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Elections

‘Faithful Voter Reflection Guide’ Weighs Moral Issues for NC Voters

November 7, 2022 · Public News Service

Progressive faith leaders across the state say they’re encouraging congregations to educate themselves on candidates and issues. They are sharing an online Faithful Voter Reflection Guide, which offers a moral perspective […]

‘Faithful Voter Reflection Guide’ Weighs Moral Issues for NC Voters

November 7, 2022 · Public News Service Leave a Comment

Progressive faith leaders across the state say they’re encouraging congregations to educate themselves on candidates and issues. They are sharing an online Faithful Voter Reflection Guide, which offers a moral perspective […]

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Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Elections, Voting Rights

Coalition visits Greenville to talk judicial reform

September 9, 2022 · Reflector

Advocates for voting rights took aim at partisanship in the North Carolina judicial system and criticized Chief Justice Paul Newby for actions they said has made the courts less fair. […]

Coalition visits Greenville to talk judicial reform

September 9, 2022 · Reflector Leave a Comment

Advocates for voting rights took aim at partisanship in the North Carolina judicial system and criticized Chief Justice Paul Newby for actions they said has made the courts less fair. […]

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Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Elections

Group advocates for removal of judges from party affiliation

September 8, 2022 · WITN

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A group by the name Fair Courts NC wants to stop judges from affiliating with a political party. They are driving around the east to speak in favor […]

Group advocates for removal of judges from party affiliation

September 8, 2022 · WITN Leave a Comment

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A group by the name Fair Courts NC wants to stop judges from affiliating with a political party. They are driving around the east to speak in favor […]

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Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Elections

Is North Carolina’s judicial system fair? This group says no way. Here is the reason why.

August 26, 2022 · News & Record

Are actions by the General Assembly threatening the impartiality of North Carolina’s judicial system? A coalition of left-leaning nonprofits under the umbrella of a group called Fair Courts NC thinks […]

Is North Carolina’s judicial system fair? This group says no way. Here is the reason why.

August 26, 2022 · News & Record Leave a Comment

Are actions by the General Assembly threatening the impartiality of North Carolina’s judicial system? A coalition of left-leaning nonprofits under the umbrella of a group called Fair Courts NC thinks […]

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Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Elections

Fair Courts Press Conference

August 23, 2022 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The N.C. Council of Churches includes 18 denominations with churches large and small, urban and rural, black, brown, and white all across the state. One of the things we all […]

Fair Courts Press Conference

August 23, 2022 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The N.C. Council of Churches includes 18 denominations with churches large and small, urban and rural, black, brown, and white all across the state. One of the things we all […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Policy, Voting Rights

Fair, Safe and Secure Elections

August 19, 2022 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Prior to the 2020 elections, a representative from the Carter Center’s Conflict Resolution team reached out to the North Carolina Council of Churches. For the first time in its 40-year […]

Fair, Safe and Secure Elections

August 19, 2022 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Prior to the 2020 elections, a representative from the Carter Center’s Conflict Resolution team reached out to the North Carolina Council of Churches. For the first time in its 40-year […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Policy, Voting Rights

NC Faith Groups Raise Awareness on Election Integrity

June 14, 2022 · Public News Service

As redistricting processes wrap up across the country, faith groups in North Carolina are working to raise awareness and educate residents on issues related to election integrity. Jennifer Copeland, executive […]

NC Faith Groups Raise Awareness on Election Integrity

June 14, 2022 · Public News Service Leave a Comment

As redistricting processes wrap up across the country, faith groups in North Carolina are working to raise awareness and educate residents on issues related to election integrity. Jennifer Copeland, executive […]

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Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Elections

Sad Twists on Election Integrity

June 11, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators – offering what amounts to a snappy salute in the direction of Mar-a-Lago – are well on their way toward fixing an election law that’s anything but […]

Sad Twists on Election Integrity

June 11, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators – offering what amounts to a snappy salute in the direction of Mar-a-Lago – are well on their way toward fixing an election law that’s anything but […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Voting Rights

Politicians’ fear: Too many votes

March 24, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republican lawmakers throughout the land making “election integrity” a favorite cause and rallying cry, it likely was just a matter of time before some of their North Carolina counterparts […]

Politicians’ fear: Too many votes

March 24, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republican lawmakers throughout the land making “election integrity” a favorite cause and rallying cry, it likely was just a matter of time before some of their North Carolina counterparts […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Voter ID

Election Machinery in High Gear

October 22, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With North Carolinians on track to cast eye-popping numbers of votes in advance of Election Day, Nov. 3, perhaps it’s time to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. A system […]

Election Machinery in High Gear

October 22, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With North Carolinians on track to cast eye-popping numbers of votes in advance of Election Day, Nov. 3, perhaps it’s time to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. A system […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government

Churches’ Watchwords: Every Vote Counts!

