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Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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N.C. General Assembly

Veto Showdowns and Voter ID

January 19, 2023 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly gathered on Jan. 11 amid trappings of ceremony and good cheer to kick off its 2023 session. Then reality reared its head: At least in the […]

Veto Showdowns and Voter ID

January 19, 2023 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly gathered on Jan. 11 amid trappings of ceremony and good cheer to kick off its 2023 session. Then reality reared its head: At least in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Policy, Voting Rights

Push, shove on public school spending

September 10, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools […]

Push, shove on public school spending

September 10, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Riot or Rally?

May 26, 2021 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, at a Takeover Tuesday rally against HB805, a bill that threatens our first amendment. The history of […]

Riot or Rally?

May 26, 2021 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, at a Takeover Tuesday rally against HB805, a bill that threatens our first amendment. The history of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly

2021 Legislative Seminar Resources

May 5, 2021 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Recordings We hope you enjoyed the many informative conversations on so many vital topics last week. For those of you who could not make it to each one, we have […]

2021 Legislative Seminar Resources

May 5, 2021 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Recordings We hope you enjoyed the many informative conversations on so many vital topics last week. For those of you who could not make it to each one, we have […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly

2021 Legislative Seminar

March 23, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Whether you are new to policy advocacy or have been engaged in this work for years, the Council’s Legislative Seminar offers a chance to learn about the important discussions during […]

2021 Legislative Seminar

March 23, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Whether you are new to policy advocacy or have been engaged in this work for years, the Council’s Legislative Seminar offers a chance to learn about the important discussions during […]

Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Policy

Advocating with Compassion Campaign Launch

February 2, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join NC Interfaith Power & Light (NCIPL), the NC Council of Churches, and national Interfaith Power & Light on Wednesday, February 17th, for our “Advocating with Compassion” Campaign Launch! Click […]

Advocating with Compassion Campaign Launch

February 2, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join NC Interfaith Power & Light (NCIPL), the NC Council of Churches, and national Interfaith Power & Light on Wednesday, February 17th, for our “Advocating with Compassion” Campaign Launch! Click […]

Tagged With: Climate, Climate Change, Environment, N.C. General Assembly

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

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 […]

Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Face it: Trump, allies owned N.C.

November 12, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolinians who stood against our soon-to-be ex-president’s rancid politics of grievance, contempt and division, fueled by a gusher of falsehoods, are heartened by the nation’s clear choice of Joseph […]

Face it: Trump, allies owned N.C.

November 12, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolinians who stood against our soon-to-be ex-president’s rancid politics of grievance, contempt and division, fueled by a gusher of falsehoods, are heartened by the nation’s clear choice of Joseph […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

In search of voting’s ‘new normal’

April 22, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When and if members of the N.C. General Assembly reconvene as scheduled on April 28 – presumably wearing masks and taking all the other recommended precautions to stay safe and […]

In search of voting’s ‘new normal’

April 22, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When and if members of the N.C. General Assembly reconvene as scheduled on April 28 – presumably wearing masks and taking all the other recommended precautions to stay safe and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Give Us a Budget

January 21, 2020 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

North Carolina needs a budget. With half the fiscal year gone (the year began July 1, 2019) we are operating with a budget that is more than a year old. […]

Give Us a Budget

January 21, 2020 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

North Carolina needs a budget. With half the fiscal year gone (the year began July 1, 2019) we are operating with a budget that is more than a year old. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, State Budget

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

January 7, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal […]

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

January 7, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Ambush at Override Gulch

September 13, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m. session on Sept. 11, he made a fateful decision bearing not only on a […]

Ambush at Override Gulch

September 13, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m. session on Sept. 11, he made a fateful decision bearing not only on a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Redistricting, State Budget

Ambush at Override Gulch

September 13, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m. session on Sept. 11, he made a fateful decision bearing not only on a […]

Ambush at Override Gulch

September 13, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m. session on Sept. 11, he made a fateful decision bearing not only on a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Redistricting, State Budget

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Understanding the Big Picture of Women’s Health: A Call to Action for Men and Women

April 23, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join the N.C. Council of Churches to learn more about the erosion of women’s health and the potential for restrictions on reproductive health. Panelists will offer different perspectives, all of […]

Understanding the Big Picture of Women’s Health: A Call to Action for Men and Women

April 23, 2019 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join the N.C. Council of Churches to learn more about the erosion of women’s health and the potential for restrictions on reproductive health. Panelists will offer different perspectives, all of […]

Tagged With: Health, N.C. General Assembly

Amend What?

