Download Our Faithful Voter Guide

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

Get Involved Donate

Good Government

Join in the Super Vigil

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., please take part in a teleconference Prayer Vigil for a Faith-Filled Budget. Join people of faith from all over our country as religious leaders offer reflections and prayers for: Government officials – calling them to moral discernment around the common good.   The most visibly vulnerable people who will be […]

Join in the Super Vigil

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., please take part in a teleconference Prayer Vigil for a Faith-Filled Budget. Join people of faith from all over our country as religious leaders offer reflections and prayers for: Government officials – calling them to moral discernment around the common good.   The most visibly vulnerable people who will be […]

How Our Health Affects the Bottom Line

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

A new report by the Trust for America’s Health examines how the health of a community affects its ability to attract new businesses and to ultimately stimulate economic growth.  Businesses across the country are discovering that unhealthy employees are more expensive to retain, as they are more likely than their healthy counterparts to miss days […]

How Our Health Affects the Bottom Line

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

A new report by the Trust for America’s Health examines how the health of a community affects its ability to attract new businesses and to ultimately stimulate economic growth.  Businesses across the country are discovering that unhealthy employees are more expensive to retain, as they are more likely than their healthy counterparts to miss days […]

Farm Labor Protection

By chris

Raleigh News & Observer

The N.C. Council of Churches has been working for decades to improve conditions for farm workers in our state. Sadly, too much remains unchanged over that time. Field and poultry workers do backbreaking work, but they don't have the same protections on the job that everyone else has. Now with the recent filing of a complaint against the N.C. Department of Labor, it appears that even the few laws on the books designed to protect farm workers have been systematically ignored ("Dirty jobs," Oct. 15 editorial).

Farm Labor Protection

Raleigh News & Observer

The N.C. Council of Churches has been working for decades to improve conditions for farm workers in our state. Sadly, too much remains unchanged over that time. Field and poultry workers do backbreaking work, but they don’t have the same protections on the job that everyone else has. Now with the recent filing of a complaint against the N.C. Department of Labor, it appears that even the few laws on the books designed to protect farm workers have been systematically ignored (“Dirty jobs,” Oct. 15 editorial).

Safety Net Programs: They’re Worth Fighting For

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

NC Policy Watch

It’s no wonder why our political leaders are scrambling to find solutions, even while bumping heads in the process. Both sides want what’s best for America, but the process through which we work to achieve that has become increasingly contentious and politically charged. And I can’t help but believe that our own personal experiences and beliefs, not the persuasive views of political pundits, ultimately determine on which side of an issue we fall and what we deem worth fighting for. Let me share a story.

Safety Net Programs: They’re Worth Fighting For

NC Policy Watch

It’s no wonder why our political leaders are scrambling to find solutions, even while bumping heads in the process. Both sides want what’s best for America, but the process through which we work to achieve that has become increasingly contentious and politically charged. And I can’t help but believe that our own personal experiences and beliefs, not the persuasive views of political pundits, ultimately determine on which side of an issue we fall and what we deem worth fighting for.

Let me share a story.

Taking a Stand for the Vulnerable

By chris

To raise the voices of NC’s faith community on behalf of poor and vulnerable people in NC, please sign on to the letter below. We will be releasing this letter to the media and sending it to the NC’s Congressional Delegation.

Taking a Stand for the Vulnerable

by chris

To raise the voices of NC’s faith community on behalf of poor and vulnerable people in NC, please sign on to the letter below. We will be releasing this letter to the media and sending it to the NC’s Congressional Delegation.

Budget with conscience

By chris

As the "Super Committee" begins to negotiate a deal to cut $1.5 trillion from our national budget, the faith community wants to be sure that our North Carolina congressional delegation - Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan as well as our 13 representatives - remember the calling of the God of all creation to provide for the common good. As the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, a native North Carolinian and senior pastor emeritus of New York's Riverside Church reminds us, budgets are moral documents that determine who eats and who starves.

Budget with conscience

As the “Super Committee” begins to negotiate a deal to cut $1.5 trillion from our national budget, the faith community wants to be sure that our North Carolina congressional delegation – Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan as well as our 13 representatives – remember the calling of the God of all creation to provide for the common good. As the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, a native North Carolinian and senior pastor emeritus of New York’s Riverside Church reminds us, budgets are moral documents that determine who eats and who starves.

