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NC Council of Churches

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Civil Discourse

Extremism & Gun Violence: What are the Connections

August 27, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Join us and coalition partners as we continue the conversation on gun violence safety and prevention. This event will open with a presentation describing the connections […]

Extremism & Gun Violence: What are the Connections

August 27, 2020 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Join us and coalition partners as we continue the conversation on gun violence safety and prevention. This event will open with a presentation describing the connections […]

Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, Gun Violence

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

January 7, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal […]

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

January 7, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Raleigh Report: Flawed deal to resurrect Silent Sam

December 13, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When leaders of the N.C. Council of Churches two years ago adopted a policy statement entitled “Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess,” the statue known as Silent Sam still faced north […]

Raleigh Report: Flawed deal to resurrect Silent Sam

December 13, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When leaders of the N.C. Council of Churches two years ago adopted a policy statement entitled “Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess,” the statue known as Silent Sam still faced north […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not […]

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Worship

The Infection in Our Democracy

August 25, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now live in Durham, NC. He was from the upstate of South Carolina, as am […]

The Infection in Our Democracy

August 25, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now live in Durham, NC. He was from the upstate of South Carolina, as am […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Peace, Race/Ethnicity

Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When

August 17, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., that had erupted two days before, he was […]

Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When

August 17, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., that had erupted two days before, he was […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Race/Ethnicity, Violence

Response to the Violence in Charlottesville

August 15, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Before I came to call the great state of North Carolina home, I was a proud Virginian for the first twenty-six years of my life. I grew up in a […]

Response to the Violence in Charlottesville

August 15, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Before I came to call the great state of North Carolina home, I was a proud Virginian for the first twenty-six years of my life. I grew up in a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Race/Ethnicity, Violence

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

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

Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the military may have distracted attention from another action by the federal government. The Department […]

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

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

Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the military may have distracted attention from another action by the federal government. The Department […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Mental Health, 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

Shock Waves from High Court ‘Nuke’

April 8, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our national politics are in an ugly place, driven by an accelerating cycle of suspicion, accusation, blame, recrimination and retaliation. The circumstances by which Neil Gorsuch takes office as a […]

Shock Waves from High Court ‘Nuke’

April 8, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our national politics are in an ugly place, driven by an accelerating cycle of suspicion, accusation, blame, recrimination and retaliation. The circumstances by which Neil Gorsuch takes office as a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Elections, Good Government

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

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

March 6, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

March 6, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

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

Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale

February 11, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at HKonJ 2017. Picture this on the marquee in front of your favorite house of worship: Pulpit for Sale! For the right price […]

Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale

February 11, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at HKonJ 2017. Picture this on the marquee in front of your favorite house of worship: Pulpit for Sale! For the right price […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, 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

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

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these […]

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Taxes

Update: Save Our Health Care Rallies Statewide on January 15

January 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted to continue the process that could ultimately repeal the Affordable Care Act. Activists across the nation were already planning Day of Action events […]

Update: Save Our Health Care Rallies Statewide on January 15

January 10, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted to continue the process that could ultimately repeal the Affordable Care Act. Activists across the nation were already planning Day of Action events […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Mental Health, Race/Ethnicity

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

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

December 15, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15, in the General Assembly building, 16 West Jones Street. Details can be found here. […]

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

December 15, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15, in the General Assembly building, 16 West Jones Street. Details can be found here. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

November 11, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Those of us aligned with the Council of Churches share a political outlook whose priorities include equal rights, equal opportunity, environmental stewardship, ample investment in public services and fair allocation […]

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

November 11, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Those of us aligned with the Council of Churches share a political outlook whose priorities include equal rights, equal opportunity, environmental stewardship, ample investment in public services and fair allocation […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Taxes

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

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week

October 4, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In September, the Council had the opportunity to partner with Americans United for Separation of Church and State on a series of trainings across North Carolina called “Keeping Sacred Spaces […]

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week

October 4, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In September, the Council had the opportunity to partner with Americans United for Separation of Church and State on a series of trainings across North Carolina called “Keeping Sacred Spaces […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Sore Afraid

