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Mennonites Join the Council

By chris

The Eastern Carolina District of the Virginia Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church USA is the newest member of the North Carolina Council of Churches. The addition of the group brings to 17 the number of denominations who have chosen to work with the Council on issues of social justice and Christian unity.

Mennonites Join the Council

by chris

The Eastern Carolina District of the Virginia Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church USA is the newest member of the North Carolina Council of Churches. The addition of the group brings to 17 the number of denominations who have chosen to work with the Council on issues of social justice and Christian unity.

Dr. Katherine Shea Chosen to Head NC IPL

By chris

Dr. Katherine Shea, a physician with expertise in the link between climate change and human health, is the new director of North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, a project of the North Carolina Council of Churches and a state affiliate of the national Interfaith Power & Light campaign.

Dr. Katherine Shea Chosen to Head NC IPL

by chris

Dr. Katherine Shea, a physician with expertise in the link between climate change and human health, is the new director of North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, a project of the North Carolina Council of Churches and a state affiliate of the national Interfaith Power & Light campaign.

What Democracy is Not

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

This is a video blog I shot yesterday while my toddler was taking his nap. Just a few thoughts about voting, not voting and the significance of each.

What Democracy is Not

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

This is a video blog I shot yesterday while my toddler was taking his nap. Just a few thoughts about voting, not voting and the significance of each.

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I was struck, as I listened to remembrances from the past, that we really are seeing progress on issues of social justice. But it happens over a period of years or even decades. The issues we heard about at the Anniversary are difficult ones. They have produced years of frustration and sometimes what looked like complete failure. And yet . . .

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I was struck, as I listened to remembrances from the past, that we really are seeing progress on issues of social justice. But it happens over a period of years or even decades. The issues we heard about at the Anniversary are difficult ones. They have produced years of frustration and sometimes what looked like complete failure. And yet . . .

Health Care Reform: May Truth Prevail!

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

Faithful Reform in Health Care – an interfaith organization that works to provide people of faith with accurate, timely information on health care reform and to engage us in the […]

Health Care Reform: May Truth Prevail!

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

Faithful Reform in Health Care – an interfaith organization that works to provide people of faith with accurate, timely information on health care reform and to engage us in the […]

Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

I’ll be speaking and singing at several events in the next few weeks, and thought I would let you know the details.

Upcoming events in Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

I’ll be speaking and singing at several events in the next few weeks, and thought I would let you know the details.

Critical Issues Wraps Up

By chris

About 150 activists and experts gathered in Greensboro recently for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Critical Issues Seminar focused on integrating Creation Care with the mission and ministry of faith […]

Critical Issues Wraps Up

by chris

About 150 activists and experts gathered in Greensboro recently for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Critical Issues Seminar focused on integrating Creation Care with the mission and ministry of faith […]

Kathy Shea is New NC IPL Director

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We’ve had an exciting couple of weeks on the Care of Creation front. Our Critical Issues Seminar in Greensboro last week focused on the issue. About 150 of us gathered […]

Kathy Shea is New NC IPL Director

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We’ve had an exciting couple of weeks on the Care of Creation front. Our Critical Issues Seminar in Greensboro last week focused on the issue. About 150 of us gathered […]

Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Dr. Terrence Rynne is the founder of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. His new book “Gandhi and Jesus, the Saving Power of Nonviolence” examines the intersections between the life of Jesus and the teachings of Gandhi. He has three presentations coming up in North Carolina, in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh.

Dr. Rynne to speak on Gandhi, Jesus and Nonviolence

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Dr. Terrence Rynne is the founder of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. His new book “Gandhi and Jesus, the Saving Power of Nonviolence” examines the intersections between the life of Jesus and the teachings of Gandhi. He has three presentations coming up in North Carolina, in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh.

Activists call for an end to war in Afghanistan

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

News14 Carolina recently featured a peace vigil held in downtown Raleigh in conjunction with the nine-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. The NC Council of Churches co-sponsored the event, and David LaMotte spoke during the vigil. News coverage of the vigil focused on WWII veteran and longtime peace activist Cy King. In 2009, King accepted the Council's Distinguished Service Award for his many years of gracious and committed activism for peace.

Activists call for an end to war in Afghanistan

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

News14 Carolina recently featured a peace vigil held in downtown Raleigh in conjunction with the nine-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. The NC Council of Churches co-sponsored the event, and David LaMotte spoke during the vigil. News coverage of the vigil focused on WWII veteran and longtime peace activist Cy King. In 2009, King accepted the Council’s Distinguished Service Award for his many years of gracious and committed activism for peace.

Brother Towns screening in Charlotte a success

By chris

More than 60 people gathered at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte last night to watch the local premiere of Brother Towns / Pueblos Hermanos – a film about family, faith and immigration. This event, which was featured in one of the Charlotte Observer’s blogs, was the first in a statewide series that the Council is sponsoring.