NC IPL Testifies in Support of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

By chris

We are here this morning in support of NC WARN’s requests for safe, healthy and cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to be stipulated as conditions for the proposed merger between Duke Power and Progress Energy. NC WARN, and all the other organizations and individuals testifying, are sharing their expertise and submitting reports that clearly demonstrate a road to the most cost effective solutions for a 21st Century Energy Economy revolving around a comprehensive plan for achieving the maximum attainable energy efficiency in our state.

NC IPL Testifies in Support of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

by chris

We are here this morning in support of NC WARN’s requests for safe, healthy and cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to be stipulated as conditions for the proposed merger between Duke Power and Progress Energy. NC WARN, and all the other organizations and individuals testifying, are sharing their expertise and submitting reports that clearly demonstrate a road to the most cost effective solutions for a 21st Century Energy Economy revolving around a comprehensive plan for achieving the maximum attainable energy efficiency in our state.

Raleigh Report – September 19, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Raleigh Report – September 19, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Discriminatory Amendment Goes on the Ballot

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Discriminatory Amendment Goes on the Ballot

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Schools across North Carolina are opening in the face of substantial budget cuts. All those touched by public education are affected; in particular, children and families who have the least also have the most to lose. Even those not being served directly by the state’s public education system are touched by the young people who progress through it. […]

Remembering Public Schools with Prayer and Action

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Schools across North Carolina are opening in the face of substantial budget cuts. All those touched by public education are affected; in particular, children and families who have the least also have the most to lose. Even those not being served directly by the state’s public education system are touched by the young people who progress through it. […]

The Debt Deal — What it Was and What it Could Have Been

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

You can educate yourself about the ” debt deal” and how it affects the most vunerable and learn how the faith community played a role in keeping it from being worse than it is. View and listen to the recording of “What’s the Deal?” – an excellent webinar, offered by the Interreligious Working Group on […]

The Debt Deal — What it Was and What it Could Have Been

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

You can educate yourself about the ” debt deal” and how it affects the most vunerable and learn how the faith community played a role in keeping it from being worse than it is. View and listen to the recording of “What’s the Deal?” – an excellent webinar, offered by the Interreligious Working Group on […]

Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The General Assembly returned to Raleigh in July for what was, in reality, Round Two of its 2011 Long Session. The primary tasks were to take up overrides on bills Governor Perdue had vetoed and to adopt redistricting plans for U.S. Congressional districts and for the state House and Senate.

Raleigh Report – August 5, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The General Assembly returned to Raleigh in July for what was, in reality, Round Two of its 2011 Long Session. The primary tasks were to take up overrides on bills Governor Perdue had vetoed and to adopt redistricting plans for U.S. Congressional districts and for the state House and Senate.

Give Us Wisdom

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The news these days is filled with budget cuts, both at the state level and with the ongoing mess in Washington. These cuts unduly affect vulnerable people and care of God’s creation, concerns which the NC Council of Churches has worked on for years or even decades. Cathy Tamsberg, the associate pastor of my church (Pullen […]

Give Us Wisdom

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The news these days is filled with budget cuts, both at the state level and with the ongoing mess in Washington. These cuts unduly affect vulnerable people and care of God’s creation, concerns which the NC Council of Churches has worked on for years or even decades. Cathy Tamsberg, the associate pastor of my church (Pullen […]

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Raleigh Report – June 21, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Take Action to Protect Medicaid

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faithful Reform in Health Care is urging people of faith to act to protect Medicaid–health care for the voiceless and our most vulnerable citizens. This is our chance to be a voice for God’s children who often have no voice. Medicaid cuts are being considered in Congress that will hurt the sick, disabled and poorest […]

Take Action to Protect Medicaid

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faithful Reform in Health Care is urging people of faith to act to protect Medicaid–health care for the voiceless and our most vulnerable citizens. This is our chance to be a voice for God’s children who often have no voice. Medicaid cuts are being considered in Congress that will hurt the sick, disabled and poorest […]

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our religious leaders and people of faith have come together in a prophetic Circle of Protection, reminding us that “budgets are moral documents, and how we reduce future deficits are historic and defining moral choices.”  Christian leaders urge “Congress and the administration to give moral priority to programs that protect the life and dignity of poor and vulnerable people […]

Religious Leaders and People of Faith Form a Circle of Protection

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our religious leaders and people of faith have come together in a prophetic Circle of Protection, reminding us that “budgets are moral documents, and how we reduce future deficits are historic and defining moral choices.”  Christian leaders urge “Congress and the administration to give moral priority to programs that protect the life and dignity of poor and vulnerable people […]

