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Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Moral Mondays

Whispers and Shouts

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

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

Whispers and Shouts

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

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

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

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

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

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

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

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

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

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

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

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

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15, in the General Assembly building, 16 West Jones Street. Details can be found here. […]

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

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

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15, in the General Assembly building, 16 West Jones Street. Details can be found here. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

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

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

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

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

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

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

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

July 20, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Republican legislators can hardly get around the fact that their 2013 overhaul of North Carolina election laws is likely to inconvenience some groups of voters more than others. For example: […]

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

July 20, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Republican legislators can hardly get around the fact that their 2013 overhaul of North Carolina election laws is likely to inconvenience some groups of voters more than others. For example: […]

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

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

June 29, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Over and over, we heard North Carolina’s stringent voter identification law, enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2013 over the protests of voting rights advocates, described as simply a “commonsense” […]

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

June 29, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Over and over, we heard North Carolina’s stringent voter identification law, enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2013 over the protests of voting rights advocates, described as simply a “commonsense” […]

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

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

March 2, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

March 2, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Environment, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

November 8, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov. 5, they gave a thumbs-up to the conservatives who’ve been in charge at the […]

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

November 8, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov. 5, they gave a thumbs-up to the conservatives who’ve been in charge at the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Taxes

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

August 13, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the phone when I started with PHW, and almost instantly we were kindred spirits. She […]

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

August 13, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the phone when I started with PHW, and almost instantly we were kindred spirits. She […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Health, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Peace

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

June 13, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn’t be there, our friends at […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

June 13, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn’t be there, our friends at […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

June 9, 2014 By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on the website. It includes registration information, the schedule for the day, and a complete […]

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

June 9, 2014 by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on the website. It includes registration information, the schedule for the day, and a complete […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Good Government, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Sandy Irving to Receive Distinguished Service Award

June 9, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

  Sandy is on the right. Her friend, Susan Cummings, is pictured on the left.   I am pleased to announce that the Council’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award will be […]

Sandy Irving to Receive Distinguished Service Award

June 9, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

  Sandy is on the right. Her friend, Susan Cummings, is pictured on the left.   I am pleased to announce that the Council’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award will be […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

May 19, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Education figured prominently in the news over the past few days, both nationally and locally. As a country, we marked the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the […]

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

May 19, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Education figured prominently in the news over the past few days, both nationally and locally. As a country, we marked the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

May 10, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been something like “Never a dull moment!” That’s especially been the case as the economy […]

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

May 10, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been something like “Never a dull moment!” That’s especially been the case as the economy […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Taxes

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

April 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an […]

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

April 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

March 31, 2014 By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for […]

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

March 31, 2014 by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Moral Mondays, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget

Climate Activists Must Heed the Lessons of North Carolina

March 16, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Joe Wainio begins his wonderful article on TruthOut, Climate change activists should look to North Carolina for lessons on how to build a broad and diverse movement powerful enough to […]

Climate Activists Must Heed the Lessons of North Carolina

March 16, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Joe Wainio begins his wonderful article on TruthOut, Climate change activists should look to North Carolina for lessons on how to build a broad and diverse movement powerful enough to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Moral Mondays

Photos from HKonJ 2014

February 22, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council helped organize a Service of Repentance and Consecration in front of the General Assembly Building prior to the Moral March and HKonJ People’s Assembly held earlier this month in Raleigh. […]

Photos from HKonJ 2014

February 22, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council helped organize a Service of Repentance and Consecration in front of the General Assembly Building prior to the Moral March and HKonJ People’s Assembly held earlier this month in Raleigh. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

February 8, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents […]

HKonJ 2014 — Moral March and People’s Assembly

February 8, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

February 6, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and […]

Pray with Us on Friday, March with Us on Saturday

February 6, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Join the NC NAACP, the North Carolina Council of Churches, and coalition partners for this weekend’s Moral March on Raleigh and HKonJ People’s Assembly. Events include: A Mass Meeting and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Voices of Moral Mondays: No Longer Alone by Rebecca Cary

January 29, 2014 By chris

By Rebecca Cary, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Durham During the past winter and spring, as I followed the news, I grew increasingly dispirited. Our state government was taking more and more actions that I believed, as a Christian, to be fundamentally unjust. Christ healed the sick and fed the hungry. The legislature was blocking access to Medicaid and taking benefits away from those who had little, and claiming to be helping our state by doing so.

