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Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Raising the Faith Voice Regarding Climate Change Now

July 28, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

People of faith are coming together in more and more impactful ways to help create the future that we want with clean air, clean water, clean energy, and with greater […]

Raising the Faith Voice Regarding Climate Change Now

July 28, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

People of faith are coming together in more and more impactful ways to help create the future that we want with clean air, clean water, clean energy, and with greater […]

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

July 25, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for […]

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

July 25, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for […]

The Earth and Its Fullness: NC Public Citizens’ Hearing

July 24, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

We wanted to share Rev. Richard Eden’s words of welcome from the hearing hosted by United Church of Chapel Hill: “First, welcome to United Church of Chapel Hill and the […]

The Earth and Its Fullness: NC Public Citizens’ Hearing

July 24, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

We wanted to share Rev. Richard Eden’s words of welcome from the hearing hosted by United Church of Chapel Hill: “First, welcome to United Church of Chapel Hill and the […]

Prayers and Letters for Children at the Border

July 21, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The issue of unaccompanied children at the border has caused great concern about the thousands of refugee children who have fled violence and poverty to seek a safe haven here in […]

Prayers and Letters for Children at the Border

July 21, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The issue of unaccompanied children at the border has caused great concern about the thousands of refugee children who have fled violence and poverty to seek a safe haven here in […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

July 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

July 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

PHW Success Story – Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness, Ramseur

July 10, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC received a grant earlier this year from the Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation to build a walking track, which has since been […]

PHW Success Story – Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness, Ramseur

July 10, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC received a grant earlier this year from the Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation to build a walking track, which has since been […]

“A Conspiracy of Sunlight and Sugar”

July 5, 2014 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Blueberries, blackberries, persimmons and plums! What is your local fruit IQ? Do you know when local fruit is in season and where to get it? The blog below, written by […]

“A Conspiracy of Sunlight and Sugar”

July 5, 2014 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Blueberries, blackberries, persimmons and plums! What is your local fruit IQ? Do you know when local fruit is in season and where to get it? The blog below, written by […]

Celebrating Our Shared History & Continued Prosperity

July 4, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As we head into a long Independence Day weekend, most Americans are anticipating a Friday off from work and a time to spend with their families celebrating the largest secular […]

Celebrating Our Shared History & Continued Prosperity

July 4, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As we head into a long Independence Day weekend, most Americans are anticipating a Friday off from work and a time to spend with their families celebrating the largest secular […]

Cy King’s Noble Example

July 3, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s peace and justice movement. The Council of Churches is honored to join in the […]

Cy King’s Noble Example

July 3, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s peace and justice movement. The Council of Churches is honored to join in the […]

The Moral Evil of Torture: Awareness and a Call to Action

June 27, 2014 By Matt Hoehn, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

This past Tuesday evening, the Council co-sponsored an event on the topic “Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation” at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh. The primary speaker […]

The Moral Evil of Torture: Awareness and a Call to Action

June 27, 2014 by Matt Hoehn, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

June 20, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

June 20, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down […]

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

June 18, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune […]

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

June 18, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune […]

An Interview with Mama Juggs’ Own Anita Woodley

June 17, 2014 By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Anita will be performing her show, "Mama Juggs," at 3 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin St, Raleigh. This funny and informative show will be a kickoff event for the Breastfeeding Collaborative, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches that helps congregations to be breastfeeding friendly. Interviewed by Marnie Cooper Priest, project director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative. How long have you been performing the "Mama Juggs" show? On June 20 it will be the fifth anniversary of the "Mama Juggs" show. Did you have another show before...

An Interview with Mama Juggs’ Own Anita Woodley

June 17, 2014 by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Anita will be performing her show, “Mama Juggs,” at 3 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin St, Raleigh. This funny and informative show will be a kickoff event for the Breastfeeding Collaborative, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches that helps congregations to be breastfeeding friendly. Interviewed by Marnie Cooper Priest, project director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative. How long have you been performing the “Mama Juggs” show? On June 20 it will be the fifth anniversary of the “Mama Juggs” show. Did you have another show before…

Two New Resources on Public Education

June 15, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council has published two new resources for people of faith interested in supporting North Carolina’s public schools. One is an abbreviated version of the Council’s materials for holding a […]

Two New Resources on Public Education

June 15, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

June 13, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn’t be there, our friends at […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

June 13, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn’t be there, our friends at […]

Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

June 12, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Workers in tobacco fields suffer the same injustices that other farmworkers face, including the low wages, weak workplace protections, and harsh conditions. However, their work is even more unhealthy and […]

Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

June 12, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

June 6, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

June 6, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good […]

Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections

June 4, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by […]

Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections

June 4, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

May 31, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

May 31, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General […]

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

May 29, 2014 By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

June is Torture Awareness Month, and we are gearing up for a presentation by David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and the Director of the Center for Theology and Public […]

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

May 29, 2014 by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

PHW Success Story – United Progressive Baptist, Winston-Salem

May 29, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

United Progressive Baptist Church has had many successes improving the health of the members of our congregation. During our Vacation Bible School, we were able to engage the youth of […]

PHW Success Story – United Progressive Baptist, Winston-Salem

May 29, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

United Progressive Baptist Church has had many successes improving the health of the members of our congregation. During our Vacation Bible School, we were able to engage the youth of […]

One-Woman Show Kicks Off Breastfeeding Collaborative

May 27, 2014 By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

The Partners in Health and Wholeness Breastfeeding Collaborative kicks off with a performance by Anita Woodley of her one-woman show, “Mama Juggs.” Woodley is a nationally renowned local performer and […]

One-Woman Show Kicks Off Breastfeeding Collaborative

May 27, 2014 by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

May 20, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might […]

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

May 20, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might […]

A Chance to Enjoy God’s Creation

April 10, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Last week Rev. Sally Bingham, founder of Interfaith Power & Light, simply asked: “Do you remember what it was like to be a child and play in the great outdoors?” […]

A Chance to Enjoy God’s Creation

April 10, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Last week Rev. Sally Bingham, founder of Interfaith Power & Light, simply asked: “Do you remember what it was like to be a child and play in the great outdoors?” […]

Scrambling for the Bench

April 8, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Are judges politicians? And why – even in a state such as North Carolina, where judges are elected by the public – does the concept of judges who also function as […]

Scrambling for the Bench

April 8, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Are judges politicians? And why – even in a state such as North Carolina, where judges are elected by the public – does the concept of judges who also function as […]

Alecia’s Home

April 7, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve been engaged with Habitat for Humanity since its earliest days. In my previous life with the Baptist State Convention, I helped to promote this pathway to home ownership when […]

Alecia’s Home

April 7, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve been engaged with Habitat for Humanity since its earliest days. In my previous life with the Baptist State Convention, I helped to promote this pathway to home ownership when […]

Please Thank Sen. Burr

April 4, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please join us in thanking Sen. Burr for his vote to release portions of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s report on torture. Many of you have joined us over […]

Please Thank Sen. Burr

April 4, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Please join us in thanking Sen. Burr for his vote to release portions of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s report on torture. Many of you have joined us over […]

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

March 31, 2014 By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for […]

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

March 31, 2014 by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for […]

It’s Not a Matter of If

March 29, 2014 By chris

Here at the North Carolina Council of Churches, I've had the distinct privilege of working alongside immigrant families, faith leaders, lay activists, and immigrant rights organizations across the state in pursuit of humane fixes to our broken immigration system. While my time at the Council is drawing to a close, I know that immigration reform for our country is not a matter of if, it's when. How long will we let political games take precedence over real human suffering? I believe that in 20 or 30 years issues that seem controversial today – like whether immigrants deserve human rights, due process, and the chance to become a part of society – will be obvious.

It’s Not a Matter of If

March 29, 2014 by chris

Here at the North Carolina Council of Churches, I’ve had the distinct privilege of working alongside immigrant families, faith leaders, lay activists, and immigrant rights organizations across the state in pursuit of humane fixes to our broken immigration system. While my time at the Council is drawing to a close, I know that immigration reform for our country is not a matter of if, it’s when. How long will we let political games take precedence over real human suffering? I believe that in 20 or 30 years issues that seem controversial today – like whether immigrants deserve human rights, due process, and the chance to become a part of society – will be obvious.

Out of the Ashes – Creation Care?

March 25, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Living in harmony with the world of nature has never been all that simple for us humans. One could say that the reported misadventures of a couple of folks named […]

Out of the Ashes – Creation Care?

