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Council Voices

Exciting Updates from PHW

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are happy to announce that the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Initiative has received continued support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. This enables PHW’s continued work to improve the health of clergy and congregants through faith-based health promotion over the next three […]

Exciting Updates from PHW

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are happy to announce that the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Initiative has received continued support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. This enables PHW’s continued work to improve the health of clergy and congregants through faith-based health promotion over the next three […]

“Eating Well” at the Critical Issues Seminar

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I have helped to make the arrangements for the food served at Council meetings for ten years. But the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar was different. In staff meetings leading up to the recent Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet Critical Issues Seminar, one remark kept coming up. “We have to be […]

“Eating Well” at the Critical Issues Seminar

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I have helped to make the arrangements for the food served at Council meetings for ten years. But the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar was different. In staff meetings leading up to the recent Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet Critical Issues Seminar, one remark kept coming up. “We have to be […]

Being Crazy Christians

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It was a beautiful day spent at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem on April 19.  I was there for the annual NC Council of Churches Critical Issues Seminar; this year’s theme was, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet.  The Right Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, […]

Being Crazy Christians

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It was a beautiful day spent at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem on April 19.  I was there for the annual NC Council of Churches Critical Issues Seminar; this year’s theme was, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet.  The Right Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, […]

“You don’t have to take my word for it.”

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

The Critical Issues Seminar has come and gone, and with it goes the end of my internship with the NC Council of Churches. The Council was not the sort of place I was expecting to end up in a social work internship. I have been researching and writing instead of assessing and treating. Despite this […]

“You don’t have to take my word for it.”

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

The Critical Issues Seminar has come and gone, and with it goes the end of my internship with the NC Council of Churches. The Council was not the sort of place I was expecting to end up in a social work internship. I have been researching and writing instead of assessing and treating. Despite this […]

Father Joe Vetter Receives the 2012 Distinguished Service Award

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On April 19, Father Joe Vetter received the Council’s Distinguished Service Award during lunchtime ceremonies at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar.  After Council President Stan Kimer offered the following remarks in presenting the award, Father Joe was greeted with a standing ovation for his years of service. Every year, the North Carolina Council of Churches presents […]

Father Joe Vetter Receives the 2012 Distinguished Service Award

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On April 19, Father Joe Vetter received the Council’s Distinguished Service Award during lunchtime ceremonies at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar.  After Council President Stan Kimer offered the following remarks in presenting the award, Father Joe was greeted with a standing ovation for his years of service. Every year, the North Carolina Council of Churches presents […]

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Durham Herald-Sun

The ballot referendum that could cement the definition of marriage as “the only domestic legal union” into the state Constitution has turned a political debate into a religious one — and is mustering people of faith across North Carolina to the polls.

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

Durham Herald-Sun

The ballot referendum that could cement the definition of marriage as “the only domestic legal union” into the state Constitution has turned a political debate into a religious one — and is mustering people of faith across North Carolina to the polls.

Early Voting and Amendment One

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting is now under way for North Carolina’s May 8 primary. Between now and May 5, you can vote if you are already registered, and you can register and vote at the same time (one-stop voting) if you are not already registered. To find out the places and hours for early voting in your […]

Early Voting and Amendment One

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting is now under way for North Carolina’s May 8 primary. Between now and May 5, you can vote if you are already registered, and you can register and vote at the same time (one-stop voting) if you are not already registered. To find out the places and hours for early voting in your […]

Ruling on Lead NC Racial Justice Act Case

By chris

The lead case applying the historic and ground-breaking NC Racial Justice Act (RJA) concluded today with a judicial finding of race discrimination in the operation of the death penalty in North Carolina. North Carolina Superior Court Judge Gregory Weeks found that prosecutors deliberately excluded qualified black jurors from jury service in death row inmate Marcus […]

Ruling on Lead NC Racial Justice Act Case

by chris

The lead case applying the historic and ground-breaking NC Racial Justice Act (RJA) concluded today with a judicial finding of race discrimination in the operation of the death penalty in North Carolina. North Carolina Superior Court Judge Gregory Weeks found that prosecutors deliberately excluded qualified black jurors from jury service in death row inmate Marcus […]

Lectionary: Interfaith Connections (4th Sunday of Easter)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship
Date: 4th Sunday after Easter, April 29, 2012
Topic: Interfaith Connections
Focus Text: John 10:11-18
From the pastoral reflection: In 21st century North Carolina we have many and various ways to come into contact with “other sheep.” Will we stick to our own kind, work to create a Christian enclave where we feel safe and secure, free from any risk? Or, will we be the welcoming face, the open hands, the purposeful feet, and the compassionate voice of Christ in the world so that all may know the love of God?

Lectionary: Interfaith Connections (4th Sunday of Easter)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship
Date: 4th Sunday after Easter, April 29, 2012
Topic: Interfaith Connections
Focus Text: John 10:11-18
From the pastoral reflection: In 21st century North Carolina we have many and various ways to come into contact with “other sheep.” Will we stick to our own kind, work to create a Christian enclave where we feel safe and secure, free from any risk? Or, will we be the welcoming face, the open hands, the purposeful feet, and the compassionate voice of Christ in the world so that all may know the love of God?

New Curriculum: Eating Well

By chris

This comprehensive, intergenerational curriculum focuses on the food we eat and why it matters. Featuring 7 lessons with Scripture, prayers, resources, and activities for young children through adults, "Eating Well" will challenge and inspire your church or community group. Download your copy today.

New Curriculum: Eating Well

by chris

This comprehensive, intergenerational curriculum focuses on the food we eat and why it matters. Featuring 7 lessons with Scripture, prayers, resources, and activities for young children through adults, “Eating Well” will challenge and inspire your church or community group. Download your copy today.

$9.94 Billion Spent to Market Cigarettes

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

In 2008, Big Tobacco spent $9.94 billion to market cigarettes, and sadly, that amount corresponds to ‘new customers’ despite public health efforts to stop the destruction caused by tobacco. Part of the harm is caused by hidden substances within tobacco products which are not labeled, including radiation, and marketing designed to appeal to young people. Dr. Cheryl G. […]

$9.94 Billion Spent to Market Cigarettes

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

In 2008, Big Tobacco spent $9.94 billion to market cigarettes, and sadly, that amount corresponds to ‘new customers’ despite public health efforts to stop the destruction caused by tobacco. Part of the harm is caused by hidden substances within tobacco products which are not labeled, including radiation, and marketing designed to appeal to young people. Dr. Cheryl G. […]

Celebrating With My Community

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

It’s funny when strangers strike you as family. That is what happens, for me at least, each time I attend another Earth Sabbath Celebration. After a few months of travelling what feels like “out of town”  from Durham to the monthly Celebration in Raleigh, on April 2,  I found myself with the newly formed Durham Earth […]

Celebrating With My Community

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

It’s funny when strangers strike you as family. That is what happens, for me at least, each time I attend another Earth Sabbath Celebration. After a few months of travelling what feels like “out of town”  from Durham to the monthly Celebration in Raleigh, on April 2,  I found myself with the newly formed Durham Earth […]

A Personal Story of Faith and Health

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

BCBSNC Foundation

My faith journey began at an early age and in a somewhat nontraditional way. I fondly remember attending weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies at my grandmother’s house in rural North Carolina. Community members would come from all around to worship together in a small, weather-beaten house at the end of a long dirt path. They would read scriptures, sing songs and tell stories of how they were able to overcome various obstacles throughout the week.

A Personal Story of Faith and Health

BCBSNC Foundation

My faith journey began at an early age and in a somewhat nontraditional way. I fondly remember attending weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies at my grandmother’s house in rural North Carolina. Community members would come from all around to worship together in a small, weather-beaten house at the end of a long dirt path. They would read scriptures, sing songs and tell stories of how they were able to overcome various obstacles throughout the week.