Brother Towns screening in Charlotte a success

by chris

More than 60 people gathered at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte last night to watch the local premiere of Brother Towns / Pueblos Hermanos – a film about family, faith and immigration. This event, which was featured in one of the Charlotte Observer’s blogs, was the first in a statewide series that the Council is sponsoring.

Peace-related Events Around the State

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Hello friends, There are a couple of upcoming events I wanted to let you know about in the Raleigh area, Charlotte and Greensboro. •Thursday, October 7 at 5 PM — please join us […]

Peace-related Events Around the State

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Hello friends, There are a couple of upcoming events I wanted to let you know about in the Raleigh area, Charlotte and Greensboro. •Thursday, October 7 at 5 PM — please join us […]

Stephen Colbert in Support of AgJOBS

By chris

Last week, comedian Steven Colbert caused a stir by testifying before Congress in support of the AgJOBS bill. Colbert’s larger than life persona brought a record number of cameras to the “Protecting America’s Harvest” hearing held by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security. While pundits and bloggers disagree about the appropriateness of Colbert’s appearance, very little is being said about the substance of the bill he went to Washington to support: AgJOBS.

Stephen Colbert in Support of AgJOBS

by chris

Last week, comedian Steven Colbert caused a stir by testifying before Congress in support of the AgJOBS bill. Colbert’s larger than life persona brought a record number of cameras to the “Protecting America’s Harvest” hearing held by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security. While pundits and bloggers disagree about the appropriateness of Colbert’s appearance, very little is being said about the substance of the bill he went to Washington to support: AgJOBS.

Ride Sharing to Critical Issues Seminar

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please use the comments section below this post to let others know where you are traveling from and whether you would be able to transport other passengers, need a ride, or could do either.

Ride Sharing to Critical Issues Seminar

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please use the comments section below this post to let others know where you are traveling from and whether you would be able to transport other passengers, need a ride, or could do either.

The Benefits of the Bus

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC State students are back. I, for one, am delighted. Sure, there are longer lines at the grocery and a lot more beer being sold. Sure, there is more […]

The Benefits of the Bus

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC State students are back. I, for one, am delighted. Sure, there are longer lines at the grocery and a lot more beer being sold. Sure, there is more […]

It’s all the same water

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Penny Hooper and Richard Fireman, both with the Council’s NC Interfaith Power & Light program, have collaborated to write a powerful op-ed on coal ash which has just appeared in […]

It’s all the same water

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Penny Hooper and Richard Fireman, both with the Council’s NC Interfaith Power & Light program, have collaborated to write a powerful op-ed on coal ash which has just appeared in […]

Urgent Calls to North Carolina Senators Are Needed

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Urgent calls to North Carolina senators are needed concerning the New START treaty, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act and the DREAM Act.

Urgent Calls to North Carolina Senators Are Needed

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Urgent calls to North Carolina senators are needed concerning the New START treaty, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act and the DREAM Act.

Helpful Information on Health Care Reform

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

The passing of health care reform legislation earlier this year has sparked a number of questions from both opponents of the new law and those who have supported it from […]

Helpful Information on Health Care Reform

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

The passing of health care reform legislation earlier this year has sparked a number of questions from both opponents of the new law and those who have supported it from […]

Farmworker Advocacy Network to launch new campaign

By chris

Fifty years after “Harvest of Shame,” not much has changed.  Farm work remains one of the nation’s most dangerous industries.  Here in North Carolina, dangerous conditions in the fields, poverty wages and substandard housing continue to threaten workers’ health and well-being.  For example, workers often put in 14-hour days in bad weather – including extreme heat and rain.  In North Carolina, 7 farmworkers died of heat stroke in a recent five-year span.  They were literally worked to death.  And heat stroke isn't the only problem in the fields.

Farmworker Advocacy Network to launch new campaign

by chris

Fifty years after “Harvest of Shame,” not much has changed.  Farm work remains one of the nation’s most dangerous industries.  Here in North Carolina, dangerous conditions in the fields, poverty wages and substandard housing continue to threaten workers’ health and well-being.  For example, workers often put in 14-hour days in bad weather – including extreme heat and rain.  In North Carolina, 7 farmworkers died of heat stroke in a recent five-year span.  They were literally worked to death.  And heat stroke isn’t the only problem in the fields.

Building and Burning Down

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

There have been no shortage of condemnations of the pastor in Florida who threatened to burn Korans. Those condemnations are effectively demolition work. Sometimes dangerous structures need to be torn down, and I’m not necessarily criticizing that. Demolition is most useful, though, when it makes space to build something new and constructive. I heartily celebrate the building of relationships and the expressions of respect and support that have come in response to this.