Voices of Moral Mondays: No Longer Alone by Rebecca Cary

January 29, 2014 by chris

By Rebecca Cary, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Durham

During the past winter and spring, as I followed the news, I grew increasingly dispirited. Our state government was taking more and more actions that I believed, as a Christian, to be fundamentally unjust. Christ healed the sick and fed the hungry. The legislature was blocking access to Medicaid and taking benefits away from those who had little, and claiming to be helping our state by doing so.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

January 27, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was as though the laws and policies by which this state is governed had been […]

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

January 27, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was as though the laws and policies by which this state is governed had been […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Taxes

The Wrong Side of History by Leonard Beeghley – Voices of Moral Mondays

January 25, 2014 By chris

By Dr. Leonard Beeghley, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham During the summer of 1969, I found myself in Fayette, Mississippi, where I met Mr. Charles Evers. Just elected the first Black mayor of a southern town since reconstruction, he proudly called himself “the most hated man in Mississippi.” His election symbolized the spread of democracy into the South.

The Wrong Side of History by Leonard Beeghley – Voices of Moral Mondays

January 25, 2014 by chris

By Dr. Leonard Beeghley, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham

During the summer of 1969, I found myself in Fayette, Mississippi, where I met Mr. Charles Evers. Just elected the first Black mayor of a southern town since reconstruction, he proudly called himself “the most hated man in Mississippi.” His election symbolized the spread of democracy into the South.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Bending the Arc by Chris Liu-Beers

January 21, 2014 By chris

By Chris Liu-Beers, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh I felt called to participate in Moral Mondays as a way to “bear witness” in this time and place. I believe that as a society we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable people among us; and as a North Carolinian, I could not stand silent while the General Assembly passed bill after bill that harmed the marginalized and propped up the powerful.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Bending the Arc by Chris Liu-Beers

January 21, 2014 by chris

By Chris Liu-Beers, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh

I felt called to participate in Moral Mondays as a way to “bear witness” in this time and place. I believe that as a society we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable people among us; and as a North Carolinian, I could not stand silent while the General Assembly passed bill after bill that harmed the marginalized and propped up the powerful.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Shining a Bright Light by Lorraine Ljunggren

January 17, 2014 By chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: Shining a Bright Light by Lorraine Ljunggren

January 17, 2014 by chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

The Common Heritage of This State by Susannah Tuttle – Voices of Moral Mondays

January 12, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

By Susannah Tuttle, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, Raleigh As Director of NC Interfaith Power & Light, it is both my personal and professional responsibility to draw connections between the spirituality of stewardship and the procedures of policy making. I often lead my presentations with the point that caring for the environment is not just political, it is spiritual doctrine shared by all faith traditions. When the seventh Moral Monday focus was designated as environment, justice, and health, I was absolutely elated.

The Common Heritage of This State by Susannah Tuttle – Voices of Moral Mondays

January 12, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

By Susannah Tuttle, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, Raleigh

As Director of NC Interfaith Power & Light, it is both my personal and professional responsibility to draw connections between the spirituality of stewardship and the procedures of policy making. I often lead my presentations with the point that caring for the environment is not just political, it is spiritual doctrine shared by all faith traditions. When the seventh Moral Monday focus was designated as environment, justice, and health, I was absolutely elated.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Since 1920 by Mary Klenz

January 9, 2014 By chris

By Mary Klenz, League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg League of Women Voters members here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg spent several hours making signs for today’s Moral Monday in our home base. It is inspiring to see the energy, commitment and caring that people have around these issues of social justice, fairness and access to voting. The LWV has been fighting for voting rights for all people since 1920, and we’re not stopping now.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Since 1920 by Mary Klenz

January 9, 2014 by chris

By Mary Klenz, League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

League of Women Voters members here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg spent several hours making signs for today’s Moral Monday in our home base. It is inspiring to see the energy, commitment and caring that people have around these issues of social justice, fairness and access to voting. The LWV has been fighting for voting rights for all people since 1920, and we’re not stopping now.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: From Asheville to Raleigh by Jeanne Finan

January 5, 2014 By chris

By Rev. Jeanne Finan, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville Since that day others in my congregation made the long trek to Raleigh for Moral Mondays. People care. The church cares. We are called to care for the entire community, most especially the poor. How could I not go and make that stand?

