• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
NC Council of Churches

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

Get Involved Donate
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Members
    • Covenant Partners
    • Statements
    • Board
    • Careers
  • Voices
  • Our Priorities
    • Partners in Health & Wholeness
      • The PHW Collaborative
      • Focus Areas
    • Eco-Justice Connection
      • Faith
      • Advocacy
      • Energy
      • Environmental Justice
      • Food
      • Global
      • Health
      • Resiliency and Restoration
    • Racial Justice
      • Confederate Monument Removal
      • Reparations to Restoration
    • Criminal Justice Reform
      • Cash Bail Reform
      • Death Penalty Abolition
    • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Workers’ Rights
      • Paid Sick Leave / Paid Family Leave
      • Raising Wages
    • Overdose Response
    • Legislative Advocacy
    • Healthcare Justice
    • Farmworkers
    • Public Education
  • In the News
    • NCCC in the News
    • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Resources

Search NC Council of Churches

Christian Unity

When Women Gather: Uniting for Positive Change

July 6, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment which granted many women in the US the right to vote. However, 1920 was not the end of the fight […]

When Women Gather: Uniting for Positive Change

July 6, 2020 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment which granted many women in the US the right to vote. However, 1920 was not the end of the fight […]

Tagged With: Christian Unity

On Not Going to Church

May 19, 2020 By North Carolina Council of Churches

In light of recent protests and rallies from some pastors and politicians in North Carolina calling for reopening our places of worship, the North Carolina Council of Churches states unequivocally […]

On Not Going to Church

May 19, 2020 by North Carolina Council of Churches

In light of recent protests and rallies from some pastors and politicians in North Carolina calling for reopening our places of worship, the North Carolina Council of Churches states unequivocally […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Good Government, Peace

Wild Goose Festival 2019

June 27, 2019 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Wild Goose Festival is a 4-day art, music, and story-driven transformational experience grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come to not only learn from incredible speakers, but also to engage […]

Wild Goose Festival 2019

June 27, 2019 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Wild Goose Festival is a 4-day art, music, and story-driven transformational experience grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come to not only learn from incredible speakers, but also to engage […]

Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Health, Immigration

Wild Goose Festival

January 2, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Wild Goose Festival is a 4-day art, music, and story-driven transformational experience grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come to not only learn from incredible speakers, but also to engage […]

Wild Goose Festival

January 2, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Wild Goose Festival is a 4-day art, music, and story-driven transformational experience grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come to not only learn from incredible speakers, but also to engage […]

Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Health, Immigration

Thanksgiving Notes

November 22, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It […]

Thanksgiving Notes

November 22, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Farmworkers, Health

Better Together NC

September 5, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham, Alamance County Community Partners, and the North Carolina Council of Churches for a community conversation about how we can work together to resist hate and oppression in […]

Better Together NC

September 5, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham, Alamance County Community Partners, and the North Carolina Council of Churches for a community conversation about how we can work together to resist hate and oppression in […]

Tagged With: Christian Unity, LGBTQ, Peace

Better Together NC

September 5, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham, Sampson County Community Partners, and the North Carolina Council of Churches for a community conversation about how we can work together to resist hate and oppression in […]

Better Together NC

September 5, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham, Sampson County Community Partners, and the North Carolina Council of Churches for a community conversation about how we can work together to resist hate and oppression in […]

Tagged With: Christian Unity, LGBTQ, Peace

Better Together NC

August 28, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham, Orange County Community Partners, and the North Carolina Council of Churches for a community conversation about how we can work together to resist hate and oppression in […]

Better Together NC

August 28, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham, Orange County Community Partners, and the North Carolina Council of Churches for a community conversation about how we can work together to resist hate and oppression in […]

Tagged With: Christian Unity, Peace

Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart

August 21, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 […]

Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart

August 21, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Peace

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 1, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement means that while the needs of our endangered climate are increasing, […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 1, 2017 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement means that while the needs of our endangered climate are increasing, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Human Rights, Hunger, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

The Plank in Your Eye

May 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians are not always particularly peaceful people, which is what makes North Carolina’s return to the national stage as a foothold for intolerance […]