Truth to Power

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The seven individuals who were arrested at the General Assembly on Tuesday showed great courage and commitment to social justice. They spoke for those who often have no voice, were a visible presence for those our society often treats as invisible, and did justice as they walked humbly. We are grateful to our colleague, David […]

Truth to Power

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The seven individuals who were arrested at the General Assembly on Tuesday showed great courage and commitment to social justice. They spoke for those who often have no voice, were a visible presence for those our society often treats as invisible, and did justice as they walked humbly. We are grateful to our colleague, David […]

Why I Am in Jail

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

As I write this note, it is 12:30PM and I’m sitting comfortably in my office at the NC Council of Churches.  At 3PM, though, I will be in the gallery at the NC Legislature, and by late this afternoon I may find myself in jail. [Editor’s note: David was arrested on Tuesday around 4pm.] The […]

Why I Am in Jail

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

As I write this note, it is 12:30PM and I’m sitting comfortably in my office at the NC Council of Churches.  At 3PM, though, I will be in the gallery at the NC Legislature, and by late this afternoon I may find myself in jail. [Editor’s note: David was arrested on Tuesday around 4pm.] The […]

Moving Backwards and Playing Games

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At a recent House judiciary committee focused on legislation to do away with the 2009 Racial Justice Act, Seth Edwards, president of the North Carolina Association of District Attorneys, insisted that in NC capital cases, “… prosecutors do not see color.” Really? Then why did a 2010 Michigan State University study on North Carolina murder […]

Moving Backwards and Playing Games

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At a recent House judiciary committee focused on legislation to do away with the 2009 Racial Justice Act, Seth Edwards, president of the North Carolina Association of District Attorneys, insisted that in NC capital cases, “… prosecutors do not see color.” Really? Then why did a 2010 Michigan State University study on North Carolina murder […]

Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Raleigh Report – May 20, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The office of Rep. Garland Pierce, who is also a Baptist pastor, sent me the following message in italics about an opportunity to come to Raleigh and express your opposition to legislative measures which will make life more difficult for people who are poor: I invite you to join me on Tuesday, May 17th, at […]

Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The office of Rep. Garland Pierce, who is also a Baptist pastor, sent me the following message in italics about an opportunity to come to Raleigh and express your opposition to legislative measures which will make life more difficult for people who are poor: I invite you to join me on Tuesday, May 17th, at […]

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Rev. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, organizer of the HKonJ movement (of which the NC Council of Churches is a partner), and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, has issued an update and call to action. It gives details about the multi-faceted assault on issues of racial equality and social justice in […]

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Rev. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, organizer of the HKonJ movement (of which the NC Council of Churches is a partner), and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, has issued an update and call to action. It gives details about the multi-faceted assault on issues of racial equality and social justice in […]

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar

By chris

Watch highlights from our 2011 Legislative Seminar, including: Distinguished Service Award, Faith Active in Public Life Awards and Closing Session.

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar

by chris

Watch highlights from our 2011 Legislative Seminar, including: Distinguished Service Award, Faith Active in Public Life Awards and Closing Session.

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Budget Edition: Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees started revealing their plans for the 2011-13 budget. Not surprisingly, their plans differ in significant ways from the budget proposed by Governor Perdue. The most important difference is that the House leaders will not approve the continuation of any of the emergency tax increases enacted in 2009.

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Budget Edition: Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees started revealing their plans for the 2011-13 budget. Not surprisingly, their plans differ in significant ways from the budget proposed by Governor Perdue. The most important difference is that the House leaders will not approve the continuation of any of the emergency tax increases enacted in 2009.

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The drumbeat of bad bills continues. Suffice it to say that it’s a tough year for those of us who have advocated for public policy decisions promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable people, and caring for God’s creation. We can’t respond to every bad idea or bad bill. On many of these issues, we feel like we are butting our heads against a wall. Our tendency may be to throw up our hands in despair.

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The drumbeat of bad bills continues. Suffice it to say that it’s a tough year for those of us who have advocated for public policy decisions promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable people, and caring for God’s creation. We can’t respond to every bad idea or bad bill. On many of these issues, we feel like we are butting our heads against a wall. Our tendency may be to throw up our hands in despair.

Amending the Constitution on a Whim

By chris

With a $3 billion state budget deficit and high unemployment, you would think that lawmakers would have better things to do than invent meaningless new amendments to the state Constitution.  Freshman Representative Kelly Hastings (R-Gaston) has introduced legislation for a constitutional amendment to make English the official language of North Carolina.