Building and Burning Down

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

There have been no shortage of condemnations of the pastor in Florida who threatened to burn Korans. Those condemnations are effectively demolition work. Sometimes dangerous structures need to be torn down, and I’m not necessarily criticizing that. Demolition is most useful, though, when it makes space to build something new and constructive. I heartily celebrate the building of relationships and the expressions of respect and support that have come in response to this.

Environmental Saints Among Us

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Mallory McDuff, author of “Natural Saints: How People of Faith Are Working to Save God’s Earth” and upcoming presenter at the Council’s Critical Issues Seminar, has been on quite a roll […]

Environmental Saints Among Us

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Mallory McDuff, author of “Natural Saints: How People of Faith Are Working to Save God’s Earth” and upcoming presenter at the Council’s Critical Issues Seminar, has been on quite a roll […]

Help Promote “Brother Towns” Film Screenings

By chris

We're teaming up with local filmmaker Charlie Thompson to offer screenings of his latest documentary, Brother Towns / Pueblos Hermanos across the state.  If you live in one of these cities, please help us promote this event by putting up movie posters around town.  We also have bulletin inserts that can be used to encourage your congregation to attend. Thanks for your help!

Help Promote “Brother Towns” Film Screenings

by chris

We’re teaming up with local filmmaker Charlie Thompson to offer screenings of his latest documentary, Brother Towns / Pueblos Hermanos across the state.  If you live in one of these cities, please help us promote this event by putting up movie posters around town.  We also have bulletin inserts that can be used to encourage your congregation to attend. Thanks for your help!

PHW Clergy Breakfast on Health: A Resounding Success

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

The North Carolina Council of Churches held its first-ever Clergy Breakfast on Health on Thursday, August 26 at St. James African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Goldsboro.  Twenty-five local […]

PHW Clergy Breakfast on Health: A Resounding Success

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

The North Carolina Council of Churches held its first-ever Clergy Breakfast on Health on Thursday, August 26 at St. James African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Goldsboro.  Twenty-five local […]

Health Care Reform and Communities of Faith

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

Faithful Reform in Health Care - an organization dedicated to quality, accessible health care for all - has studied how the new health care reform legislation impacts communities of faith

Health Care Reform and Communities of Faith

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

Faithful Reform in Health Care – an organization dedicated to quality, accessible health care for all – has studied how the new health care reform legislation impacts communities of faith

Crowd Gathers to Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

By chris

This week I felt privileged to be one of over 1,500 participants in the NC Latino Coalition's Statewide Delegates Assembly in Durham calling for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform.  Leaders from religious organizations, organized labor and businesses joined the grassroots audience in making the compelling case for immigration reform now.

Crowd Gathers to Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

by chris

This week I felt privileged to be one of over 1,500 participants in the NC Latino Coalition’s Statewide Delegates Assembly in Durham calling for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform.  Leaders from religious organizations, organized labor and businesses joined the grassroots audience in making the compelling case for immigration reform now.

2010 Critical Issues Seminar Program Announced

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The Seminar "Loving God's Creation: Fully Integrating Creation Care with the Church's Mission and Ministry" is set for Thursday, October 14, 2010, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. The program for this event has been announced.

2010 Critical Issues Seminar Program Announced

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The Seminar “Loving God’s Creation: Fully Integrating Creation Care with the Church’s Mission and Ministry” is set for Thursday, October 14, 2010, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. The program for this event has been announced.

Eat, Pray, Love: A New Green Gospel

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

In an op-ed, published in USA Today, Mallory McDuff offers an enticing look at the popular book and movie, “Eat, Pray, Love” through the eyes of a Christian environmentalist.

Eat, Pray, Love: A New Green Gospel

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

In an op-ed, published in USA Today, Mallory McDuff offers an enticing look at the popular book and movie, “Eat, Pray, Love” through the eyes of a Christian environmentalist.

Let Us Pray for a Clean Environment

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Certainly the BP spill has heightened concern about the environment, but that concern was already growing among many people of faith. It’s an area the Council has been working on for […]

Let Us Pray for a Clean Environment

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Certainly the BP spill has heightened concern about the environment, but that concern was already growing among many people of faith. It’s an area the Council has been working on for […]

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

By chris

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

by chris

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.

Social Justice and Mainline Protestants

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Last month I received an email from Deborah Arca Mooney, a writer and editor with Patheos.com, asking if I would be willing to write an essay for an upcoming series […]

Social Justice and Mainline Protestants

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Last month I received an email from Deborah Arca Mooney, a writer and editor with Patheos.com, asking if I would be willing to write an essay for an upcoming series […]

Health Disparities: A Moral Issue

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

Disparities in health often mean earlier death and increased morbidity for one group of people versus another.  Groups can be defined by race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability status, geography (urban […]

Health Disparities: A Moral Issue

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

Disparities in health often mean earlier death and increased morbidity for one group of people versus another.  Groups can be defined by race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability status, geography (urban […]

Farewell to Jill Rios

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The Council bids farewell to Jill Rios as Director of Interfaith Power & Light. Jill, who has served in that role for two years based out of Asheville, resigned to devote more time to her family, health and other, more locally-based projects.