The Plank in Your Eye

May 27, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians are not always particularly peaceful people, which is what makes North Carolina’s return to the national stage as a foothold for intolerance […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

March 24, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward to having you join us this Monday, March 27, at St. Mark’s United Methodist […]

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

March 24, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward to having you join us this Monday, March 27, at St. Mark’s United Methodist […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Do the Goose

March 19, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild […]

Do the Goose

March 19, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Despite evidence that the Affordable Care Act is more popular and more needed than ever, some Republicans in Congress have proceeded with partisan plans to repeal Obamacare while dismantling Medicaid […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Despite evidence that the Affordable Care Act is more popular and more needed than ever, some Republicans in Congress have proceeded with partisan plans to repeal Obamacare while dismantling Medicaid […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

February 23, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers […]

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

February 23, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact

February 17, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director I came to North Carolina in 1978 to work with the Baptist State Convention after completing a law degree and becoming a member of […]

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact

February 17, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director I came to North Carolina in 1978 to work with the Baptist State Convention after completing a law degree and becoming a member of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Interfaith, Taxes

Whispers and Shouts

February 11, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or […]

Whispers and Shouts

February 11, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

February 10, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we […]

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

February 10, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, Mental Health, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

January 30, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” […]

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

January 30, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

January 30, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he never says blocked or banned. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the […]

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

January 30, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he never says blocked or banned. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

January 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

January 27, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Fracking, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, Taxes

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Join us to Pray for Justice and Reconciliation and to Share Dinner Together

January 3, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham and the NC Council of Churches invite you to join us for a brief service to pray for justice and reconciliation in our nation […]

Join us to Pray for Justice and Reconciliation and to Share Dinner Together

January 3, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham and the NC Council of Churches invite you to join us for a brief service to pray for justice and reconciliation in our nation […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016

January 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We could not begin the new year without acknowledging the volunteers, grassroots advocates, donors, organizational partners, and all others who helped the Council continue to be a faithful, prophetic voice for justice, […]

Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016

January 1, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We could not begin the new year without acknowledging the volunteers, grassroots advocates, donors, organizational partners, and all others who helped the Council continue to be a faithful, prophetic voice for justice, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

December 28, 2016 By The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

December 28, 2016 by The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Community Gardens, Environment, Food, Health, Religion & Society, Rural Life

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

We Didn’t Know it Was You

December 17, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

I recently heard the song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” for the first time in a beautiful recording by Straight No Chaser. For days the lines, “We didn’t know who you […]

We Didn’t Know it Was You

December 17, 2016 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

I recently heard the song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” for the first time in a beautiful recording by Straight No Chaser. For days the lines, “We didn’t know who you […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Equality & Reconciliation, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love

December 3, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A full-page ad in Sunday’s Raleigh News & Observer will include the signatures of more than 300 clergy who have added their name to a statement speaking to our shared faithful call […]

More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love

December 3, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A full-page ad in Sunday’s Raleigh News & Observer will include the signatures of more than 300 clergy who have added their name to a statement speaking to our shared faithful call […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

December 1, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I […]

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

December 1, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Religion & Society

Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love

November 20, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On the weekend of December 2-4, the Council has called on NC faith leaders to shape their worship service around the theme “Love One Another.” On the same weekend, we […]

Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love

November 20, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On the weekend of December 2-4, the Council has called on NC faith leaders to shape their worship service around the theme “Love One Another.” On the same weekend, we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Equality & Reconciliation, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

November 10, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

November 10, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor

November 8, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On December 2, the Council’s Christian Unity Committee will offer a workshop intended to help Christians get to know our Muslim neighbors with tools for interfaith community building and theological […]

Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor

November 8, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On December 2, the Council’s Christian Unity Committee will offer a workshop intended to help Christians get to know our Muslim neighbors with tools for interfaith community building and theological […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Interfaith, Peace

Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building

September 16, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

The impacts of climate variability and change affect everyone, but they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations with the least resources to prepare and recover from the damage. Understanding where these concerns […]

Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building

September 16, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

The impacts of climate variability and change affect everyone, but they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations with the least resources to prepare and recover from the damage. Understanding where these concerns […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Interfaith

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred

September 8, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Early in my tenure as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches, I needed a pithy answer to the question: “What do you do?”  I honed the response: […]