Amending the Constitution on a Whim

by chris

With a $3 billion state budget deficit and high unemployment, you would think that lawmakers would have better things to do than invent meaningless new amendments to the state Constitution.  Freshman Representative Kelly Hastings (R-Gaston) has introduced legislation for a constitutional amendment to make English the official language of North Carolina.

Bishop Curry Interviews George Reed About the Legislature

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina recently interviewed George Reed about the current legislative session and about the Council’s upcoming Legislative Seminar. Their conversation is an excellent reminder of why people of faith need to become involved in social justice issues.

Bishop Curry Interviews George Reed About the Legislature

Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina recently interviewed George Reed about the current legislative session and about the Council’s upcoming Legislative Seminar. Their conversation is an excellent reminder of why people of faith need to become involved in social justice issues.

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

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

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Special Gift to Legislative Seminar

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Last week, we received a registration for our Legislative Seminar from Frances Creech. “Mother Creech,” as we refer to her here in the office, is the mother of Jimmy Creech, former program associate for the Council and a recipient of the Council’s Distinguished Service Award. She has long been a faithful financial supporter of the […]

Special Gift to Legislative Seminar

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Last week, we received a registration for our Legislative Seminar from Frances Creech. “Mother Creech,” as we refer to her here in the office, is the mother of Jimmy Creech, former program associate for the Council and a recipient of the Council’s Distinguished Service Award. She has long been a faithful financial supporter of the […]

Faith in Focus: Forum to Examine Issue of Torture

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Durham News

Experts in theology, religion and human rights will gather in Durham March 25-26 to discuss the use of torture in the U.S. and abroad and to prepare participants for anti-torture advocacy within their own communities.

Faith in Focus: Forum to Examine Issue of Torture

The Durham News

Experts in theology, religion and human rights will gather in Durham March 25-26 to discuss the use of torture in the U.S. and abroad and to prepare participants for anti-torture advocacy within their own communities.

Legislators to Take Up Voter ID

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The News & Observer

Few issues so starkly divide red and blue America than proposals to require voters to produce photographic identification when they go the polls - a debate that is set to begin this week in the North Carolina legislature.

Legislators to Take Up Voter ID

The News & Observer

Few issues so starkly divide red and blue America than proposals to require voters to produce photographic identification when they go the polls – a debate that is set to begin this week in the North Carolina legislature.

NCCC joins Coalition of Citizens for Responsible Health Care

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches has voted unanimously to join the Citizens for Responsible Health Care Coalition — a diverse group of non-profits who will advocate for consumers in the formation of the Health Benefits Exchange (also sometimes called the Competitive Health Insurance Marketplace). HBEs are a critical part of the federal health care […]

NCCC joins Coalition of Citizens for Responsible Health Care

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches has voted unanimously to join the Citizens for Responsible Health Care Coalition — a diverse group of non-profits who will advocate for consumers in the formation of the Health Benefits Exchange (also sometimes called the Competitive Health Insurance Marketplace). HBEs are a critical part of the federal health care […]

Care of Creation Taking Off in the Pacific Northwest – NC Should Follow their Lead!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

First Oregon, and now Washington state is on its way to a coal-free energy future. On Saturday, March 5, 2011, an agreement was reached and legislation was passed to phase out coal in Washington by 2025.  This is huge and an example to emulate.  Granted northwest states have a different power mix which includes lots […]

Care of Creation Taking Off in the Pacific Northwest – NC Should Follow their Lead!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

First Oregon, and now Washington state is on its way to a coal-free energy future. On Saturday, March 5, 2011, an agreement was reached and legislation was passed to phase out coal in Washington by 2025.  This is huge and an example to emulate.  Granted northwest states have a different power mix which includes lots […]

Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced; Other New Bills; Updates on already introduced bills.

Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced; Other New Bills; Updates on already introduced bills.

Sojourners Blog on Anti-Torture Conference

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sojourners, a leading publication on the intersection of faith, politics and culture, ran a Feb. 16 blog about the upcoming conference opposing torture and being co-sponsored by the Council in Durham. The two-day event runs March 25 and 26, 2011, and is hosted by the Duke Divinity School. “Toward a Moral Consensus on Torture” is also sponsored by the […]

Sojourners Blog on Anti-Torture Conference

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sojourners, a leading publication on the intersection of faith, politics and culture, ran a Feb. 16 blog about the upcoming conference opposing torture and being co-sponsored by the Council in Durham. The two-day event runs March 25 and 26, 2011, and is hosted by the Duke Divinity School. “Toward a Moral Consensus on Torture” is also sponsored by the […]

A Great Day at HKonJ

By chris

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

Watch video of HKonJ here.

