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Voting Rights, Redeemed

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 against African-American voters. Think about it: A half-century after the federal Voting Rights Act was passed, after decades of struggle and progress to secure the […]

Voting Rights, Redeemed

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 against African-American voters. Think about it: A half-century after the federal Voting Rights Act was passed, after decades of struggle and progress to secure the […]

Two Steps Forward

By 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 years of step-back.  Once again, people in North Carolina who want to vote can vote without running the gauntlet erected in 2013 when law makers […]

Two Steps Forward

by 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 years of step-back.  Once again, people in North Carolina who want to vote can vote without running the gauntlet erected in 2013 when law makers […]

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1, will be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as for what did – sometimes for the worse and occasionally for the better. Even with Republicans firmly in charge of both the House and Senate, there was plenty of […]

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1, will be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as for what did – sometimes for the worse and occasionally for the better. Even with Republicans firmly in charge of both the House and Senate, there was plenty of […]

Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Don’t charge interest when you lend money to any of my people who are in need.” –Exodus 22:25 – Contemporary English Version Payday lending is a debt trap for the poor.  The average payday borrower takes out 10 loans and pays 391% in interest and fees.  Payday lending  leads to enslavement to a lender and […]

Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Don’t charge interest when you lend money to any of my people who are in need.” –Exodus 22:25 – Contemporary English Version Payday lending is a debt trap for the poor.  The average payday borrower takes out 10 loans and pays 391% in interest and fees.  Payday lending  leads to enslavement to a lender and […]

Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week has been filled with what feels like a continuous barrage of tragic news: the shootings in Orlando and subsequent lack of gun control measures by Congress, World Refugee Day and the reminder that the world refugee crisis continues, and then the news that the U.S. Supreme Court issued the long-awaited decision in […]

Crying Aloud in the Wake of the DAPA/DACA Supreme Court Decision

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week has been filled with what feels like a continuous barrage of tragic news: the shootings in Orlando and subsequent lack of gun control measures by Congress, World Refugee Day and the reminder that the world refugee crisis continues, and then the news that the U.S. Supreme Court issued the long-awaited decision in […]

Immigrants as Scapegoats — Again

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There wasn’t a lot to like about what occurred the other day in a state Senate committee. First, legislative rules – notoriously rubberized – were stretched to the point where principles of orderly law-making were nailed up for mockery. Second, the travesty took place in service of a goal both misguided and cruel. That goal […]

Immigrants as Scapegoats — Again

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There wasn’t a lot to like about what occurred the other day in a state Senate committee. First, legislative rules – notoriously rubberized – were stretched to the point where principles of orderly law-making were nailed up for mockery. Second, the travesty took place in service of a goal both misguided and cruel. That goal […]

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home countries due to violence in search of safety and a better life for themselves and their families.  Due to the continuing crises in Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, […]

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home countries due to violence in search of safety and a better life for themselves and their families.  Due to the continuing crises in Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Why are health care premiums steadily going up? Gallup polls at the end of 2015 found that 74% of Americans say the amount they pay in premiums had gone up over the past year. While this is up a bit from 2014 (67%), according to Gallup, this is pretty much in line with what they’ve seen […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Why are health care premiums steadily going up? Gallup polls at the end of 2015 found that 74% of Americans say the amount they pay in premiums had gone up over the past year. While this is up a bit from 2014 (67%), according to Gallup, this is pretty much in line with what they’ve seen […]

How Do We Respond?

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

After Sunday morning, no one can dispute we are under attack. The real attack, however, is not the one involving assault rifles like the ArmaLite Rifle – 15 (Yes, I know the “a” doesn’t stand for “assault” even though enabling assault is what the AR-15 does). The real attack is on our sense of being. […]

How Do We Respond?

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

After Sunday morning, no one can dispute we are under attack. The real attack, however, is not the one involving assault rifles like the ArmaLite Rifle – 15 (Yes, I know the “a” doesn’t stand for “assault” even though enabling assault is what the AR-15 does). The real attack is on our sense of being. […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage made infinitely easier to execute because of a gun. And so, again, we call on people of faith to hold those killed, injured, or otherwise […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage made infinitely easier to execute because of a gun. And so, again, we call on people of faith to hold those killed, injured, or otherwise […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, as they say, will still come up in the morning. Public school teachers will continue to report for their difficult, essential duties. State parks will […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, as they say, will still come up in the morning. Public school teachers will continue to report for their difficult, essential duties. State parks will […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, 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 are named in this issue.) Authorizing resolutions have been filed on several issues. Under terms governing the 2016 short session, new bills not otherwise qualified […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, 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 are named in this issue.) Authorizing resolutions have been filed on several issues. Under terms governing the 2016 short session, new bills not otherwise qualified […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 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 17, 2016 The deadline for introduction of most new bills into the 2016 short session has now passed. Below are summaries of several of the bills which have come in. (Note that a legislator’s party affiliation […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 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 17, 2016 The deadline for introduction of most new bills into the 2016 short session has now passed. Below are summaries of several of the bills which have come in. (Note that a legislator’s party affiliation […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

