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Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches as we visit Charlotte and Asheville to discuss ways our programs are providing a progressive, faithful voice for issues facing NC residents and how […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches as we visit Charlotte and Asheville to discuss ways our programs are providing a progressive, faithful voice for issues facing NC residents and how […]

Hope for Our Future: The EPA Clean Power Plan

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

More than 40% of carbon pollution comes from power plants. Yet incredibly, there are currently no limits on greenhouse gas emissions from these plants. But now, the EPA has proposed first-ever standards for carbon pollution from the nation’s existing power plants. This proposal will limit emissions from power plants by 30% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. Make your […]

Hope for Our Future: The EPA Clean Power Plan

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

More than 40% of carbon pollution comes from power plants. Yet incredibly, there are currently no limits on greenhouse gas emissions from these plants. But now, the EPA has proposed first-ever standards for carbon pollution from the nation’s existing power plants. This proposal will limit emissions from power plants by 30% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. Make your […]

Voter Protection Hotline

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We are coming to the end of the time for voting. Early Voting ends this Saturday, November 1. (Check with your local board of elections for the places and hours for Early Voting in your county.) Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Polls will be open across the state from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Our friends at […]

Voter Protection Hotline

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We are coming to the end of the time for voting. Early Voting ends this Saturday, November 1. (Check with your local board of elections for the places and hours for Early Voting in your county.) Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Polls will be open across the state from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Our friends at […]

Voter Suppression Highlighted From on High

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When thorny constitutional issues are being hashed out in the courts, it’s a fact of life that the show isn’t necessarily over until SCOTUS sings, or declines to sing. The acronym refers of course to the Supreme Court of the United States, which on Oct. 8 had the last word as to the rules for […]

Voter Suppression Highlighted From on High

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When thorny constitutional issues are being hashed out in the courts, it’s a fact of life that the show isn’t necessarily over until SCOTUS sings, or declines to sing. The acronym refers of course to the Supreme Court of the United States, which on Oct. 8 had the last word as to the rules for […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click here to view it and use it. Just type in your address in the Search box at the top right, then click Return, NOT the […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click here to view it and use it. Just type in your address in the Search box at the top right, then click Return, NOT the […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s decision not to put any of our new voting laws on hold and overturned the Circuit Court’s decision which would have allowed same-day registration during […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s decision not to put any of our new voting laws on hold and overturned the Circuit Court’s decision which would have allowed same-day registration during […]

Where to Go for Voting Info

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps the N.C. chapter of Americans for Prosperity was just trying to be helpful when it mailed out a bunch of “official application forms” to prospective voters. Thanks a lot, guys. The State Board of Elections tells news organizations it has been hammered with queries and complaints about the forms, which include confusing misstatements about […]

Where to Go for Voting Info

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps the N.C. chapter of Americans for Prosperity was just trying to be helpful when it mailed out a bunch of “official application forms” to prospective voters. Thanks a lot, guys. The State Board of Elections tells news organizations it has been hammered with queries and complaints about the forms, which include confusing misstatements about […]

Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

November 4 is Election Day. Because of changes in election laws, it is important that people in our pews know when and where they can vote. All of the following are important:  October 10 is the last day citizens can register to vote. To avoid any problems, your parishioners should be sure they are registered […]

Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

November 4 is Election Day. Because of changes in election laws, it is important that people in our pews know when and where they can vote. All of the following are important:  October 10 is the last day citizens can register to vote. To avoid any problems, your parishioners should be sure they are registered […]

Educating the Littlest and the Least

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Recently, several counties in North Carolina have begun passing resolutions discouraging undocumented children, including unaccompanied minors, from attending schools in these counties. These children, who often have no family in the United States and do not speak English, are the most vulnerable and the “least of these.” These counties are making it clear that unaccompanied […]

Educating the Littlest and the Least

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Recently, several counties in North Carolina have begun passing resolutions discouraging undocumented children, including unaccompanied minors, from attending schools in these counties. These children, who often have no family in the United States and do not speak English, are the most vulnerable and the “least of these.” These counties are making it clear that unaccompanied […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens to vote. Or, conceivably, the old rules will apply after all. That’s because the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has appellate jurisdiction in […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens to vote. Or, conceivably, the old rules will apply after all. That’s because the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has appellate jurisdiction in […]

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura Hall, however, wants people to be thinking about something different: labor unions. Hall, a professor at Duke Divinity School, is calling for congregations to observe a Labor Sabbath this Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to Labor Day, during which time the words […]

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura Hall, however, wants people to be thinking about something different: labor unions. Hall, a professor at Duke Divinity School, is calling for congregations to observe a Labor Sabbath this Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to Labor Day, during which time the words […]

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

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

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in rural parts of our state. This plan includes strategies that do not require additional funding to support, but rather stronger partnerships across different sectors, such […]

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

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

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in rural parts of our state. This plan includes strategies that do not require additional funding to support, but rather stronger partnerships across different sectors, such […]

Saving Our Souls

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

News about children at the border – what’s happening to them, what politicians believe or say about them, where they are going, what will happen to them — continues and the facts are becoming more sensationalized as politicians seek to push their partisan agendas. No single person, group or party has an answer to the growing […]

Saving Our Souls

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

News about children at the border – what’s happening to them, what politicians believe or say about them, where they are going, what will happen to them — continues and the facts are becoming more sensationalized as politicians seek to push their partisan agendas. No single person, group or party has an answer to the growing […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians support with their taxes — is too expensive. That it tries to do too much in the way of regulating business. That it saps individual […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians support with their taxes — is too expensive. That it tries to do too much in the way of regulating business. That it saps individual […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below did not materialize. The approach of an agreement to keep North Carolina state government operating with a balanced budget, as required under the state constitution, […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below did not materialize. The approach of an agreement to keep North Carolina state government operating with a balanced budget, as required under the state constitution, […]

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for these children and sending them letters, and distributed an e-bulletin about ways your congregation can support them. All of these suggestions are centered around showing […]

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for these children and sending them letters, and distributed an e-bulletin about ways your congregation can support them. All of these suggestions are centered around showing […]

National Priorities — What Would Jesus Say?

