Human Rights

Virtual HKonJ Moral March & People’s Assembly 2021

January 28, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The annual HKonJ (Historic Thousands on Jones Street) Moral March and People’s Assembly 2021 is happening virtually and online this year. Due to Covid, we cannot gather on Fayetteville Street, but there […]

Virtual HKonJ Moral March & People’s Assembly 2021

January 28, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the […]

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the […]

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not […]

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

August 3, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech delivered to law enforcement officers last week, President Trump seemed to endorse police brutality […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

August 3, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

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

Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the military may have distracted attention from another action by the federal government. The Department […]

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

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

Wages of War

July 20, 2017 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Wartime profits are a thing — from the people who make the machines we use to kill other people to the garment factories that provide clothing for the people who […]

Wages of War

July 20, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Wartime profits are a thing — from the people who make the machines we use to kill other people to the garment factories that provide clothing for the people who […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

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

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council staff members enjoyed spending time with friends from across the country, hearing your stories, […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

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

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council staff members enjoyed spending time with friends from across the country, hearing your stories, […]

The President’s New Policies are Bad for Cuba and the Church

June 27, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit Cuba on two occasions: the first in 2000 on a mission trip with a Baptist church and the second last September […]

The President’s New Policies are Bad for Cuba and the Church

June 27, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit Cuba on two occasions: the first in 2000 on a mission trip with a Baptist church and the second last September […]

Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling

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

As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all Americans, the potential impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society […]

Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling

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

As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all Americans, the potential impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society […]

Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day

June 19, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20. The day marks a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and recognize the contributions of […]

Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day

June 19, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20. The day marks a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and recognize the contributions of […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 1, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement means that while the needs of our endangered climate are increasing, […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 1, 2017 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

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

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

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

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

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

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

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

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

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

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

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

April 24, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

April 24, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

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

Do We Treat Workers as We Would Treat Jesus?

April 21, 2017 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In this Easter season of the Christian church, we have just celebrated Resurrection Sunday and the joy we feel that Jesus overcame death. However, my preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette […]

Do We Treat Workers as We Would Treat Jesus?

April 21, 2017 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In this Easter season of the Christian church, we have just celebrated Resurrection Sunday and the joy we feel that Jesus overcame death. However, my preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette […]

SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25

April 18, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly discussed SB 145, an anti-immigrant bill that would expand the 287g program, thereby allowing local law enforcement to […]

SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25

April 18, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

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

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

Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished

April 6, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Every state legislator should be required to listen to the stories shared at a press conference organized this week by North Carolina advocates for health care. Anyone opposed to Medicaid […]

Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished

April 6, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Every state legislator should be required to listen to the stories shared at a press conference organized this week by North Carolina advocates for health care. Anyone opposed to Medicaid […]

Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’

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

Call it a head-on collision between politics and principle. Is anyone surprised that politics prevailed? Yet here’s the twist that perhaps makes the outcome somewhat understandable, if no less regrettable. […]

Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’

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

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

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

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

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

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

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

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

March 13, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders have gone where elected leaders sometimes go – blaming the poor for being poor. […]

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

March 13, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders have gone where elected leaders sometimes go – blaming the poor for being poor. […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Despite evidence that the Affordable Care Act is more popular and more needed than ever, some Republicans in Congress have proceeded with partisan plans to repeal Obamacare while dismantling Medicaid […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

H.B. 2 ‘Compromise’ Must Protect Rights

March 3, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The fight over North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – the law that notoriously stamps the state’s seal of approval on discrimination against lesbian, gay and transgender folks – has devolved […]

H.B. 2 ‘Compromise’ Must Protect Rights

March 3, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The fight over North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – the law that notoriously stamps the state’s seal of approval on discrimination against lesbian, gay and transgender folks – has devolved […]

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

March 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills ENVIRONMENTAL CARE H 171, Change Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems. Current law provides an 80% exclusion from property taxation for the […]

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

March 1, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

February 23, 2017 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers […]

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

February 23, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers […]

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

February 16, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

President Trump’s recent executive actions impacting refugees and immigrants have faithful people increasingly interested in how they might support our sisters and brothers being impacted. Court decisions have offered a […]

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

February 16, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

February 10, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we […]

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

February 10, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we […]

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality

February 7, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Second in a series of three blogs. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2) The idea […]

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality

February 7, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Second in a series of three blogs. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2) The idea […]