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 of being dragged through the mud by cynics who prefer to kick people while they’re down. But then, we come across the shining example of […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

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 of being dragged through the mud by cynics who prefer to kick people while they’re down. But then, we come across the shining example of […]

nc voting rights

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

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 that, well, there’s no reason to get all upset about a little inconvenience. Civil rights and social justice groups have led the charge against a […]

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

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 that, well, there’s no reason to get all upset about a little inconvenience. Civil rights and social justice groups have led the charge against a […]

Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Worker Memorial Day is April 28, a day when we remember workers who have lost their lives providing goods (buildings, roads, food, clothing, etc) and services (caring for our children, elderly and disabled, cleaning our spaces, mowing our lawns, cutting our hair etc) for “the rest of us.” What does God require of us to […]

Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Worker Memorial Day is April 28, a day when we remember workers who have lost their lives providing goods (buildings, roads, food, clothing, etc) and services (caring for our children, elderly and disabled, cleaning our spaces, mowing our lawns, cutting our hair etc) for “the rest of us.” What does God require of us to […]

How Do You Read the Bible?

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks from an April 19 press conference in opposition to HB2. There are lots of ways to read the Bible. Some of us read it like a self-help manual; not a bad plan since there’s some pretty good individual improvement impetus in it. But the primary reason these scriptures were put together was to give […]

How Do You Read the Bible?

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks from an April 19 press conference in opposition to HB2. There are lots of ways to read the Bible. Some of us read it like a self-help manual; not a bad plan since there’s some pretty good individual improvement impetus in it. But the primary reason these scriptures were put together was to give […]

Earth Day 2016

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On this Earth Day 2016, let us celebrate that the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has left out the mid-Atlantic region from its final draft proposal for new offshore oil leasing.This was due in no small part to the grassroots activism by coastal communities from Delaware to Florida where town and county councils […]

Earth Day 2016

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On this Earth Day 2016, let us celebrate that the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has left out the mid-Atlantic region from its final draft proposal for new offshore oil leasing.This was due in no small part to the grassroots activism by coastal communities from Delaware to Florida where town and county councils […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North Carolina so much grief: The Charlotte ordinance that the General Assembly was in such a rush to block — the one that supposedly threw the usual custom of sex-separated public bathrooms to the winds — doesn’t directly mention bathrooms at all. […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North Carolina so much grief: The Charlotte ordinance that the General Assembly was in such a rush to block — the one that supposedly threw the usual custom of sex-separated public bathrooms to the winds — doesn’t directly mention bathrooms at all. […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in less than half a day – manages to rope together a herd of provisions so misguided, harmful and unfair as to boggle the mind. Bathroom protocols for transgender people, as ridiculously unnecessary as those rules are, may have been […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in less than half a day – manages to rope together a herd of provisions so misguided, harmful and unfair as to boggle the mind. Bathroom protocols for transgender people, as ridiculously unnecessary as those rules are, may have been […]

NCIPL Joins National Call to Support Green Climate Fund

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This week, NC Interfaith Power & Light joined 120 religious traditions and organizations across the nation representing tens of millions of Americans – including the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the National Council of Churches, and the Evangelical Environmental Network – to deliver a letter to the U.S. Congress, urging their support […]

NCIPL Joins National Call to Support Green Climate Fund

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This week, NC Interfaith Power & Light joined 120 religious traditions and organizations across the nation representing tens of millions of Americans – including the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the National Council of Churches, and the Evangelical Environmental Network – to deliver a letter to the U.S. Congress, urging their support […]

Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks by Jennifer E. Copeland to Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, delivered in Washington, DC, as part of a national coalition to address predatory lending. Representatives from 12 states and the District of Columbia met with Director Cordray and delivered letters from 13 states signed by more than 500 organizations representing […]

Coalition Visits DC to Speak Against Payday Lending

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks by Jennifer E. Copeland to Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, delivered in Washington, DC, as part of a national coalition to address predatory lending. Representatives from 12 states and the District of Columbia met with Director Cordray and delivered letters from 13 states signed by more than 500 organizations representing […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

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 one workshop each from Session 1 and Session 2. Or you can complete and mail this form to NCCC 27 HORNE St., Raleigh, NC, 27607. […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

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 one workshop each from Session 1 and Session 2. Or you can complete and mail this form to NCCC 27 HORNE St., Raleigh, NC, 27607. […]

Reform Medicaid by Expanding It

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Remarks delivered on March 30 by Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving at the Raleigh public hearing on Medicaid reform. As Medicaid reform is being planned, please consider including Medicaid expansion in the reform package. Providing health insurance for everyone and closing the gap for one-half million North Carolinians, currently without health insurance, is a moral […]