Voices of Moral Mondays: From Asheville to Raleigh by Jeanne Finan

January 5, 2014 by chris

By Rev. Jeanne Finan, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville

Since that day others in my congregation made the long trek to Raleigh for Moral Mondays. People care. The church cares. We are called to care for the entire community, most especially the poor. How could I not go and make that stand?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: The Work of the Holy Spirit by Jay Davis

January 3, 2014 By chris

By Jay Davis, Rougemont United Methodist Church In 1959, I graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in what I believe was the first integrated graduating class in the state. A brave young African American named Gus Roberts suffered two years of living hell to make that kind of dramatic progress for North Carolina. I was not among the students that hit him or spat on him or verbally assaulted him during that time. I, also, was not one of those who befriended him, or supported him, or stood up for him. At least once during those two years I could have said to the bullies attacking him, “Leave him alone. He is not bothering you,” but I didn’t. By my silence I, in effect, held the coats of the cruel students that daily accosted Gus. In later years I would be haunted by that silence, but, at that point in my life, my eyes were blind to the evils of prejudice and racism.

Voices of Moral Mondays: The Work of the Holy Spirit by Jay Davis

January 3, 2014 by chris

By Jay Davis, Rougemont United Methodist Church

In 1959, I graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in what I believe was the first integrated graduating class in the state. A brave young African American named Gus Roberts suffered two years of living hell to make that kind of dramatic progress for North Carolina. I was not among the students that hit him or spat on him or verbally assaulted him during that time. I, also, was not one of those who befriended him, or supported him, or stood up for him. At least once during those two years I could have said to the bullies attacking him, “Leave him alone. He is not bothering you,” but I didn’t. By my silence I, in effect, held the coats of the cruel students that daily accosted Gus. In later years I would be haunted by that silence, but, at that point in my life, my eyes were blind to the evils of prejudice and racism.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Turn On the News, Stay Calm by Leigh Sanders – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 30, 2013 By chris

By Leigh Sanders, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh In the beginning, I was hesitant to attend Moral Mondays because I thought it was a strictly religious response and not being devoutly anything, I assumed I wasn’t invited. Then I attended a Moral Monday meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh and understood that not only was I invited, I was late!

Turn On the News, Stay Calm by Leigh Sanders – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 30, 2013 by chris

By Leigh Sanders, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh

In the beginning, I was hesitant to attend Moral Mondays because I thought it was a strictly religious response and not being devoutly anything, I assumed I wasn’t invited. Then I attended a Moral Monday meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh and understood that not only was I invited, I was late!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

December 29, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — […]

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

December 29, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Voices of Moral Mondays: A Small Thing by Natalie Boorman

December 26, 2013 By chris

I am a social worker by profession and am especially concerned about cuts to health care for as many as 500,000 particularly vulnerable people in North Carolina. I am confused by politicians who say people should be allowed to have guns, and those who are mentally ill should seek treatment. How are they going to do that when hospitals and other treatment options are having their budgets cut, thus fewer resources are available?

Voices of Moral Mondays: A Small Thing by Natalie Boorman

December 26, 2013 by chris

I am a social worker by profession and am especially concerned about cuts to health care for as many as 500,000 particularly vulnerable people in North Carolina. I am confused by politicians who say people should be allowed to have guns, and those who are mentally ill should seek treatment. How are they going to do that when hospitals and other treatment options are having their budgets cut, thus fewer resources are available?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Where Do We Go From Here by William Jeffries – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 22, 2013 By chris

By Rev. William Jeffries, retired United Methodist Minister, Durham It has been a refreshing experience to participate in Moral Monday rallies. It has given voice to those who are frustrated by the North Carolina General Assembly’s turning the clock backward on social programs. A key to reversing this “race to the bottom” is rescuing the elections process from suppressive measures, so that young, elderly, and poor voters do not have their votes denied

Where Do We Go From Here by William Jeffries – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 22, 2013 by chris

By Rev. William Jeffries, retired United Methodist Minister, Durham

It has been a refreshing experience to participate in Moral Monday rallies. It has given voice to those who are frustrated by the North Carolina General Assembly’s turning the clock backward on social programs.