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Inequality for All,” a documentary with former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, considers the priorities of the US over the last century and offers some interesting observations. When has our country prospered and created the most comfort for the most people? How have government regulations affected different people? Who has been helped by the rules and […]

National Priorities — What Would Jesus Say?

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Inequality for All,” a documentary with former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, considers the priorities of the US over the last century and offers some interesting observations. When has our country prospered and created the most comfort for the most people? How have government regulations affected different people? Who has been helped by the rules and […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main sticking points. Another case of partisan gridlock? Well, one could say so – except this is a standoff between members of the same party. The […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main sticking points. Another case of partisan gridlock? Well, one could say so – except this is a standoff between members of the same party. The […]

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Tune in to WUNC’s “The State of Things” on Tuesday, June 24, to hear David Gushee ahead of his evening presentation in Raleigh. “The State of Things” airs at noon, and Dr. Gushee is currently scheduled to be on from 12:20 until 12:40. If you live beyond the broadcast range of WUNC-FM, you can listen online […]

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Tune in to WUNC’s “The State of Things” on Tuesday, June 24, to hear David Gushee ahead of his evening presentation in Raleigh. “The State of Things” airs at noon, and Dr. Gushee is currently scheduled to be on from 12:20 until 12:40. If you live beyond the broadcast range of WUNC-FM, you can listen online […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down to is spotlighting areas of decision-making in which the interests of ordinary residents – people hoping to live healthy, productive, fulfilling lives, sometimes against the […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down to is spotlighting areas of decision-making in which the interests of ordinary residents – people hoping to live healthy, productive, fulfilling lives, sometimes against the […]

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on the website. It includes registration information, the schedule for the day, and a complete list of workshops and presenters. We are really excited about all the wonderful speakers and presenters who will be joining us to share their knowledge […]

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on the website. It includes registration information, the schedule for the day, and a complete list of workshops and presenters. We are really excited about all the wonderful speakers and presenters who will be joining us to share their knowledge […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good shape, or whether the DMV has enough employees to keep wait times to a minimum. Then there are our neighbors for whom budget decisions can […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good shape, or whether the DMV has enough employees to keep wait times to a minimum. Then there are our neighbors for whom budget decisions can […]

Fracking and “Reform”: Senate’s Shaky Start

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina Senate could have gotten its 2014 session under way with a show of resolve to repair some of the damage from last year’s debacle. Just as one friendly suggestion: Senators could have reversed course and moved at the outset to expand the state’s Medicaid program, utilizing the available federal funds, so that […]

Fracking and “Reform”: Senate’s Shaky Start

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina Senate could have gotten its 2014 session under way with a show of resolve to repair some of the damage from last year’s debacle. Just as one friendly suggestion: Senators could have reversed course and moved at the outset to expand the state’s Medicaid program, utilizing the available federal funds, so that […]

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might amount to the overture. It introduces main themes and sets a mood. But there’s no guarantee that the governor and the legislators who are the […]

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might amount to the overture. It introduces main themes and sets a mood. But there’s no guarantee that the governor and the legislators who are the […]

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been something like “Never a dull moment!” That’s especially been the case as the economy has muddled through various slumps, none so damaging as the Great Recession from which the state and nation still feel aftershocks in the job market. […]

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been something like “Never a dull moment!” That’s especially been the case as the economy has muddled through various slumps, none so damaging as the Great Recession from which the state and nation still feel aftershocks in the job market. […]

Education Events on Tap

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The turmoil in North Carolina’s public schools, caused by budget cuts and ill-advised policy choices, has gotten people’s attention. On Saturday, May 3, there’ll be an opportunity to take a closer look at where things stand and what the stakes are for all involved – which, when we’re talking about the schools, means everyone who […]

Education Events on Tap

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The turmoil in North Carolina’s public schools, caused by budget cuts and ill-advised policy choices, has gotten people’s attention. On Saturday, May 3, there’ll be an opportunity to take a closer look at where things stand and what the stakes are for all involved – which, when we’re talking about the schools, means everyone who […]

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an impressive level of buzz. For the North Carolina Lutherans, their faith partners and other friends who turned out in strength on April 12, those more […]

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an impressive level of buzz. For the North Carolina Lutherans, their faith partners and other friends who turned out in strength on April 12, those more […]

Deadline for Voters — April 11

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s an election in the offing, and over the next few weeks candidates and their allies will be ramping up the rhetoric. North Carolinians settling in to watch some television might want to buckle their seat belts while they ride out the onslaught of campaign commercials. This year, though, there’s a catch. To vote in […]

Deadline for Voters — April 11

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s an election in the offing, and over the next few weeks candidates and their allies will be ramping up the rhetoric. North Carolinians settling in to watch some television might want to buckle their seat belts while they ride out the onslaught of campaign commercials. This year, though, there’s a catch. To vote in […]

Scrambling for the Bench

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Are judges politicians? And why – even in a state such as North Carolina, where judges are elected by the public – does the concept of judges who also function as politicians seem curious, if not troubling? Beyond honesty, intellect and knowledge of the law, perhaps a judge’s most important characteristic is a commitment to being […]