August 12, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s pretty obvious why the N.C. Council of Churches and its allies on the faith-and-justice spectrum hope to see plenty of like-minded voters turning out for the elections this fall. […]

Churches’ Watchwords: Every Vote Counts!

August 12, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s pretty obvious why the N.C. Council of Churches and its allies on the faith-and-justice spectrum hope to see plenty of like-minded voters turning out for the elections this fall. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced […]

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Immigration, Public Education

Pray and Vote

April 20, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

The North Carolina Council of Churches believes that participating in our democracy is one critical component of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. […]

Pray and Vote

April 20, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

The North Carolina Council of Churches believes that participating in our democracy is one critical component of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

March 22, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to […]

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

March 22, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Healthcare Reform, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

The Commission Came to Town

February 13, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.  In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles […]

The Commission Came to Town

February 13, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.  In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

With Rights at Stake, Judges Stand Tall

February 5, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The pattern has become familiar – and a welcome pattern it is, even if brought about by the Republican-controlled General Assembly’s relentless abuses of our democratic system. Call it, “Judges […]

With Rights at Stake, Judges Stand Tall

February 5, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The pattern has become familiar – and a welcome pattern it is, even if brought about by the Republican-controlled General Assembly’s relentless abuses of our democratic system. Call it, “Judges […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Elections

N.C. Judges on Trial

January 4, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, here we go again. If the Republican-led General Assembly in 2017 focused on trying to exert its dominance over a freshly installed Democratic governor, then 2018 could bring the […]

N.C. Judges on Trial

January 4, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, here we go again. If the Republican-led General Assembly in 2017 focused on trying to exert its dominance over a freshly installed Democratic governor, then 2018 could bring the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Elections, N.C. General Assembly

Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates

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

With Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the White House desperate to post a big legislative win, their push for so-called tax reform – the label being used to sugar-coat […]

Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates

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

With Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the White House desperate to post a big legislative win, their push for so-called tax reform – the label being used to sugar-coat […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Taxes

Democracy Under the Reign of God

November 1, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v. Whitford) and in North Carolina (Common Cause v. Rucho), along with the latest move […]

Democracy Under the Reign of God

November 1, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v. Whitford) and in North Carolina (Common Cause v. Rucho), along with the latest move […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Redistricting, Religion & Society

GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench

October 23, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central to our bedrock American principle of checks and balances and to the rule of […]

GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench

October 23, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central to our bedrock American principle of checks and balances and to the rule of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, N.C. General Assembly, Redistricting

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

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

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” […]

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

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

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Redistricting, Religion & Society

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

July 27, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is about to reopen for business in its marble and masonry maze on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

July 27, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is about to reopen for business in its marble and masonry maze on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now

June 14, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were, it could be said, licking their chops. They knew that when they came to […]

Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now

June 14, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were, it could be said, licking their chops. They knew that when they came to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly

UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly

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

UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s attempt to convene a special session for the purpose of redrawing legislative voting districts. […]

UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly

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

UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s attempt to convene a special session for the purpose of redrawing legislative voting districts. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

May 25, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against President Barack Obama midway through his first term – Republicans in the N.C. General […]

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

May 25, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against President Barack Obama midway through his first term – Republicans in the N.C. General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

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

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written […]

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

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

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Food, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Mental Health, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Taxes

Justice on Gerrymandering

May 22, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirms what many in North Carolina knew – the state’s congressional districts were deliberately drawn in 2011 to mute the voices of minority […]

Justice on Gerrymandering

May 22, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirms what many in North Carolina knew – the state’s congressional districts were deliberately drawn in 2011 to mute the voices of minority […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals, texts of bills, procedural histories, and recorded votes, go to the General Assembly website […]

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals, texts of bills, procedural histories, and recorded votes, go to the General Assembly website […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Elections, Environment, Food, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Hunger, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Public Education, State Budget