A key to reversing this “race to the bottom” is rescuing the elections process from suppressive measures, so that young, elderly, and poor voters do not have their votes denied

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Without Hesitation by Patricia B. Anthony

December 20, 2013 By chris

On June 10, I chose to exercise my Constitutional right to petition my legislature, to express my concerns about legislation they had passed and were considering. To be clear, we did not go there to be arrested, we went to present our grievances to the legislature. I chose to remain standing when the police ordered us to disperse, and I was arrested, handcuffed, and brought to the Wake County Detention Center. My reasons for feeling so strongly are many.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Without Hesitation by Patricia B. Anthony

December 20, 2013 by chris

On June 10, I chose to exercise my Constitutional right to petition my legislature, to express my concerns about legislation they had passed and were considering. To be clear, we did not go there to be arrested, we went to present our grievances to the legislature. I chose to remain standing when the police ordered us to disperse, and I was arrested, handcuffed, and brought to the Wake County Detention Center. My reasons for feeling so strongly are many.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Meet Me on the Corner by W. Gaye Brown

December 17, 2013 By chris

I am the vicar of a small Episcopal congregation in Elkin. When I first heard about Moral Mondays, I yearned to participate, but time was short and Raleigh was almost three hours away. As I reflected on this, I realized that one didn’t have to go to Raleigh to participate — that we could have our own Moral Monday in Elkin. So I sent an email to the congregation and another to the local ministerial association inviting folks to join me and our senior warden on a street corner in Elkin on the following Monday, June 10, at 5:00.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Meet Me on the Corner by W. Gaye Brown

December 17, 2013 by chris

I am the vicar of a small Episcopal congregation in Elkin. When I first heard about Moral Mondays, I yearned to participate, but time was short and Raleigh was almost three hours away. As I reflected on this, I realized that one didn’t have to go to Raleigh to participate — that we could have our own Moral Monday in Elkin. So I sent an email to the congregation and another to the local ministerial association inviting folks to join me and our senior warden on a street corner in Elkin on the following Monday, June 10, at 5:00.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: It’s Personal by Jonathan Kotch

December 11, 2013 By chris

It has been very gratifying to meet fellow health-care reform advocates, including Physicians for a National Health Program and Health Care for All NC members, on Halifax Mall on the several Mondays I managed to make it. Some of you helped hold our banner. Others, like our treasurer, Robin Lane, addressed the 1,000 or so participants from the podium. My own experience, when I was arrested on June 3, was very personal.

Voices of Moral Mondays: It’s Personal by Jonathan Kotch

December 11, 2013 by chris

It has been very gratifying to meet fellow health-care reform advocates, including Physicians for a National Health Program and Health Care for All NC members, on Halifax Mall on the several Mondays I managed to make it. Some of you helped hold our banner. Others, like our treasurer, Robin Lane, addressed the 1,000 or so participants from the podium. My own experience, when I was arrested on June 3, was very personal.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Created in God’s Image by Willona Stallings

December 4, 2013 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

By Willona Stallings, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh I had the pleasure of joining a distinct group of social activists at a Moral Monday rally in downtown Raleigh. I decided to participate because my faith calls me to care for the least among us and to stand on the right side of justice. Also, the fact that so many people had traveled from near and far to have their voices heard was a great motivating factor for me. I live and work in Raleigh, just minutes from Halifax Mall – so if my brothers and sisters could take the time to catch a bus, make a sign or invite a friend along, surely I could do the same.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Created in God’s Image by Willona Stallings

December 4, 2013 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

By Willona Stallings, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh

I had the pleasure of joining a distinct group of social activists at a Moral Monday rally in downtown Raleigh. I decided to participate because my faith calls me to care for the least among us and to stand on the right side of justice. Also, the fact that so many people had traveled from near and far to have their voices heard was a great motivating factor for me.

I live and work in Raleigh, just minutes from Halifax Mall – so if my brothers and sisters could take the time to catch a bus, make a sign or invite a friend along, surely I could do the same.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Maintaining My Sanity by Robert Kennel

November 30, 2013 By chris

By Rev. Robert Kennel, Covenant Christian Church, Cary Moral Mondays helped me maintain some sanity through this unbelievable legislative session. I was able to make nine Moral Mondays but did not get arrested because my wife sincerely asked me not to, perhaps because we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in July. William Barber is a friend and a fellow Disciple of Christ clergy brother. He has done a great job in leading the organization of effort and in keeping it on target and respectful. Over the spring, I met both old friends and new friends who have their heads screwed on straight and with whom I will work on upcoming elections to right so many wrongs.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Maintaining My Sanity by Robert Kennel

November 30, 2013 by chris

By Rev. Robert Kennel, Covenant Christian Church, Cary

Moral Mondays helped me maintain some sanity through this unbelievable legislative session. I was able to make nine Moral Mondays but did not get arrested because my wife sincerely asked me not to, perhaps because we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in July.