Scrambling for the Bench

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Are judges politicians? And why – even in a state such as North Carolina, where judges are elected by the public – does the concept of judges who also function as politicians seem curious, if not troubling? Beyond honesty, intellect and knowledge of the law, perhaps a judge’s most important characteristic is a commitment to being […]

Open Enrollment Ends March 31

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

As the end of open enrollment on March 31 approaches, little time remains to take advantage of advanced premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies on Healthcare.gov. You have 10 days left to purchase health insurance that is both more affordable and comprehensive while also avoiding the penalty for not having health insurance. Remember, ACA-compliant health […]

Open Enrollment Ends March 31

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

As the end of open enrollment on March 31 approaches, little time remains to take advantage of advanced premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies on Healthcare.gov. You have 10 days left to purchase health insurance that is both more affordable and comprehensive while also avoiding the penalty for not having health insurance. Remember, ACA-compliant health […]

Faithful Activism — Part 2

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be relevant to what follows and addresses the question of whether such participation would threaten a non-profit’s tax status. In addition to the question about tax-exempt […]

Faithful Activism — Part 2

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be relevant to what follows and addresses the question of whether such participation would threaten a non-profit’s tax status. In addition to the question about tax-exempt […]

Faithful Activism — Part 1

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or not to join the HKonJ Coalition. Those conversations have reminded me that it’s helpful from time to time to review the concept of the separation of church and state and to discuss the tax status of churches. Those are […]

Faithful Activism — Part 1

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I had two conversations recently with members of a congregation which was voting on whether or not to join the HKonJ Coalition. Those conversations have reminded me that it’s helpful from time to time to review the concept of the separation of church and state and to discuss the tax status of churches. Those are […]

Becoming a More Peaceful Nation

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Bipartisanship between North Carolina’s Senators Burr and Hagan does occasionally show through — but why and for what?  The willingness of our NC Senators and others in Washington to come together in support of war with Iran, and maintaining a budget with more than 50% of discretionary funds spent on the Pentagon is not what […]

Becoming a More Peaceful Nation

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Bipartisanship between North Carolina’s Senators Burr and Hagan does occasionally show through — but why and for what?  The willingness of our NC Senators and others in Washington to come together in support of war with Iran, and maintaining a budget with more than 50% of discretionary funds spent on the Pentagon is not what […]

Photos from HKonJ 2014

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council helped organize a Service of Repentance and Consecration in front of the General Assembly Building prior to the Moral March and HKonJ People’s Assembly held earlier this month in Raleigh. The photos above were taken throughout the day as Council friends, volunteers and staff came together with people from throughout North Carolina and the nation.

Photos from HKonJ 2014

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council helped organize a Service of Repentance and Consecration in front of the General Assembly Building prior to the Moral March and HKonJ People’s Assembly held earlier this month in Raleigh. The photos above were taken throughout the day as Council friends, volunteers and staff came together with people from throughout North Carolina and the nation.

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of furnishing its public school teachers with adequate salaries. By “adequate,” we should mean pay that’s good enough to attract competent, motivated people into the teaching profession, to convince them to work in our school districts – even districts in […]

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of furnishing its public school teachers with adequate salaries. By “adequate,” we should mean pay that’s good enough to attract competent, motivated people into the teaching profession, to convince them to work in our school districts – even districts in […]

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents pushed young children in strollers, old friends renewed acquaintances, and new relationships were forged. The day began with an interfaith Service of Repentance and Consecration, organized […]

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents pushed young children in strollers, old friends renewed acquaintances, and new relationships were forged. The day began with an interfaith Service of Repentance and Consecration, organized […]

Seeking Smooth Elections

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The election law changes approved last year by North Carolina’s General Assembly face court challenges on grounds of voter suppression and racial discrimination. However the courts rule, it’s hard not to conclude that the changes will have the biggest impact on groups tending to favor Democratic candidates – racial minorities, the elderly, the young, the […]

Seeking Smooth Elections

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The election law changes approved last year by North Carolina’s General Assembly face court challenges on grounds of voter suppression and racial discrimination. However the courts rule, it’s hard not to conclude that the changes will have the biggest impact on groups tending to favor Democratic candidates – racial minorities, the elderly, the young, the […]

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and Worship Service Friday, February 7, 7 p.m. Abundant Life Christian Center 4400 Old Poole Road, Raleigh Keynote speaker is Bishop W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate […]

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and Worship Service Friday, February 7, 7 p.m. Abundant Life Christian Center 4400 Old Poole Road, Raleigh Keynote speaker is Bishop W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate […]

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was as though the laws and policies by which this state is governed had been run through a conservative wringer. Taxes and budgeting. Health care. Unemployment benefits. Public schools. Environmental protection. In these key areas and others, the Republican-controlled legislature […]

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was as though the laws and policies by which this state is governed had been run through a conservative wringer. Taxes and budgeting. Health care. Unemployment benefits. Public schools. Environmental protection. In these key areas and others, the Republican-controlled legislature […]

King’s Voice for Voters

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our country’s annual salute to the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. honors him as the foremost crusader in the grand civil rights movement of the mid-20th century – the movement that finally broke the shackles of legally imposed racial segregation. What King and his countless allies sought was simple enough, at least in principle. […]

King’s Voice for Voters

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our country’s annual salute to the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. honors him as the foremost crusader in the grand civil rights movement of the mid-20th century – the movement that finally broke the shackles of legally imposed racial segregation. What King and his countless allies sought was simple enough, at least in principle. […]