A Great Day at HKonJ

by chris

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

Watch video of HKonJ here.

School Diversity Sign-On Statement

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please join us and people of faith across North Carolina in committing to diversity in North Carolina schools by signing this statement.

School Diversity Sign-On Statement

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please join us and people of faith across North Carolina in committing to diversity in North Carolina schools by signing this statement.

Send Valentines to Our Senators!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This weekend, February 11-13 is the second annual National Preach-In on Global Warming.  Sponsored locally by NC Interfaith Power & Light (a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches), we are inviting faith communities throughout our state to spend some time exploring their religious response to climate change and what that means in real […]

Send Valentines to Our Senators!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This weekend, February 11-13 is the second annual National Preach-In on Global Warming.  Sponsored locally by NC Interfaith Power & Light (a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches), we are inviting faith communities throughout our state to spend some time exploring their religious response to climate change and what that means in real […]

2011 Legislative Seminar

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Protecting the Common Good Let justice roll down like waters… Amos 5:24 Additional information is now available about the Council’s Legislative Seminar taking place on April 5. You can still attend! If you have missed the registration deadline, we invite you to attend this event with the understanding that we cannot guarantee a lunch. We […]

2011 Legislative Seminar

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Protecting the Common Good Let justice roll down like waters… Amos 5:24 Additional information is now available about the Council’s Legislative Seminar taking place on April 5. You can still attend! If you have missed the registration deadline, we invite you to attend this event with the understanding that we cannot guarantee a lunch. We […]

Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is a member of the Together NC Coalition. In light of the current state budget crisis, the coalition is offering concerned citizens one way to show what they value in the state. Here’s some information on what they’ve got planned: Together NC: Stand Up for NC A mobilization event […]

Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is a member of the Together NC Coalition. In light of the current state budget crisis, the coalition is offering concerned citizens one way to show what they value in the state. Here’s some information on what they’ve got planned: Together NC: Stand Up for NC A mobilization event […]

General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The 2011 General Assembly convened Wednesday for its long session. The politics of this session will be unlike any we have ever known because Republicans are now in the majority in both the House and Senate, and the Governor – with a veto – is a Democrat. We’ve not been here before.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Photo ID to Vote, Health Care Reform, State Budget and more.

General Assembly Convenes; Action Needed

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The 2011 General Assembly convened Wednesday for its long session. The politics of this session will be unlike any we have ever known because Republicans are now in the majority in both the House and Senate, and the Governor – with a veto – is a Democrat. We’ve not been here before.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Photo ID to Vote, Health Care Reform, State Budget and more.

HK on J March

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J) rally and march will take place on February 12 in Raleigh. A coalition of nearly a hundred social justice and community development organizations, including the North Carolina Council of Churches, have banded together to promote this event for the last several years.

HK on J March

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J) rally and march will take place on February 12 in Raleigh. A coalition of nearly a hundred social justice and community development organizations, including the North Carolina Council of Churches, have banded together to promote this event for the last several years.

Military-Industrial Complex Conference

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The MIC @ 50 conference will take place on January 14-16, 2011, on the campus of Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. There is no charge to attend. The purpose of the event is to bring the MIC back into the spotlight as a key factor shaping our society and public life.

Military-Industrial Complex Conference

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The MIC @ 50 conference will take place on January 14-16, 2011, on the campus of Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. There is no charge to attend. The purpose of the event is to bring the MIC back into the spotlight as a key factor shaping our society and public life.

As We Enter A New Year

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to the work we believe in must be fortified and renewed. The environment in which we will be doing our work for justice and peace in the coming New Year has changed. Legislatively, it will be a difficult two years. […]

As We Enter A New Year

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to the work we believe in must be fortified and renewed. The environment in which we will be doing our work for justice and peace in the coming New Year has changed. Legislatively, it will be a difficult two years. […]

Legislative Seminar 2011

By chris

Join us on Tuesday, April 5 in Raleigh for our 2011 Legislative Seminar. Complete information, including workshops and online registration, will be available soon.

Legislative Seminar 2011

by chris

Join us on Tuesday, April 5 in Raleigh for our 2011 Legislative Seminar. Complete information, including workshops and online registration, will be available soon.