Big Stakes in High Court Pick

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

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

Big Stakes in High Court Pick

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

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

January 30, 2017 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” […]

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

January 30, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” […]

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

January 30, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he never says blocked or banned. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the […]

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

January 30, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he never says blocked or banned. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the […]

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees

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

The Council has had a busy weekend. Much of the staff was helping with the Beyond Gun Violence Conference at United Church of Chapel Hill, but we also had folks […]

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees

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

The Council has had a busy weekend. Much of the staff was helping with the Beyond Gun Violence Conference at United Church of Chapel Hill, but we also had folks […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

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

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

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

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Let’s Keep Marching

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

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Let’s Keep Marching

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

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these […]

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

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

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

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

December 30, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

December 30, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

December 16, 2016 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

December 16, 2016 by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Video — #LoveOneAnother

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

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

Video — #LoveOneAnother

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

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

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

December 1, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I […]

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

December 1, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I […]

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

November 11, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Those of us aligned with the Council of Churches share a political outlook whose priorities include equal rights, equal opportunity, environmental stewardship, ample investment in public services and fair allocation […]

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

November 11, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

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

NC Family Featured in Video on Need for Medicaid Expansion

November 7, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Nina Voli, Duke Divinity School Intern Although the Affordable Care Act expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans, the Supreme Court ruled that state enrollment in Medicaid expansion was optional. […]

NC Family Featured in Video on Need for Medicaid Expansion

November 7, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sore Afraid

September 23, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News […]

Sore Afraid

September 23, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

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

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2 controversy would just vanish into thin air, as if it had never existed? They’d […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

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

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2 controversy would just vanish into thin air, as if it had never existed? They’d […]

North Carolina Passes a Decade with No Executions

August 18, 2016 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

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

North Carolina Passes a Decade with No Executions

August 18, 2016 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

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

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

June 20, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home […]

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

June 20, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

June 12, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

June 12, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage […]

The Effort to Expand Medicaid in North Carolina Continues

June 4, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

As the General Assembly’s biennial short session continues, Medicaid expansion continues to be a hot issue for North Carolina. On May 25, concerned citizens gathered outside the General Assembly for Medicaid […]

The Effort to Expand Medicaid in North Carolina Continues

June 4, 2016 by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice

April 25, 2016 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Worker Memorial Day is April 28, a day when we remember workers who have lost their lives providing goods (buildings, roads, food, clothing, etc) and services (caring for our children, […]

Safety is Imperative to Worker Justice

April 25, 2016 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Worker Memorial Day is April 28, a day when we remember workers who have lost their lives providing goods (buildings, roads, food, clothing, etc) and services (caring for our children, […]

Signs of Hope After Easter

April 3, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I do not believe that I am the only one who feels a little hopeless right now. Members of the news media bombard us with news of the attack on Brussels, […]

Signs of Hope After Easter

April 3, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I do not believe that I am the only one who feels a little hopeless right now. Members of the news media bombard us with news of the attack on Brussels, […]

Uncomplicating Justice

January 5, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it’s complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is […]

Uncomplicating Justice

January 5, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it’s complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is […]

Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together

December 18, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Earlier this month, more than 170 friends and allies gathered at Durham’s St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in support of our refugee sisters and brothers. We prayed and sang and then broke […]

Prayer Vigil and Dinner: Remembering our Time Together

December 18, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Earlier this month, more than 170 friends and allies gathered at Durham’s St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in support of our refugee sisters and brothers. We prayed and sang and then broke […]

Clergy Breakfasts Come at a Crucial Time

September 27, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Pope Francis has been an outspoken leader about the need to welcome immigrants and refugees in our communities. This past Thursday, he continued his positive track record of expressing compassion […]

Clergy Breakfasts Come at a Crucial Time

September 27, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis

September 11, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the European refugee crisis reached a tragic peak. More than 11 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. Many of these people […]

Lamenting the Syrian Refugee Crisis

September 11, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the European refugee crisis reached a tragic peak. More than 11 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. Many of these people […]

Workers Deserve Dignity and Respect

September 4, 2015 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Monday, September 7 is Labor Day when we should honor the workers in our community with dignity and respect. The Social Creed for the 21st century, a document endorsed by […]

Workers Deserve Dignity and Respect

September 4, 2015 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Monday, September 7 is Labor Day when we should honor the workers in our community with dignity and respect. The Social Creed for the 21st century, a document endorsed by […]