Reform Medicaid by Expanding It

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Remarks delivered on March 30 by Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving at the Raleigh public hearing on Medicaid reform. As Medicaid reform is being planned, please consider including Medicaid expansion in the reform package. Providing health insurance for everyone and closing the gap for one-half million North Carolinians, currently without health insurance, is a moral […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable North Carolinians to unfair, hurtful treatment, that threatens to put a dent in the state’s economy, and that subjects this state to national ridicule as a redoubt of unhinged intolerance. All the while making a mockery of the legislative […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable North Carolinians to unfair, hurtful treatment, that threatens to put a dent in the state’s economy, and that subjects this state to national ridicule as a redoubt of unhinged intolerance. All the while making a mockery of the legislative […]

Making Discrimination Easier in NC

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Almost 24 years ago, leaders of the North Carolina Council of Churches approved a policy statement opposing discrimination against beloved children of God based on their sexuality. Progress has been made and crucial rights have been extended over the last two decades, but Wednesday, a majority of the NC General Assembly reminded us we still […]

Making Discrimination Easier in NC

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Almost 24 years ago, leaders of the North Carolina Council of Churches approved a policy statement opposing discrimination against beloved children of God based on their sexuality. Progress has been made and crucial rights have been extended over the last two decades, but Wednesday, a majority of the NC General Assembly reminded us we still […]

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks in the spring thinking about the meaning of life. The weeks fall just prior […]

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks in the spring thinking about the meaning of life. The weeks fall just prior […]

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

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. The 13 districts were dramatically realigned, with major consequences both for candidates and voters. Primary elections for the 13 seats that had been slated for […]

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

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. The 13 districts were dramatically realigned, with major consequences both for candidates and voters. Primary elections for the 13 seats that had been slated for […]

NCCC Policy Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The following was adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches at their meeting on March 1. Go here to download the text. As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and […]

NCCC Policy Statement Opposing Offshore Drilling

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The following was adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches at their meeting on March 1. Go here to download the text. As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and […]

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a five-year exercise in seeking to put a lasting stamp on North Carolina government and policy, the General Assembly’s majority Republicans have provoked a parade of lawsuits challenging a number of their moves. It may be that most of those lawsuits will play out in the federal courts. But the state courts are bound […]

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a five-year exercise in seeking to put a lasting stamp on North Carolina government and policy, the General Assembly’s majority Republicans have provoked a parade of lawsuits challenging a number of their moves. It may be that most of those lawsuits will play out in the federal courts. But the state courts are bound […]

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

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. Traditionally held on a weekday, the planners for the seminar decided this year to shift to a Saturday to offer more grassroots activists the opportunity […]

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

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. Traditionally held on a weekday, the planners for the seminar decided this year to shift to a Saturday to offer more grassroots activists the opportunity […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

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; gather and rally is at 8:30 a.m. and the march begins at 10 a.m. Participants can meet across the street from Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

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; gather and rally is at 8:30 a.m. and the march begins at 10 a.m. Participants can meet across the street from Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was just one little comment, perhaps ventured with the flicker of a wry smile. But we can doubt that Tom Farr saw the humor in being ribbed by a federal judge. Farr, attorney for the defendants in a challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID law, was wrapping up his case on Feb. 1 before […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was just one little comment, perhaps ventured with the flicker of a wry smile. But we can doubt that Tom Farr saw the humor in being ribbed by a federal judge. Farr, attorney for the defendants in a challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID law, was wrapping up his case on Feb. 1 before […]

Voter ID on Trial

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ongoing legal challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID rule, now playing out before a federal judge in Winston-Salem, could end up reminding us that it’s not the job of the courts to decide whether a law is needed or wise. It’s their job to decide whether a law violates someone’s constitutional rights. Yet the […]

Voter ID on Trial

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ongoing legal challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID rule, now playing out before a federal judge in Winston-Salem, could end up reminding us that it’s not the job of the courts to decide whether a law is needed or wise. It’s their job to decide whether a law violates someone’s constitutional rights. Yet the […]

The State of Our Union and Climate Justice

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Were you watching? This week President Obama gave his final State of the Union speech. He touted the success of the Paris conference in bringing 195 countries together to agree to curb global warming pollution. He rebuffed those who deny climate change and called for a spirit of collaboration, stating “a sustainable, peaceful planet for […]

The State of Our Union and Climate Justice

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Were you watching? This week President Obama gave his final State of the Union speech. He touted the success of the Paris conference in bringing 195 countries together to agree to curb global warming pollution. He rebuffed those who deny climate change and called for a spirit of collaboration, stating “a sustainable, peaceful planet for […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Few of the decisions made by the men and women of our General Assembly are so prone to self-serving, partisan abuse as the setting of boundaries for voting districts. When legislators yield to that temptation, it’s inescapable that the rights of some voters to have a fair, equal voice in elections are trampled into the […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Few of the decisions made by the men and women of our General Assembly are so prone to self-serving, partisan abuse as the setting of boundaries for voting districts. When legislators yield to that temptation, it’s inescapable that the rights of some voters to have a fair, equal voice in elections are trampled into the […]