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred

September 8, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Early in my tenure as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches, I needed a pithy answer to the question: “What do you do?”  I honed the response: […]

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Elections, Good Government

Pray for God’s Creation

August 30, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

On September 1 people around the world are coming together to pray for God’s creation, and to observe the Season of Creation between that day and October 4 – the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. NC Interfaith […]

Pray for God’s Creation

August 30, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

On September 1 people around the world are coming together to pray for God’s creation, and to observe the Season of Creation between that day and October 4 – the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. NC Interfaith […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment

Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections

August 28, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Immigration is one of the most important issues in the 2016 presidential race, as it has been in previous election cycles. Debates about our response to immigrants and refugees coming […]

Faith & Immigration Summit Workshops Highlight Importance of Immigration In Upcoming Elections

August 28, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Immigration is one of the most important issues in the 2016 presidential race, as it has been in previous election cycles. Debates about our response to immigrants and refugees coming […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Farmworkers, Good Government, Immigration

Changing the View

August 11, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

This sermon was preached on August 6, 2016 at the Church Women United Leadership Conference. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let […]

Changing the View

August 11, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

This sermon was preached on August 6, 2016 at the Church Women United Leadership Conference. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Sermons Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Health, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity

Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?

July 16, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

If you were unable to attend the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs last week, you missed an amazing four days of fellowship, talks, music, and telling stories. Watch the 3 […]

Did You Miss the Council’s Workshop at the Wild Goose?

July 16, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

If you were unable to attend the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs last week, you missed an amazing four days of fellowship, talks, music, and telling stories. Watch the 3 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Council News

Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders

June 18, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern The tragic mass murder in Orlando this past weekend is yet another reminder of the challenges that we as Americans must rise to […]

Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders

June 18, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern The tragic mass murder in Orlando this past weekend is yet another reminder of the challenges that we as Americans must rise to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Equality & Reconciliation, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

June 12, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

June 12, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Gun Violence, Human Rights, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak

April 9, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is joining EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to bring noted Christian ethicist David Gushee to Durham on April 24 to speak about Christian ethics and the recently passed House […]

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak

April 9, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is joining EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to bring noted Christian ethicist David Gushee to Durham on April 24 to speak about Christian ethics and the recently passed House […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Lenten Guide — First Sunday

February 13, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Deuteronomy 26:1-11 When you have come into the land that the Lord […]

Lenten Guide — First Sunday

February 13, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Deuteronomy 26:1-11 When you have come into the land that the Lord […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Equality & Reconciliation, Immigration, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity

The Only Way to Win

January 23, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you have just heard is only one-seventh of the real thing. You heard 16 verses, […]

The Only Way to Win

January 23, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you have just heard is only one-seventh of the real thing. You heard 16 verses, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Religion & Society, Worship

2016 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 10, 2016 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

2016 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 10, 2016 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News

Family Values for All God’s Family

October 31, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Here we go again. The intersection between faith and politics has been a complicated one all the way back to the passage of the […]

Family Values for All God’s Family

October 31, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Here we go again. The intersection between faith and politics has been a complicated one all the way back to the passage of the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Ways to Help in S.C.

October 6, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Hana Suckstorff, Duke Divinity School Intern Our brothers and sisters in South Carolina are dealing with the aftermath of what meteorologists are calling a 1,000-year rainfall event. As of […]

Ways to Help in S.C.

October 6, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Hana Suckstorff, Duke Divinity School Intern Our brothers and sisters in South Carolina are dealing with the aftermath of what meteorologists are calling a 1,000-year rainfall event. As of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Interfaith, Religion & Society

Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis

September 11, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the European refugee crisis reached a tragic peak. More than 11 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. Many of these people […]

Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis

September 11, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the European refugee crisis reached a tragic peak. More than 11 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. Many of these people […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program

August 2, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last month, I had the opportunity to be one of 50 young leaders from across the country to take part in the 2015 Millennial Leaders Program at Union Theological Seminary in […]

Lessons Learned from the Millennial Leaders Program

August 2, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last month, I had the opportunity to be one of 50 young leaders from across the country to take part in the 2015 Millennial Leaders Program at Union Theological Seminary in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

