conference in Elon and the ecumenical worship service have been cancelled. For […]

Elon Come to the Table – Inclement Weather Update

February 24, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

RAFI has posted information on its website about pending weather decisions for the Come to the Table Ecumenical Service on Wednesday evening and all-day conference on Thursday, both in Elon. […]

Elon Come to the Table – Inclement Weather Update

February 24, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

RAFI has posted information on its website about pending weather decisions for the Come to the Table Ecumenical Service on Wednesday evening and all-day conference on Thursday, both in Elon. […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

February 24, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

February 24, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Snow Days?

February 20, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This week has been full of weather disruptions. From school cancellations, missed Ash Wednesday services, to business closings, this has been a week of changed plans. So, here are a […]

Snow Days?

February 20, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

This week has been full of weather disruptions. From school cancellations, missed Ash Wednesday services, to business closings, this has been a week of changed plans. So, here are a […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

February 20, 2015 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.” Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

February 20, 2015 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.” Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not […]

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

February 19, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gene Nichol was the recipient of the Council’s 2013 Faith Active in Public Life Award. (To see his keynote address at our 2013 Legislative Seminar, “It’s Better Not to Be […]

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

February 19, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gene Nichol was the recipient of the Council’s 2013 Faith Active in Public Life Award. (To see his keynote address at our 2013 Legislative Seminar, “It’s Better Not to Be […]

Commentary About Torture Report Published

February 19, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

People of faith with Council connections have spoken out strongly on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on torture, calling for transparency. In particular, two recent opinion pieces call on Senator Richard Burr, […]

Commentary About Torture Report Published

February 19, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

February 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to assign a single letter grade to each of the state’s public schools – ostensibly […]

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

February 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to assign a single letter grade to each of the state’s public schools – ostensibly […]

Share the Love by Caring for Yourself

February 13, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? I am getting away with a group of college friends for our annual girls weekend, while my husband will spend time with […]

Share the Love by Caring for Yourself

February 13, 2015 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? I am getting away with a group of college friends for our annual girls weekend, while my husband will spend time with […]

In Mourning

February 12, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deaths of Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Deah Shaddy Barakat are an unspeakable tragedy. Whether officials eventually decide that they were murdered because they were Muslim, because […]

In Mourning

February 12, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Showing Love to Workers this Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Valentine’s Day marks one of the biggest shopping days of the year, especially when it comes to chocolate and flowers. But did you know that often your tokens of affection […]

Showing Love to Workers this Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Valentine’s Day marks one of the biggest shopping days of the year, especially when it comes to chocolate and flowers. But did you know that often your tokens of affection […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

February 5, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen. Richard Burr for Friday, February 6. Now that he is head of the Senate […]

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

February 5, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen. Richard Burr for Friday, February 6. Now that he is head of the Senate […]

Remembering Sydnor Thompson

February 3, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We received word last week of the passing of Sydnor Thompson Jr. less than a month shy of his 91st birthday. There are few people who have a longer history […]

Remembering Sydnor Thompson

February 3, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We received word last week of the passing of Sydnor Thompson Jr. less than a month shy of his 91st birthday. There are few people who have a longer history […]

Welcome Monica Motley as PHW Director

February 3, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I am delighted to announce that we have hired Monica Motley as program director for Partners in Health and Wholeness. She started with us in January. Monica holds master’s degrees […]

Welcome Monica Motley as PHW Director

February 3, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I am delighted to announce that we have hired Monica Motley as program director for Partners in Health and Wholeness. She started with us in January. Monica holds master’s degrees […]

NCIPL Invitation — Join the National Preach-In on Global Warming

February 2, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This may be the biggest Preach-In yet, and you don’t want to miss it! More than 3,000 faith communities all over the US may preach or hold educational events on Valentine’s […]

NCIPL Invitation — Join the National Preach-In on Global Warming

February 2, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This may be the biggest Preach-In yet, and you don’t want to miss it! More than 3,000 faith communities all over the US may preach or hold educational events on Valentine’s […]