Week of Action to End Immigration Detention Quotas

August 7, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Next week, the American Friends Service Committee is coordinating a national week of action to end immigration detention quotas. The United States has the largest detention immigration system in the […]

Week of Action to End Immigration Detention Quotas

August 7, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Calling for Freedom

July 20, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, I, along with the rest of the nation, celebrated our nation’s independence. Last week I, along with thousands of North Carolinians, also attended the Mass Moral […]

Calling for Freedom

July 20, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, I, along with the rest of the nation, celebrated our nation’s independence. Last week I, along with thousands of North Carolinians, also attended the Mass Moral […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

June 25, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. For decades, the Council has supported universal health care, and while the current version […]

Statement on the Supreme Court’s ACA Decision

June 25, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

June 19, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern “Islamophobia doesn’t just affect Muslims, it affects a broad range of people,” began Manzoor Cheema, a leader of Muslims for Social Justice and […]

Racism and Islamophobia — Local and Global

June 19, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

June 17, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because through it you offer your listener a way into your life in an organized […]

Refugees Find Hope in Meeting With Each Other

June 17, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern Storytelling is a central piece of community organizing because through it you offer your listener a way into your life in an organized […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

June 14, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

June 14, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would […]

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

June 12, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical on the environment… but wait, why is this important? First, the Pope presides over […]

The Pope and Ecology: Shouts from the Highest Steeple

June 12, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

The excitement is building: for the first time in history, the Pope is issuing an encyclical on the environment… but wait, why is this important? First, the Pope presides over […]

Project NO REST Needs Your Input to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking

June 12, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

At the North Carolina Council of Churches, our work is often guided by Isaiah 1:17, which advises,“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead […]

Project NO REST Needs Your Input to Help Victims of Sex Trafficking

June 12, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

At the North Carolina Council of Churches, our work is often guided by Isaiah 1:17, which advises,“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead […]

David LaMotte on the Fair Food Program

May 11, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s Farmworker Ministry Committee has long been supportive of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and its efforts on behalf of those who work in the fields. The Committee has […]

David LaMotte on the Fair Food Program

May 11, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s Farmworker Ministry Committee has long been supportive of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and its efforts on behalf of those who work in the fields. The Committee has […]

Nepal and Baltimore

April 29, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace and ease. In both Nepal and Baltimore, lives have been lost tragically. Let us […]

Nepal and Baltimore

April 29, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faced with darkness at home and abroad, may we do what we can to bring peace and ease. In both Nepal and Baltimore, lives have been lost tragically. Let us […]

Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day

April 28, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, The News & Observer published an article entitled “Many NC workers’ death go uncounted,” describing how often workplace deaths in North Carolina are uninvestigated, undocumented, and […]

Prayers Today on Workers’ Memorial Day

April 28, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

March 27, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

March 27, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

February 24, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

February 24, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and […]

Commentary About Torture Report Published

February 19, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

People of faith with Council connections have spoken out strongly on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report on torture, calling for transparency. In particular, two recent opinion pieces call on Senator Richard Burr, […]

Commentary About Torture Report Published

February 19, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

February 5, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen. Richard Burr for Friday, February 6. Now that he is head of the Senate […]

February 6 — Contact Senator Burr

February 5, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at NC Stop Torture Now are organizing a call-in to the offices of Sen. Richard Burr for Friday, February 6. Now that he is head of the Senate […]

Register Now for 2015 Faith and Immigration Summit

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

This year’s summit will focus on issues affecting children and youth coming to our state from Central America. Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve will preach during opening worship and music will be […]

Register Now for 2015 Faith and Immigration Summit

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

This year’s summit will focus on issues affecting children and youth coming to our state from Central America. Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve will preach during opening worship and music will be […]

What Frightens Civitas?

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

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

What Frightens Civitas?

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

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

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

December 11, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to fight terrorism with terror. That’s an ultimate takeaway from the U.S. Senate report detailing […]

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

December 11, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to fight terrorism with terror. That’s an ultimate takeaway from the U.S. Senate report detailing […]

Lifting Up the Mexican Children and Students

November 13, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As I have been traveling across the state educating clergy about immigrants in their communities and facilitating discussion through the Clergy Breakfast tour, I have heard from some amazing people: […]

Lifting Up the Mexican Children and Students

November 13, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome

October 9, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC is continuing the important work for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. The group is hoping concerned residents will add their names to a petition calling on […]

Petition to Expand Medicaid in NC — Signers Welcome

October 9, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC is continuing the important work for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. The group is hoping concerned residents will add their names to a petition calling on […]