June 29, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election of the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as their 27th Presiding Bishop. Those of us […]

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

June 29, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Photo credit: Episcopal News Service We join with our Episcopal brothers and sisters in celebrating the election of the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry as their 27th Presiding Bishop. Those of us […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision

June 26, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision

June 26, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, LGBTQ, Prophetic Voice

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

June 19, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad range of people,” began Manzoor Cheema, a leader of Muslims for Social Justice and […]

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

June 19, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad range of people,” began Manzoor Cheema, a leader of Muslims for Social Justice and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Peace, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

June 12, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical on the environment… but wait, why is this important? First, the Pope presides over […]

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

June 12, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical on the environment… but wait, why is this important? First, the Pope presides over […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Human Rights, Peace

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

May 15, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in […]

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

May 15, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Prophetic Voice, Worship

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

In Mourning

February 12, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deaths of Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Deah Shaddy Barakat are an unspeakable tragedy. Whether officials eventually decide that they were murdered because they were Muslim, because […]

In Mourning

February 12, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deaths of Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Deah Shaddy Barakat are an unspeakable tragedy. Whether officials eventually decide that they were murdered because they were Muslim, because […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Interfaith, Peace

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Christian Unity, Council News, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

Remembering Sydnor Thompson

February 3, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We received word last week of the passing of Sydnor Thompson Jr. less than a month shy of his 91st birthday. There are few people who have a longer history […]

Remembering Sydnor Thompson

February 3, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We received word last week of the passing of Sydnor Thompson Jr. less than a month shy of his 91st birthday. There are few people who have a longer history […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Interfaith

2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 8, 2015 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

2015 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 8, 2015 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Resources Tagged With: Christian Unity

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

August 10, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those […]

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

August 10, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Health, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

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

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an […]

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

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

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget

Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12

March 20, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The call to people of faith through Moral Mondays continues to be felt. On April 12, a daylong conference takes place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. […]

Theological Conference on Public Policy — April 12

March 20, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The call to people of faith through Moral Mondays continues to be felt. On April 12, a daylong conference takes place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Public Education

April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews

March 14, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is sponsoring a “Day of Diocesan Story-Telling and Celebration,” focusing on Lex Mathews’ time as Director of Christian Social Ministries from 1975 until 1985. […]

April Event Celebrates Legacy of Lex Mathews

March 14, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is sponsoring a “Day of Diocesan Story-Telling and Celebration,” focusing on Lex Mathews’ time as Director of Christian Social Ministries from 1975 until 1985. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Food, Gender

Faithful Activism — Part 1

February 27, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or not to join the HKonJ Coalition. Those conversations have reminded me that it’s helpful […]

Faithful Activism — Part 1

February 27, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or not to join the HKonJ Coalition. Those conversations have reminded me that it’s helpful […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Council News, Good Government, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

February 6, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and […]

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

February 6, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17

January 14, 2014 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches is proud to announce this year’s Conference on the Common Good on the topic “The Church’s Witness to the Common Good […]

2014 Conference on the Common Good–February 17

January 14, 2014 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches is proud to announce this year’s Conference on the Common Good on the topic “The Church’s Witness to the Common Good […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Interfaith

2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 6, 2014 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

2014 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 6, 2014 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Christian Unity

Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church

January 2, 2014 By chris

Date: Epiphany 3 - Jan. 26, 2014
Topic: The Unity of the Church
Focus Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
The list of issues facing the Corinthian church included ethnic diversity, economic disparity, geographical and cultural difference, allegiances to different spiritual leaders, and theological disagreements as well as sinful behavior like idolatry and sexual immorality. Despite the historical gap between Paul’s day and the present, these remain common challenges to church unity.

Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church

January 2, 2014 by chris

Date: Epiphany 3 – Jan. 26, 2014
Topic: The Unity of the Church
Focus Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
The list of issues facing the Corinthian church included ethnic diversity, economic disparity, geographical and cultural difference, allegiances to different spiritual leaders, and theological disagreements as well as sinful behavior like idolatry and sexual immorality. Despite the historical gap between Paul’s day and the present, these remain common challenges to church unity.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Christian Unity

Saints of the Council

November 1, 2013 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

My morning devotional was about All Saints’ Day, a time for remembering those who have come before us. There is no doubt that Christians have a great inheritance from those […]

Saints of the Council

November 1, 2013 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

My morning devotional was about All Saints’ Day, a time for remembering those who have come before us. There is no doubt that Christians have a great inheritance from those […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Farmworkers, Immigration, Religion & Society

Christian Unity

Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership

September 30, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I come with sad news. Bishop Michael Burbidge and Bishop Peter Jugis, bishops of the two Catholic dioceses in North Carolina, communicated to the Council early this year their plan […]

Catholic Dioceses Withdraw from Council Membership

September 30, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Christian Unity

I come with sad news. Bishop Michael Burbidge and Bishop Peter Jugis, bishops of the two Catholic dioceses in North Carolina, communicated to the Council early this year their plan […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News

Disturbing the Peace

August 27, 2013 By chris

Rev. Cody Sanders, Ph.D. candidate in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School

There is something in these furious, feverish words that beckons beyond a simple description of what life will be like if you choose to follow a peculiar call from Jesus and your closest friends and family don’t. Beyond description, there is something of a call in this passage trying to work its way inside of us. These words beckon us beyond a recounting of our inevitable losses on the journey, to embrace our sacred calling to disturbers the peace.

Disturbing the Peace

August 27, 2013 by chris

Rev. Cody Sanders, Ph.D. candidate in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School

There is something in these furious, feverish words that beckons beyond a simple description of what life will be like if you choose to follow a peculiar call from Jesus and your closest friends and family don’t. Beyond description, there is something of a call in this passage trying to work its way inside of us. These words beckon us beyond a recounting of our inevitable losses on the journey, to embrace our sacred calling to disturbers the peace.

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Peace

Passing of Bishop Gossman

August 13, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bishop Joseph Gossman, who died yesterday, was a great friend of the North Carolina Council of Churches. He led the Diocese of Raleigh into full membership in the Council in […]

Passing of Bishop Gossman

August 13, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bishop Joseph Gossman, who died yesterday, was a great friend of the North Carolina Council of Churches. He led the Diocese of Raleigh into full membership in the Council in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Environment, Farmworkers, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

June 25, 2013 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her church in Anson County.  She applied on behalf of her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist […]

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

June 25, 2013 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her church in Anson County.  She applied on behalf of her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Health

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

May 3, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors. Gene Nichol received the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II were recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three were presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar which took place April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

May 3, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors.

Gene Nichol received the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II were recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three were presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar which took place April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Good Government, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

The Ecumenical Journey

April 24, 2013 By chris

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

The Ecumenical Journey

April 24, 2013 by chris

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Christian Unity, Worship

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

April 19, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may […]

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

April 19, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Gun Violence, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

March 28, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to […]

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

March 28, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

March 26, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sojo.net

Jesus was a peacemaking, blessed child of God, but he also was an “other.” Reviled and persecuted, he was the paperless son of displaced immigrant parents. The prophetic iconoclast. That guy who hung out with those people, the type most modern leaders would not associate with, except for a photo opportunity at a Thanksgiving Day soup kitchen. Let us remember on Sunday when we celebrate his resurrection, that Jesus was crucified because he was an outsider whose way of doing things scared and angered the powers-that-be.

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

March 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

Sojo.net

Jesus was a peacemaking, blessed child of God, but he also was an “other.” Reviled and persecuted, he was the paperless son of displaced immigrant parents. The prophetic iconoclast. That guy who hung out with those people, the type most modern leaders would not associate with, except for a photo opportunity at a Thanksgiving Day soup kitchen. Let us remember on Sunday when we celebrate his resurrection, that Jesus was crucified because he was an outsider whose way of doing things scared and angered the powers-that-be.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Interfaith, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

March 12, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the […]

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

March 12, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

February 7, 2013 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of […]

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

February 7, 2013 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Religion & Society, Worship

Lent and Getting Back to Basics

February 4, 2013 By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The 40 days of Lent are a wonderful time for Christians to explore deeply our relationship with God and God’s creation. Everything we need to survive and thrive is on […]

Lent and Getting Back to Basics

February 4, 2013 by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The 40 days of Lent are a wonderful time for Christians to explore deeply our relationship with God and God’s creation. Everything we need to survive and thrive is on […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Environment, Interfaith

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates

January 25, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve already had a one-day organizational meeting. You probably also already know that this will […]

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates

January 25, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve already had a one-day organizational meeting. You probably also already know that this will […]

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, State Budget

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18

January 25, 2013 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Register for the 2013 Conference on the Common Good set for Monday, February 18 at Wake Forest Divinity School.