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

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News […]

Sore Afraid

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

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Human Rights, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

September 19, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2 controversy would just vanish into thin air, as if it had never existed? They’d […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

September 19, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2 controversy would just vanish into thin air, as if it had never existed? They’d […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Bad Law vs. Big Games

September 17, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to do is to tell them to take the proverbial long walk off a short […]

Bad Law vs. Big Games

September 17, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to do is to tell them to take the proverbial long walk off a short […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters

July 17, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! — Genesis 4:10 For days now, I’ve heard the same cry God is hearing.  The blood of Philando Castile, Alton […]

Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters

July 17, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! — Genesis 4:10 For days now, I’ve heard the same cry God is hearing.  The blood of Philando Castile, Alton […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, 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

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

June 20, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home […]

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

June 20, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

June 17, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of American, must do more to forestall the situations and grievances and opportunities that can […]

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

June 17, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of American, must do more to forestall the situations and grievances and opportunities that can […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, 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

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

March 13, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, […]

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

March 13, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

Early Voting Has Begun — Here’s What You Need to Know

March 4, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting has begun in North Carolina. With all the shifting pieces in this year’s electoral puzzle, our friends at Democracy NC are providing much-needed answers to some of the questions you may have […]

Early Voting Has Begun — Here’s What You Need to Know

March 4, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting has begun in North Carolina. With all the shifting pieces in this year’s electoral puzzle, our friends at Democracy NC are providing much-needed answers to some of the questions you may have […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Elections, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

December 24, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

December 24, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Immigration, Peace, Worship

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

December 14, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks […]

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

December 14, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

November 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has enveloped America’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis stand principles of compassion and common […]

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

November 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has enveloped America’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis stand principles of compassion and common […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

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

Bombing Survivor, Priest, and Community Healer Fr. Michael Lapsley Visits NC

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

The Rev. Michael Lapsley, survivor of a bombing by South African apartheid agents, will visit North Carolina this September to speak with university students, congregations, and members of the general […]

Bombing Survivor, Priest, and Community Healer Fr. Michael Lapsley Visits NC

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

The Rev. Michael Lapsley, survivor of a bombing by South African apartheid agents, will visit North Carolina this September to speak with university students, congregations, and members of the general […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, 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

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education

Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?

January 8, 2015 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Now that Epiphany is over, we are looking back on Advent and Christmas, and remembering our celebrations — special time with family, special foods or gifts.  An article in the […]

Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?

January 8, 2015 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Now that Epiphany is over, we are looking back on Advent and Christmas, and remembering our celebrations — special time with family, special foods or gifts.  An article in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage

October 13, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The immediate impact of the most recent court decisions regarding marriage is that same-gender couples who want to get married in North Carolina now can, clergy who want to perform […]

The Ruling on Same-Gender Marriage

October 13, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The immediate impact of the most recent court decisions regarding marriage is that same-gender couples who want to get married in North Carolina now can, clergy who want to perform […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

August 22, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The recent trial of Alamance County Sheriff Andrew Johnson has focused on alleged profiling abuses against Latinos. He is accused of detaining and arresting Latino drivers without probable cause. During the […]

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

August 22, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The recent trial of Alamance County Sheriff Andrew Johnson has focused on alleged profiling abuses against Latinos. He is accused of detaining and arresting Latino drivers without probable cause. During the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Immigration, Peace, Race/Ethnicity

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

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

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

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

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

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

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Human Rights, Peace

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

Please Call Senator Burr

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

A vote is imminent on releasing the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report on torture, and we need you to contact Sen. Richard Burr and urge him to support the […]

Please Call Senator Burr

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

A vote is imminent on releasing the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report on torture, and we need you to contact Sen. Richard Burr and urge him to support the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Peace, Religion & Society

Faithful Activism — Part 2

March 1, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be […]

Faithful Activism — Part 2

March 1, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Elections, Good Government, Religion & Society

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

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

June 17, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s […]

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

June 17, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

June 11, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each […]

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

June 11, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Through the Eyes of Faith

June 5, 2013 By chris

Rep. David Price (Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill)

Religious ideas are crucial, both to understanding this history and to dealing with its current manifestations. Realism as to people's sinfulness and will‐to‐power figured directly in the Constitution's checking of political power—Madison in The Federalist sounds like a good Calvinist—but taking such beliefs to the extreme can erode all trust and hobble democracy. As for current politics, as Jim Wallis asks in his new book, why should Christians believe in sinless markets any more than they believe in sinless governments?

