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NC Council of Churches

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Death Penalty

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

March 24, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act as though they were drunk with power. They have the votes not merely to […]

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

March 24, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act as though they were drunk with power. They have the votes not merely to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Big Stakes in High Court Pick

February 1, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Compared with some of the provocatively, even outrageously unsuited people whom President Trump has chosen for high office, Neil Gorsuch barely moves the needle. But that’s not to say Americans […]

Big Stakes in High Court Pick

February 1, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Compared with some of the provocatively, even outrageously unsuited people whom President Trump has chosen for high office, Neil Gorsuch barely moves the needle. But that’s not to say Americans […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

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

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

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

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, Substance Abuse

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

We work toward a church that is all-loving. That’s what we’ve always done and that’s what we’re going to keep doing. Stay connected with the Council to learn about opportunities […]

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

We work toward a church that is all-loving. That’s what we’ve always done and that’s what we’re going to keep doing. Stay connected with the Council to learn about opportunities […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Speak Peace

September 25, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered on September 21 by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference marking the International Day of Peace. Words make a world. The words we use become embedded […]

Speak Peace

September 25, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered on September 21 by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference marking the International Day of Peace. Words make a world. The words we use become embedded […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Peace, Religion & Society

North Carolina Passes a Decade with No Executions

August 18, 2016 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Many in our state are celebrating 10 years of no executions and putting out a call for no more killings in our name.  Patrick O’Neil a leading abolitionist in our […]

North Carolina Passes a Decade with No Executions

August 18, 2016 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Many in our state are celebrating 10 years of no executions and putting out a call for no more killings in our name.  Patrick O’Neil a leading abolitionist in our […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained enough support to make them worth fussing with during the remainder of the legislative […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained enough support to make them worth fussing with during the remainder of the legislative […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Environment, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

What Frightens Civitas?

January 28, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Apparently I scare Civitas. Maybe it’s my upbringing. I was raised by a single mom (my parents divorced when I was a toddler) who was fortunate to have a solid […]

What Frightens Civitas?

January 28, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Apparently I scare Civitas. Maybe it’s my upbringing. I was raised by a single mom (my parents divorced when I was a toddler) who was fortunate to have a solid […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Environment, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Worship Resources on the Death Penalty

March 19, 2014 By chris

Date: Good Friday - Apr. 18, 2014
Topic: The Death Penalty
Focus Text: John 18:1-19:42
Because Christians have come to understand the cross as a rich symbol of all that God has accomplished in Jesus it is sometimes easy to forget that the symbol of our faith is (or was) also an instrument of torture and execution (it is certainly more than that, but not less). The details of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion are a reminder that Jesus did in fact receive a form of capital punishment. As ethicist Glen Stassen writes, “Christians who remember that their Lord was unjustly and cruelly given the death penalty have a hard time being enthusiastic about imposing the death penalty on others.”

Worship Resources on the Death Penalty

March 19, 2014 by chris

Date: Good Friday – Apr. 18, 2014
Topic: The Death Penalty
Focus Text: John 18:1-19:42
Because Christians have come to understand the cross as a rich symbol of all that God has accomplished in Jesus it is sometimes easy to forget that the symbol of our faith is (or was) also an instrument of torture and execution (it is certainly more than that, but not less). The details of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion are a reminder that Jesus did in fact receive a form of capital punishment. As ethicist Glen Stassen writes, “Christians who remember that their Lord was unjustly and cruelly given the death penalty have a hard time being enthusiastic about imposing the death penalty on others.”

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Race/Ethnicity

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

January 12, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

It’s now just four weeks until this year’s HKonJ People’s Assembly. There is nothing more important for people of faith to do this winter as we work for prophetic social justice than […]

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

January 12, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

It’s now just four weeks until this year’s HKonJ People’s Assembly. There is nothing more important for people of faith to do this winter as we work for prophetic social justice than […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

December 29, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — […]

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

December 29, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

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

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the […]

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

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

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gender, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Organized Labor, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Taxes

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

Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013

June 7, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

A brief summary of significant points in the Senate budget with additional commentary by Steve Ford.

Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013

June 7, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

A brief summary of significant points in the Senate budget with additional commentary by Steve Ford.

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Good Government, State Budget, Taxes

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

June 1, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices […]

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

June 1, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices […]

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

Racial Justice Revisited

May 31, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The death penalty is troubling on many levels. Among them: The public must bear the extraordinary costs associated with death penalty trials and appeals. The penalty’s effectiveness in deterring other […]

Racial Justice Revisited

May 31, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The death penalty is troubling on many levels. Among them: The public must bear the extraordinary costs associated with death penalty trials and appeals. The penalty’s effectiveness in deterring other […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

May 29, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing […]

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

May 29, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

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

Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013

May 6, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

House Bills Senate Bills Notable Quotes Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced In the wake of failed attempts by Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, states and localities have increased their own […]

Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced: Raleigh Report, May 3, 2013

May 6, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

House Bills Senate Bills Notable Quotes Arizona-like Immigration Bill Introduced In the wake of failed attempts by Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, states and localities have increased their own […]

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, Public Education

Free lectionary materials - Public Accountability

Execution Foes at Legislature

April 9, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for […]

Execution Foes at Legislature

April 9, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Free lectionary materials - Public Accountability

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)

April 6, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

        Voter Suppression & Campaign Finance Other New Bills Commentary Tax Fairness Public Education Voting Rights Death Penalty Rush to the Right Continues From the first days […]

Rush to the Right Continues (Raleigh Report, April 5, 2013)

April 6, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

        Voter Suppression & Campaign Finance Other New Bills Commentary Tax Fairness Public Education Voting Rights Death Penalty Rush to the Right Continues From the first days […]

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Public Education, Taxes

Bulletin Insert from PFADP

February 21, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at People of Faith Against the Death Penalty have provided a bulletin insert for churches interested in helping work to repeal the death penalty. PFADP, which began as a […]

Bulletin Insert from PFADP

February 21, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at People of Faith Against the Death Penalty have provided a bulletin insert for churches interested in helping work to repeal the death penalty. PFADP, which began as a […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, 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

2012 A Victory for NC and for PFADP

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

For the first time in the modern era, no one was sentenced to death in North Carolina during 2012. The milestone marks a victory for people throughout the state and […]

2012 A Victory for NC and for PFADP

December 7, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For the first time in the modern era, no one was sentenced to death in North Carolina during 2012. The milestone marks a victory for people throughout the state and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Interfaith, Race/Ethnicity

A Bad Day for Veto Overrides

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

The General Assembly on Monday overrode Governor Perdue’s vetoes of three bills. By doing so they gutted the Racial Justice Act, revised the budget for 2012-13, and moved ahead with fracking. The outcome was not in doubt in the Senate. In fact, several Senate Democrats had excused absences and didn’t even show up for the votes. The drama was in the House.

A Bad Day for Veto Overrides

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

The General Assembly on Monday overrode Governor Perdue’s vetoes of three bills. By doing so they gutted the Racial Justice Act, revised the budget for 2012-13, and moved ahead with fracking. The outcome was not in doubt in the Senate. In fact, several Senate Democrats had excused absences and didn’t even show up for the votes. The drama was in the House.

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, State Budget

Racial Justice Act Supporters Push to Sustain Veto of New Bill

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

The News & Observer

Death penalty opponents and advocates of the state’s Racial Justice Act have embarked on an intense petition drive, letter-writing and email campaign, targeting five Democrats in the state House of Representatives. The goal is to persuade the representatives to sustain the governor’s Thursday veto of the legislature’s overhaul of the Racial Justice Act.

Racial Justice Act Supporters Push to Sustain Veto of New Bill

July 2, 2012 Leave a Comment

The News & Observer

Death penalty opponents and advocates of the state’s Racial Justice Act have embarked on an intense petition drive, letter-writing and email campaign, targeting five Democrats in the state House of Representatives.