William Barber is a friend and a fellow Disciple of Christ clergy brother. He has done a great job in leading the organization of effort and in keeping it on target and respectful. Over the spring, I met both old friends and new friends who have their heads screwed on straight and with whom I will work on upcoming elections to right so many wrongs.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Furious by Judy Occhetti-Klohr

November 26, 2013 By chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: Furious by Judy Occhetti-Klohr

November 26, 2013 by chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: It Takes A Village to Eat Breakfast by Stephen Boyd

November 22, 2013 By chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: It Takes A Village to Eat Breakfast by Stephen Boyd

November 22, 2013 by chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: My 150 New BFFs by Laurel Green

November 18, 2013 By chris

By Laurel Green, Charlotte There is a bond between people who are arrested together performing civil disobedience. It grows from a soil of shared experience and blossoms into a garden of interwoven visions. There are way too many reasons I felt compelled to take a stand as a part of Moral Mondays. From the privatization trend in our state to the outrageous intrusions on women’s choices, from the dismantling of safety nets to the destruction of our environment, to the attempts at ripping away progress in civil rights, to the shredding of our public education system, the list is long and horrifying. North Carolina is being used as a petri dish right now by groups like ALEC; if we cannot stop them, surely other states will follow.

Voices of Moral Mondays: My 150 New BFFs by Laurel Green

November 18, 2013 by chris

By Laurel Green, Charlotte

There is a bond between people who are arrested together performing civil disobedience. It grows from a soil of shared experience and blossoms into a garden of interwoven visions.

There are way too many reasons I felt compelled to take a stand as a part of Moral Mondays. From the privatization trend in our state to the outrageous intrusions on women’s choices, from the dismantling of safety nets to the destruction of our environment, to the attempts at ripping away progress in civil rights, to the shredding of our public education system, the list is long and horrifying. North Carolina is being used as a petri dish right now by groups like ALEC; if we cannot stop them, surely other states will follow.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: What Does the Lord Require of You by Ron LaRocque

November 15, 2013 By chris

Rev. Ron LaRocque, Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem On May 20, I drove from my home in Winston-Salem to Raleigh to participate in the Moral Monday campaign. Part of my participation included voluntarily committing an act of nonviolent civil disobedience which resulted in my arrest. I admit I was not as calm on the inside as many of those arrested alongside me appeared to be on the outside. Still, the anxiety I experienced was a personal sacrifice I was willing to make in order to live out my faith.

Voices of Moral Mondays: What Does the Lord Require of You by Ron LaRocque

November 15, 2013 by chris

Rev. Ron LaRocque, Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem

On May 20, I drove from my home in Winston-Salem to Raleigh to participate in the Moral Monday campaign. Part of my participation included voluntarily committing an act of nonviolent civil disobedience which resulted in my arrest. I admit I was not as calm on the inside as many of those arrested alongside me appeared to be on the outside. Still, the anxiety I experienced was a personal sacrifice I was willing to make in order to live out my faith.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

The Council Welcomes Your Support

November 14, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches could not do its work without the support of faithful individuals who share in our commitment to prophetic vision of social justice. With our […]

The Council Welcomes Your Support

November 14, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches could not do its work without the support of faithful individuals who share in our commitment to prophetic vision of social justice. With our […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Voices of Moral Mondays: Let the Little Children Come to Me by Susan Steinberg

November 12, 2013 By chris

By Rev. Susan Steinberg, United Church of Chapel Hill “Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” As a pastor whose ministry has focused on children and their families for the past decade, these words of Jesus guide me, challenge me, and inspire me. They are words I strive to live by each day, words that shape my pastoral identity and inform my responses to events in the public sphere.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Let the Little Children Come to Me by Susan Steinberg