Through the Eyes of Faith

June 5, 2013 by chris

Rep. David Price (Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill)

Religious ideas are crucial, both to understanding this history and to dealing with its current manifestations. Realism as to people’s sinfulness and will‐to‐power figured directly in the Constitution’s checking of political power—Madison in The Federalist sounds like a good Calvinist—but taking such beliefs to the extreme can erode all trust and hobble democracy. As for current politics, as Jim Wallis asks in his new book, why should Christians believe in sinless markets any more than they believe in sinless governments?

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Religion & Society

Were You at the March on Washington?

June 3, 2013 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

On a hot Wednesday afternoon in August 1963, thousands of Americans from all parts of the nation converged on the Washington Mall, determined in mind and spirit, demonstrating collectively for […]

Were You at the March on Washington?

June 3, 2013 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

On a hot Wednesday afternoon in August 1963, thousands of Americans from all parts of the nation converged on the Washington Mall, determined in mind and spirit, demonstrating collectively for […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Peace, Race/Ethnicity

Moral Mondays Continue in June

May 25, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in […]

Moral Mondays Continue in June

May 25, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper

May 24, 2013 By chris

This workshop on energy policy is also a continuation of Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary session (available here) at the 2013 Legislative Seminar. Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest.

Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper

May 24, 2013 by chris

This workshop on energy policy is also a continuation of Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary session (available here) at the 2013 Legislative Seminar. Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest.

Filed Under: Podcasts, Resources Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Environment, Religion & Society

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

May 15, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being […]

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

May 15, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, Taxes

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

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

April 15, 2013 By chris

The Rev. Fletcher Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest. Download his […]

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

April 15, 2013 by chris

The Rev. Fletcher Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest. Download his […]

Filed Under: Blog, Podcasts, Resources Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Environment, Religion & Society

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

April 2, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss […]

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

April 2, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

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

Putting a Face on Legislation

March 15, 2013 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette, challenged us a few weeks ago to be Citizens of Heaven and to […]

Putting a Face on Legislation

March 15, 2013 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette, challenged us a few weeks ago to be Citizens of Heaven and to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Food, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Mental Health, Public Education, State Budget

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

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

February 18, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at 919-828-6501 on Tuesday, April 9 until 5:00 p.m. Gene Nichol, Director of the Center […]

Program and Registration for 2013 Legislative Seminar

February 18, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If you are interested in attending, but have not pre-registered, you may call our office at 919-828-6501 on Tuesday, April 9 until 5:00 p.m. Gene Nichol, Director of the Center […]

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Organized Labor, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

What’s Wrong with Photo ID?

January 31, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most insidious proposals coming up in the General Assembly session is the one to require people to show photo IDs in order to vote. It has the […]

What’s Wrong with Photo ID?

January 31, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most insidious proposals coming up in the General Assembly session is the one to require people to show photo IDs in order to vote. It has the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

January 28, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun violence has long been an issue of concern for the North Carolina Council of Churches. Every injury endured and life lost, whether on a downtown street corner or in […]

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

January 28, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun violence has long been an issue of concern for the North Carolina Council of Churches. Every injury endured and life lost, whether on a downtown street corner or in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Mental Health, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

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

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

December 7, 2012 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc. But those living in poverty are short on lobbyist as the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ […]

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

December 7, 2012 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc. But those living in poverty are short on lobbyist as the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Food, Good Government, Health, Housing, Human Rights, Living Wage, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Religion & Society, Taxes

Our Responsibility to Vote

October 25, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our middle son and I went to early vote on Saturday, taking advantage of his visit home for fall break. He is 18, and this is his first general election. […]

Our Responsibility to Vote

October 25, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our middle son and I went to early vote on Saturday, taking advantage of his visit home for fall break. He is 18, and this is his first general election. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Interfaith, Religion & Society

Health On Earth

July 2, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The News & Observer

The N.C. Council of Churches rejoices in the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act, affirming the decades-long concerns of the council for those without health care.