New County Health Rankings Point to Disparities in Health

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

The 2012 County Health Rankings report, recently released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, points to major disparities in health by geographic location – with urban areas like Wake, Durham, Mecklenburg and Guilford counties experiencing overall better health than many rural parts of the state like Columbus, […]

New County Health Rankings Point to Disparities in Health

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

The 2012 County Health Rankings report, recently released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, points to major disparities in health by geographic location – with urban areas like Wake, Durham, Mecklenburg and Guilford counties experiencing overall better health than many rural parts of the state like Columbus, […]

Faith Leaders Ask Legislature for Fair Immigration Laws

By chris

For the first time since its creation, a special committee reviewing North Carolina’s immigration policy heard from the public on Wednesday, March 28th. To a hearing room packed with advocates on both sides of the immigration debate, speakers told their stories to North Carolina lawmakers charged with considering the state's role in immigration. Reverend Villegas presented the co-chairs of the committee with over 175 written comments from clergy and people of faith from across the State urging the committee to carefully consider the negative impact that new tough, anti-immigration laws would have on North Carolina.

Faith Leaders Ask Legislature for Fair Immigration Laws

by chris

For the first time since its creation, a special committee reviewing North Carolina’s immigration policy heard from the public on Wednesday, March 28th. To a hearing room packed with advocates on both sides of the immigration debate, speakers told their stories to North Carolina lawmakers charged with considering the state’s role in immigration. Reverend Villegas presented the co-chairs of the committee with over 175 written comments from clergy and people of faith from across the State urging the committee to carefully consider the negative impact that new tough, anti-immigration laws would have on North Carolina.

Springtime on Eaarth

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Spring is a favorite time for all of us who love to be in the garden. I cherish this season and plan my weeks so that I can begin and end each day with sacred moments outside.  Spring is a time to dig in the earth, to plant seeds and to cultivate flowers. It’s a […]

Springtime on Eaarth

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Spring is a favorite time for all of us who love to be in the garden. I cherish this season and plan my weeks so that I can begin and end each day with sacred moments outside.  Spring is a time to dig in the earth, to plant seeds and to cultivate flowers. It’s a […]

Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 19 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem as we package meals with Stop Hunger Now, the Raleigh-based non-profit that provides nutritious dehydrated meals which are shipped to support school feeding and crisis-relief programs around the world. The meal packaging takes place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and a $25 fee per […]

Join Us to Package Meals with Stop Hunger Now

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 19 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem as we package meals with Stop Hunger Now, the Raleigh-based non-profit that provides nutritious dehydrated meals which are shipped to support school feeding and crisis-relief programs around the world. The meal packaging takes place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and a $25 fee per […]

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deadline to guarantee lunch at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar has been extended to April 12. This year’s seminar, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet, takes place on April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem. The event offers a series of workshops focused […]

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deadline to guarantee lunch at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar has been extended to April 12. This year’s seminar, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet, takes place on April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem. The event offers a series of workshops focused […]

Economic Justice Way of the Cross

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On April 6, state religious leaders and activists will remember Jesus Christ’s suffering and death and the suffering and death of immigrants coming to this country in an “Economic Justice Way of the Cross.” The North Carolina Council of Churches is a co-sponsor of the event which takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the N.C. State Capitol.

The Good Friday commemoration of Jesus’ suffering and death will be linked with the need for justice, immigration reform, a change in US trade policies, and an end to US support for the war in Afghanistan and Colombia. Money needs to be spent on food and economic development instead of war, according to Gail Phares, director of Witness for Peace Southeast, the event’s primary organizer.

Economic Justice Way of the Cross

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On April 6, state religious leaders and activists will remember Jesus Christ’s suffering and death and the suffering and death of immigrants coming to this country in an “Economic Justice Way of the Cross.” The North Carolina Council of Churches is a co-sponsor of the event which takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the N.C. State Capitol.

The Good Friday commemoration of Jesus’ suffering and death will be linked with the need for justice, immigration reform, a change in US trade policies, and an end to US support for the war in Afghanistan and Colombia. Money needs to be spent on food and economic development instead of war, according to Gail Phares, director of Witness for Peace Southeast, the event’s primary organizer.

The Story of Two Sons

By chris

Rev. Jill Edens, United Church of Chapel Hill

Though the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus, the discussion as they travel to Jerusalem reveals that they are profoundly unready for what is to come. In this pivotal moment we encounter blind Bartimaeus who Mark holds up as a model for discipleship: “As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

The Story of Two Sons

by chris

Rev. Jill Edens, United Church of Chapel Hill

Though the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus, the discussion as they travel to Jerusalem reveals that they are profoundly unready for what is to come. In this pivotal moment we encounter blind Bartimaeus who Mark holds up as a model for discipleship: “As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition Meeting

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition, a joint effort of the Association along with Partners in Health and Wholeness, takes place April 3 at 7 p.m at St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, 198 Gaines St., Aberdeen (Jackson Hamlet). Snacks will be provided, and the event is free and open to the public. There are […]

Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition Meeting

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Pee Dee Baptist Association Health Coalition, a joint effort of the Association along with Partners in Health and Wholeness, takes place April 3 at 7 p.m at St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, 198 Gaines St., Aberdeen (Jackson Hamlet). Snacks will be provided, and the event is free and open to the public. There are […]

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Alexia Kelley will deliver the keynote address for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ 2012 Critical Issues Seminar, and Father Joe Vetter will receive the Council’s Distinguished Service Award at the April 19 event. Kelley, who is Catholic,  is the Director of the Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Center with the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C. […]

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Alexia Kelley will deliver the keynote address for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ 2012 Critical Issues Seminar, and Father Joe Vetter will receive the Council’s Distinguished Service Award at the April 19 event. Kelley, who is Catholic,  is the Director of the Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Center with the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C. […]

Champions of Change

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Congratulations to two of the Council’s friends and colleagues on being designated Champions of Change by the White House. Linda Walling, Executive Director, of Faithful Reform in Health Care (and soon to be a NC resident) and native North Carolinian Adam Searing, Director of the Health Access Coalition for the North Carolina Justice Center, were honored […]

Champions of Change

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Congratulations to two of the Council’s friends and colleagues on being designated Champions of Change by the White House. Linda Walling, Executive Director, of Faithful Reform in Health Care (and soon to be a NC resident) and native North Carolinian Adam Searing, Director of the Health Access Coalition for the North Carolina Justice Center, were honored […]

2nd Sunday after Easter – Living Wages

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship
Date: 2nd Sunday after Easter, April 15, 2012
Topic: Living Wages
Focus Text: Acts 4:32-35
From the pastoral reflection: "As Christians, we attempt to recapture the vision of work as related to the creating, sustaining, and transforming work of God. Our vocation is not defined simply by our paid employment. What we do at home, in churches, in our volunteer and political activities, all contribute to the “work” that embraces the whole of our lives."

2nd Sunday after Easter – Living Wages

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship
Date: 2nd Sunday after Easter, April 15, 2012
Topic: Living Wages
Focus Text: Acts 4:32-35
From the pastoral reflection: “As Christians, we attempt to recapture the vision of work as related to the creating, sustaining, and transforming work of God. Our vocation is not defined simply by our paid employment. What we do at home, in churches, in our volunteer and political activities, all contribute to the “work” that embraces the whole of our lives.”

Say No to Anti-Immigrant Legislation in North Carolina

By chris

Tell NC legislators that we don’t want to follow Arizona and Alabama – say NO to harmful anti-immigrant legislation that could be introduced here in North Carolina.

A special committee of the NC House has been meeting to determine whether to introduce an Arizona-style “Papers, please” bill. This is your chance to hold lawmakers accountable for making NC a welcoming state that is competitive in the global economy instead of enacting costly measures that will separate families and threaten our economy.

Say No to Anti-Immigrant Legislation in North Carolina

by chris

Tell NC legislators that we don’t want to follow Arizona and Alabama – say NO to harmful anti-immigrant legislation that could be introduced here in North Carolina.