March 25, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Living in harmony with the world of nature has never been all that simple for us humans. One could say that the reported misadventures of a couple of folks named […]

Voting Rights Bulletin Inserts — Printed Copies Available

March 25, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Free printed copies of bulletin inserts on why people of faith should care about fair elections are now available. Contact the Council office by e-mail or by calling 919-828-6501 to […]

Voting Rights Bulletin Inserts — Printed Copies Available

March 25, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Free printed copies of bulletin inserts on why people of faith should care about fair elections are now available. Contact the Council office by e-mail or by calling 919-828-6501 to […]

“Thank God for Health Insurance”

March 22, 2014 By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The end of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, March 31, is only days away. Although the past five months have been full of their share of challenges, stories of […]

“Thank God for Health Insurance”

March 22, 2014 by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The end of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, March 31, is only days away. Although the past five months have been full of their share of challenges, stories of […]

Job Opening — Development Assistant

March 16, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches seeks a part-time Development Assistant to help grow our current outreach to donors including individuals, organizations, foundations, congregations, and other faith communities. With nearly eight decades […]

Job Opening — Development Assistant

March 16, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking

March 9, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He hasn’t put it quite this way, but what Gov. Pat McCrory seems to be saying – and who among us hasn’t offered the same excuse? – is that it […]

Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking

March 9, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He hasn’t put it quite this way, but what Gov. Pat McCrory seems to be saying – and who among us hasn’t offered the same excuse? – is that it […]

Worship Resources on Awareness of Those with Disabilities

March 6, 2014 By chris

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent - March 30, 2014
Topic: Awareness of Those with Disabilities
Focus Text: John 9:1-41
Jesus’ concrete actions in response to the man’s situation call into question not only the self-righteous judgment of the religious leaders, but also the comfortable distance maintained by the disciples. When they encounter this man in the city, they see it as an opportunity for theological reflection. But Jesus changes the nature of the conversation altogether. The disciples want to speculate; Jesus decides to act – to welcome the man as a person and a child of God, to offer those unique gifts that he has been given to heal the man’s suffering, that the glory of God might be revealed.

Worship Resources on Awareness of Those with Disabilities

March 6, 2014 by chris

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent – March 30, 2014
Topic: Awareness of Those with Disabilities
Focus Text: John 9:1-41
Jesus’ concrete actions in response to the man’s situation call into question not only the self-righteous judgment of the religious leaders, but also the comfortable distance maintained by the disciples. When they encounter this man in the city, they see it as an opportunity for theological reflection. But Jesus changes the nature of the conversation altogether. The disciples want to speculate; Jesus decides to act – to welcome the man as a person and a child of God, to offer those unique gifts that he has been given to heal the man’s suffering, that the glory of God might be revealed.

Last Call for Open Enrollment

March 1, 2014 By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

“We’ve only got a few weeks left. March 31st, that’s the last call.” President Obama made this statement recently to a group of his supporters, and he’s referring to the […]

Last Call for Open Enrollment

March 1, 2014 by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

“We’ve only got a few weeks left. March 31st, that’s the last call.” President Obama made this statement recently to a group of his supporters, and he’s referring to the […]

Two Churches Talk About Race

February 26, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A newcomer to Raleigh sooner or later comes up against a riddle: How can the city have two First Baptist Churches? Here’s a non-surprise: The answer is rooted in the […]

Two Churches Talk About Race

February 26, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A newcomer to Raleigh sooner or later comes up against a riddle: How can the city have two First Baptist Churches? Here’s a non-surprise: The answer is rooted in the […]

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

February 17, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of furnishing its public school teachers with adequate salaries. By “adequate,” we should mean pay […]

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

February 17, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of furnishing its public school teachers with adequate salaries. By “adequate,” we should mean pay […]

A New Adventure

February 12, 2014 By chris

Dear Friends, I will be leaving the NC Council of Churches at the end of March to focus full-time on Tomatillo Design, my new communications shop that works with nonprofits to create amazing, affordable websites. Since I began working at the Council as an intern in the summer of 2006, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with the most dedicated, talented and likable group of coworkers imaginable. From its founding more than 75 years ago to today, the Council has worked on a wide range of progressive causes and I’m proud to be a small part of that legacy. Every day at the office I felt encouraged by the witness of recent saints like Sister Evelyn Mattern and Collins Kilburn.

A New Adventure

February 12, 2014 by chris

Dear Friends,

I will be leaving the NC Council of Churches at the end of March to focus full-time on Tomatillo Design, my new communications shop that works with nonprofits to create amazing, affordable websites.

Since I began working at the Council as an intern in the summer of 2006, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with the most dedicated, talented and likable group of coworkers imaginable. From its founding more than 75 years ago to today, the Council has worked on a wide range of progressive causes and I’m proud to be a small part of that legacy. Every day at the office I felt encouraged by the witness of recent saints like Sister Evelyn Mattern and Collins Kilburn.

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

February 8, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents […]

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

February 8, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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