November 12, 2013 by chris

By Rev. Susan Steinberg, United Church of Chapel Hill

“Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” As a pastor whose ministry has focused on children and their families for the past decade, these words of Jesus guide me, challenge me, and inspire me. They are words I strive to live by each day, words that shape my pastoral identity and inform my responses to events in the public sphere.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: The American Demonstrations by Wojciech Szczerba

November 4, 2013 By chris

I was amazed with the commonly made references to the civil rights movement. I was surprised to see many families with little kids. And most of all I did not expect to see policemen smiling and talking to the demonstrators in a friendly way. I could hardly believe in what I saw. I kept asking myself what it was. How- ever, in time, my initial disbelief and skepticism gradually gave way to a different feeling. I realized that this was a good example of one of the ways how stable, democratic society talks, conducts inner dialogue in a peaceful way initiated long ago by Gandhi, then carried on by Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the others.

Voices of Moral Mondays: The American Demonstrations by Wojciech Szczerba

November 4, 2013 by chris

I was amazed with the commonly made references to the civil rights movement. I was surprised to see many families with little kids. And most of all I did not expect to see policemen smiling and talking to the demonstrators in a friendly way. I could hardly believe in what I saw. I kept asking myself what it was. How- ever, in time, my initial disbelief and skepticism gradually gave way to a different feeling. I realized that this was a good example of one of the ways how stable, democratic society talks, conducts inner dialogue in a peaceful way initiated long ago by Gandhi, then carried on by Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the others.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Six More Years by Madison Kimrey

November 3, 2013 By chris

For weeks, I heard about Moral Mondays.

Finally, I had time to go yesterday. I’ve been to several demonstrations, but nothing like this.This was like a rock concert for people who care about what’s going on in North Carolina and around the country. There were thousands of people there. One of the things I like best about going to any kind of demonstration or participating in different forms of activism is that I get to meet a lot of people and talk to them. One of the things that’s great about going to a huge event like yesterday’s is that people come out and demonstrate for a variety of reasons.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Six More Years by Madison Kimrey

November 3, 2013 by chris

For weeks, I heard about Moral Mondays.

Finally, I had time to go yesterday. I’ve been to several demonstrations, but nothing like this.This was like a rock concert for people who care about what’s going on in North Carolina and around the country. There were thousands of people there.

One of the things I like best about going to any kind of demonstration or participating in different forms of activism is that I get to meet a lot of people and talk to them. One of the things that’s great about going to a huge event like yesterday’s is that people come out and demonstrate for a variety of reasons.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Hot, Tired & Hungry by Craig Schaub

October 29, 2013 By chris

By Rev. Craig Schaub, Parkway United Church of Christ, Winston-Salem

We were tired, hot, and hungry as we wove our way slowly through the crowd to head back to our car for the journey home. Our eight-year-old daughter was holding my hand and looked up. She said, “Dad, that was sort of cool.” On our way from the final Moral Monday in Raleigh back to Winston-Salem, she fell asleep in the backseat. Arriving home, she put on her pajamas, hunted for a book in her bookshelf, and thrust it before me. “I want you to read this to me before I fall back asleep.” It was a book about how representative government works. Not my idea of a typical bedtime story, but clearly what she wanted. Something was planted within her that night. It was enough for me.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Hot, Tired & Hungry by Craig Schaub

October 29, 2013 by chris

By Rev. Craig Schaub, Parkway United Church of Christ, Winston-Salem

We were tired, hot, and hungry as we wove our way slowly through the crowd to head back to our car for the journey home. Our eight-year-old daughter was holding my hand and looked up. She said, “Dad, that was sort of cool.” On our way from the final Moral Monday in Raleigh back to Winston-Salem, she fell asleep in the backseat. Arriving home, she put on her pajamas, hunted for a book in her bookshelf, and thrust it before me. “I want you to read this to me before I fall back asleep.” It was a book about how representative government works. Not my idea of a typical bedtime story, but clearly what she wanted. Something was planted within her that night. It was enough for me.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Failure to Disperse on Command by Betsy Crites

October 25, 2013 By chris

After attending several Moral Monday protests at the NC Legislature, I finally decided to join the ranks of those who “trespass” and “fail to disperse on command.” I was by no means a groundbreaker. I may have been the 800th to face this encounter with the law while expressing disagreement with policies that punish the poor and reward the wealthy. On top of refusing federal unemployment benefits and Medicaid to people who are economically vulnerable, our legislators are setting up obstacles to voting that will cost millions of dollars to enforce while disenfranchising those who fail to jump the additional hurdles.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Failure to Disperse on Command by Betsy Crites

October 25, 2013 by chris

After attending several Moral Monday protests at the NC Legislature, I finally decided to join the ranks of those who “trespass” and “fail to disperse on command.” I was by no means a groundbreaker. I may have been the 800th to face this encounter with the law while expressing disagreement with policies that punish the poor and reward the wealthy.