A special committee of the NC House has been meeting to determine whether to introduce an Arizona-style “Papers, please” bill. This is your chance to hold lawmakers accountable for making NC a welcoming state that is competitive in the global economy instead of enacting costly measures that will separate families and threaten our economy.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Celebrates its Second Anniversary

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Affordable Care Act was approved two years ago. Join the virtual second-anniversary celebration through a conference call with Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin on Thursday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Hear all the benefits already in place and what is to come. An RSVP in advance is required through this link. Additionally, as the Supreme Court takes […]

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Celebrates its Second Anniversary

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Affordable Care Act was approved two years ago. Join the virtual second-anniversary celebration through a conference call with Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin on Thursday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Hear all the benefits already in place and what is to come. An RSVP in advance is required through this link. Additionally, as the Supreme Court takes […]

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights

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

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Pee Dee Baptist Educational Congress, an auxiliary to the Pee Dee Baptist Educational Association, will conduct the Annual Christian Educational Institute from March 19 to 23, 2012, at the Pee Dee Educational Building in Dobbin Heights. There will be classes for church officers and each department in the church.

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Pee Dee Baptist Educational Congress, an auxiliary to the Pee Dee Baptist Educational Association, will conduct the Annual Christian Educational Institute from March 19 to 23, 2012, at the Pee Dee Educational Building in Dobbin Heights.

There will be classes for church officers and each department in the church.

Places of Worship Addressing Youth Health

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

A recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General revealed that a large number of America’s youth – 600,000 middle school students and three million high school students – smoke cigarettes.  At best, this information is disturbing, not only because it shows that progress made over the last decade to reduce youth smoking rates is slowing […]

Places of Worship Addressing Youth Health

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

A recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General revealed that a large number of America’s youth – 600,000 middle school students and three million high school students – smoke cigarettes.  At best, this information is disturbing, not only because it shows that progress made over the last decade to reduce youth smoking rates is slowing […]

An End to Hunger

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Ending world hunger is a pretty big goal, but the folks at Stop Hunger Now have set it for themselves and have been working toward it for 13 years. With the help of volunteers, the Raleigh-based non-profit packages nutritious dehydrated meals which are shipped to support school feeding and crisis-relief programs around the world. As […]

An End to Hunger

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Ending world hunger is a pretty big goal, but the folks at Stop Hunger Now have set it for themselves and have been working toward it for 13 years. With the help of volunteers, the Raleigh-based non-profit packages nutritious dehydrated meals which are shipped to support school feeding and crisis-relief programs around the world. As […]

Statement on Accusations about Candidates’ Faith

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Adopted by the Governing Board, NC Council of Churches, March 6, 2012 In 1998, the NC Council of Churches issued a statement entitled With All Due Respect. It decried the “scarcity of decency and respect” seen most clearly in political campaigns. “Political rhetoric appears to be less courteous and more coarse; personal attacks are uglier.” […]

Statement on Accusations about Candidates’ Faith

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Adopted by the Governing Board, NC Council of Churches, March 6, 2012 In 1998, the NC Council of Churches issued a statement entitled With All Due Respect. It decried the “scarcity of decency and respect” seen most clearly in political campaigns. “Political rhetoric appears to be less courteous and more coarse; personal attacks are uglier.” […]

In Thanksgiving for the Life of Lynice Williams

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lynice Williams died this weekend. Too soon by any measure. She was one of this state’s great advocates for and organizers of people of low income and low wealth. Among other things, she was executive director of North Carolina Fair Share for 24 years and was a member of the Governing Board of the North […]

In Thanksgiving for the Life of Lynice Williams

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lynice Williams died this weekend. Too soon by any measure. She was one of this state’s great advocates for and organizers of people of low income and low wealth. Among other things, she was executive director of North Carolina Fair Share for 24 years and was a member of the Governing Board of the North […]

Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Durham Herald-Sun

Pilgrim United Church of Christ will host a community series this month on “Faith and the Marriage Amendment,” about the proposed North Carolina Amendment 1. If the ballot measure passes May 8, the only valid domestic union recognized by the state will be marriage of a man and a woman. Read more: The Herald-Sun - Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Durham Herald-Sun

Pilgrim United Church of Christ will host a community series this month on “Faith and the Marriage Amendment,” about the proposed North Carolina Amendment 1. If the ballot measure passes May 8, the only valid domestic union recognized by the state will be marriage of a man and a woman.

Read more: The Herald-Sun – Pilgrim UCC hosting series on Amendment 1

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We hope you’ll join us on April 14 for the Fourth Annual Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry. This annual ecumenical event takes place at Raleigh’s Fairmont United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and focuses on Amendment One with the theme “For Such a Time As This: Embracing God’s Call To Protect […]

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We hope you’ll join us on April 14 for the Fourth Annual Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry. This annual ecumenical event takes place at Raleigh’s Fairmont United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and focuses on Amendment One with the theme “For Such a Time As This: Embracing God’s Call To Protect […]

Earth Sabbath Celebrated in Asheville

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

“My heart is moved by all that I cannot save.” Fifty-three enthralled participants at the Earth Sabbath Celebration at Asheville’s St. Mary’s Church sang those words in February. Our hearts were opened, and many were moved to tears. Sandra Smith, founder of Holy Ground, led a remarkable celebration of interfaith spirituality that included silence, music, […]

Earth Sabbath Celebrated in Asheville

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

“My heart is moved by all that I cannot save.” Fifty-three enthralled participants at the Earth Sabbath Celebration at Asheville’s St. Mary’s Church sang those words in February. Our hearts were opened, and many were moved to tears. Sandra Smith, founder of Holy Ground, led a remarkable celebration of interfaith spirituality that included silence, music, […]

New Edition: Job Loss – A Guidebook for Pastors

By chris

With too many North Carolinians jobless, the North Carolina Council of Churches is releasing a newly revised version of its popular “Job Loss: A Guidebook for Pastors” eight years after the original was published. The revised version is available for free download on the Council’s website.

New Edition: Job Loss – A Guidebook for Pastors

by chris

With too many North Carolinians jobless, the North Carolina Council of Churches is releasing a newly revised version of its popular “Job Loss: A Guidebook for Pastors” eight years after the original was published. The revised version is available for free download on the Council’s website.

Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches, working in conjunction with the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families, has developed a toolkit to help people of faith working against Amendment One. If passed in May, this amendment to the state’s constitution would define marriage in a way that excludes gays and lesbians and that severely limits benefits […]

Council Provides Toolkit for Amendment One Opponents

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches, working in conjunction with the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families, has developed a toolkit to help people of faith working against Amendment One. If passed in May, this amendment to the state’s constitution would define marriage in a way that excludes gays and lesbians and that severely limits benefits […]

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Neville Callam is the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. (For you non-Baptists out there, the BWA is the international collaboration of most of the world’s Baptist conventions and union. Also for you non-Baptists, “General Secretary” is about as close to “Bishop” as we Baptists are generally willing to go.) He is a native […]

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Neville Callam is the General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. (For you non-Baptists out there, the BWA is the international collaboration of most of the world’s Baptist conventions and union. Also for you non-Baptists, “General Secretary” is about as close to “Bishop” as we Baptists are generally willing to go.) He is a native […]

Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Washington Post

WILMINGTON, N.C. — As the only Southern state without a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, North Carolina is the next battleground, with religious groups on both sides bracing for a high-stakes fight on May 8. Against a recent string of gay-marriage victories in California, Washington state and Maryland, North Carolinians will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment on May 8, the same day as the state Republican primary. Same-sex marriage has been illegal in the Tar Heel State since 1996; Minnesota also has a marriage amendment planned for a vote in November.

Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight

The Washington Post

WILMINGTON, N.C. — As the only Southern state without a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, North Carolina is the next battleground, with religious groups on both sides bracing for a high-stakes fight on May 8.

Against a recent string of gay-marriage victories in California, Washington state and Maryland, North Carolinians will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment on May 8, the same day as the state Republican primary.

Same-sex marriage has been illegal in the Tar Heel State since 1996; Minnesota also has a marriage amendment planned for a vote in November.

