We believe now is the time when America can break free from the cycle of reform, restraint, and retaliation that has defined our existence, at least since the Emancipation Proclamation, and more likely since the first white settlers landed on the shores of a land already occupied by people with darker skin. For the cycle to end, we must dismantle the systems that oppress our neighbors.
While much of our work is intersectional and every issue is a race issue, the Council’s racial justice issues are focused on removing confederate monuments in North Carolina and working from reparations to restoration.
Whether you are a veteran at racial equity work or just entering the arena, the resources that follow offer a place to join the cause. We expect to update this page regularly as we learn from and work with our many partners in the movement. Please check back regularly to learn more.
Overview
The North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935 through the courageous leadership of Shelton Smith and other prominent faith leaders in N.C. who believed the unity of faith communities could overcome the injustice of racism. We have continued in that hope for more than 8 decades. God laments, as do we, that it takes so much death and so many layers of injustice to move us forward so slowly, but at last the entire country appears to be focused on what our founders told them years ago. Most importantly, the entire country is at last listening to black people and taking their claims seriously.
We invite you to read this resolution from our Governing Board and join us as we work to break the cycle.
Key Contact
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director