The goal is to persuade the representatives to sustain the governor’s Thursday veto of the legislature’s overhaul of the Racial Justice Act.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government

Help Sustain the Governor’s Veto of the Gutted Racial Justice Act

June 29, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We applaud Governor Beverly Perdue for her veto of a rewritten Racial Justice Act that had been gutted of key provisions. The Council has long worked for fairness in our […]

Help Sustain the Governor’s Veto of the Gutted Racial Justice Act

June 29, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We applaud Governor Beverly Perdue for her veto of a rewritten Racial Justice Act that had been gutted of key provisions. The Council has long worked for fairness in our […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity

Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act

June 26, 2012 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following is from the NC Coalition for a Moratorium and the Carolina Justice Policy Center. The fate of the Racial Justice Act probably rests with the three representatives listed […]

Help Needed to Fight Repeal of the Racial Justice Act

June 26, 2012 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following is from the NC Coalition for a Moratorium and the Carolina Justice Policy Center. The fate of the Racial Justice Act probably rests with the three representatives listed […]

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

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

Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012

June 1, 2012 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The General Assembly leadership is committed to having this short session truly be short, and there’s talk of adjourning by early July. In fact, an adjournment resolution was introduced yesterday with a target date of June 19. This session, which starts in May of even-numbered years, is primarily to tweak the second year of the budget adopted the year before. In addition, certain bills which were introduced last year (mostly ones which passed in one house) can be considered. For a new bill to be introduced this year, it must fit into one of a few specific categories, with most new bills having to do with budgetary matters or coming from a study commission which met during the interim. Finally, pending veto overrides are also thought by the House and Senate leadership to be eligible for consideration.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Guns in Church, Gambling, Death Penalty, Boards and Commissions and more.

Raleigh Report – June 1, 2012

June 1, 2012 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The General Assembly leadership is committed to having this short session truly be short, and there’s talk of adjourning by early July. In fact, an adjournment resolution was introduced yesterday with a target date of June 19. This session, which starts in May of even-numbered years, is primarily to tweak the second year of the budget adopted the year before. In addition, certain bills which were introduced last year (mostly ones which passed in one house) can be considered. For a new bill to be introduced this year, it must fit into one of a few specific categories, with most new bills having to do with budgetary matters or coming from a study commission which met during the interim. Finally, pending veto overrides are also thought by the House and Senate leadership to be eligible for consideration.


Also in this Raleigh Report: Guns in Church, Gambling, Death Penalty, Boards and Commissions and more.

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Housing, Immigration, Mental Health, Public Education, State Budget

Ruling on Lead NC Racial Justice Act Case

April 20, 2012 By chris

The lead case applying the historic and ground-breaking NC Racial Justice Act (RJA) concluded today with a judicial finding of race discrimination in the operation of the death penalty in […]

Ruling on Lead NC Racial Justice Act Case

April 20, 2012 by chris

The lead case applying the historic and ground-breaking NC Racial Justice Act (RJA) concluded today with a judicial finding of race discrimination in the operation of the death penalty in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Race/Ethnicity

Good News: Governor Perdue Vetoes Attack on Racial Justice Act

December 14, 2011 By chris

Late this morning, Governor Bev Perdue vetoed the bill which would have gutted the Racial Justice Act (RJA). The RJA is a two-year-old law which allows defendants in death penalty […]

Good News: Governor Perdue Vetoes Attack on Racial Justice Act

December 14, 2011 by chris

Late this morning, Governor Bev Perdue vetoed the bill which would have gutted the Racial Justice Act (RJA). The RJA is a two-year-old law which allows defendants in death penalty […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

NC Marks Five Years Without an Execution

August 16, 2011 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty notes an important milestone for the state today. It has been five years since North Carolina carried out an execution. The Council has long […]

NC Marks Five Years Without an Execution

August 16, 2011 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty notes an important milestone for the state today. It has been five years since North Carolina carried out an execution. The Council has long […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Death Penalty

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011

June 23, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The 2011 session of the General Assembly adjourned around midday on Saturday, June 18. Legislative leaders and the media are trumpeting the efficiency of the session and the fact that this is the earliest adjournment since 1973. But that is misleading since they aren’t really finished with their work. The adjournment resolution calls them back into a special session on July 13. At that time, they will take up the thorny issue of redistricting as well as controversial bills from the just-ended session which remain in conference committees and any bills vetoed by the Governor.

