Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. When we vote, we have the power to address various issues directly mentioned in scripture. The issues facing our communities and our country matter. We can elect representatives and leaders who will pursue a just society through honest channels.
With our partners, the North Carolina Council of Churches is focused on voter registration and voter turnout. We’re asking our denominational leaders to remind their congregational members of the rights and responsibilities of having the privilege to vote in the democracy that is the United States of America.
Overview
The North Carolina Council of Churches believes strongly that voting is one of our paramount duties as citizens. The Council also recognizes that in North Carolina, election laws have been changed in ways that may hinder some citizens from voting and thus make it harder for them to choose leaders who will look out for their interests.
Those interests include adequate investment in our schools and universities.
In health programs that meet the needs of rich and poor alike.
In a fair, efficient court system.
In programs to fight pollution of our air and water.
They include adequate investment, we can say, in the entire scope of public efforts to make North Carolina a place where decent opportunities to live prosperous, healthy, fulfilling lives are available to each and every one of us, no matter where we live or our social standing.
This is the core principle of social justice that lies at the heart of the Christian tradition, and that drives our involvement in the public arena. The Council now calls on those people of faith who belong to its member organizations and on all people of goodwill to act in response to new voting rules that could make social justice more elusive.
Council Resources
Faithful Voter Reflection Guide
With this resource, readers will dive deep into the heart of faith and civic duty, exploring how our beliefs shape the choices we make at the ballot box.
Guided by scripture, this guide empowers you to engage meaningfully with the pressing issues facing North Carolina today. Discover how your vote can be a powerful tool for shaping a more just society, one that enables every individual to flourish according to their God-given potential.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of faith and policy, sparking discussions, inspiring reflections, and fostering discernment within our families, congregations, and communities.
Bulletin Inserts
As we approach the upcoming elections, we believe every member of our community must be informed and engaged in the voting process. To assist you, we have prepared bulletin inserts containing vital voting information that you can easily include in your church’s bulletins. Access the bulletin inserts here.
Vetting the Vote
The Council published a series of pieces around the 2018 elections highlighting important issues people of faith should keep in mind when they cast their ballots. Many of the issues are still impacting our communities to this day.
- Vetting the Vote: Gun Sanity
- On the Ballot: Harmful Changes to State Constitution
- Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture
- Vetting the Vote: Climate Change
- Vetting the Vote: Support N.C. Workers
- Vetting the Vote: Medicaid Expansion
- Statement of Opposition to Constitutional Amendments
- Vetting the Vote
Worship Resources
A Prayer for Those Who Vote
Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. As we approach election day, join us in prayer, seeking guidance and wisdom for our leaders and for all those who will participate in the democratic process.
Worship Resources During Election Season
Stephen Fearing (Guilford Park Presbyterian, Greensboro) has recently written a four-week sermon series called “Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season” with liturgy, hymn suggestions, and sermon prompts. He has made this resource in preparation for his D.Min. project as well as in coordination with the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Even if a church is not doing a dedicated sermon series to the topic, the prayers can be adapted and used in any context/service. Click here to access the resources.
Voting Matters 2024 Empowerment Guide
The National Council of Churches’ Voting Matters 2024 Empowerment Guide was designed for member denominations to share the critical voting information and promote action on the congregational level each month until Election Day. The guide includes theological grounds for voting, scriptures, critical IRS information for churches, outreach activities and tips for navigating conversations about elections.
Unitarian Universalist Prayers for Elections
More Resources
Election Activities for Faith Communities from Democracy NC
Democracy NC recruits Faith Ambassadors — local leaders to engage voters in their faith communities across North Carolina. This coordinated effort is nonpartisan (unaffiliated with any political party or candidate) and has been supported by top leaders of the state’s major faith denominations as well as the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Leading Amidst Christian Nationalism
Lovett H. Weems Jr. outlines seven strategies for responding to Christian nationalism in measured and faithful ways. Church leaders should try to help congregants put their love of country in perspective as people of faith while not expressing judgment or devaluing the feelings of loss that often give rise to today’s iteration of Christian nationalism.
Voter Guides
guides.vote produces nonpartisan voter guides that show where candidates stand. They offer a concise and credible way to help potential voters overcome political cynicism, overload, and misinformation by making clear the difference between candidates and the stakes of showing up.
Democracy Statements
The Council takes positions on issues through policy statements that inform, guide, and frame our work. Policy statements are adopted by our governing body, often upon the recommendation of one or more of the Council’s program committees which are made up of representatives of our member bodies.
- Statement of Opposition to Constitutional Amendments (9/18/2018)
- Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote (12/13/2013)
Partner Organizations
Below is a list of our partners statewide with a link to their website for more information:
North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections
Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Common Cause NC
League of Women Voters North Carolina
Democracy NC
Ways to Take Action
Attend an event of the NC Trusted Elections Tour!
Confronting Christian Nationalism: Request a Presentation Today
Are you concerned about the growing threat of Christian Nationalism to our democracy? Do you want to understand how this fusion of religious ideology with cultural nationalism can undermine our diverse society and the rights of individuals? Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is offering insightful presentations on this critical issue. Deepen your understanding of the following:
- Recognize the Threat to Democratic Principles: Understand how Christian Nationalism challenges the foundational principles of our democracy.
- Preserve the Integrity of Christian Teachings: Learn how this ideology distorts religious teachings for political gain.
- Learn How Misinformation Fuels Radicalization: Discover the role of misinformation in spreading radical beliefs.
- Discover Tools to Identify & Address the Threat: Equip yourself with strategies to recognize and counteract the influence of Christian Nationalism.