Farewell to Jill Rios

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The Council bids farewell to Jill Rios as Director of Interfaith Power & Light. Jill, who has served in that role for two years based out of Asheville, resigned to devote more time to her family, health and other, more locally-based projects.

Nice to Meet You

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

As I move forward in trying to clarify my calling here, I welcome the input of friends of the Council. Peace is a big job description. What does it mean to you?

Nice to Meet You

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

As I move forward in trying to clarify my calling here, I welcome the input of friends of the Council. Peace is a big job description. What does it mean to you?

Council’s Clergy Breakfast series draws faith leaders, media attention

By chris

Over the past year, we've been hosting clergy breakfast events on immigration across the state. We've met with over 450 faith leaders to talk about how congregations and people of faith can get involved to make our state a better place for our immigrant brothers and sisters. Our work has even drawn the attention of major media outlets. One was highlighted by a local TV station, and more recently we had not just one but two reporters from the Raleigh News & Observer sit in with us at the July 1 breakfast at Fairmont UMC in Raleigh.

Council’s Clergy Breakfast series draws faith leaders, media attention

by chris

Over the past year, we’ve been hosting clergy breakfast events on immigration across the state. We’ve met with over 450 faith leaders to talk about how congregations and people of faith can get involved to make our state a better place for our immigrant brothers and sisters. Our work has even drawn the attention of major media outlets. One was highlighted by a local TV station, and more recently we had not just one but two reporters from the Raleigh News & Observer sit in with us at the July 1 breakfast at Fairmont UMC in Raleigh.

Faith Voices Strong at Wake County March

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Last week’s march and rally to halt re-segregation in Wake County was a powerful experience. Thanks to all of the Council folks who turned out. I saw several current leaders […]

Faith Voices Strong at Wake County March

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Last week’s march and rally to halt re-segregation in Wake County was a powerful experience. Thanks to all of the Council folks who turned out. I saw several current leaders […]

New website up and running

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s redesigned website is up and running with easier navigation, more modern functions, and a cleaner, crisper look. We have been discussing the new site internally for months, and the result is a big step forward for us.

New website up and running

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s redesigned website is up and running with easier navigation, more modern functions, and a cleaner, crisper look. We have been discussing the new site internally for months, and the result is a big step forward for us.

A Day of Resource Sharing, Coalition Building and Remembering The Call to Service

By chris

The North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness program held its 2010 Faith and Health Summit in March, drawing together nearly 250 participants to learn about integrating health practices and strategies within faith communities.

A Day of Resource Sharing, Coalition Building and Remembering The Call to Service

by chris

The North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness program held its 2010 Faith and Health Summit in March, drawing together nearly 250 participants to learn about integrating health practices and strategies within faith communities.

Council to Work on Countering School Resegregation

By chris

In light of concerns about public school resegregation in counties across the state, the North Carolina Council of Churches has begun work to counter this backward step toward increased racial and economic separation.  Issues of resegregation have surfaced in the state’s largest school districts, Wake and Charlotte-Mecklenburg counties, as well Wayne and New Hanover counties and elsewhere.

Council to Work on Countering School Resegregation

by chris

In light of concerns about public school resegregation in counties across the state, the North Carolina Council of Churches has begun work to counter this backward step toward increased racial and economic separation.  Issues of resegregation have surfaced in the state’s largest school districts, Wake and Charlotte-Mecklenburg counties, as well Wayne and New Hanover counties and elsewhere.

Council Grateful for 2009 Honor and Memory Gifts

By chris

Some 2009 donors chose to give to the North Carolina Council of Churches in honor or in memory of someone. We are grateful for those gifts which help sustain our work for social justice and Christian unity.

Council Grateful for 2009 Honor and Memory Gifts

by chris

Some 2009 donors chose to give to the North Carolina Council of Churches in honor or in memory of someone. We are grateful for those gifts which help sustain our work for social justice and Christian unity.

Partners in Health & Wholeness: Bronze-Certified Congregations

By chris

These congregations have demonstrated that, as people of faith, they strive to live an abundant life of health and wholeness by naming a congregational health promoter, serving healthy food and beverage at church meals, and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Partners in Health & Wholeness: Bronze-Certified Congregations

by chris

These congregations have demonstrated that, as people of faith, they strive to live an abundant life of health and wholeness by naming a congregational health promoter, serving healthy food and beverage at church meals, and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.