Uncomplicating Justice

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it’s complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is complicated. Immigration reform is complicated. Climate change is complicated. And it is. History is complicated and so are people’s motives and interpretations. However, often that […]

Uncomplicating Justice

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it’s complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is complicated. Immigration reform is complicated. Climate change is complicated. And it is. History is complicated and so are people’s motives and interpretations. However, often that […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

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 amounted to yet another slog down a disappointing path. It was the third full year since conservative Republicans completed their takeover of power […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

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 amounted to yet another slog down a disappointing path. It was the third full year since conservative Republicans completed their takeover of power […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in […]

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks to try to win votes, he plays rough. Pursuing the Republican nomination for president, the bumptious Trump has been on a roll. His tough-guy rhetoric […]

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks to try to win votes, he plays rough. Pursuing the Republican nomination for president, the bumptious Trump has been on a roll. His tough-guy rhetoric […]

Candlelight Vigil Marks Losses to Gun Violence

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Dozens of people gathered at Durham’s Judea Reform Congregation  on the evening of December 10 to mark lives lost or forever changed by gun violence. Speakers shared personal stories and held up ways elected leaders could and should make everyone safer through sensible measures. In her remarks to those who attended the candlelight vigil, Council Executive […]

Candlelight Vigil Marks Losses to Gun Violence

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Dozens of people gathered at Durham’s Judea Reform Congregation  on the evening of December 10 to mark lives lost or forever changed by gun violence. Speakers shared personal stories and held up ways elected leaders could and should make everyone safer through sensible measures. In her remarks to those who attended the candlelight vigil, Council Executive […]

Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

December 10, 7 p.m. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of Churches, partnering with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters, will host a Candlelight Vigil to Remember the Victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. This is especially timely for the Council. Recently […]

Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

December 10, 7 p.m. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of Churches, partnering with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters, will host a Candlelight Vigil to Remember the Victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. This is especially timely for the Council. Recently […]

Eighty-Day Voter Registration Drive Kicks Off

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following are remarks offered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference announcing a collaborative voter registration drive that will extend into February. Eighty years ago, faith leaders of NC stood up and cried out against the injustice of segregation and racial discrimination. The NC Council of Churches was born. Sixty years ago, Rosa Parks […]

Eighty-Day Voter Registration Drive Kicks Off

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following are remarks offered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference announcing a collaborative voter registration drive that will extend into February. Eighty years ago, faith leaders of NC stood up and cried out against the injustice of segregation and racial discrimination. The NC Council of Churches was born. Sixty years ago, Rosa Parks […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and […]

A Living Wage in Wake County

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Last week brought the welcome news that Wake County’s commissioners had voted unanimously to raise the county’s lowest-paid workers up to what commissioners calculate to be a living wage for the county — $13.50 per hour. There are, of course, various ways to calculate what that amount should be, […]

A Living Wage in Wake County

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Last week brought the welcome news that Wake County’s commissioners had voted unanimously to raise the county’s lowest-paid workers up to what commissioners calculate to be a living wage for the county — $13.50 per hour. There are, of course, various ways to calculate what that amount should be, […]

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has enveloped America’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis stand principles of compassion and common sense. The N.C. Council of Churches is proud to embrace those principles and to support a clear-eyed yet generous policy toward the resettlement of refugees […]

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has enveloped America’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis stand principles of compassion and common sense. The N.C. Council of Churches is proud to embrace those principles and to support a clear-eyed yet generous policy toward the resettlement of refugees […]

Family Values for All God’s Family

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Here we go again. The intersection between faith and politics has been a complicated one all the way back to the passage of the First Amendment, which prohibited laws “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It seems to have gotten only more complicated in […]

Family Values for All God’s Family

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Here we go again. The intersection between faith and politics has been a complicated one all the way back to the passage of the First Amendment, which prohibited laws “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It seems to have gotten only more complicated in […]

UNC System’s New Sheriff

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made a mark of sorts with his put-down of the NAACP-led Moral Monday protest movement – the movement that called the conservative-controlled General Assembly to account for a range of policies harmful to the state’s disadvantaged and its overall well-being. Goolsby, […]

UNC System’s New Sheriff

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made a mark of sorts with his put-down of the NAACP-led Moral Monday protest movement – the movement that called the conservative-controlled General Assembly to account for a range of policies harmful to the state’s disadvantaged and its overall well-being. Goolsby, […]

The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following was originally presented as part of an NAACP panel discussion on October 8. The givens in the title are: We are pursuing justice. We want to pursue justice morally, the right way—the means justify the ends. Morality requires a framework. “Right” does not occur in a vacuum. Who tells us what is right? […]