On top of refusing federal unemployment benefits and Medicaid to people who are economically vulnerable, our legislators are setting up obstacles to voting that will cost millions of dollars to enforce while disenfranchising those who fail to jump the additional hurdles.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Three Young Men (Aleta Payne)

October 18, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The three most important people in my life happen to be young, African American men. None was born in North Carolina, but all have lived here most of their lives. Precious as they are to me, they are also beloved children of God. Their Creator values them as much as God values anyone else, regardless of skin color, wealth, age or any other factor intertwined with recent human decisions about who gained and who lost in our state.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Three Young Men (Aleta Payne)

October 18, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The three most important people in my life happen to be young, African American men. None was born in North Carolina, but all have lived here most of their lives.

Precious as they are to me, they are also beloved children of God. Their Creator values them as much as God values anyone else, regardless of skin color, wealth, age or any other factor intertwined with recent human decisions about who gained and who lost in our state.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: I Could Not Not Do It (Larry Gaissert)

October 16, 2013 By chris

I am an educated, financially secure, slightly-beyond-middle-age, healthy, white, heterosexual, southern male. In other words I am a person of privilege. As a teenager in the 1960s, I lived in Birmingham, Alabama and was an almost eyewitness to the events that occurred there during that era’s civil rights struggle. I am also a person of faith, and my faith tradition tells me that my privileged status is a gift that carries with it certain responsibilities. Primary among those responsibilities is to care for those whom we refer to as the least of these…those on the margins, the ostracized, the powerless, the voiceless.

Voices of Moral Mondays: I Could Not Not Do It (Larry Gaissert)

October 16, 2013 by chris

I am an educated, financially secure, slightly-beyond-middle-age, healthy, white, heterosexual, southern male. In other words I am a person of privilege. As a teenager in the 1960s, I lived in Birmingham, Alabama and was an almost eyewitness to the events that occurred there during that era’s civil rights struggle.

I am also a person of faith, and my faith tradition tells me that my privileged status is a gift that carries with it certain responsibilities. Primary among those responsibilities is to care for those whom we refer to as the least of these…those on the margins, the ostracized, the powerless, the voiceless.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Testimonies of Faithfulness and Civil Disobedience

October 11, 2013 By chris

Sign up below to download this free e-book. We will send you the e-book and add you to our regular email list. We won’t share your email with anyone, and […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: Testimonies of Faithfulness and Civil Disobedience

October 11, 2013 by chris

Sign up below to download this free e-book. We will send you the e-book and add you to our regular email list. We won’t share your email with anyone, and […]

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Introduction to Voices of Moral Mondays: Mustard Seed

October 11, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve been thinking about mustard seed as I reflect on Moral Mondays. Jesus once described the coming kingdom of God by comparing it to a tiny seed that grows into a large tree. Moral Mondays started with a simple call to people of faith to prayer, to pursue the “moral high ground” of nonviolent protest and peaceful assembly, to register distress at the direction our state was being taken by the General Assembly and Governor. The call came from the Rev. William Barber, pastor of Goldsboro’s Greenleaf Christian Church, president of the state chapter of the NAACP, and the creator and prophetic force behind Moral Mondays. On April 29 (my birthday, but I’m pretty sure that’s just coincidental) there was a “pray-in,” followed by a rally at the General Assembly, followed by civil disobedience that resulted in 17 arrests.

Introduction to Voices of Moral Mondays: Mustard Seed

October 11, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve been thinking about mustard seed as I reflect on Moral Mondays. Jesus once described the coming kingdom of God by comparing it to a tiny seed that grows into a large tree.