Sign On to Support Health Care Reform

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faithful Reform in Health Care is still working hard to try to prevent the health care reform bill that has already passed from being dismantled by the new Congress (through the removal of funding) and in NC by the new Legislature. They want signatures that can be passed on to Congress and to the state legislatures […]

Sign On to Support Health Care Reform

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faithful Reform in Health Care is still working hard to try to prevent the health care reform bill that has already passed from being dismantled by the new Congress (through the removal of funding) and in NC by the new Legislature. They want signatures that can be passed on to Congress and to the state legislatures […]

Epiphany Sunday, Year A

By chris

I grew up in the South where my Church seldom addressed justice issues. Most of the sermons were about personal behavior and the plan of salvation. In fact, there was a common vocabulary used in churches that suggested Christians should not be “worldly.” It was as if the task of the Church was to save people from the world rather than transform the world. This was a theological way of escaping the justice issues of our racist, segregated society.

Epiphany Sunday, Year A

by chris

I grew up in the South where my Church seldom addressed justice issues. Most of the sermons were about personal behavior and the plan of salvation. In fact, there was a common vocabulary used in churches that suggested Christians should not be “worldly.” It was as if the task of the Church was to save people from the world rather than transform the world. This was a theological way of escaping the justice issues of our racist, segregated society.

What Democracy is Not

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

This is a video blog I shot yesterday while my toddler was taking his nap. Just a few thoughts about voting, not voting and the significance of each.

What Democracy is Not

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

This is a video blog I shot yesterday while my toddler was taking his nap. Just a few thoughts about voting, not voting and the significance of each.

The Benefits of the Bus

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC State students are back. I, for one, am delighted. Sure, there are longer lines at the grocery and a lot more beer being sold. Sure, there is more traffic. Sure, you have to be more careful about pedestrians. But the good news for me is that the Wolfline bus system is back running […]

The Benefits of the Bus

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC State students are back. I, for one, am delighted. Sure, there are longer lines at the grocery and a lot more beer being sold. Sure, there is more traffic. Sure, you have to be more careful about pedestrians. But the good news for me is that the Wolfline bus system is back running […]

Thy Kingdom Come: A Call to Prophetic Ministry

By chris

In his life and mission, Jesus saw himself as actively preparing and serving the kingdom of God on earth, to be as it is in heaven. He saw all of his disciples in the same light and as having the same purpose. Nowhere in the prayer instructions of Jesus is the focus on getting the earth--or ourselves--to heaven. The heart of the Lord's Prayer is a request for heaven on earth. While this difference may seem subtle, its truth is at the very center of the call and practice of prayer and discipleship.

Thy Kingdom Come: A Call to Prophetic Ministry

by chris

In his life and mission, Jesus saw himself as actively preparing and serving the kingdom of God on earth, to
be as it is in heaven. He saw all of his disciples in the same light and as having the same purpose. Nowhere
in the prayer instructions of Jesus is the focus on getting the earth–or ourselves–to heaven. The heart of
the Lord’s Prayer is a request for heaven on earth. While this difference may seem subtle, its truth is at the very center of the call and practice of prayer and discipleship.

Good Government

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The poor, the oppressed, the captives and the blind—those our tradition deems worthy-- are increasingly invisible and unheard in our state and national political systems.  Signs abound that our republic is not democratic.  “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord,” according to the book of James, but those cries often are muffled in the halls of our North Carolina General Assembly.

Good Government

by North Carolina Council of Churches

The poor, the oppressed, the captives and the blind—those our tradition deems worthy– are increasingly invisible and unheard in our state and national political systems.  Signs abound that our republic is not democratic.  “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord,” according to the book of James, but those cries often are muffled in the halls of our North Carolina General Assembly.

With All Due Respect

By North Carolina Council of Churches

In a letter to a friend in the spring of 1776, John Adams said, "We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular governments, God grant us the way. But I fear that in every assembly members will obtain an influence by noise rather than sense, by meanness rather than greatness, and by ignorance and not learning, by contracted hearts and not large souls. There is one thing, my dear sir, that must be attempted and most sacredly observed, or we are all undone. There must be decency and respect and veneration introduced for persons of every rank, or we are undone. In a popular government, this is our only way."

With All Due Respect

by North Carolina Council of Churches

In a letter to a friend in the spring of 1776, John Adams said, “We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular governments, God grant us the way. But I fear that in every assembly members will obtain an influence by noise rather than sense, by meanness rather than greatness, and by ignorance and not learning, by contracted hearts and not large souls. There is one thing, my dear sir, that must be attempted and most sacredly observed, or we are all undone. There must be decency and respect and veneration introduced for persons of every rank, or we are undone. In a popular government, this is our only way.”