The Theology of a Moral Agenda in Pursuit of Justice

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following was originally presented as part of an NAACP panel discussion on October 8. The givens in the title are: We are pursuing justice. We want to pursue justice morally, the right way—the means justify the ends. Morality requires a framework. “Right” does not occur in a vacuum. Who tells us what is right? […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

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 come down. There’s been enough damage. But as if our illustrious lawmakers wanted to give us the worst of both worlds, the session’s climactic phase […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

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 come down. There’s been enough damage. But as if our illustrious lawmakers wanted to give us the worst of both worlds, the session’s climactic phase […]

Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In the final hours of the 2015 legislative session, the NC House of Representatives passed House Bill 318, a measure that would prohibit communities from being so-called “sanctuaries” for people living in this country illegally and would limit the forms of acceptable personal identification people are able to use. The bill, which was approved by the […]

Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In the final hours of the 2015 legislative session, the NC House of Representatives passed House Bill 318, a measure that would prohibit communities from being so-called “sanctuaries” for people living in this country illegally and would limit the forms of acceptable personal identification people are able to use. The bill, which was approved by the […]

Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Pope Francis has been an outspoken leader about the need to welcome immigrants and refugees in our communities. This past Thursday, he continued his positive track record of expressing compassion for immigrants and refugees when he addressed Congress. He invoked the Golden Rule held by many faith traditions – do unto others as we would […]

Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Pope Francis has been an outspoken leader about the need to welcome immigrants and refugees in our communities. This past Thursday, he continued his positive track record of expressing compassion for immigrants and refugees when he addressed Congress. He invoked the Golden Rule held by many faith traditions – do unto others as we would […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones Street. But all too often, the results are more scary than funny. OK, scary is a loaded term that has to be viewed within the […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones Street. But all too often, the results are more scary than funny. OK, scary is a loaded term that has to be viewed within the […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a mouse, then a state budget that is completely underwhelming as a vehicle for making North Carolina a better place for all of its residents to […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a mouse, then a state budget that is completely underwhelming as a vehicle for making North Carolina a better place for all of its residents to […]

The Odor Around the Lottery

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery, capping a long debate over the wisdom of state-sponsored gaming, they set aside warnings of a slippery slope. Supporters maintained that our lottery would be, in effect, a lottery-lite. Advertising would be soft-pedaled so as not to pose irresistible […]

The Odor Around the Lottery

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery, capping a long debate over the wisdom of state-sponsored gaming, they set aside warnings of a slippery slope. Supporters maintained that our lottery would be, in effect, a lottery-lite. Advertising would be soft-pedaled so as not to pose irresistible […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re set up to be equal in power, although it could be said that the larger House is designed to be more reflective of the public will. Senators typically have more room to operate. And operating in a smaller group, […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re set up to be equal in power, although it could be said that the larger House is designed to be more reflective of the public will. Senators typically have more room to operate. And operating in a smaller group, […]

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends Service Committee calls this weapon system the “plane that ate the budget” and puts the lifetime cost at $1.5 trillion. Over the same period of years that Lockheed Martin has encouraged Congress to continue funding the most expensive weapon […]

Priorities and the Jet that Ate the Budget

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

A recent article in Raleigh’s News and Observer focused on the F-35 jet. The American Friends Service Committee calls this weapon system the “plane that ate the budget” and puts the lifetime cost at $1.5 trillion. Over the same period of years that Lockheed Martin has encouraged Congress to continue funding the most expensive weapon […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House on June 23 rejected the Senate’s version of the annual budget bill. No, not exactly a cliff-hanger. House members – majority Republicans as well as […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House on June 23 rejected the Senate’s version of the annual budget bill. No, not exactly a cliff-hanger. House members – majority Republicans as well as […]

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

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and now are affirmed in continuing to perform same-gender marriages, and with the clergy who have sought to officiate these weddings as a matter of faith. […]

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

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and now are affirmed in continuing to perform same-gender marriages, and with the clergy who have sought to officiate these weddings as a matter of faith. […]

The Leadership of Pope Francis

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “[Pope] Francis almost makes me want to convert to Catholicism.” This is the sentiment generally expressed by many of my colleagues at Duke Divinity School. Many of us who are not Catholic find refreshing a Pope who is faithfully in touch with so many social justice concerns in […]

The Leadership of Pope Francis

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “[Pope] Francis almost makes me want to convert to Catholicism.” This is the sentiment generally expressed by many of my colleagues at Duke Divinity School. Many of us who are not Catholic find refreshing a Pope who is faithfully in touch with so many social justice concerns in […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act.  For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version of Obamacare does not reach that ultimate goal, it has proved to be a crucial step forward. We are grateful to the justices of the […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act.  For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version of Obamacare does not reach that ultimate goal, it has proved to be a crucial step forward. We are grateful to the justices of the […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week, I listened to WUNC as I usually do. I heard a lot about the state legislature during my drive to Raleigh – about how the Senate budget will cut up to 8,500 teaching assistants jobs and the stories of […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week, I listened to WUNC as I usually do. I heard a lot about the state legislature during my drive to Raleigh – about how the Senate budget will cut up to 8,500 teaching assistants jobs and the stories of […]