New Resources from Partners in Health and Wholeness

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

The NC Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative has created three new fact sheets to help clergy and congregants improve their health.  Do you want to know what our scriptures teach about leading a healthier lifestyle? How many North Carolinians are meeting the mark? Or perhaps simple tips for incorporating physical activity, […]

New Resources from Partners in Health and Wholeness

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

The NC Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative has created three new fact sheets to help clergy and congregants improve their health.  Do you want to know what our scriptures teach about leading a healthier lifestyle? How many North Carolinians are meeting the mark? Or perhaps simple tips for incorporating physical activity, […]

Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Charlotte Observer

Even in February, there's a lot happening in the community garden at Central United Methodist church in east Charlotte. A few of the 24 plots still have winter vegetables to harvest. Gardeners are building pea trellises and clearing the ground to start planting early crops. Langston Denny, a prayer leader at the church, is building a new compost bin. He's arranged for a local restaurant to give him its lettuce, coffee grounds and eggshells that would otherwise go to waste. Central United is part of a growing movement among faith groups - in Charlotte and around the nation - that embrace environmental conservation as a way to care for God's creation and for neighbors in need.

Caring for Creation: Charlotte churches plant gardens, add solar panels and join others trying to protect the planet

Charlotte Observer

Even in February, there’s a lot happening in the community garden at Central United Methodist church in east Charlotte.

A few of the 24 plots still have winter vegetables to harvest. Gardeners are building pea trellises and clearing the ground to start planting early crops.

Langston Denny, a prayer leader at the church, is building a new compost bin. He’s arranged for a local restaurant to give him its lettuce, coffee grounds and eggshells that would otherwise go to waste.

Central United is part of a growing movement among faith groups – in Charlotte and around the nation – that embrace environmental conservation as a way to care for God’s creation and for neighbors in need.

Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On January 21, 2012, sixty people gathered in the fellowship hall of the United Church of Chapel Hill to experience the first ever workshop on Transition Congregations.  Drawing together the concepts from the Transition Towns movement  and scriptural wisdom, Tina Clarke, a premiere Transition trainer, and Rev. Jim Deming, the Minister of Environmental Justice for […]

Transition Congregations Workshop – a Great Beginning!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On January 21, 2012, sixty people gathered in the fellowship hall of the United Church of Chapel Hill to experience the first ever workshop on Transition Congregations.  Drawing together the concepts from the Transition Towns movement  and scriptural wisdom, Tina Clarke, a premiere Transition trainer, and Rev. Jim Deming, the Minister of Environmental Justice for […]

Winter Church Council Bulletin

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The winter edition of the Church Council Bulletin is posted. It includes an overview of the Council’s work in 2011 along with a listing of those individuals who helped make that work possible through their generosity. We are humbled and grateful. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications      

Winter Church Council Bulletin

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The winter edition of the Church Council Bulletin is posted. It includes an overview of the Council’s work in 2011 along with a listing of those individuals who helped make that work possible through their generosity. We are humbled and grateful. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications      

UNC-CH Minority Caucus Holds 33rd Annual Minority Health Conference

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is proud to promote the 33rd Annual Minority Health Conference, presented by the Minority Student Caucus at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. PHW believes in closing the health disparities gap, which is a central goal for this annual conference. The conference features the 14th Annual William T. Small, […]

UNC-CH Minority Caucus Holds 33rd Annual Minority Health Conference

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is proud to promote the 33rd Annual Minority Health Conference, presented by the Minority Student Caucus at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. PHW believes in closing the health disparities gap, which is a central goal for this annual conference. The conference features the 14th Annual William T. Small, […]

Eating Well: A Lenten Practice

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As Lent quickly approaches, you may be thinking about a fast or discipline on which you will focus. Oftentimes Lenten practices revolve around food – giving up chocolate or alcohol or kicking the coffee habit. The purpose of Lenten fasting is not to punish you or make you suffer but to draw you closer to […]

Eating Well: A Lenten Practice

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As Lent quickly approaches, you may be thinking about a fast or discipline on which you will focus. Oftentimes Lenten practices revolve around food – giving up chocolate or alcohol or kicking the coffee habit. The purpose of Lenten fasting is not to punish you or make you suffer but to draw you closer to […]

Compromising values

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh News & Observer

We would not have chosen to be a part of an issue like this, but we are. The world is watching North Carolina to see what we will do. There is compelling evidence that conspiracy to commit kidnapping and torture were committed by Johnston County's Aero Contractors. The state should investigate these claims and determine their validity.

Compromising values

Raleigh News & Observer

We would not have chosen to be a part of an issue like this, but we are. The world is watching North Carolina to see what we will do. There is compelling evidence that conspiracy to commit kidnapping and torture were committed by Johnston County’s Aero Contractors. The state should investigate these claims and determine their validity.

Contact Congress: No Cuts, No Barriers

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remember the words of Mordecai to Esther:  “For if you keep silent at such a time as this…you and your father’s family will perish.”  (NRSV-Esther 4:14) It is unbelievable and disheartening that Congress is considering using children to “pay for”  the unemployment insurance (UI) extension. It would be funded with money from needy, tax-paying immigrant […]

Contact Congress: No Cuts, No Barriers

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remember the words of Mordecai to Esther:  “For if you keep silent at such a time as this…you and your father’s family will perish.”  (NRSV-Esther 4:14) It is unbelievable and disheartening that Congress is considering using children to “pay for”  the unemployment insurance (UI) extension. It would be funded with money from needy, tax-paying immigrant […]

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

To register for the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar and to choose your workshops, complete the form below. The Seminar is taking place April 19 in Winston-Salem.  This exciting day-long event focuses on the social justice implications of what we eat and how it is grown, and features experts on issues from farmworkers to food security […]

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

To register for the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar and to choose your workshops, complete the form below. The Seminar is taking place April 19 in Winston-Salem.  This exciting day-long event focuses on the social justice implications of what we eat and how it is grown, and features experts on issues from farmworkers to food security […]

Put Your Faith into Action — Join the Public Policy Advocacy Team!

By Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

The North Carolina Council of Churches advocates for just and compassionate public policy in North Carolina, and North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, a program of the Council, brings that advocacy work to issues of climate change and energy. We recognize that while personal and congregational change in energy consumption is necessary, it will be […]

Put Your Faith into Action — Join the Public Policy Advocacy Team!

by Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

The North Carolina Council of Churches advocates for just and compassionate public policy in North Carolina, and North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, a program of the Council, brings that advocacy work to issues of climate change and energy. We recognize that while personal and congregational change in energy consumption is necessary, it will be […]

Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The newly formed House Select Committee on the State’s Role in Immigration Policy met for the second time in as many months on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The focus of the most recent Committee hearing was squarely on how much unauthorized immigrants cost the taxpayers of North Carolina. Various state agencies (Department of Revenue, Division […]

Update: GA Committee Meets on Immigration

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The newly formed House Select Committee on the State’s Role in Immigration Policy met for the second time in as many months on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The focus of the most recent Committee hearing was squarely on how much unauthorized immigrants cost the taxpayers of North Carolina. Various state agencies (Department of Revenue, Division […]

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The 2012 Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People’s Assembly is this Saturday, February 11. We’ll gather at Shaw University in Raleigh starting at 9:30 and march to the Legislative Building. Other than voting, there’s probably nothing more important for you to do in the interim between legislative sessions. By our presence, we show policy […]

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The 2012 Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People’s Assembly is this Saturday, February 11. We’ll gather at Shaw University in Raleigh starting at 9:30 and march to the Legislative Building. Other than voting, there’s probably nothing more important for you to do in the interim between legislative sessions. By our presence, we show policy […]

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works! “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” is an introduction to the issues surrounding the way we grow, harvest, and eat our food. Designed for groups of all ages, “Eating Well” uses games, activities, prayer and […]

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works! “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” is an introduction to the issues surrounding the way we grow, harvest, and eat our food. Designed for groups of all ages, “Eating Well” uses games, activities, prayer and […]