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

It’s now just four weeks until this year’s HKonJ People’s Assembly. There is nothing more important for people of faith to do this winter as we work for prophetic social justice than to attend HKonJ and encourage  others to join us. Participants will assemble at Shaw University at 9:30 a.m. with the march set to begin at […]

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

It’s now just four weeks until this year’s HKonJ People’s Assembly. There is nothing more important for people of faith to do this winter as we work for prophetic social justice than to attend HKonJ and encourage  others to join us. Participants will assemble at Shaw University at 9:30 a.m. with the march set to begin at […]

Voting Rights and Faith

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Elections in the United States must be carried out in line with rules meant to ensure honesty and accuracy, and to expose candidates to timely judgments about their merits. But those rules cannot be used to set up unreasonable barriers to the polls – barriers that serve the rule-writers’ purposes by making it unnecessarily hard […]

Voting Rights and Faith

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Elections in the United States must be carried out in line with rules meant to ensure honesty and accuracy, and to expose candidates to timely judgments about their merits. But those rules cannot be used to set up unreasonable barriers to the polls – barriers that serve the rule-writers’ purposes by making it unnecessarily hard […]

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — we again might find ourselves wondering whether things have to get worse before they can get better. That “things” got worse for many of the […]

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — we again might find ourselves wondering whether things have to get worse before they can get better. That “things” got worse for many of the […]

District Lines and Lions

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The “peaceable kingdom,” where lions lie down with lambs amid other unlikely combos, turns out to be not so far-fetched when it comes to one of North Carolina’s most vexing policy challenges. While there are holdouts who enjoy their status as predators – or who don’t want to risk becoming prey –many conservatives and liberals […]

District Lines and Lions

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The “peaceable kingdom,” where lions lie down with lambs amid other unlikely combos, turns out to be not so far-fetched when it comes to one of North Carolina’s most vexing policy challenges. While there are holdouts who enjoy their status as predators – or who don’t want to risk becoming prey –many conservatives and liberals […]

Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement on Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote  Approved December 10, 2013 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The ability of those who have traditionally been unheard or unheeded to have a voice is a core concern of Christianity. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported equal legal […]

Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Statement on Guaranteeing Suffrage, the Right to Vote  Approved December 10, 2013 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The ability of those who have traditionally been unheard or unheeded to have a voice is a core concern of Christianity. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported equal legal […]

Call for Special Legislative Session on Medicaid and Unemployment

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Tuesday, Executive Director George Reed took part in an NAACP-organized press conference urging Gov. Pat McCrory to call a special legislative session to reconsider decisions blocking Medicaid expansion and cutting off unemployment benefits to many North Carolinians. The press conference was held at Raleigh’s Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. The text of George’s comments follows: […]

Call for Special Legislative Session on Medicaid and Unemployment

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Tuesday, Executive Director George Reed took part in an NAACP-organized press conference urging Gov. Pat McCrory to call a special legislative session to reconsider decisions blocking Medicaid expansion and cutting off unemployment benefits to many North Carolinians. The press conference was held at Raleigh’s Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. The text of George’s comments follows: […]

Costs of Election Changes

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s ghoulish to think about, but everyone has heard of dictatorial regimes that will execute a democracy-minded dissenter and then supposedly make the martyr’s family pay for the bullets. Then there’s the N.C. General Assembly, which hires its own private lawyers to defend brazenly anti-democratic laws – and sends taxpayers the bill. Legislators could rely […]

Costs of Election Changes

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s ghoulish to think about, but everyone has heard of dictatorial regimes that will execute a democracy-minded dissenter and then supposedly make the martyr’s family pay for the bullets. Then there’s the N.C. General Assembly, which hires its own private lawyers to defend brazenly anti-democratic laws – and sends taxpayers the bill. Legislators could rely […]

Signers Welcome — Letter to Governor McCrory

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The NC NAACP has endorsed an open letter to Gov. McCrory about the state’s decision to deny certain unemployment insurance benefits and expanded Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable North Carolinians, something we have covered extensively in RR. The letter was originally drafted by four good friends and distinguished colleagues of the Council: […]

Signers Welcome — Letter to Governor McCrory

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The NC NAACP has endorsed an open letter to Gov. McCrory about the state’s decision to deny certain unemployment insurance benefits and expanded Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable North Carolinians, something we have covered extensively in RR. The letter was originally drafted by four good friends and distinguished colleagues of the Council: […]

Sequestration Cuts 300,000 Families from Energy Assistance

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

What does the Lord require of you? Christians are very familiar with the Micah 6:8 verse where we are required to “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” One has to wonder how our Congress can respond to this command with sequestration cuts being enacted daily. We’ve heard […]

Sequestration Cuts 300,000 Families from Energy Assistance

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

What does the Lord require of you? Christians are very familiar with the Micah 6:8 verse where we are required to “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” One has to wonder how our Congress can respond to this command with sequestration cuts being enacted daily. We’ve heard […]

Crossroads for Food Aid

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Does hunger cause people to work harder, or to make better decisions as to how to spend what little money they may have? OK, let’s say the pangs of an empty stomach – or the thought of one’s children enduring those pangs – might engender focus on doing what one needs to do. “Les Miserables” comes […]

Crossroads for Food Aid

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Does hunger cause people to work harder, or to make better decisions as to how to spend what little money they may have? OK, let’s say the pangs of an empty stomach – or the thought of one’s children enduring those pangs – might engender focus on doing what one needs to do. “Les Miserables” comes […]

Teachers Walk the Talk

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Most people would agree that a young person’s success in school tilts the odds in favor of success in life. Most people would agree that students are more likely to succeed when they’re guided by skillful teachers. So how to explain the stark reality that public school teachers, in North Carolina more so than in […]

Teachers Walk the Talk

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Most people would agree that a young person’s success in school tilts the odds in favor of success in life. Most people would agree that students are more likely to succeed when they’re guided by skillful teachers. So how to explain the stark reality that public school teachers, in North Carolina more so than in […]

Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership

By chris

Date: Advent 2 - Dec. 8, 2013
Topic: Responsible Leadership
Focus Text: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
If we are willing to read Psalm 72 with the early church as pointing to Christ and his kingship, we may see in the ministry of Jesus concrete steps which the church can take in serving the poor and needy among us in our local communities. In Jesus’ ministry and teaching, we come to glimpse a picture of the Kingdom of God with its eternal justice for the poor.

Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership

by chris

Date: Advent 2 – Dec. 8, 2013
Topic: Responsible Leadership
Focus Text: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
If we are willing to read Psalm 72 with the early church as pointing to Christ and his kingship, we may see in the ministry of Jesus concrete steps which the church can take in serving the poor and needy among us in our local communities. In Jesus’ ministry and teaching, we come to glimpse a picture of the Kingdom of God with its eternal justice for the poor.

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

By chris

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as worthless or weak, including the poor, the ill, the foreigner, women, and children. Social justice was at the core of Jesus’ ministry. Based on the Advent readings for Lectionary Year A, this guide will assist you in slowing down this season by taking 20-30 minutes one night a week to focus on social justice.

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

by chris

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as worthless or weak, including the poor, the ill, the foreigner, women, and children. Social justice was at the core of Jesus’ ministry. Based on the Advent readings for Lectionary Year A, this guide will assist you in slowing down this season by taking 20-30 minutes one night a week to focus on social justice.

Shutdown’s Pain Spreads

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Once the budget snarl in Washington finally is untangled and the federal government is back up and running – hopefully in time to avoid a perilous default on the country’s debt – some of North Carolina’s poorest residents will be among those sighing with relief. But what happens in the meantime? Gov. Pat McCrory’s administration […]

Shutdown’s Pain Spreads

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Once the budget snarl in Washington finally is untangled and the federal government is back up and running – hopefully in time to avoid a perilous default on the country’s debt – some of North Carolina’s poorest residents will be among those sighing with relief. But what happens in the meantime? Gov. Pat McCrory’s administration […]

Community Organizations Collaborate to Educate the Public about the ACA

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

Adam Searing, Director of the NC Justice Center’s Health Access Coalition, describes one effort of the local community around Roanoke Rapids to educate their residents about the Affordable Care Act. The blog includes a video re-cap of the event. Also present were Sorien Schmidt of Enroll America and representatives from the Rural Health Group and Legal […]

Community Organizations Collaborate to Educate the Public about the ACA

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

Adam Searing, Director of the NC Justice Center’s Health Access Coalition, describes one effort of the local community around Roanoke Rapids to educate their residents about the Affordable Care Act. The blog includes a video re-cap of the event. Also present were Sorien Schmidt of Enroll America and representatives from the Rural Health Group and Legal […]

Five Enrollment Tips for the Health Insurance Marketplace

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

Whether you plan to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace on your own or through the assistance of a trained Navigator or Certified Application Counselor (CAC), I have five tips for you to consider before you begin the process. These are tips I gleaned from a supplemental training for North Carolina Navigators, and they will […]

Five Enrollment Tips for the Health Insurance Marketplace

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

Whether you plan to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace on your own or through the assistance of a trained Navigator or Certified Application Counselor (CAC), I have five tips for you to consider before you begin the process. These are tips I gleaned from a supplemental training for North Carolina Navigators, and they will […]

Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The political stakes and motives are plain to see. President Obama and his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill are locked in a desperate struggle with the Republicans who control the U.S. House. Neither side wants to be painted as villains in the sorry saga of the partial federal government shutdown, or even worse, in any […]

Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The political stakes and motives are plain to see. President Obama and his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill are locked in a desperate struggle with the Republicans who control the U.S. House. Neither side wants to be painted as villains in the sorry saga of the partial federal government shutdown, or even worse, in any […]

Holy Discontentment: Lifting Your Voice and Letting Your Little Light Shine

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, […]

Holy Discontentment: Lifting Your Voice and Letting Your Little Light Shine

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, […]

ACA Welcomes Volunteers to Help with Enrollment

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

An exciting moment in the history of our country has arrived, and we need your help. North Carolina’s new federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace is opening on October 1. For an initial six-month enrollment period, individuals and families who have faced living without health insurance will be able to enroll in affordable health coverage through the […]

ACA Welcomes Volunteers to Help with Enrollment

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

An exciting moment in the history of our country has arrived, and we need your help. North Carolina’s new federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace is opening on October 1. For an initial six-month enrollment period, individuals and families who have faced living without health insurance will be able to enroll in affordable health coverage through the […]

Tragic Combination: Guns and Mental Illness

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s hope this isn’t the case, but recent history suggests that President Obama is not done with a duty that surely is among the most difficult and heart-wrenching aspects of his job. When groups of innocent Americans are gunned down in the all-too-familiar pattern we refer to as mass shootings, the president – whether Obama […]

Tragic Combination: Guns and Mental Illness

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s hope this isn’t the case, but recent history suggests that President Obama is not done with a duty that surely is among the most difficult and heart-wrenching aspects of his job. When groups of innocent Americans are gunned down in the all-too-familiar pattern we refer to as mass shootings, the president – whether Obama […]