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011

June 23, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The 2011 session of the General Assembly adjourned around midday on Saturday, June 18. Legislative leaders and the media are trumpeting the efficiency of the session and the fact that this is the earliest adjournment since 1973. But that is misleading since they aren’t really finished with their work. The adjournment resolution calls them back into a special session on July 13. At that time, they will take up the thorny issue of redistricting as well as controversial bills from the just-ended session which remain in conference committees and any bills vetoed by the Governor.

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget

3rd National Restorative Justice Conference

June 3, 2011 By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The Third National Conference on Restorative Justice will bring together academics, community leaders, educators, faith leaders, judges, politicians, policy makers, practitioners and concerned community members to explore the use of […]

3rd National Restorative Justice Conference

June 3, 2011 by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The Third National Conference on Restorative Justice will bring together academics, community leaders, educators, faith leaders, judges, politicians, policy makers, practitioners and concerned community members to explore the use of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Equality & Reconciliation, Peace

Why I Am in Jail

May 24, 2011 By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

As I write this note, it is 12:30PM and I’m sitting comfortably in my office at the NC Council of Churches.  At 3PM, though, I will be in the gallery […]

Why I Am in Jail

May 24, 2011 by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

As I write this note, it is 12:30PM and I’m sitting comfortably in my office at the NC Council of Churches.  At 3PM, though, I will be in the gallery […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Council News, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget

Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011

May 24, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The focus of this issue is a handful of the most important items currently under consideration at the General Assembly. These are issues that are under challenge by the current majorities in both houses.

Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011

May 24, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The focus of this issue is a handful of the most important items currently under consideration at the General Assembly. These are issues that are under challenge by the current majorities in both houses.

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

March 23, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New bills on the budget, care of creation, criminal justice, election and campaign law, gambling, guns, health and health care, immigration, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse services, public eduction, and taxes.

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

March 23, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New bills on the budget, care of creation, criminal justice, election and campaign law, gambling, guns, health and health care, immigration, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse services, public eduction, and taxes.

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Environment, Farmworkers, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Substance Abuse

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A

March 10, 2011 By chris

If there were such a thing as a six o’clock news cast in the first century, Jesus the felon would appear walking down the street escorted by the police of his day—handcuffed—if you will. The announcer would tell us that the vandal who destroyed Temple property and repeatedly broke Jewish laws; the welfare king who relied on the generosity of unsuspecting middle class women to promote his suspicious doctrine; the man known to frequent the establishments of tax collectors and prostitutes—and claimed to be God, had finally been apprehended and was awaiting sentencing. Yes, in the minds of this first century felon’s accusers, he was little more than a common criminal.

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A

March 10, 2011 by chris

If there were such a thing as a six o’clock news cast in the first century, Jesus the felon would appear walking down the street escorted by the police of his day—handcuffed—if you will. The announcer would tell us that the vandal who destroyed Temple property and repeatedly broke Jewish laws; the welfare king who relied on the generosity of unsuspecting middle class women to promote his suspicious doctrine; the man known to frequent the establishments of tax collectors and prostitutes—and claimed to be God, had finally been apprehended and was awaiting sentencing. Yes, in the minds of this first century felon’s accusers, he was little more than a common criminal.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

A Great Day at HKonJ

February 14, 2011 By chris

There was a great turnout for Saturday's HKonJ5. Thanks to all of you who attended and marched.