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad range of people,” began Manzoor Cheema, a leader of Muslims for Social Justice and one of the coalition leaders for the newly formed Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia (MERI). “The only way to overcome this oppression is to […]

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad range of people,” began Manzoor Cheema, a leader of Muslims for Social Justice and one of the coalition leaders for the newly formed Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia (MERI). “The only way to overcome this oppression is to […]

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because through it you offer your listener a way into your life in an organized format: a challenge you faced, a choice you made, and an outcome. And so, one by one, the diverse collection of people surrounding me offered […]

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because through it you offer your listener a way into your life in an organized format: a challenge you faced, a choice you made, and an outcome. And so, one by one, the diverse collection of people surrounding me offered […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would be asking for trouble if it let public officials pick and choose which of their duties they will carry out. His veto stamp thumped down on […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would be asking for trouble if it let public officials pick and choose which of their duties they will carry out. His veto stamp thumped down on […]

Leadership and Hope at the Margins

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern This past Tuesday, more than 200 people celebrated the career of NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed before his retirement at the end of this month. While I have only known George for about two weeks, I have seen the positive impact he has had on […]

Leadership and Hope at the Margins

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern This past Tuesday, more than 200 people celebrated the career of NC Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed before his retirement at the end of this month. While I have only known George for about two weeks, I have seen the positive impact he has had on […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law commonly known as SEPA, or the State Environmental Policy Act. It was enacted in 1971, during the great upsurge of the modern environmental movement that […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law commonly known as SEPA, or the State Environmental Policy Act. It was enacted in 1971, during the great upsurge of the modern environmental movement that […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must be how Bob Luddy sees it. Luddy, a highly successful Wake County businessman (his company makes commercial kitchen ventilation equipment), is an outspoken advocate for […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must be how Bob Luddy sees it. Luddy, a highly successful Wake County businessman (his company makes commercial kitchen ventilation equipment), is an outspoken advocate for […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged up, putting the state on course to finish its budget year in the black. Berger proclaimed that the tax cuts had done the trick. One […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged up, putting the state on course to finish its budget year in the black. Berger proclaimed that the tax cuts had done the trick. One […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

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 and choose the leaders who write our laws – was Samuel Flippen, 36, who was given a lethal injection at Central Prison in Raleigh at […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

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 and choose the leaders who write our laws – was Samuel Flippen, 36, who was given a lethal injection at Central Prison in Raleigh at […]

Nepal and Baltimore

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace and ease. In both Nepal and Baltimore, lives have been lost tragically. Let us pray for the departed and all those who love them. In Nepal and Baltimore, years of neglect and conflict only contribute to the current crisis. […]

Nepal and Baltimore

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace and ease. In both Nepal and Baltimore, lives have been lost tragically. Let us pray for the departed and all those who love them. In Nepal and Baltimore, years of neglect and conflict only contribute to the current crisis. […]

Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, The News & Observer published an article entitled “Many NC workers’ death go uncounted,” describing how often workplace deaths in North Carolina are uninvestigated, undocumented, and unreported. The article details the ways that the NC Department of Labor reports workplace fatalities and how a large number of deaths are not counted […]

Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, The News & Observer published an article entitled “Many NC workers’ death go uncounted,” describing how often workplace deaths in North Carolina are uninvestigated, undocumented, and unreported. The article details the ways that the NC Department of Labor reports workplace fatalities and how a large number of deaths are not counted […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

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 that this year’s version, held on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, succeeded on both counts. With the General Assembly moving into […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

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 that this year’s version, held on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, succeeded on both counts. With the General Assembly moving into […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken tax system. Of course, whether it really was broken is a point many North Carolinians have been quick to dispute. The overall effect of the […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken tax system. Of course, whether it really was broken is a point many North Carolinians have been quick to dispute. The overall effect of the […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches has been addressing for many years. The legal context The first words of the Bill of Rights are the religious liberty clauses: “Congress shall make […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches has been addressing for many years. The legal context The first words of the Bill of Rights are the religious liberty clauses: “Congress shall make […]

North Carolina Redistricting on High Court’s Radar

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Racial gerrymandering strikes at the heart of our demo­cratic process, undermining the electorate’s confidence in its government as representative of a cohesive body politic in which all citizens are equal before the law.” Nicely put, Mr. Justice Scalia! Antonin Scalia is the US Supreme Court’s sharp-tongued scourge of all things perceived to be liberal. In a […]