Avoid Health Insurance Marketplace Fraud

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

As the beginning of the enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace approaches, it is important to be aware of ways dishonest individuals may try to gain access to your money or your personally identifiable information. According to the Office of the Inspector General, there are key ways you can protect yourself from becoming a […]

Avoid Health Insurance Marketplace Fraud

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

As the beginning of the enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace approaches, it is important to be aware of ways dishonest individuals may try to gain access to your money or your personally identifiable information. According to the Office of the Inspector General, there are key ways you can protect yourself from becoming a […]

NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

More than 190 faith leaders from across North Carolina have sent a letter to Senator Richard Burr, asking his support for release of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) report on the use of torture after 9/11. Among the signatories are 18 bishops and other denominational executives, including Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal […]

NC Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Burr for Report’s Release

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

More than 190 faith leaders from across North Carolina have sent a letter to Senator Richard Burr, asking his support for release of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) report on the use of torture after 9/11. Among the signatories are 18 bishops and other denominational executives, including Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal […]

When I was a Child, I Spoke with Hunger Pains

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

One in four children in North Carolina is at-risk of hunger. Yet the House of Representatives will soon take up a bill that will cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) over 10 years. These cuts are cruel, unjust and immoral, which makes them un-Biblical. There is probably […]

When I was a Child, I Spoke with Hunger Pains

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

One in four children in North Carolina is at-risk of hunger. Yet the House of Representatives will soon take up a bill that will cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) over 10 years. These cuts are cruel, unjust and immoral, which makes them un-Biblical. There is probably […]

Federal Spending: Are You Concerned, Confused or Both?

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is back in session.  Are you concerned about how your federal tax dollars are being spent, are you confused or both? President Obama notes that the average CEO has gotten a 40% raise since 2009, but the average American earns less than he or she did in 1999. Does this matter to you? Would […]

Federal Spending: Are You Concerned, Confused or Both?

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is back in session.  Are you concerned about how your federal tax dollars are being spent, are you confused or both? President Obama notes that the average CEO has gotten a 40% raise since 2009, but the average American earns less than he or she did in 1999. Does this matter to you? Would […]

ACA Meets the YouToons

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Helping people get the health care they need is serious and important stuff. As the next phase of the Affordable Care Act kicks in on October 1, a lot of work is being done to help folks understand how the program will work and how it benefits them. The Kaiser Family Foundation has been at […]

ACA Meets the YouToons

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Helping people get the health care they need is serious and important stuff. As the next phase of the Affordable Care Act kicks in on October 1, a lot of work is being done to help folks understand how the program will work and how it benefits them. The Kaiser Family Foundation has been at […]

NCCC Board Statement on Syria

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following statement was adopted by the Council’s Governing Board at its September 10 meeting in Chapel Hill: We are called by our faith to turn swords into plowshares. The NC Council of Churches, while made up of denominations and individuals who are pacifist and others who believe war can occasionally be justified, has always […]

NCCC Board Statement on Syria

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following statement was adopted by the Council’s Governing Board at its September 10 meeting in Chapel Hill: We are called by our faith to turn swords into plowshares. The NC Council of Churches, while made up of denominations and individuals who are pacifist and others who believe war can occasionally be justified, has always […]

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a conservative governor in tow, veered away from the moderate consensus that had set the tone of Tar Heel politics for decades. Taxes were cut for high-end earners. Public schools were put through a budget wringer. Anti-pollution rules were weakened, […]

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a conservative governor in tow, veered away from the moderate consensus that had set the tone of Tar Heel politics for decades. Taxes were cut for high-end earners. Public schools were put through a budget wringer. Anti-pollution rules were weakened, […]

Speaking Truth About the ACA

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the problems for people of faith trying to understand the Affordable Care Act and its requirements and benefits for them is that there is bad information out there. Some of it is intentionally planted by those politically opposed to President Obama and Obamacare. An example: A recent TV commercial from the extremely conservative, […]

Speaking Truth About the ACA

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the problems for people of faith trying to understand the Affordable Care Act and its requirements and benefits for them is that there is bad information out there. Some of it is intentionally planted by those politically opposed to President Obama and Obamacare. An example: A recent TV commercial from the extremely conservative, […]

Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh is inviting people of faith to an Interreligious Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East.  It takes place Saturday, September 7, at 11 a.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh. For additional information, e-mail Brother William J. […]

Interreligious Prayer Service Saturday

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh is inviting people of faith to an Interreligious Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East.  It takes place Saturday, September 7, at 11 a.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh. For additional information, e-mail Brother William J. […]

Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

North Carolina’s public schools has suffered at the hands of this General Assembly and Governor. The impact on the schools, their employees, and the children they serve will be felt for years to come. Supporters of public education are rallying for North Carolina’s schools with events planned for Saturday and with a statewide “red out” on Monday. Saturday rallies […]

Take Action for Public Schools — Aug. 24 and 26

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

North Carolina’s public schools has suffered at the hands of this General Assembly and Governor. The impact on the schools, their employees, and the children they serve will be felt for years to come. Supporters of public education are rallying for North Carolina’s schools with events planned for Saturday and with a statewide “red out” on Monday. Saturday rallies […]

Court Tests for New Election Law

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new voter ID law also cuts the period for early voting and makes other changes in election rules. Does the law discriminate against some voters on the basis of their race? Or is it targeted at Democrats, with any downside for African-Americans simply reflecting the fact that as a group they lean Democratic […]

Court Tests for New Election Law

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new voter ID law also cuts the period for early voting and makes other changes in election rules. Does the law discriminate against some voters on the basis of their race? Or is it targeted at Democrats, with any downside for African-Americans simply reflecting the fact that as a group they lean Democratic […]