Watch video of HKonJ here.

A Great Day at HKonJ

February 14, 2011 by chris

There was a great turnout for Saturday’s HKonJ5. Thanks to all of you who attended and marched.

Watch video of HKonJ here.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget

Race and the Death Penalty In NC

April 16, 2001 By chris

This is a preliminary report concerning a new study of capital punishment in the State of North Carolina that has been undertaken during the past nine months – the North Carolina Death Penalty Study 2001. It is the first major social scientific study of the death penalty conducted in North Carolina in over 20 years, and the first systematic look for patterns of racial discrimination in capital sentencing in the South employing data more recent than 1984. The report has been prepared by Dr. Robert Unah of the Department of Political Science of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with the assistance of Professor John Charles Boger of the UNC School of Law.

As we will elaborate below, the preliminary findings present clear and disturbing evidence that North Carolina’s capital system in the 1990s continues to exhibit patterns of racial discrimination that cannot be explained by any of the legitimate sentencing considerations that have been sanctioned by North Carolina’s legislative and judicial branches.

Race and the Death Penalty In NC

April 16, 2001 by chris

This is a preliminary report concerning a new study of capital punishment in the State of North Carolina that has been undertaken during the past nine months – the North Carolina Death Penalty Study 2001. It is the first major social scientific study of the death penalty conducted in North Carolina in over 20 years, and the first systematic look for patterns of racial discrimination in capital sentencing in the South employing data more recent than 1984. The report has been prepared by Dr. Robert Unah of the Department of Political Science of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with the assistance of Professor John Charles Boger of the UNC School of Law.

As we will elaborate below, the preliminary findings present clear and disturbing evidence that North Carolina’s capital system in the 1990s continues to exhibit patterns of racial discrimination that cannot be explained by any of the legitimate sentencing considerations that have been sanctioned by North Carolina’s legislative and judicial branches.

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity

The Elephant in the Courtroom: Racism and Criminal Justice in NC

March 15, 2001 By chris

This curriculum builds on "The Elephant in the Courtroom: Racism and Criminal Justice in North Carolina," a policy paper developed by the North Carolina Council of Churches' 1999-2000 Task Group on Racism and Criminal Justice in North Carolina. The policy paper has been disseminated among policy makers, judges, prison officials, and the media. The Task Group holds, however, that needed change will not happen until ordinary citizens, informed by a sense of fairness as well as an understanding of the nature of community and the power of forgiveness, demand equity in the administration of justice in our country. The curriculum addresses itself to adult education groups in congregations and workshop leaders at ecumenical and denominational meetings. The packet is self-contained and requires only that the leader copy some of the individual readings for the number of participants at the session.

The Elephant in the Courtroom: Racism and Criminal Justice in NC

March 15, 2001 by chris

This curriculum builds on “The Elephant in the Courtroom: Racism and Criminal Justice in North Carolina,” a policy paper developed by the North Carolina Council of Churches’ 1999-2000 Task Group on Racism and Criminal Justice in North Carolina. The policy paper has been disseminated among policy makers, judges, prison officials, and the media. The Task Group holds, however, that needed change will not happen until ordinary citizens, informed by a sense of fairness as well as an understanding of the nature of community and the power of forgiveness, demand equity in the administration of justice in our country. The curriculum addresses itself to adult education groups in congregations and workshop leaders at ecumenical and denominational meetings. The packet is self-contained and requires only that the leader copy some of the individual readings for the number of participants at the session.

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Race/Ethnicity

Resolution on the Death Penalty

April 23, 1987 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, April 23, 1987 WHEREAS, the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday (April 22, 1987) by a 5 to 4 decision upheld as constitutional the […]

Resolution on the Death Penalty

April 23, 1987 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Adopted by the House of Delegates, North Carolina Council of Churches, April 23, 1987 WHEREAS, the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday (April 22, 1987) by a 5 to 4 decision upheld as constitutional the […]

Filed Under: Issue Statements Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty

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