Join us in taking a stand to protect our democratic values and promote a more inclusive society.
To request a presentation, email Jennifer Copeland at jennifer@ncchurches.org.
Become a Vote Protector
Growing threats to election workers, voters, and increases in poll worker shortages pose unique challenges to voters. Join Democracy North Carolina’s nonpartisan Voter Protection program to work to ensure that every eligible voter in our state can register to vote and successfully cast their ballot. Email voteprotector@democracync.org to get involved.
Council Resources
Unmasking the 7 Mountains Mandate Webinar
The 7 Mountains Mandate represents a framework of Christian Nationalism that aims to influence seven key spheres of society: Religion, Family, Education, Government, Media, Arts & Entertainment, and Business. This ideology can distort the core principles of both faith and democracy, leading to significant social and political ramifications. This thought-provoking webinar features Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, and Kendal McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights at the General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church.
Confronting Christian Nationalism Webinar
An important and timely discussion addressing the double-edged threat of Christian Nationalism to our state and our faith. It is a threat to the founding principles of our democracy, and it is also a threat to the integrity of the Christian Gospel. Participants will learn how to recognize Christian nationalism, often disguised by a veneer of Christian teaching, and understand more fully how disinformation can lead to radicalization.
Built by Faith Podcast ft. Jennifer Copeland
Built By Us is a podcast created by Democracy North Carolina to highlight the many inspiring movement makers across NC. In this podcast, listeners will Unpack the intersections of Christian nationalism, antisemitism, and the erosion of democratic values. Click here to listen.
More Resources
Standing Courageous: Church Leadership in Partisan Times
This webinar, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes with special guests Rev. Ribbons Harris (Parsonage Project), Ryan Greer (Bedrock), and Cody Zoschak (Institute for Strategic Dialogue), equips clergy to act as gatekeepers and allies in the effort to prevent radicalization and hate-fueled violence. Learn how to differentiate between healthy patriotism and the dangers of Christian nationalism, helping your church be a blessing to its community during this election season. Watch the webinar here.
The History and Dangers of Christian Nationalism to Democracy and Our Wesleyan Witness
A presentation by the Rev. Kendal L. McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights General Board of Church and Society.
Bridging Divides Initiative: Elevating De-Escalation and Community Safety Approaches
These trainings equip users with the tools they need to mitigate current violence risks as well as to spread skills and understanding of alternative community safety strategies necessary for a vibrant democratic society.
Bad Faith Documentary
BAD FAITH is a feature-length documentary that explores the dangerous rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States. Part archival chronicle, part exposé, the film reveals the secretive political machinery that has relentlessly sought to weaken and destroy American democracy in order to promote its authoritarian vision.
Short Readings & Resources on the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation)
- Anthea Butler, “Beyond Alarmism and Denial in the Dominionism Debate,” Religion Dispatches, April 17, 2012.
- Frederick Clarkson, “‘Unfriending’ America: The Christian right is coming for the enemies of God — like you and me,” Salon, June 17, 2023.
- Frederick Clarkson and André Gagné, “Christian Right Denialism is More Dangerous Than Ever: A Reporter’s Guide to the New Apostolic Reformation,” Religion Dispatches, September 7, 2022. (First in a three part series)
- Jennifer Cohn, “Dominionism Is on the Ballot in November, but Most Voters Have Never Heard of It,” Bucks County Beacon, October 19, 2022.
- André Gagné, “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times,” New York, Routledge, 2024.
- Emily Hofsteader, “She’s a Prophet. She’s a Theocrat. She’s the Most Powerful Lobbyist You’ve Never Heard Of,” Mother Jones, September/October 2023.
- Stephanie McCrummen, “The Woman Who Bought a Mountain for God,” The Atlantic, June 20, 2023
- Peter Montgomery, “POTUS Shield: Trump’s Dominionist Prayer Warriors and the ‘Prophetic Order of the United States,’” Right Wing Watch,
- Paul Rosenberg, “Meet the New Apostolic Reformation, cutting edge of the Christian right,” Salon, January 2, 2024.
- Rachel Tabachnik, “The Christian Right, Reborn: The New Apostolic Reformation Goes to War,” The Public Eye, March 22, 2013.
- Mathew D. Taylor and Bradley Onishi, “Evidence Strongly Suggests Trump Was Collaborating With Christian Nationalist Leaders Before January 6th”, Religion Dispatches, January 6, 2023.
- Matthew D. Taylor, “The peril radicalizing some evangelicals goes beyond Christian nationalism,” Religion News Service, April 4, 2024.
Podcasts
Matthew Taylor and Bradley Onishi, Charismatic Revival Fury (Overview of the New Apostolic Reformation’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 Insurrection.)
Books
- The 7 Deadly Sins of Christian Nationalism by Carter Heyward
- The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy by Jim Wallis and Eddie Glaude
- The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart
- The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Tim Alberta
- The Origins of American Religious Nationalism by Sam Haselby
- The Religion of American Greatness by Paul D. Miller and David French
- Listening as Hosts Liturgically Facing Colonization and White Supremacy by Sam Codington
- Saving Faith: How American Christianity Can Reclaim Its Prophetic Voice by Randall Balmer
- The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide by Pamela Cooper-White
Lesson Plan
The Rise of Christian Nationalism – by Anne Raybon
Christian Nationalism is on the rise in the U.S. and poses a threat to democracy and religion. Where did the movement come from? What is it? What can be done to address it? This is a free resource and can be used when actively teaching about the events of January 6, 2021, or as background reading for teachers.