Health On Earth

July 2, 2012 Leave a Comment

The News & Observer

The N.C. Council of Churches rejoices in the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act, affirming the decades-long concerns of the council for those without health care.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Religion & Society

Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld

June 28, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches rejoices in today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which affirms the decades-long work and concerns of the NCCC […]

Health Care for All God’s Children — ACA Upheld

June 28, 2012 5 Comments

The NC Council of Churches rejoices in today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which affirms the decades-long work and concerns of the NCCC […]

Filed Under: Blog, NCCC in the News Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, People with Disabilities, Religion & Society

Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act

June 15, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The House of Representatives has voted 73-47 to gut the Racial Justice Act. The vote was on S 416, a bill originally about using tire retreads on school buses. The […]

Raleigh Report — House Votes to Gut Racial Justice Act

June 15, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The House of Representatives has voted 73-47 to gut the Racial Justice Act. The vote was on S 416, a bill originally about using tire retreads on school buses. The […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

June 15, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you. Since last month, more than 400 of you have signed onto a statement rejecting toxic and offensive words being preached against gays and lesbians. You said that that pastors […]

More than 400 Voices Against Anti-Gay Rhetoric

June 15, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you. Since last month, more than 400 of you have signed onto a statement rejecting toxic and offensive words being preached against gays and lesbians. You said that that pastors […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Statement on Passage of Amendment One

May 9, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In light of yesterday’s vote to add a discriminatory amendment about marriage to our state’s constitution, it is important to consider what was accomplished through this campaign and what it […]

Statement on Passage of Amendment One

May 9, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In light of yesterday’s vote to add a discriminatory amendment about marriage to our state’s constitution, it is important to consider what was accomplished through this campaign and what it […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Health, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One

May 7, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Executive Director George Reed’s full interview with NC Policy Watch from Sunday is now available here.  In it, Reed explains the Council’s opposition to Amendment One. People of faith who […]

Reed’s Full Radio Interview Against Amendment One

May 7, 2012 Leave a Comment

Executive Director George Reed’s full interview with NC Policy Watch from Sunday is now available here.  In it, Reed explains the Council’s opposition to Amendment One. People of faith who […]

Filed Under: Blog, NCCC in the News Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show

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

Hear George Reed explain the Council’s opposition to Amendment One on Sunday morning’s News & Views hosted by Chris Fitzsimon of NC Policy Watch. The program airs at 7 a.m. […]

Reed Explains Council’s Opposition to Amendment One on Sunday Radio Show

May 4, 2012 Leave a Comment

Hear George Reed explain the Council’s opposition to Amendment One on Sunday morning’s News & Views hosted by Chris Fitzsimon of NC Policy Watch. The program airs at 7 a.m. […]

Filed Under: Blog, NCCC in the News Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8

May 3, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council Friends— I am writing you with a last-minute appeal to get to the polls for next Tuesday’s election, when voters decide whether to amend the state constitution, defining marriage […]

Keep Discrimination Out of the NC Constitution — Vote May 8

May 3, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Council Friends— I am writing you with a last-minute appeal to get to the polls for next Tuesday’s election, when voters decide whether to amend the state constitution, defining marriage […]

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

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

Early Voting and Amendment One

April 20, 2012 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 […]

Early Voting and Amendment One

April 20, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Statement on Accusations about Candidates’ Faith

March 15, 2012 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 […]

Statement on Accusations about Candidates’ Faith

March 15, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Issue Statements Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

March 9, 2012 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 […]

Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry Focuses on Amendment One

March 9, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Events Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, Religion & Society

Compromising values

February 14, 2012 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

February 14, 2012 Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Peace, Religion & Society

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

January 20, 2012 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 […]

Council Working with Coalition to Defeat Marriage Amendment

January 20, 2012 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Religion & Society

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

November 30, 2011 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 […]

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

November 30, 2011 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Environment, Food, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform

The Values Debate We’re Not Having

November 30, 2011 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

November 30, 2011 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.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Religion & Society

Join in the Super Vigil

November 15, 2011 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 […]

Join in the Super Vigil

November 15, 2011 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Good Government, Religion & Society

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

North Carolina Interfaith Dialogue Project

November 14, 2011 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

November 14, 2011 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.

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

Raleigh Report – September 19, 2011

September 19, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The General Assembly met for three days last week in its second mini-session following adjournment of the regular long session. This session was supposed to be the “Constitutional Amendments Session,” but when the dust cleared, only one constitutional amendment had been approved – the one which defines marriage so as to exclude people who are gay or lesbian not only from marriage but also from civil unions or other similar committed relationships and which could also prevent local governments and even private companies from granting partner benefits to anyone not in a two-gender marriage

Raleigh Report – September 19, 2011

September 19, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The General Assembly met for three days last week in its second mini-session following adjournment of the regular long session. This session was supposed to be the “Constitutional Amendments Session,” but when the dust cleared, only one constitutional amendment had been approved – the one which defines marriage so as to exclude people who are gay or lesbian not only from marriage but also from civil unions or other similar committed relationships and which could also prevent local governments and even private companies from granting partner benefits to anyone not in a two-gender marriage

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, LGBTQ

Discriminatory Amendment Goes on the Ballot

September 16, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The North Carolina General Assembly has met for its third time this year. This was to be the “Constitutional Amendments Session,” but when adjournment was reached yesterday, the only constitutional amendment which had been passed was the one excluding people who are gay or lesbian from marriage, something that is already statutory law in our state.

Discriminatory Amendment Goes on the Ballot

September 16, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The North Carolina General Assembly has met for its third time this year. This was to be the “Constitutional Amendments Session,” but when adjournment was reached yesterday, the only constitutional amendment which had been passed was the one excluding people who are gay or lesbian from marriage, something that is already statutory law in our state.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, LGBTQ

Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11

September 10, 2011 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Pictured left, St. Paul's Chapel became a refuge for rescue workers after September 11.

The tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is next month, and it happens to fall on a Sunday. The NC Council of Churches has already posted some resources for worship planners, and there are a couple more links at the end of this blog. We also want to make you aware of community services which are being planned.

Community Services Around the State to Remember 9/11

September 10, 2011 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Pictured left, St. Paul’s Chapel became a refuge for rescue workers after September 11.

The tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is next month, and it happens to fall on a Sunday. The NC Council of Churches has already posted some resources for worship planners, and there are a couple more links at the end of this blog. We also want to make you aware of community services which are being planned.

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

Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions

August 14, 2011 By Lee Foster, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

While it is true that central to Christian theology is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it would be erroneous to reduce the whole of Christian theology to a set of beliefs. If one surveys the gospels, then a person will find Jesus both expounding upon theology and liberating people. For those who were sick, he cured them of their sickness. For those who were blind, he gave them sight. For those who were saddened, he comforted them. Jesus gave concrete solutions to the problems that people faced in the 1st century and did not merely offer them a set of beliefs.

Concrete Problems, Concrete Solutions

August 14, 2011 by Lee Foster, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

While it is true that central to Christian theology is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it would be erroneous to reduce the whole of Christian theology to a set of beliefs. If one surveys the gospels, then a person will find Jesus both expounding upon theology and liberating people. For those who were sick, he cured them of their sickness. For those who were blind, he gave them sight. For those who were saddened, he comforted them. Jesus gave concrete solutions to the problems that people faced in the 1st century and did not merely offer them a set of beliefs.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Religion & Society

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