New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches

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

Back in November, I told you about the political battle that was ensuing over school lunches in our country.  More specifically, the Obama Administration was calling for healthier meals made with less fat and sodium as well as more fruits and vegetables, while the spending bill passed by Congress recognized tomato paste as a vegetable […]

New Nutritional Standards for School Lunches

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

Back in November, I told you about the political battle that was ensuing over school lunches in our country.  More specifically, the Obama Administration was calling for healthier meals made with less fat and sodium as well as more fruits and vegetables, while the spending bill passed by Congress recognized tomato paste as a vegetable […]

Upcoming AME Zion Church Health Conference on Feb. 25

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Francis Jones is organizing a district wide health conference to be held on February 25 from 10am-12:30pm at St. Marks AME Zion Church in Durham (531 S. Roxboro Street).  Representatives of Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) will speak about the Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 initiative for all churches.  This is an opportunity to […]

Upcoming AME Zion Church Health Conference on Feb. 25

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Francis Jones is organizing a district wide health conference to be held on February 25 from 10am-12:30pm at St. Marks AME Zion Church in Durham (531 S. Roxboro Street).  Representatives of Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) will speak about the Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 initiative for all churches.  This is an opportunity to […]

Episcopal Diocese of NC: Take Action on Climate Change

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

On January 21, during the 196th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the delegation resolved to receive with thanks the “Teaching of the House of Bishops on Environment”  issued from their meeting in Quito, Ecuador in September 2011. The delegation strongly recommended that all clergy and congregants in the Diocese, “read, mark and […]

Episcopal Diocese of NC: Take Action on Climate Change

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

On January 21, during the 196th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the delegation resolved to receive with thanks the “Teaching of the House of Bishops on Environment”  issued from their meeting in Quito, Ecuador in September 2011. The delegation strongly recommended that all clergy and congregants in the Diocese, “read, mark and […]

Earth Sabbath Celebrations Spread to Asheville, Chapel Hill and Durham

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Anyone who has attended an Earth Sabbath Celebration knows how special they are. Over the past year, Earth Sabbath Celebrations have occurred monthly at Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh. As NCIPL and partners prepare to launch them in Asheville, Chapel Hill, and hopefully Durham too, I recall the first Earth Sabbath Celebration that […]

Earth Sabbath Celebrations Spread to Asheville, Chapel Hill and Durham

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Anyone who has attended an Earth Sabbath Celebration knows how special they are. Over the past year, Earth Sabbath Celebrations have occurred monthly at Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh. As NCIPL and partners prepare to launch them in Asheville, Chapel Hill, and hopefully Durham too, I recall the first Earth Sabbath Celebration that […]

Get Inspired (…and Help Us Raise Money in the Process)!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I am very excited to share with you an online storytelling initiative that has just launched, called Inspired. A program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation, Inspired is telling the stories of select individuals and organizations from across the state that are making a positive impact in their communities.  […]

Get Inspired (…and Help Us Raise Money in the Process)!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I am very excited to share with you an online storytelling initiative that has just launched, called Inspired. A program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation, Inspired is telling the stories of select individuals and organizations from across the state that are making a positive impact in their communities.  […]

Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches is co-sponsor of a town hall meeting, Bring Our War Dollars Home and Restore Our Communities, which takes place Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Building Auditorium, 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh. Since 2001, North Carolina taxpayers have spent $14 billion on the war in Afghanistan. The meeting […]

Town Hall Meeting: Bring Our War Dollars Home!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches is co-sponsor of a town hall meeting, Bring Our War Dollars Home and Restore Our Communities, which takes place Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Building Auditorium, 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh. Since 2001, North Carolina taxpayers have spent $14 billion on the war in Afghanistan. The meeting […]

Permit for Canada to Texas Pipeline Denied

By Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

By denying a federal permit to the Keystone XL pipeline, the Obama administration has taken a vital step in the ongoing effort to protect the environment. NC Interfaith Power and Light and other like-minded organizations have vehemently opposed the  pipeline, which would run from Canada to Texas carrying dirty tar sands oil to refineries on the […]

Permit for Canada to Texas Pipeline Denied

by Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

By denying a federal permit to the Keystone XL pipeline, the Obama administration has taken a vital step in the ongoing effort to protect the environment. NC Interfaith Power and Light and other like-minded organizations have vehemently opposed the  pipeline, which would run from Canada to Texas carrying dirty tar sands oil to refineries on the […]

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Since 2004, the NC Council of Churches has officially opposed a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Put simply, the Council’s board does not believe discrimination has a place in our state or federal constitution. For that reason, we are working with other organizations in the Coalition to Protect All NC Families to oppose the amendment that […]

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Since 2004, the NC Council of Churches has officially opposed a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Put simply, the Council’s board does not believe discrimination has a place in our state or federal constitution. For that reason, we are working with other organizations in the Coalition to Protect All NC Families to oppose the amendment that […]

Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thanks to Mary McKeithan for being a key instrumental player in uniting churches in Bladen County on Monday November 28, 2011 at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on 800 Broad St. Ms. McKeithan and Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness collaborated with Bladen churches to set a health focus 2012 calendar for willing congregant members. […]

Churches Set a Unity Plan: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thanks to Mary McKeithan for being a key instrumental player in uniting churches in Bladen County on Monday November 28, 2011 at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on 800 Broad St. Ms. McKeithan and Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness collaborated with Bladen churches to set a health focus 2012 calendar for willing congregant members. […]

Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Governor Perdue has called on the General Assembly to restore three-quarters of a cent of sales tax which the General Assembly allowed to expire last year and to use the money to reduce cuts to education. In a statement, the Governor noted that “The North Carolina Association of School Administrators pointed out recently that North Carolinahas fallen […]

Governor Proposes Adding Back Emergency Sales Tax

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Governor Perdue has called on the General Assembly to restore three-quarters of a cent of sales tax which the General Assembly allowed to expire last year and to use the money to reduce cuts to education. In a statement, the Governor noted that “The North Carolina Association of School Administrators pointed out recently that North Carolinahas fallen […]

Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

IndyWeek.Com

Governor Bev Perdue kicked off the 2012 budget debate today — and (unofficially) kicked off her 2012 re-electon campaign — with a call for increased school funding. Specifically, she wants 3/4ths of that temporary 1-cent sales tax for education back temporarily.

Gov. Perdue: 3/4ths of 1-cent sales tax hike needed for schools

IndyWeek.Com

Governor Bev Perdue kicked off the 2012 budget debate today — and (unofficially) kicked off her 2012 re-electon campaign — with a call for increased school funding. Specifically, she wants 3/4ths of that temporary 1-cent sales tax for education back temporarily.

Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh News & Observer

A gathering on a hillside outside a church in West Raleigh late Sunday marked the one-year anniversary since a shooting in Tucson, Ariz., left a federal judge and five other people dead and 13 injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Organizers used the occasion to highlight a shifting focus in what has been a decades-long effort to promote legislation aimed at limiting people's access to guns. Instead, there is a growing focus on using churches and other faith-based efforts to promote a change in how the American culture views guns, they said. It's also an acknowledgement that work in legislatures across the country have been met with resistance to many anti-gun measures.

Gun Control Advocates hold Memorial to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Ariz. Shooting

Raleigh News & Observer

A gathering on a hillside outside a church in West Raleigh late Sunday marked the one-year anniversary since a shooting in Tucson, Ariz., left a federal judge and five other people dead and 13 injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Organizers used the occasion to highlight a shifting focus in what has been a decades-long effort to promote legislation aimed at limiting people’s access to guns.

Instead, there is a growing focus on using churches and other faith-based efforts to promote a change in how the American culture views guns, they said. It’s also an acknowledgement that work in legislatures across the country have been met with resistance to many anti-gun measures.

Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

There’s still time to get FREE hard copies of the 2012 Preach-In on Global Warming materials sent to you, but the deadline is close of business on January 17, 2012.  What you get for registering through the NC IPL website is a package from national Interfaith Power & Light with a DVD (Preaching for the […]

Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

There’s still time to get FREE hard copies of the 2012 Preach-In on Global Warming materials sent to you, but the deadline is close of business on January 17, 2012.  What you get for registering through the NC IPL website is a package from national Interfaith Power & Light with a DVD (Preaching for the […]

Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Richmond County has answered the call to Being Healthy,  Being Faithful 2012. Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw of the Pee Dee Baptist Association have both been instrumental in rallying Baptist churches together to learn more about health as a faith issue. The first 2012 event is scheduled for January 29th from 3-5  p.m. at the […]

Richmond County Kicks Off Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012 on Jan. 29

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Richmond County has answered the call to Being Healthy,  Being Faithful 2012. Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw of the Pee Dee Baptist Association have both been instrumental in rallying Baptist churches together to learn more about health as a faith issue. The first 2012 event is scheduled for January 29th from 3-5  p.m. at the […]

Obese Corpses Rejected for Medical Research

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

Carrying excess weight poses a number of health and other problems, but who knew such problems could extend past death?  According to a recent report by MSNBC, many donation programs are refusing corpses that weigh more than 200 to 300 pounds because they simply do not have the equipment or manpower to handle them.  East […]

Obese Corpses Rejected for Medical Research

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

Carrying excess weight poses a number of health and other problems, but who knew such problems could extend past death?  According to a recent report by MSNBC, many donation programs are refusing corpses that weigh more than 200 to 300 pounds because they simply do not have the equipment or manpower to handle them.  East […]

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications for our world and its inhabitants. We need to consider this very fundamental part of our lives as a faith issue. So we hope you’ll join […]

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications for our world and its inhabitants. We need to consider this very fundamental part of our lives as a faith issue. So we hope you’ll join […]

Connecting the Dots in 2012

By Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

As 2012 begins to unfold, I am called to reflect on the amazing world wide pro-democracy movements that were birthed to everyone’s surprise in 2011. Three of the legislative advocacy initiatives of the NC Council of Churches are implicitly connected to this prodemocracy movement – “establishing economic justice”, “promoting clean elections” and “supporting good government”. […]

Connecting the Dots in 2012

by Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

As 2012 begins to unfold, I am called to reflect on the amazing world wide pro-democracy movements that were birthed to everyone’s surprise in 2011. Three of the legislative advocacy initiatives of the NC Council of Churches are implicitly connected to this prodemocracy movement – “establishing economic justice”, “promoting clean elections” and “supporting good government”. […]

5th Sunday after the Epiphany – Health Care

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

While the world may value persons differently based on income, earning capacity, education, experience, race, physical ability, appearance, or socioeconomic background, there are none of these distinctions in Christ. All flesh and bones, all bodies, are God’s creation. We have all been gifted by God for God’s work in the world. The person who happens to be insured or who can afford the cost of medical care is no more or less important to God than the person who is uninsured or underinsured, no more or less important than the barren woman, the dying king, the wandering and hungry Israelites, the suffering Job, the blind and leprous men, the bleeding woman, the child on her deathbed.

5th Sunday after the Epiphany – Health Care

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

While the world may value persons differently based on income, earning capacity, education, experience, race, physical ability, appearance, or socioeconomic background, there are none of these distinctions in Christ. All flesh and bones, all bodies, are God’s creation. We have all been gifted by God for God’s work in the world. The person who happens to be insured or who can afford the cost of medical care is no more or less important to God than the person who is uninsured or underinsured, no more or less important than the barren woman, the dying king, the wandering and hungry Israelites, the suffering Job, the blind and leprous men, the bleeding woman, the child on her deathbed.

Free Resources to Help You Begin 2012 Tobacco Free

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

Our friends at the NC Division of Public Health would like to help current tobacco users quit by offering NC residents, 18 years of age or older, free nicotine replacement therapy (i.e., patches, gum or lozenges) while supplies last. In addition to being a NC resident and at least 18 years of age, you must […]

Free Resources to Help You Begin 2012 Tobacco Free

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

Our friends at the NC Division of Public Health would like to help current tobacco users quit by offering NC residents, 18 years of age or older, free nicotine replacement therapy (i.e., patches, gum or lozenges) while supplies last. In addition to being a NC resident and at least 18 years of age, you must […]

Celebrate Martin Luther King – Wage Peace

By chris

In April 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at New York’s Riverside Church about the war being fought by the U.S. in Asia at that time, in Vietnam. His words remind us of the choices we now face about war and peace at home and abroad. Click here to download the bulletin insert celebrating Dr. King's life and work.

Celebrate Martin Luther King – Wage Peace

by chris

In April 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at New York’s Riverside Church about the war being fought by the U.S. in Asia at that time, in Vietnam. His words remind us of the choices we now face about war and peace at home and abroad. Click here to download the bulletin insert celebrating Dr. King’s life and work.

Free AEDs and CPR Trainings for Congregations

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

Have you ever been in church when someone suffered a heart attack?  If so, you know that helpless feeling of having to wait for help to arrive as critical seconds, then minutes go by.  In 2009, Representative Becky Carney went into sudden cardiac arrest while at the legislative building, and her life was saved with […]

Free AEDs and CPR Trainings for Congregations

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

Have you ever been in church when someone suffered a heart attack?  If so, you know that helpless feeling of having to wait for help to arrive as critical seconds, then minutes go by.  In 2009, Representative Becky Carney went into sudden cardiac arrest while at the legislative building, and her life was saved with […]

Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As part of the national “Too Many Victims” campaign, there will be a vigil in Raleigh on Sunday, January 8. That day is the one-year anniversary of the Tucson shootings, which claimed the lives of six and wounded 13 others, including Congressperson Gabrielle Giffords. The vigil will remember all of those who have been killed or […]

Too Many Victims — Gun Violence Vigil on January 8

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As part of the national “Too Many Victims” campaign, there will be a vigil in Raleigh on Sunday, January 8. That day is the one-year anniversary of the Tucson shootings, which claimed the lives of six and wounded 13 others, including Congressperson Gabrielle Giffords. The vigil will remember all of those who have been killed or […]

2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state. Click here to download the Prayer Calendar. A […]

2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state. Click here to download the Prayer Calendar. A […]

Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Many in the environmental movement are aware of Transition Towns. This brilliant construct recognizes that two major juggernauts are going to change our world no matter what we do – that is climate change and the end of cheap oil. Rather than await these changes passively, Transition Towns offers community level tools to envision a […]

Transition Congregations – First Ever Training Will Be in NC!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Many in the environmental movement are aware of Transition Towns. This brilliant construct recognizes that two major juggernauts are going to change our world no matter what we do – that is climate change and the end of cheap oil. Rather than await these changes passively, Transition Towns offers community level tools to envision a […]

Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lowe’s home improvement stores confirmed last week that, in response to agitation from an anti-Muslim group, they had pulled their advertising from TLC’s All American Muslim, a reality TV show that follows the lives of five mainstream Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. In taking this action, Lowe’s has effectively affirmed the statement of the organization, […]

Anti-Muslim Bigotry is Wrong

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lowe’s home improvement stores confirmed last week that, in response to agitation from an anti-Muslim group, they had pulled their advertising from TLC’s All American Muslim, a reality TV show that follows the lives of five mainstream Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. In taking this action, Lowe’s has effectively affirmed the statement of the organization, […]

Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Durban climate talks are now over and were marked by a striking failure to act.  At the same time that we are seeing irrefutable evidence of climate change and record weather around the globe, the global leaders have again failed to rise to the urgent need for action—instead kicking the can down the road […]

Register NOW for the Preach-In on Global Warming – Feb.10-12

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Durban climate talks are now over and were marked by a striking failure to act.  At the same time that we are seeing irrefutable evidence of climate change and record weather around the globe, the global leaders have again failed to rise to the urgent need for action—instead kicking the can down the road […]