Elections bill: Return to senders

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory has said he’ll soon dispose of the 30 or so bills remaining on his desk following the General Assembly’s July 26 adjournment. He can either sign them into law, let them become law without his signature or veto them. Will the Republican governor take a hint from Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper […]

Elections bill: Return to senders

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory has said he’ll soon dispose of the 30 or so bills remaining on his desk following the General Assembly’s July 26 adjournment. He can either sign them into law, let them become law without his signature or veto them. Will the Republican governor take a hint from Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper […]

Affordable Care Act — Get Informed, Get Covered

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Those who do not have health insurance can begin to enroll through the Affordable Care Act on October 1, and the Council is one of many organizations working to help folks understand their benefits and options. Get Covered America has just released some excellent information about the ACA and eligibility, including statistics specific to North […]

Affordable Care Act — Get Informed, Get Covered

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Those who do not have health insurance can begin to enroll through the Affordable Care Act on October 1, and the Council is one of many organizations working to help folks understand their benefits and options. Get Covered America has just released some excellent information about the ACA and eligibility, including statistics specific to North […]

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Salon

Every week prayers and gospel songs infuse the air and participants offer blessings to the latest batch of 100 or so activists entering the Raleigh General Assembly building to commit civil disobedience. If you’re not from here, it may all seem a little counter-intuitive: A movement for inclusive and just secular governance that is deeply inflected with Christian ethics and arguments.

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

Salon

Every week prayers and gospel songs infuse the air and participants offer blessings to the latest batch of 100 or so activists entering the Raleigh General Assembly building to commit civil disobedience. If you’re not from here, it may all seem a little counter-intuitive: A movement for inclusive and just secular governance that is deeply inflected with Christian ethics and arguments.

Prejudice Against the Poor

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bob Seymour, minister emeritus of Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, recently provided a powerful commentary in the News & Observer on how society views some of the most vulnerable among us. Binkley is a member congregation of the Council. He wrote in part: Whatever the case, in our free society there is a tendency for many […]

Prejudice Against the Poor

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bob Seymour, minister emeritus of Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, recently provided a powerful commentary in the News & Observer on how society views some of the most vulnerable among us. Binkley is a member congregation of the Council. He wrote in part: Whatever the case, in our free society there is a tendency for many […]

Three for the Governor’s ‘No’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Gov. Pat McCrory goes along with the General Assembly’s partial “disassembly” of state environmental rules – and if North Carolina loses significant ground in the battle against pollution, as likely would be the case – he won’t be able to say he wasn’t warned. Fourteen of the state’s environmental groups have teamed up with […]

Three for the Governor’s ‘No’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Gov. Pat McCrory goes along with the General Assembly’s partial “disassembly” of state environmental rules – and if North Carolina loses significant ground in the battle against pollution, as likely would be the case – he won’t be able to say he wasn’t warned. Fourteen of the state’s environmental groups have teamed up with […]

Short Rations for Schools

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them wearing distinctive red t-shirts, helped swell the crowd of several thousand at the July 29 “Moral Monday” protest in downtown Raleigh – the largest gathering […]

Short Rations for Schools

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them wearing distinctive red t-shirts, helped swell the crowd of several thousand at the July 29 “Moral Monday” protest in downtown Raleigh – the largest gathering […]

Voter ID: We Get the Picture

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Democracy can become a farce if the rules by which votes are cast are skewed so that the voices of some citizens are muffled. That is the troubling prospect facing North Carolina as legislators move to require would-be voters to show photo identification and to trim the period for early voting. At the same time, […]

Voter ID: We Get the Picture

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Democracy can become a farce if the rules by which votes are cast are skewed so that the voices of some citizens are muffled. That is the troubling prospect facing North Carolina as legislators move to require would-be voters to show photo identification and to trim the period for early voting. At the same time, […]

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We will never know if George Zimmerman would ever have gotten out of his car if he hadn’t had a gun. We do know that countless children of God have died in the last year alone because of gun violence. More guns and easier access to them do not inherently make us safer. Gail Neely […]

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We will never know if George Zimmerman would ever have gotten out of his car if he hadn’t had a gun. We do know that countless children of God have died in the last year alone because of gun violence. More guns and easier access to them do not inherently make us safer. Gail Neely […]

Voter ID Showdown Looms

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the end of the 2013 legislative session in sight, Republicans in the General Assembly are making a final push to adopt photo identification as a requirement for voting. The Senate Rules Committee is expected early next week to consider a revised and in some respects toughened version of a voter ID bill that passed […]

Voter ID Showdown Looms

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the end of the 2013 legislative session in sight, Republicans in the General Assembly are making a final push to adopt photo identification as a requirement for voting. The Senate Rules Committee is expected early next week to consider a revised and in some respects toughened version of a voter ID bill that passed […]

Medicare Turns 48 on July 30

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Dozens of organizations across the country are planning events to celebrate Medicare on or around the program’s 48th birthday on July 30. The North Carolina Council of Churches is among groups that have long advocated for health care for all God’s children. Find an event in your area or get the tool kit to plan […]

Medicare Turns 48 on July 30

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Dozens of organizations across the country are planning events to celebrate Medicare on or around the program’s 48th birthday on July 30. The North Carolina Council of Churches is among groups that have long advocated for health care for all God’s children. Find an event in your area or get the tool kit to plan […]

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. Alliance of Baptists: ‘Not One Step Back’: Moral Mondays in Raleigh, […]

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. Alliance of Baptists: ‘Not One Step Back’: Moral Mondays in Raleigh, […]