Retiring Judge Stands Tall

April 27, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Shakespeare’s King Lear famously put it, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” Top Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly now might well […]

Retiring Judge Stands Tall

April 27, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Shakespeare’s King Lear famously put it, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” Top Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly now might well […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have now passed, and we are in Crossover Week. By the end of the week, […]

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have now passed, and we are in Crossover Week. By the end of the week, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Farmworkers, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Organized Labor, Public Education

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the General Assembly website www.ncleg.net. There you can also find the texts of bills, procedural […]

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the General Assembly website www.ncleg.net. There you can also find the texts of bills, procedural […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

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

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the Senate’s deadline for new bills has passed and the House’s deadline on non-money approaches. […]

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the Senate’s deadline for new bills has passed and the House’s deadline on non-money approaches. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Taxes

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 — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

March 28, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

March 28, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

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

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

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School Education Tax Credit, would give a $1,250-per-student-per-semester income tax credit to the parents of […]

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School Education Tax Credit, would give a $1,250-per-student-per-semester income tax credit to the parents of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Elections, Environment, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

March 14, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban the Box, would govern how state and local governments could use criminal histories in […]

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

March 14, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban the Box, would govern how state and local governments could use criminal histories in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, LGBTQ, Public Education

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017

March 7, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 147, Reenact School Sales Tax Holiday. The school sales tax holiday was a three-day weekend shortly before […]

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017

March 7, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 147, Reenact School Sales Tax Holiday. The school sales tax holiday was a three-day weekend shortly before […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Elections, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, 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

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

February 25, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but it’s not too far off the mark. Participants seek to win, and to do […]

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

February 25, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but it’s not too far off the mark. Participants seek to win, and to do […]

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

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact

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

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

Johnson Amendment: Name Games and Far-reaching Impact

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

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

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

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

February 15, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase in the number of bills being introduced. Here are summaries of several which will […]

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

February 15, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase in the number of bills being introduced. Here are summaries of several which will […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Religion & Society, Taxes

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

Whispers and Shouts

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

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

Whispers and Shouts

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

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

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

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

December 15, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

December 15, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Liberties, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

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

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a December 15 press conference in Raleigh on the General Assembly’s second special session. For Christians around the world it is the third week […]

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

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

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a December 15 press conference in Raleigh on the General Assembly’s second special session. For Christians around the world it is the third week […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Liberties, Council News, Elections, Good Government, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, 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

Possible Surprises in Upcoming Special Session

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The General Assembly returns to town this coming Tuesday, December 13, for a special session called by Governor McCrory to consider disaster relief legislation […]

Possible Surprises in Upcoming Special Session

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The General Assembly returns to town this coming Tuesday, December 13, for a special session called by Governor McCrory to consider disaster relief legislation […]

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

The Path to McCrory’s Last Stand

December 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He and his supporters twisted and turned, wriggled and squirmed. But 27 days after the Nov. 8 election, Gov. Pat McCrory finally bowed to the inevitable and conceded that his […]

The Path to McCrory’s Last Stand

December 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He and his supporters twisted and turned, wriggled and squirmed. But 27 days after the Nov. 8 election, Gov. Pat McCrory finally bowed to the inevitable and conceded that his […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly

Video — #LoveOneAnother

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

The response to our sign-on ad was overwhelming and inspired the staff of the Council to create the video below. Clergy who would like to have their names included in […]

Video — #LoveOneAnother

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

The response to our sign-on ad was overwhelming and inspired the staff of the Council to create the video below. Clergy who would like to have their names included in […]

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

Maps Again Key to Power, Rights

December 5, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

No one reading this post is likely to pull a brain muscle describing ways in which the recent elections could have consequences ranging from the unfortunate to the dire. Our […]

Maps Again Key to Power, Rights

December 5, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

No one reading this post is likely to pull a brain muscle describing ways in which the recent elections could have consequences ranging from the unfortunate to the dire. Our […]

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

Plots Thicken in Election’s Aftermath — UPDATED

November 18, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency was a waste-pit wallow through a sludge of fear and hate. That millions of Americans voted for him presumably without hating anyone says a […]

Plots Thicken in Election’s Aftermath — UPDATED

November 18, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency was a waste-pit wallow through a sludge of fear and hate. That millions of Americans voted for him presumably without hating anyone says a […]

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

Knowing the Truth

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

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a November 15 press conference in Fayetteville opposing the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Roughly half the people in this country, give or take six hundred […]