Good News: Governor Perdue Vetoes Attack on Racial Justice Act

By chris

Late this morning, Governor Bev Perdue vetoed the bill which would have gutted the Racial Justice Act (RJA). The RJA is a two-year-old law which allows defendants in death penalty cases to introduce statistical evidence that racial bias affected their death sentence. It’s rebuttable evidence, which means that prosecutors could introduce evidence of their own, […]

Good News: Governor Perdue Vetoes Attack on Racial Justice Act

by chris

Late this morning, Governor Bev Perdue vetoed the bill which would have gutted the Racial Justice Act (RJA). The RJA is a two-year-old law which allows defendants in death penalty cases to introduce statistical evidence that racial bias affected their death sentence. It’s rebuttable evidence, which means that prosecutors could introduce evidence of their own, […]

Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us for the 2012 Conference on the Common Good sponsored by the Council's Christian Unity Committee. The title of this year's gathering is Catholic Social Teaching: A Vision for the Common Good. It takes place Monday, February 20 at Raleigh's Highland United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The standard and guide for Roman Catholic approaches to social justice for the last hundred years was set by a Papal Encyclical near the turn of the 20th Century. Centesimus Annus celebrates the 100th anniversary of that document and restates its teachings for our generation. It is a comprehensive summary of social and economic justice perspectives that resonate with Christians of every denomination. Rev. Dr. Brian Johnstone, Professor of Moral Theology at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, will be our guest speaker and leader.

Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us for the 2012 Conference on the Common Good sponsored by the Council’s Christian Unity Committee. The title of this year’s gathering is Catholic Social Teaching: A Vision for the Common Good. It takes place Monday, February 20 at Raleigh’s Highland United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The standard and guide for Roman Catholic approaches to social justice for the last hundred years was set by a Papal Encyclical near the turn of the 20th Century. Centesimus Annus celebrates the 100th anniversary of that document and restates its teachings for our generation. It is a comprehensive summary of social and economic justice perspectives that resonate with Christians of every denomination. Rev. Dr. Brian Johnstone, Professor of Moral Theology at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, will be our guest speaker and leader.

Blessings of the Holiday Season

By chris

Blessings of the Holiday Season from the staff, program volunteers and interns of the North Carolina Council of Churches: George, Willona, Tyler, Susannah, Sandy, Rose, Rollin, Richard, Megan, Lisa, Leslie, Kathy, Joy, Donna, David, Collins, Chris, Allison, and Aleta.

Blessings of the Holiday Season

by chris

Blessings of the Holiday Season from the staff, program volunteers and interns of the North Carolina Council of Churches:
George, Willona, Tyler, Susannah, Sandy, Rose, Rollin, Richard, Megan, Lisa, Leslie, Kathy, Joy, Donna, David, Collins, Chris, Allison, and Aleta.

Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina

By chris

While the Great Recession technically ended in mid-2009, its effects on North Carolina’s workers and families have dragged on. High unemployment and underemployment have led to increases in numerous measures of economic hardship, including hunger. More than two million North Carolinians faced food hardship in 2010.

For more than a million individuals in North Carolina facing hunger, the state’s food stamps program provided a vital lifeline. Participation in the program has surged since the start of the recession, with the equivalent of the population of Charlotte being added to the program.

Hunger Continues to Rise Across North Carolina

by chris

While the Great Recession technically ended in mid-2009, its effects on North Carolina’s workers and families have dragged on. High unemployment and underemployment have led to increases in numerous measures of economic hardship, including hunger. More than two million North Carolinians faced food hardship in 2010.

For more than a million individuals in North Carolina facing hunger, the state’s food stamps program provided a vital lifeline. Participation in the program has surged since the start of the recession, with the equivalent of the population of Charlotte being added to the program.

NC Ranks 21st in Protecting Youth from Tobacco

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

According to a recent report released by top public health organizations, NC spends just 16.2% of the $106.8 million recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on programs to prevent youth from using tobacco and to help current smokers quit.  The Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF), which was abolished by state lawmakers […]

NC Ranks 21st in Protecting Youth from Tobacco

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

According to a recent report released by top public health organizations, NC spends just 16.2% of the $106.8 million recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on programs to prevent youth from using tobacco and to help current smokers quit.  The Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF), which was abolished by state lawmakers […]

Advent Reflections on Immigration

By chris

In this season of Advent, we remember how the Holy Family walked this earth as refugees. As they followed the Roman decree -- as they fled across the border to escape Herod's law of the land--even up to the day he testified to Pilate, "My Kingdom is not of this world," they walked as strangers among us. This is the scandal of Bethlehem: If God invaded our world once unawares, God could do it again. Today. Anywhere. Among any people. Anytime.

Advent Reflections on Immigration

by chris

In this season of Advent, we remember how the Holy Family walked this earth as refugees. As they followed the Roman decree — as they fled across the border to escape Herod’s law of the land–even up to the day he testified to Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world,” they walked as strangers among us.

This is the scandal of Bethlehem: If God invaded our world once unawares, God could do it again. Today. Anywhere. Among any people. Anytime.

Placing Obese Children in Foster Care: Does the Punishment Fit the “Crime”?

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

The debate over whether to place morbidly obese children in foster care or to leave them in an unhealthy home environment resurfaced a few days ago when a 200-pound eight-year-old boy from Ohio was removed from his home. Case workers grew concerned when their attempts to work with the mother to reduce the child’s weight proved […]

Placing Obese Children in Foster Care: Does the Punishment Fit the “Crime”?

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

The debate over whether to place morbidly obese children in foster care or to leave them in an unhealthy home environment resurfaced a few days ago when a 200-pound eight-year-old boy from Ohio was removed from his home. Case workers grew concerned when their attempts to work with the mother to reduce the child’s weight proved […]

The Values Debate We’re Not Having

By chris

In his recent Washington Post op-ed article entitled “The Values Debate We’re Not Having,” Richard Cizik highlights the disconnect between an individualist market-first ideology and the Christian calling to love our neighbors. Cizik represented the National Association of Evangelicals in the corridors of power in Washington DC for 10 years. I think he’s raising some crucial questions for all people of faith, across the political spectrum.

The Values Debate We’re Not Having

by chris

In his recent Washington Post op-ed article entitled “The Values Debate We’re Not Having,” Richard Cizik highlights the disconnect between an individualist market-first ideology and the Christian calling to love our neighbors. Cizik represented the National Association of Evangelicals in the corridors of power in Washington DC for 10 years. I think he’s raising some crucial questions for all people of faith, across the political spectrum.

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Each year in North Carolina, thousands of people die of preventable diseases and almost 1.5 million North Carolinians currently lack health insurance. As Christians, we follow Christ, The Great Physician; someone who heals the sick, guides the lost, and liberates the oppressed. The NC Council of Churches shares God’s concern for all areas of our […]

Churches Unite: Being Healthy Being Faithful 2012

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Each year in North Carolina, thousands of people die of preventable diseases and almost 1.5 million North Carolinians currently lack health insurance. As Christians, we follow Christ, The Great Physician; someone who heals the sick, guides the lost, and liberates the oppressed. The NC Council of Churches shares God’s concern for all areas of our […]

Racial Justice Act and Fracking — Make Your Voice Heard on Two Critical Issues

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly has returned for another mini-session, this one scheduled to last a couple of days. (The one in early November concerned itself with revising the newly re-drawn districts for the US House of Representatives and the state Senate and House after it was discovered that thousands of NC residents had been completely left […]

Racial Justice Act and Fracking — Make Your Voice Heard on Two Critical Issues

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly has returned for another mini-session, this one scheduled to last a couple of days. (The one in early November concerned itself with revising the newly re-drawn districts for the US House of Representatives and the state Senate and House after it was discovered that thousands of NC residents had been completely left […]

Our Addiction to Cheap Labor

By chris

Raleigh News & Observer

As we enter this holiday season of feasting, we need to be honest about how our food is produced. America has always relied on cheap labor to make agriculture work.

The source of much of that labor used to be slave ships making the Middle Passage. Today it’s no longer slaves but immigrant workers, primarily undocumented people from Mexico and Latin America, whose cheap labor makes possible both low prices at the grocery store and high profits for agribusinesses.