North Carolina Redistricting on High Court’s Radar

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Racial gerrymandering strikes at the heart of our demo­cratic process, undermining the electorate’s confidence in its government as representative of a cohesive body politic in which all citizens are equal before the law.” Nicely put, Mr. Justice Scalia! Antonin Scalia is the US Supreme Court’s sharp-tongued scourge of all things perceived to be liberal. In a […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand Medicaid come to a vote this year, or even receive a fair hearing in the committees they control. But by pressing the case, advocates continue […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand Medicaid come to a vote this year, or even receive a fair hearing in the committees they control. But by pressing the case, advocates continue […]

Faith and Taxation

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make the connection between paying taxes and living out our values.  Paying taxes allows us to invest in the Common Good and build a just economy […]

Faith and Taxation

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make the connection between paying taxes and living out our values.  Paying taxes allows us to invest in the Common Good and build a just economy […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by the Council, none is more closely focused on those links than the Legislative Seminar – giving it a special prominence on the Council calendar. No, […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by the Council, none is more closely focused on those links than the Legislative Seminar – giving it a special prominence on the Council calendar. No, […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, thank you and we look forward to seeing you on April 14. If you haven’t registered, please do so by April 7 in order to […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, thank you and we look forward to seeing you on April 14. If you haven’t registered, please do so by April 7 in order to […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the information they need to be advocates on issues before the NC General Assembly. Registration with workshop options is below. Please scroll through the registration section […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the information they need to be advocates on issues before the NC General Assembly. Registration with workshop options is below. Please scroll through the registration section […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. We appoint the University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors. We set the system’s budget. “So why should we have to put up with […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. We appoint the University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors. We set the system’s budget. “So why should we have to put up with […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.”  Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not to be compassionate. Such is the case with extending Medicaid to close the coverage gap and provide health insurance for all citizens in North Carolina. […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.”  Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not to be compassionate. Such is the case with extending Medicaid to close the coverage gap and provide health insurance for all citizens in North Carolina. […]

Commentary About Torture Report Published

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

People of faith with Council connections have spoken out strongly on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on torture, calling for transparency. In particular, two recent opinion pieces call on Senator Richard Burr, now chair of the committee, to lead in releasing the full report. A guest column by NC Stop Torture Now’s Christina Cowger and Gary Gloster, the retired […]

Commentary About Torture Report Published

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

People of faith with Council connections have spoken out strongly on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on torture, calling for transparency. In particular, two recent opinion pieces call on Senator Richard Burr, now chair of the committee, to lead in releasing the full report. A guest column by NC Stop Torture Now’s Christina Cowger and Gary Gloster, the retired […]

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen. Richard Burr for Friday, February 6. Now that he is head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, his role in the full release of the 6,900-page report on the CIA torture program becomes even more crucial. Christina Cowger of NC […]

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen. Richard Burr for Friday, February 6. Now that he is head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, his role in the full release of the 6,900-page report on the CIA torture program becomes even more crucial. Christina Cowger of NC […]

Register Now for 2015 Faith and Immigration Summit

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This year’s summit will focus on issues affecting children and youth coming to our state from Central America. Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve will preach during opening worship and music will be a Latino praise band. This event promises to accomplish four main goals: • Offer a unique statewide, ecumenical gathering for faith leaders who work primarily […]

Register Now for 2015 Faith and Immigration Summit

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This year’s summit will focus on issues affecting children and youth coming to our state from Central America. Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve will preach during opening worship and music will be a Latino praise band. This event promises to accomplish four main goals: • Offer a unique statewide, ecumenical gathering for faith leaders who work primarily […]

NC Bread for the World Conference, March 28

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

When you think of hunger in our state — where one in four children lives in a food insecure family — we wonder what Jesus would have us do to “give them something to eat.” Many of us church folks contribute to food pantries, soup kitchens, and programs that feed the hungry, but the problem remains staggering. […]

NC Bread for the World Conference, March 28

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

When you think of hunger in our state — where one in four children lives in a food insecure family — we wonder what Jesus would have us do to “give them something to eat.” Many of us church folks contribute to food pantries, soup kitchens, and programs that feed the hungry, but the problem remains staggering. […]

Welcome EdNC to the Conversation

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Education has been of central importance to the NC Council of Churches throughout our history. Part of our opposition to segregation was support for a fully integrated public school system. When it seemed that too many voices of faith were bashing public schools, the Council’s Public Education Committee was created to provide an alternate voice. […]

Welcome EdNC to the Conversation

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Education has been of central importance to the NC Council of Churches throughout our history. Part of our opposition to segregation was support for a fully integrated public school system. When it seemed that too many voices of faith were bashing public schools, the Council’s Public Education Committee was created to provide an alternate voice. […]

Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Now that Epiphany is over, we are looking back on Advent and Christmas, and remembering our celebrations — special time with family, special foods or gifts.  An article in the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s winter newsletter entitled “For Which Christmas Are You Preparing” by Rev. Ellie Stock, Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, St. Louis, Missouri, led me to […]

Which Christmas Will We Embrace in NC?