Knowing the Truth

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

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a November 15 press conference in Fayetteville opposing the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Roughly half the people in this country, give or take six hundred […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Environment, Fracking, 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

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

Voting — Finish Strong

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

For decades, the NC Council of Churches has encouraged full and unfettered access to the polls for North Carolina’s citizens. As recently as 2013, the Council’s Governing Board approved a […]

Voting — Finish Strong

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

For decades, the NC Council of Churches has encouraged full and unfettered access to the polls for North Carolina’s citizens. As recently as 2013, the Council’s Governing Board approved a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly

Local Measures Also Matter

November 1, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

There’s more to pay attention to when voting down the ballot than just the Governor’s race, though that is surely among the most important boxes to check when you step […]

Local Measures Also Matter

November 1, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

There’s more to pay attention to when voting down the ballot than just the Governor’s race, though that is surely among the most important boxes to check when you step […]

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

First in NC: Screening of “Before the Flood” in Raleigh on November 3

October 29, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Join North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light and the NC Council of Churches for a first in North Carolina screening of “Before the Flood,” a film by Academy-Award winners Leonardo […]

First in NC: Screening of “Before the Flood” in Raleigh on November 3

October 29, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Join North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light and the NC Council of Churches for a first in North Carolina screening of “Before the Flood,” a film by Academy-Award winners Leonardo […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Elections, Environment

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

October 28, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Early voting in North Carolina is on pace with some of the best years on record. In the spirit of keeping the momentum building, the NC Council of Churches is supporting […]

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

October 28, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Early voting in North Carolina is on pace with some of the best years on record. In the spirit of keeping the momentum building, the NC Council of Churches is supporting […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

Community IDs Aren’t Only for Immigrants

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

In the midst of election season, I have been reminded once again of the importance of having an ID in order to vote. When I went to my polling place […]

Community IDs Aren’t Only for Immigrants

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

In the midst of election season, I have been reminded once again of the importance of having an ID in order to vote. When I went to my polling place […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Immigration

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

Stand Up and Vote

October 25, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

So far, our family of five has stood in line, collectively, for five hours and 15 minutes in order to vote. That’s actually the total for four of us — […]

Stand Up and Vote

October 25, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

So far, our family of five has stood in line, collectively, for five hours and 15 minutes in order to vote. That’s actually the total for four of us — […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Early Voting has Begun — Now is the Time to Head to the Polls

October 21, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting has started across North Carolina. Going to the polls now reduces the chance of delays and complications on an election day likely to see heavy turn out. A couple of points […]

Early Voting has Begun — Now is the Time to Head to the Polls

October 21, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting has started across North Carolina. Going to the polls now reduces the chance of delays and complications on an election day likely to see heavy turn out. A couple of points […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Interfaith

Information for Voting in Eastern NC

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

Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew in the eastern part of the state still want to vote, but the storm’s devastation has raised challenges. For those looking for information about whether […]

Information for Voting in Eastern NC

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

Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew in the eastern part of the state still want to vote, but the storm’s devastation has raised challenges. For those looking for information about whether […]

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

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

October 13, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference with the NC NAACP in Raleigh on October 13. Vote your values is a rallying cry issued early and […]

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

October 13, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference with the NC NAACP in Raleigh on October 13. Vote your values is a rallying cry issued early and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts

October 11, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches There has been a lot of confusion about voting this year. Voter suppression laws, designed to make it […]

Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts

October 11, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches There has been a lot of confusion about voting this year. Voter suppression laws, designed to make it […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, Religion & Society

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

Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season

September 27, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As the election approaches, many people of faith are turning to clergy for advice and assistance in the voting process. This year the Council is partnering with the nonpartisan voting […]

Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season

September 27, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As the election approaches, many people of faith are turning to clergy for advice and assistance in the voting process. This year the Council is partnering with the nonpartisan voting […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Elections, Good Government, 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

Early Voting Draws Support

September 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The folks in North Carolina who want to make it harder rather than easier for people to vote – a category that features top officials of the state Republican Party […]

Early Voting Draws Support

September 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The folks in North Carolina who want to make it harder rather than easier for people to vote – a category that features top officials of the state Republican Party […]

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

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred

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

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

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred

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

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

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

Election Maps Under Scrutiny

August 12, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republican Party developed a national strategy to seize and hold legislative power, and in North Carolina executed it with relentless precision. Six years into that process, however, the adverse […]