Our Addiction to Cheap Labor

Raleigh News & Observer

As we enter this holiday season of feasting, we need to be honest about how our food is produced. America has always relied on cheap labor to make agriculture work.

The source of much of that labor used to be slave ships making the Middle Passage. Today it’s no longer slaves but immigrant workers, primarily undocumented people from Mexico and Latin America, whose cheap labor makes possible both low prices at the grocery store and high profits for agribusinesses.

Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season from the NC Council of Churches

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

     Do not get tired of doing what is good.   Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9  

Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season from the NC Council of Churches

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

     Do not get tired of doing what is good.   Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9  

The Debate over Healthier School Lunches

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

As the U.S. grapples with falling home prices, rising unemployment and poverty, members of Congress can’t even agree on what to serve our school-aged children for lunch!  The Obama administration – in concert with the First Lady’s flagship health initiative, Let’s Move! – has been working to improve the foods our children eat during the […]

The Debate over Healthier School Lunches

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

As the U.S. grapples with falling home prices, rising unemployment and poverty, members of Congress can’t even agree on what to serve our school-aged children for lunch!  The Obama administration – in concert with the First Lady’s flagship health initiative, Let’s Move! – has been working to improve the foods our children eat during the […]

Abraham Jam — Take a Look!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thanks to all of those who supported Abraham Jam and the wonderful performers who made it happen. We hope to have links to additional video from the concert soon, but for now, here's a sneak peek provided by the Duke Chronicle.

You can also listen to Frank Stasio's interview with musicians David LaMotte, Dan Nichols, and Dawud Wharnsby from the Nov. 16 edition of WUNC's The State of Things.

Abraham Jam — Take a Look!

Thanks to all of those who supported Abraham Jam and the wonderful performers who made it happen. We hope to have links to additional video from the concert soon, but for now, here’s a sneak peek provided by the Duke Chronicle.

You can also listen to Frank Stasio’s interview with musicians David LaMotte, Dan Nichols, and Dawud Wharnsby from the Nov. 16 edition of WUNC’s The State of Things.

NC Smoke-free Law Results in Fewer Heart Attacks

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

North Carolina has scored another victory!  About a week ago, you joined me in celebrating our record low infant mortality rates; now there’s evidence that since the enactment of smoke-free restaurants and bars in North Carolina in January 2010, our heart attack rates have dropped, too – by 21 percent! Other states and countries have […]

NC Smoke-free Law Results in Fewer Heart Attacks

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

North Carolina has scored another victory!  About a week ago, you joined me in celebrating our record low infant mortality rates; now there’s evidence that since the enactment of smoke-free restaurants and bars in North Carolina in January 2010, our heart attack rates have dropped, too – by 21 percent! Other states and countries have […]

Join in the Super Vigil

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., please take part in a teleconference Prayer Vigil for a Faith-Filled Budget. Join people of faith from all over our country as religious leaders offer reflections and prayers for: Government officials – calling them to moral discernment around the common good.   The most visibly vulnerable people who will be […]

Join in the Super Vigil

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., please take part in a teleconference Prayer Vigil for a Faith-Filled Budget. Join people of faith from all over our country as religious leaders offer reflections and prayers for: Government officials – calling them to moral discernment around the common good.   The most visibly vulnerable people who will be […]

The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The church of which I’m a member, Pullen Memorial Baptist in Raleigh, has had a partnership for many years with First Baptist Church in Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia (formerly part of the Soviet Union). The pastor with whom we’ve had the closest contact, Malkhaz Songulashvili, has now become the Archbishop for Baptists in Georgia. (You did not read that wrong. Baptists in the Republic of Georgia have bishops and an archbishop!) Malkhaz was at Pullen on November 13 to preach and lead in the celebration of Eucharist.

Malkhaz has been courageous in his advocacy and practice of nonviolent action as Georgia has gone through its “Rose Revolution,” which moved Georgia away from authoritarian government and toward democratic reform. The Church of England honored his leadership in September 2005 when he was awarded the Lambeth Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The church of which I’m a member, Pullen Memorial Baptist in Raleigh, has had a partnership for many years with First Baptist Church in Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia (formerly part of the Soviet Union). The pastor with whom we’ve had the closest contact, Malkhaz Songulashvili, has now become the Archbishop for Baptists in Georgia. (You did not read that wrong. Baptists in the Republic of Georgia have bishops and an archbishop!) Malkhaz was at Pullen on November 13 to preach and lead in the celebration of Eucharist.

Malkhaz has been courageous in his advocacy and practice of nonviolent action as Georgia has gone through its “Rose Revolution,” which moved Georgia away from authoritarian government and toward democratic reform. The Church of England honored his leadership in September 2005 when he was awarded the Lambeth Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bladen Churches Unite: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

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

BladenJournal.com

Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness, a Christian-based organization, will collaborate with churches and the parish nurse on Monday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church at 800 W. Broad St. (across from the Municipal Building), to make local churches healthier for the glory of God.

Bladen Churches Unite: Being Healthy, Being Faithful 2012

BladenJournal.com

Joy Williams of Partners in Health and Wholeness, a Christian-based organization, will collaborate with churches and the parish nurse on Monday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church at 800 W. Broad St. (across from the Municipal Building), to make local churches healthier for the glory of God.

Reflections on Interfaith Dialogue

By chris

Interfaith Dialogue is a crucial endeavor in light of the increasing religious diversity in our nation and our own communities. Globalization is a wondrous, yet in some ways perplexing reality, and it brings us into ever more frequent contact with persons of other faiths. While at one time the dialogue between Christians and Jews was common and we often spoke of our Judeo-Christian heritage, that conversation has necessarily expanded to include our increasingly numerous Muslim neighbors and we now speak of the Abrahamic Faiths. We are becoming increasingly aware of Buddhist, Hindu and Native American neighbors as well as persons of other religious traditions. It is imperative that we acknowledge, understand, and appreciate each other for the sake not only of civility, but because all our religious traditions require hospitality of us.

Reflections on Interfaith Dialogue

by chris

Interfaith Dialogue is a crucial endeavor in light of the increasing religious diversity in our nation and our own communities. Globalization is a wondrous, yet in some ways perplexing reality, and it brings us into ever more frequent contact with persons of other faiths. While at one time the dialogue between Christians and Jews was common and we often spoke of our Judeo-Christian heritage, that conversation has necessarily expanded to include our increasingly numerous Muslim neighbors and we now speak of the Abrahamic Faiths. We are becoming increasingly aware of Buddhist, Hindu and Native American neighbors as well as persons of other religious traditions. It is imperative that we acknowledge, understand, and appreciate each other for the sake not only of civility, but because all our religious traditions require hospitality of us.

North Carolina Interfaith Dialogue Project

By chris

When a distinguished group of Muslim Imams published their historic “A Common Word Between Us and You” it was met with resounding expressions of appreciation by religious and secular leaders alike. It was an effort to initiate a broad dialogue across the United States between Muslims and Christians. It focused on two central themes which these two historic faiths hold in common: Love of God, and Love of Neighbor, and it sites the many texts of the Hebrew Scriptures which are venerated by both religious traditions. It seemed inappropriate to engage in such a dialogue without including our Jewish colleagues from whose faith tradition these texts originated. Hence, a three way dialogue was seen as the best approach.

North Carolina Interfaith Dialogue Project

by chris

When a distinguished group of Muslim Imams published their historic “A Common Word Between Us and You” it was met with resounding expressions of appreciation by religious and secular leaders alike. It was an effort to initiate a broad dialogue across the United States between Muslims and Christians. It focused on two central themes which these two historic faiths hold in common: Love of God, and Love of Neighbor, and it sites the many texts of the Hebrew Scriptures which are venerated by both religious traditions. It seemed inappropriate to engage in such a dialogue without including our Jewish colleagues from whose faith tradition these texts originated. Hence, a three way dialogue was seen as the best approach.