Lines in the Wind

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican legislators seem to be a little conflicted when it comes to their opinion of the federal Voting Rights Act. How many of them would disagree with the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority and allow the Act to continue to be enforced as Congress intended? It’s a fair bet, not many. But when […]

Lines in the Wind

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican legislators seem to be a little conflicted when it comes to their opinion of the federal Voting Rights Act. How many of them would disagree with the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority and allow the Act to continue to be enforced as Congress intended? It’s a fair bet, not many. But when […]

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to a national audience. Council Communications Director Aleta Payne and I met […]

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to a national audience. Council Communications Director Aleta Payne and I met […]

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

By chris

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I'm deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

by chris

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I’m deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Let ‘Environment’ Bills Wither

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was a sure bet that the Republican majorities in both houses of the General Assembly, working in tandem with a new Republican governor, would seek this year to cut taxes and reduce government spending. After all, that’s what they campaigned on. Those misguided efforts would shift tax burdens toward citizens who earn less money. […]

Let ‘Environment’ Bills Wither

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was a sure bet that the Republican majorities in both houses of the General Assembly, working in tandem with a new Republican governor, would seek this year to cut taxes and reduce government spending. After all, that’s what they campaigned on. Those misguided efforts would shift tax burdens toward citizens who earn less money. […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on environmental justice, climate justice, and health care. Protestors throughout the event displayed signs […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on environmental justice, climate justice, and health care. Protestors throughout the event displayed signs […]

We Are Called by Our Faith

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Tuesday, June 25, President Obama spoke of our moral obligation to address climate change on behalf of future generations.  He has not waited for Congress and we should not either. Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) and submitting it to your local newspaper is just one thing we all can do to build […]

We Are Called by Our Faith

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Tuesday, June 25, President Obama spoke of our moral obligation to address climate change on behalf of future generations.  He has not waited for Congress and we should not either. Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) and submitting it to your local newspaper is just one thing we all can do to build […]

Closer to Voter ID

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican leaders who were waiting for a signal from the U.S. Supreme Court to forge ahead with a photo ID law for voters have gotten their wish. Sadly, the upshot is likely to be that the pool of low-income, elderly and minority voters will shrink. In partisan terms, that may suit Republican purposes, […]

Closer to Voter ID

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican leaders who were waiting for a signal from the U.S. Supreme Court to forge ahead with a photo ID law for voters have gotten their wish. Sadly, the upshot is likely to be that the pool of low-income, elderly and minority voters will shrink. In partisan terms, that may suit Republican purposes, […]

Punishing the Jobless

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to worse as they lose their unemployment benefits. Those are the benefits that can help families rocked by the Great Recession muddle through, paying the mortgage or the rent, keeping a car in the driveway and food on the table […]

Punishing the Jobless

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to worse as they lose their unemployment benefits. Those are the benefits that can help families rocked by the Great Recession muddle through, paying the mortgage or the rent, keeping a car in the driveway and food on the table […]

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a lot of time with children—as a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and as a friend and neighbor. Currently, I’m a Sunday School teacher of young […]

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a lot of time with children—as a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and as a friend and neighbor. Currently, I’m a Sunday School teacher of young […]

State’s Priorities in Play

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s state government leaders will make some heavy-duty decisions over the next few days. A new state budget is supposed to be in place by July 1, and the Republicans who control both chambers of the General Assembly and the governor’s office take pride in meeting budget deadlines. This year, the process of crafting […]

State’s Priorities in Play

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s state government leaders will make some heavy-duty decisions over the next few days. A new state budget is supposed to be in place by July 1, and the Republicans who control both chambers of the General Assembly and the governor’s office take pride in meeting budget deadlines. This year, the process of crafting […]

David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son and 82-year-old dad. David then traveled to Raleigh with his father so that the Rev. Dr. John LaMotte could become one of those arrested at Moral Monday. Having already been arrested in an act of conscience, David explained in […]

David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son and 82-year-old dad. David then traveled to Raleigh with his father so that the Rev. Dr. John LaMotte could become one of those arrested at Moral Monday. Having already been arrested in an act of conscience, David explained in […]

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s segregation and treatment of African-American citizens was somehow un-American, un-constitutional, un-Christian. And they could be dismissed (or worse) because they were an “outsider.” So it […]

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s segregation and treatment of African-American citizens was somehow un-American, un-constitutional, un-Christian. And they could be dismissed (or worse) because they were an “outsider.” So it […]

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House […]

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House […]

Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

While the U.S. does not condone torture, it has become clear that torture has been done by our citizens and in our name. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) has adopted a 6,000-page report on U.S. treatment of detainees in the post-9/11 period and will soon be deciding whether to make this report public. […]

Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

While the U.S. does not condone torture, it has become clear that torture has been done by our citizens and in our name. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) has adopted a 6,000-page report on U.S. treatment of detainees in the post-9/11 period and will soon be deciding whether to make this report public. […]

Bishop Tonyia Rawls — Why She Chose to Be Arrested at Moral Monday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why she chose to be arrested at the June 3 Moral Monday protest. Clergy have been encouraged to attend the weekly demonstrations organized by the NC […]

Bishop Tonyia Rawls — Why She Chose to Be Arrested at Moral Monday

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why she chose to be arrested at the June 3 Moral Monday protest. Clergy have been encouraged to attend the weekly demonstrations organized by the NC […]

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each other, the heads of Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Methodist judicatories in North Carolina and seven Jewish leaders in the Triangle issued statements […]

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each other, the heads of Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Methodist judicatories in North Carolina and seven Jewish leaders in the Triangle issued statements […]