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18

January 25, 2013 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Register for the 2013 Conference on the Common Good set for Monday, February 18 at Wake Forest Divinity School.

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Christian Unity, Good Government, Religion & Society

2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 4, 2013 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

January 4, 2013 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Christian Unity

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 4, 2013 By chris

The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute has prepared material for the celebration of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which runs from January 18-25, 2013. You will find prayer services, prayers of the faithful and musical suggestions at their website. The theme for 2013 is "What Does God Require of Us?" (cf. Micah 6:6-8). In North Carolina, there will be several observances of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 4, 2013 by chris

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute has prepared material for the celebration of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which runs from January 18-25, 2013. You will find prayer services, prayers of the faithful and musical suggestions at their website. The theme for 2013 is “What Does God Require of Us?” (cf. Micah 6:6-8). In North Carolina, there will be several observances of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Christian Unity

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence

December 20, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Across denominations and faiths, we have come together to speak out against gun violence and to call for meaningful change from our leaders. We enter this season of peace heartbroken by what […]

Speaking Up and Out Against Gun Violence

December 20, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Across denominations and faiths, we have come together to speak out against gun violence and to call for meaningful change from our leaders. We enter this season of peace heartbroken by what […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Council News, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, Mental Health, Peace, Religion & Society

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

October 11, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

October 11, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Environment, Farmworkers, Health, Immigration, Peace

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice

September 7, 2012 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William Barber. Many Council folks know him. He’s the President of the NC NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Goldsboro. The power of his message was not in fiery delivery. It was a low-key conversation with a group of fifty or so progressive leaders, sitting in a circle in the chapel of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The power was in the profound thoughts he expressed and in the clear rightness of his words.

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice

September 7, 2012 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William Barber. Many Council folks know him. He’s the President of the NC NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Goldsboro. The power of his message was not in fiery delivery. It was a low-key conversation with a group of fifty or so progressive leaders, sitting in a circle in the chapel of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The power was in the profound thoughts he expressed and in the clear rightness of his words.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, Living Wage, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill

June 4, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Two time-sensitive issues for advocates: 1) A vote to override the Governor’s veto of the Racial Justice Act could come up any time. 2) There is a lobby day tomorrow […]

Raleigh Report: Racial Justice Act Veto Override and Lobby Day to Stop Fracking Bill

June 4, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Two time-sensitive issues for advocates: 1) A vote to override the Governor’s veto of the Racial Justice Act could come up any time. 2) There is a lobby day tomorrow […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Rural Life

Clergy Engage Constitutional Amendment Debate

April 23, 2012 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

April 23, 2012 Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights

March 19, 2012 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

March 19, 2012 Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Food, Health, Healthcare Reform, Rural Life

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

February 24, 2012 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 […]

International Baptist Leader Speaks in Raleigh

February 24, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

February 6, 2012 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 […]

Join Us at HKonJ This Saturday

February 6, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Living Wage, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

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

January 20, 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. […]

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

January 20, 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. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Food, Health

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

January 13, 2012 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 […]

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

January 13, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Christian Unity, Food, Health

2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

December 29, 2011 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 […]

2012 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

December 29, 2011 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Interfaith

Fourth Annual Conference on the Common Good

December 14, 2011 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

December 14, 2011 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.

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Christian Unity

The Tbilisi Chalice Goes Home

November 15, 2011 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

November 15, 2011 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.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Peace

Reflections on Interfaith Dialogue

November 14, 2011 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

November 14, 2011 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.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Interfaith, Peace

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

Contact

NC Council of Churches
27 Horne St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 828-6501
info@ncchurches.org

Subscribe

Click here to subscribe to newsletters and blog updates.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 NC Council of Churches · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tomatillo Design · Hosted by WP Engine