October 11, 2018 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly proposed six amendments to the North Carolina Constitution that will be submitted to voters in the 2018 general election. Join us along with the NC […]

Amend What?

October 11, 2018 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly proposed six amendments to the North Carolina Constitution that will be submitted to voters in the 2018 general election. Join us along with the NC […]

Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly

Pushback Path Leads to Court

August 13, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A summer of hectic twists and turns has made it increasingly clear: The N.C. General Assembly’s ruling Republicans have been driven by desperation. They must be desperately worried that their […]

Pushback Path Leads to Court

August 13, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A summer of hectic twists and turns has made it increasingly clear: The N.C. General Assembly’s ruling Republicans have been driven by desperation. They must be desperately worried that their […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly

Power Struggle has them Scrambling

August 2, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The drive by Republicans who control the N.C. General Assembly to enhance their already formidable power, often at the expense of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, has been relentless. Why is […]

Power Struggle has them Scrambling

August 2, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The drive by Republicans who control the N.C. General Assembly to enhance their already formidable power, often at the expense of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, has been relentless. Why is […]

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

Improving the State of North Carolina

July 3, 2018 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees”~Isaiah 10:1 The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) just finished its 2018 short session without passing legislation that would […]

Improving the State of North Carolina

July 3, 2018 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees”~Isaiah 10:1 The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) just finished its 2018 short session without passing legislation that would […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly

Governor Faces a Squeeze

June 28, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Depending on the context, it could be called poor sportsmanship. Or bullying. Or a flouting of democratic principles. Or even tyranny. Consider a situation in which a group of people […]

Governor Faces a Squeeze

June 28, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Depending on the context, it could be called poor sportsmanship. Or bullying. Or a flouting of democratic principles. Or even tyranny. Consider a situation in which a group of people […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education

June 22, 2018 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches has unveiled our latest billboard. This time we set our sights on Public Education. The billboard is located on I-40 East at Mile Marker […]

Council Calls for More Support for Public Education

June 22, 2018 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches has unveiled our latest billboard. This time we set our sights on Public Education. The billboard is located on I-40 East at Mile Marker […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

June 11, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the Republican-controlled General Assembly over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto – represents a miserable failure […]

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

June 11, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the Republican-controlled General Assembly over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto – represents a miserable failure […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 By North Carolina Council of Churches

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General […]

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 by North Carolina Council of Churches

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

A Prayer for the North Carolina General Assembly

May 22, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

This morning marked a historic day as the Council hosted their first legislative prayer breakfast at the North Carolina General Assembly. In attendance were faith leaders from the Council’s 18 […]

A Prayer for the North Carolina General Assembly

May 22, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

This morning marked a historic day as the Council hosted their first legislative prayer breakfast at the North Carolina General Assembly. In attendance were faith leaders from the Council’s 18 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day

May 21, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join NC Interfaith Power & Light’s lay and faith leader network for our Advocating with Compassion Day at the North Carolina General Assembly. Meet with your elected officials to hear their visions for […]

Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day

May 21, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Join NC Interfaith Power & Light’s lay and faith leader network for our Advocating with Compassion Day at the North Carolina General Assembly. Meet with your elected officials to hear their visions for […]

Tagged With: Environment, N.C. General Assembly

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

February 15, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would be nice to think that the grand dispute over class sizes in North Carolina’s […]

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

February 15, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would be nice to think that the grand dispute over class sizes in North Carolina’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

The Commission Came to Town

February 13, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.  In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles […]

The Commission Came to Town

February 13, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.  In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles […]

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

Thumbs-up to Fairer Districts

January 22, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Progress in rooting out North Carolina’s gerrymandered voting districts hasn’t always occurred in a straight line. But the trend – thanks to federal judges honoring their duty to uphold the […]

Thumbs-up to Fairer Districts

January 22, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Progress in rooting out North Carolina’s gerrymandered voting districts hasn’t always occurred in a straight line. But the trend – thanks to federal judges honoring their duty to uphold the […]

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

U.S. Court: Those Districts Won’t Fly

January 12, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Grand constitutional questions in this country aren’t settled until the Supreme Court has its say, either by affirming or reversing the rulings of lower-court judges or simply by declining to […]

U.S. Court: Those Districts Won’t Fly

January 12, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Grand constitutional questions in this country aren’t settled until the Supreme Court has its say, either by affirming or reversing the rulings of lower-court judges or simply by declining to […]