Moral Mondays started with a simple call to people of faith to prayer, to pursue the “moral high ground” of nonviolent protest and peaceful assembly, to register distress at the direction our state was being taken by the General Assembly and Governor. The call came from the Rev. William Barber, pastor of Goldsboro’s Greenleaf Christian Church, president of the state chapter of the NAACP, and the creator and prophetic force behind Moral Mondays. On April 29 (my birthday, but I’m pretty sure that’s just coincidental) there was a “pray-in,” followed by a rally at the General Assembly, followed by civil disobedience that resulted in 17 arrests.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

September 6, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a conservative governor in tow, veered away from the moderate consensus that had set the […]

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

September 6, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a conservative governor in tow, veered away from the moderate consensus that had set the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Farmworkers, Good Government, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Rural Life, Taxes

Court Tests for New Election Law

August 20, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new voter ID law also cuts the period for early voting and makes other changes in election rules. Does the law discriminate against some voters on the basis […]

Court Tests for New Election Law

August 20, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new voter ID law also cuts the period for early voting and makes other changes in election rules. Does the law discriminate against some voters on the basis […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Moral Mondays, Race/Ethnicity

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

August 4, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Salon

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

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

August 4, 2013 Leave a Comment

Salon

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

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget

Short Rations for Schools

August 1, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them […]

Short Rations for Schools

August 1, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget

More Damage as Session Ends

July 26, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 session after a final cascade of disappointing and disturbing bills that now await review by Gov. Pat McCrory. Among the bills approved are ones that will make it less convenient for many citizens to vote and that weaken regulatory oversight of the environment. There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

More Damage as Session Ends

July 26, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 session after a final cascade of disappointing and disturbing bills that now await review by Gov. Pat McCrory. Among the bills approved are ones that will make it less convenient for many citizens to vote and that weaken regulatory oversight of the environment.

There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Squeeze on Education Spending

July 22, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for approval in the General Assembly. It represents a triumph of diminished expectations. That is […]

Squeeze on Education Spending

July 22, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for approval in the General Assembly. It represents a triumph of diminished expectations. That is […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

July 12, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the […]

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

July 12, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gender, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Organized Labor, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Taxes

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

July 10, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though […]

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

July 10, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Food, Good Government, Health, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, State Budget

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

July 5, 2013 By chris

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

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

July 5, 2013 by chris

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

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Organized Labor, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

Reflection on Moral Mondays

June 29, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

June 29, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Health, Moral Mondays, State Budget

Punishing the Jobless

June 26, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to worse as they lose their unemployment benefits. Those are the benefits that can help […]

Punishing the Jobless

June 26, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to worse as they lose their unemployment benefits. Those are the benefits that can help […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Moral Mondays, State Budget

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

June 25, 2013 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a […]

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

June 25, 2013 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

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

June 21, 2013 By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son and 82-year-old dad. David then traveled to Raleigh with his father so that the […]

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

June 21, 2013 by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son and 82-year-old dad. David then traveled to Raleigh with his father so that the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Gender, Good Government, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

A State of Urgency

June 19, 2013 By chris

As rabbis at this week’s event told reporters, the civil disobedience was not an option of first resort – Republican legislators repeatedly blew off meeting requests from clergy who are eager to discuss the impact the North Carolina GOP’s policies have on the common good. As the movement has gained steam, some politicians have resorted to insulting Moral Mondays participants. The governor dismissed it all as an effort led by “outsiders,” and one state legislator dubbed it “Moron Mondays.” It brings to mind Gandhi’s saying, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

A State of Urgency

June 19, 2013 by chris

As rabbis at this week’s event told reporters, the civil disobedience was not an option of first resort – Republican legislators repeatedly blew off meeting requests from clergy who are eager to discuss the impact the North Carolina GOP’s policies have on the common good. As the movement has gained steam, some politicians have resorted to insulting Moral Mondays participants. The governor dismissed it all as an effort led by “outsiders,” and one state legislator dubbed it “Moron Mondays.” It brings to mind Gandhi’s saying, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Moral Mondays, Religion & Society, State Budget

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

June 17, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s […]

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

June 17, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

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

June 13, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why […]

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

June 13, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Good Government, Moral Mondays

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

June 11, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each […]

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

June 11, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

June 1, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices […]

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

June 1, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

May 29, 2013 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing […]

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

May 29, 2013 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Living Wage, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Moral Mondays Continue in June

May 25, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in […]

Moral Mondays Continue in June

May 25, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

May 15, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being […]

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

May 15, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, Living Wage, Mental Health, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, Taxes

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