Election Maps Under Scrutiny

August 12, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republican Party developed a national strategy to seize and hold legislative power, and in North Carolina executed it with relentless precision. Six years into that process, however, the adverse […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Voting Rights, Redeemed

August 5, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for ardent voting rights advocates, there’s little comfort to be gained from a federal appeals court’s finding that the N.C. General Assembly engaged in a multifaceted scheme to discriminate […]

Voting Rights, Redeemed

August 5, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for ardent voting rights advocates, there’s little comfort to be gained from a federal appeals court’s finding that the N.C. General Assembly engaged in a multifaceted scheme to discriminate […]

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

Two Steps Forward

July 30, 2016 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to live the adage, “two steps forward, one step back,” welcome to North Carolina.  We’re having a 2-step forward celebration after three long […]

Two Steps Forward

July 30, 2016 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to live the adage, “two steps forward, one step back,” welcome to North Carolina.  We’re having a 2-step forward celebration after three long […]

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

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 25, 2016 (Legislators’ identifications are listed only the first time they […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 25, 2016 (Legislators’ identifications are listed only the first time they […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

May 13, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Take heart, fair-minded North Carolinians. The state’s not-always-pristine but still vaguely operative image as a place where “the weak grow strong and the strong grow great” is in the process […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

May 13, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Take heart, fair-minded North Carolinians. The state’s not-always-pristine but still vaguely operative image as a place where “the weak grow strong and the strong grow great” is in the process […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Don’t Neglect the June 7 Election

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the Council North Carolina has a second primary coming up next month, and in contrast to second primaries of old, this one is […]

Don’t Neglect the June 7 Election

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the Council North Carolina has a second primary coming up next month, and in contrast to second primaries of old, this one is […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, N.C. General Assembly

nc voting rights

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

April 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A federal judge’s ruling that upholds changes in North Carolina election laws, despite their effect of making it harder for some citizens to vote, seems to rest on his conclusion […]

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

April 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

nc voting rights

A federal judge’s ruling that upholds changes in North Carolina election laws, despite their effect of making it harder for some citizens to vote, seems to rest on his conclusion […]

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

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

April 5, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Registration for 2016 Critical Issues Seminar workshops is now available online. If you have not yet registered, please use the form below to do so and include your selection for […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

April 5, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Registration for 2016 Critical Issues Seminar workshops is now available online. If you have not yet registered, please use the form below to do so and include your selection for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

March 21, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Donald J. Trump successfully concludes his so-far-dominant push to become this year’s Republican presidential nominee, North Carolinians will have played a role. Some will view that role as a […]

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

March 21, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Donald J. Trump successfully concludes his so-far-dominant push to become this year’s Republican presidential nominee, North Carolinians will have played a role. Some will view that role as a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Immigration, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

District Challengers: ‘Oh, No, You Don’t!’ (Updated)

March 7, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a panel of federal judges threw out North Carolina’s congressional district map because it trampled the rights of African-American voters, the General Assembly followed orders and redrew the map. […]

District Challengers: ‘Oh, No, You Don’t!’ (Updated)

March 7, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a panel of federal judges threw out North Carolina’s congressional district map because it trampled the rights of African-American voters, the General Assembly followed orders and redrew the map. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

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

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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

The Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly are determined to draw election-district boundaries favoring their party’s candidates and promoting their conservative agenda. But when Republican voters are outnumbered by […]

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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

The Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly are determined to draw election-district boundaries favoring their party’s candidates and promoting their conservative agenda. But when Republican voters are outnumbered by […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

February 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With an eye toward the battles over redistricting that have roiled North Carolina politics for the last quarter-century, once again push is coming to shove. This time, the advantage lies […]

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

February 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With an eye toward the battles over redistricting that have roiled North Carolina politics for the last quarter-century, once again push is coming to shove. This time, the advantage lies […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

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

Join us for the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar, focused on Race, Power, and Privilege, on Saturday, April 23 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 600 East Florida Street, Greensboro. […]

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

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

Join us for the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar, focused on Race, Power, and Privilege, on Saturday, April 23 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 600 East Florida Street, Greensboro. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

February 6, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral March on Raleigh. Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2016 takes place on Saturday, February 13; […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

February 6, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral March on Raleigh. Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2016 takes place on Saturday, February 13; […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

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