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Now that Epiphany is over, we are looking back on Advent and Christmas, and remembering our celebrations — special time with family, special foods or gifts.  An article in the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s winter newsletter entitled “For Which Christmas Are You Preparing” by Rev. Ellie Stock, Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, St. Louis, Missouri, led me to […]

So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Of the many decisions and activities that unfold in the arena of public affairs, the ones that tend to show up on the NC Council of Churches’ radar are those affecting the quality of social justice in our state. The Council stands for policies and their associated programs that offer support, relief and prospects for […]

So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Of the many decisions and activities that unfold in the arena of public affairs, the ones that tend to show up on the NC Council of Churches’ radar are those affecting the quality of social justice in our state. The Council stands for policies and their associated programs that offer support, relief and prospects for […]

How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

On November 20, President Obama announced that his administration will make changes to immigration policy through an administrative relief program. This will include changing removal priorities, expanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, creating a new work permit for parents of US citizens and legal permanent residents, and more. For more information about what these changes […]

How Your Church Can Help Prepare for Administrative Relief

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

On November 20, President Obama announced that his administration will make changes to immigration policy through an administrative relief program. This will include changing removal priorities, expanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, creating a new work permit for parents of US citizens and legal permanent residents, and more. For more information about what these changes […]

Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the largest detention center in the United States opened. The 50-acre center, located in Dilley, TX, will hold up to 2,400 migrants who have crossed the border illegally and is especially designed to hold women and children. This week, Christians around the world are engaged in the retelling of the story of Jesus’ […]

Christmas: The Story of a Refugee Child Named Jesus

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the largest detention center in the United States opened. The 50-acre center, located in Dilley, TX, will hold up to 2,400 migrants who have crossed the border illegally and is especially designed to hold women and children. This week, Christians around the world are engaged in the retelling of the story of Jesus’ […]

Climate Change and the New NC DENR Chief

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

More than 97 percent of the world’s climate scientists believe we humans are changing our climate for the worse. (That scientific consensus is as strong as the one that finds smoking causes cancer.) By burning fossil fuel in power plants, trucks and cars, by releasing methane gas during gas and oil drilling, by cutting down […]

Climate Change and the New NC DENR Chief

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

More than 97 percent of the world’s climate scientists believe we humans are changing our climate for the worse. (That scientific consensus is as strong as the one that finds smoking causes cancer.) By burning fossil fuel in power plants, trucks and cars, by releasing methane gas during gas and oil drilling, by cutting down […]

Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The past two months the NC Coalition for Justice for Immigrants has been busy with its annual clergy breakfast series. This year we hosted five events across the state, as far west as Black Mountain and to the east toward Greenville. In total, 87 clergy and congregational leaders participated. I had the pleasure of attending […]

Ten Things I Learned from the 2014 Clergy Breakfasts

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The past two months the NC Coalition for Justice for Immigrants has been busy with its annual clergy breakfast series. This year we hosted five events across the state, as far west as Black Mountain and to the east toward Greenville. In total, 87 clergy and congregational leaders participated. I had the pleasure of attending […]

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to fight terrorism with terror. That’s an ultimate takeaway from the U.S. Senate report detailing abusive interrogations of terror suspects by the Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA had a heavy responsibility in those dark days after Sept. 11, 2001, when […]

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to fight terrorism with terror. That’s an ultimate takeaway from the U.S. Senate report detailing abusive interrogations of terror suspects by the Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA had a heavy responsibility in those dark days after Sept. 11, 2001, when […]

2014 Advent Guide

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take a social justice theme as a focus for these guides to be used during the season of Advent or Lent. For this Advent season, that focus is the care and well-being of children. As we say in the introduction: As […]

2014 Advent Guide

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take a social justice theme as a focus for these guides to be used during the season of Advent or Lent. For this Advent season, that focus is the care and well-being of children. As we say in the introduction: As […]

Environmental Responsibility Knows No Boundaries

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This week, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping – leaders of the world’s two biggest polluters – announced a “historic agreement.” Each country committed to reducing its nation’s carbon emissions: The US will reduce emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025, while China agreed to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, with […]

Environmental Responsibility Knows No Boundaries

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This week, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping – leaders of the world’s two biggest polluters – announced a “historic agreement.” Each country committed to reducing its nation’s carbon emissions: The US will reduce emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025, while China agreed to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, with […]

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov. 5, they gave a thumbs-up to the conservatives who’ve been in charge at the General Assembly for the last four years – doing damage that calls to mind the proverbial elephant in a china shop. Republican victories might not […]

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov. 5, they gave a thumbs-up to the conservatives who’ve been in charge at the General Assembly for the last four years – doing damage that calls to mind the proverbial elephant in a china shop. Republican victories might not […]