Educating the Littlest and the Least

September 25, 2014 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 […]

Educating the Littlest and the Least

September 25, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

August 22, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The recent trial of Alamance County Sheriff Andrew Johnson has focused on alleged profiling abuses against Latinos. He is accused of detaining and arresting Latino drivers without probable cause. During the […]

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

August 22, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

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

June 21, 2014 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 […]

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

June 21, 2014 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 […]

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

May 29, 2014 By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

June is Torture Awareness Month, and we are gearing up for a presentation by David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and the Director of the Center for Theology and Public […]

Gushee, Powery, Cowger Discussion Marks Torture Awareness Month

May 29, 2014 by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

David Gushee: Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation

May 13, 2014 By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

“This nation admits its errors, as painful as they may be.” — Sen. Dianne Feinstein, April 3, 2014. On June 24, noted theologian David P. Gushee will speak at Raleigh’s […]

David Gushee: Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation

May 13, 2014 by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

“This nation admits its errors, as painful as they may be.” — Sen. Dianne Feinstein, April 3, 2014. On June 24, noted theologian David P. Gushee will speak at Raleigh’s […]

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

April 29, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult. I stood by as three of my own dozed through being “marked as Christ’s own forever” […]

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

April 29, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult. I stood by as three of my own dozed through being “marked as Christ’s own forever” […]

Gardening With a Purpose

February 25, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I received a notice from a local community garden organizer about a grant opportunity sponsored by a fertilizer company. I shared it with my e-mail group and found one […]

Gardening With a Purpose

February 25, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I received a notice from a local community garden organizer about a grant opportunity sponsored by a fertilizer company. I shared it with my e-mail group and found one […]

Ash Wednesday Worship Resources on Human Rights

February 3, 2014 By chris

Date: Ash Wednesday - March 5, 2014
Topic: Human Rights
Focus Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
There are countless ways in which we can make these passages come to life in our own lives and in our society so that “We can be the change we want to see in the world.” Once again, following Jesus’ example is our best starting point. In Matthew 25, Jesus says the depth of our faith is measured by the depth of our relationship with those society labels “outcasts.” In Jesus’ day, outcasts were lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors to name a few. Today, outcasts include those with HIV and AIDS, gays and lesbians, Latinos, Muslims and prisoners, among others. Each of these groups of people faces scorn and vilification in our culture, but Christians must be different. We are called to provide love to those who are rejected and hated.

Ash Wednesday Worship Resources on Human Rights

February 3, 2014 by chris

Date: Ash Wednesday – March 5, 2014
Topic: Human Rights
Focus Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
There are countless ways in which we can make these passages come to life in our own lives and in our society so that “We can be the change we want to see in the world.” Once again, following Jesus’ example is our best starting point. In Matthew 25, Jesus says the depth of our faith is measured by the depth of our relationship with those society labels “outcasts.” In Jesus’ day, outcasts were lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors to name a few. Today, outcasts include those with HIV and AIDS, gays and lesbians, Latinos, Muslims and prisoners, among others. Each of these groups of people faces scorn and vilification in our culture, but Christians must be different. We are called to provide love to those who are rejected and hated.

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

January 12, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

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

HKonJ 2014 — Saturday, February 8

January 12, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

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

Worship Resources on the Beatitudes

January 8, 2014 By chris

Date: Epiphany 4 - Feb. 2, 2014
Topic: The Beatitudes
Focus Text: Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes reflect the eschatological – or ultimate – nature of Jesus’ mission and proclaim the effects of the establishment of God’s rule. They list eschatological reversals for the unfortunate and eschatological rewards for the virtuous. It would be a mistake, however, to see the beatitudes as having only future significance. In fact, the first (5:3) and last (5:10) of the sayings are in the present tense. By bookending these future promises with the present tense, Matthew emphasizes the imminence of the Kingdom.

Worship Resources on the Beatitudes

January 8, 2014 by chris

Date: Epiphany 4 – Feb. 2, 2014
Topic: The Beatitudes
Focus Text: Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes reflect the eschatological – or ultimate – nature of Jesus’ mission and proclaim the effects of the establishment of God’s rule. They list eschatological reversals for the unfortunate and eschatological rewards for the virtuous. It would be a mistake, however, to see the beatitudes as having only future significance. In fact, the first (5:3) and last (5:10) of the sayings are in the present tense. By bookending these future promises with the present tense, Matthew emphasizes the imminence of the Kingdom.