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

N.C. Judges on Trial

January 4, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, here we go again. If the Republican-led General Assembly in 2017 focused on trying to exert its dominance over a freshly installed Democratic governor, then 2018 could bring the […]

N.C. Judges on Trial

January 4, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, here we go again. If the Republican-led General Assembly in 2017 focused on trying to exert its dominance over a freshly installed Democratic governor, then 2018 could bring the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Elections, N.C. General Assembly

GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench

October 23, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central to our bedrock American principle of checks and balances and to the rule of […]

GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench

October 23, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central to our bedrock American principle of checks and balances and to the rule of […]

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

Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege

September 30, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At many levels, Americans are confronting issues of race relations and racial justice with an intensity that echoes the climax of the civil rights movement five decades ago – as […]

Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege

September 30, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At many levels, Americans are confronting issues of race relations and racial justice with an intensity that echoes the climax of the civil rights movement five decades ago – as […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

September 11, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” […]

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

September 11, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Redistricting, Religion & Society

Marching Orders for New Maps

August 10, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The three federal judges could have just come right out and said it: The Republicans who rule the N.C. General Assembly have elevated foot-dragging to a fine art. Their stall […]

Marching Orders for New Maps

August 10, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The three federal judges could have just come right out and said it: The Republicans who rule the N.C. General Assembly have elevated foot-dragging to a fine art. Their stall […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Redistricting

Rights Advocacy At Risk

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

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem,” it’s even more important to look at the substance. And […]

Rights Advocacy At Risk

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

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem,” it’s even more important to look at the substance. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

July 27, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is about to reopen for business in its marble and masonry maze on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

July 27, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is about to reopen for business in its marble and masonry maze on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

More Wind Energy, Not Less

July 3, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

It is becoming a national trend for politicians to “divide and conquer” by attacking the wind industry while supporting other forms of clean energy. This is fracturing the renewable energy community as folks […]

More Wind Energy, Not Less

July 3, 2017 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

It is becoming a national trend for politicians to “divide and conquer” by attacking the wind industry while supporting other forms of clean energy. This is fracturing the renewable energy community as folks […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Refugees, Religion & Society

Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now

June 14, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were, it could be said, licking their chops. They knew that when they came to […]

Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now

June 14, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were, it could be said, licking their chops. They knew that when they came to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

June 12, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are working with two deeply flawed proposals. As our friend Chris Fitzsimon at […]

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

June 12, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are working with two deeply flawed proposals. As our friend Chris Fitzsimon at […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Food, Good Government, Hunger, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly

June 8, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s attempt to convene a special session for the purpose of redrawing legislative voting districts. […]

UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly

June 8, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s attempt to convene a special session for the purpose of redrawing legislative voting districts. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7

June 7, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Representatives in the General  Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are still needed against this bill. As our friends at NC Policy Watch reported, the […]

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7

June 7, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Representatives in the General  Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are still needed against this bill. As our friends at NC Policy Watch reported, the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Peace

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2

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

Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up […]

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2

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

Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, N.C. General Assembly

Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns

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

As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 […]

Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns

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

As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Peace

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

May 25, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against President Barack Obama midway through his first term – Republicans in the N.C. General […]

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

May 25, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against President Barack Obama midway through his first term – Republicans in the N.C. General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA

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

Last week was a mixed bag for children and youth in terms of activity at the General Assembly. Among accomplishments was further progress on raising the age at which juveniles […]

For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA

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

Last week was a mixed bag for children and youth in terms of activity at the General Assembly. Among accomplishments was further progress on raising the age at which juveniles […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Food, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget

Justice on Gerrymandering

May 22, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirms what many in North Carolina knew – the state’s congressional districts were deliberately drawn in 2011 to mute the voices of minority […]

Justice on Gerrymandering

May 22, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirms what many in North Carolina knew – the state’s congressional districts were deliberately drawn in 2011 to mute the voices of minority […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

May 19, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

May 19, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Food, Good Government, Health, Housing, Hunger, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

May 15, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks […]

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

May 15, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Criminal Justice, Good Government, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Religion & Society, Worship

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

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Elections, Environment, Food, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Hunger, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Public Education, State Budget

Retiring Judge Stands Tall

April 27, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Shakespeare’s King Lear famously put it, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” Top Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly now might well […]

Retiring Judge Stands Tall

April 27, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Shakespeare’s King Lear famously put it, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” Top Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly now might well […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea

April 25, 2017 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Two of the most volatile elements on a college campus are alcohol and hormones. These ingredients contribute to sexual assault (23.1 percent of female and 5.4 percent of male undergraduates), […]

Guns on Campus Are a Bad Idea

April 25, 2017 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Two of the most volatile elements on a college campus are alcohol and hormones. These ingredients contribute to sexual assault (23.1 percent of female and 5.4 percent of male undergraduates), […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Good Government, Gun Violence, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice

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

A change in New York law earlier this month leaves North Carolina alone in a place 49 other states have found to be indefensible: only NC automatically prosecutes 16- and […]

Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice

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

A change in New York law earlier this month leaves North Carolina alone in a place 49 other states have found to be indefensible: only NC automatically prosecutes 16- and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Peace

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

April 22, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in the aftermath of recent income tax filing deadlines, when the subject becomes a sore […]

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

April 22, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in the aftermath of recent income tax filing deadlines, when the subject becomes a sore […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

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

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

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

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Human Rights, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health

April 14, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s failure under Republican leadership to improve low-income residents’ access to health care via the Medicaid program has been like a persistent, throbbing pain in the state’s civic and […]

New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health

April 14, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s failure under Republican leadership to improve low-income residents’ access to health care via the Medicaid program has been like a persistent, throbbing pain in the state’s civic and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Health, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Rural Life, Substance Abuse

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. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Taxes

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Interfaith, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, State Budget

Let NC Legislators Know You Care about Creation

April 6, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

NC Interfaith Power and Light’s lay and faith leader network is at the General Assembly on April 6 until 4 p.m. for their Advocating with Compassion Day. Even if you cannot […]

Let NC Legislators Know You Care about Creation

April 6, 2017 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

NC Interfaith Power and Light’s lay and faith leader network is at the General Assembly on April 6 until 4 p.m. for their Advocating with Compassion Day. Even if you cannot […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Environment, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

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

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. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

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

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

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

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

March 24, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward to having you join us this Monday, March 27, at St. Mark’s United Methodist […]

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

March 24, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Thank you to those who have registered for the 2017 Legislative Seminar. We are looking forward to having you join us this Monday, March 27, at St. Mark’s United Methodist […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

March 24, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act as though they were drunk with power. They have the votes not merely to […]

GOP Mantra: Party Hearty!

March 24, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They might not care for the image, but Republican members of the N.C. General Assembly act as though they were drunk with power. They have the votes not merely to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School Education Tax Credit, would give a $1,250-per-student-per-semester income tax credit to the parents of […]

Raleigh Report — March 21, 2017

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

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXATION HB 329, Home School Education Tax Credit, would give a $1,250-per-student-per-semester income tax credit to the parents of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Elections, Environment, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

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. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017

March 7, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 147, Reenact School Sales Tax Holiday. The school sales tax holiday was a three-day weekend shortly before […]

Raleigh Report — March 7, 2017

March 7, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 147, Reenact School Sales Tax Holiday. The school sales tax holiday was a three-day weekend shortly before […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Elections, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

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

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

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

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

February 25, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but it’s not too far off the mark. Participants seek to win, and to do […]

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

February 25, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but it’s not too far off the mark. Participants seek to win, and to do […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

Raleigh Report — February 20, 2017

February 20, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 75, Constitutional Amendment – Maximum Income Tax Rate of 5.5%. The Constitution currently sets a maximum rate […]

Raleigh Report — February 20, 2017

February 20, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES S 75, Constitutional Amendment – Maximum Income Tax Rate of 5.5%. The Constitution currently sets a maximum rate […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Domestic Violence, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly

Governor Fights Power Shortage

February 17, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s governor gets to live in a mansion whose handsome property occupies a full city block in downtown Raleigh. He or she gets to meet with assorted dignitaries, here […]

Governor Fights Power Shortage

February 17, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s governor gets to live in a mansion whose handsome property occupies a full city block in downtown Raleigh. He or she gets to meet with assorted dignitaries, here […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

February 15, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase in the number of bills being introduced. Here are summaries of several which will […]

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

February 15, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase in the number of bills being introduced. Here are summaries of several which will […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Religion & Society, Taxes

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

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

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

January 31, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The 2017 General Assembly has begun its work. Elected in November, it came to Raleigh for a day in early January in order to […]

Raleigh Report — January 31, 2017

January 31, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The 2017 General Assembly has begun its work. Elected in November, it came to Raleigh for a day in early January in order to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

January 30, 2017 By The 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 The 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.” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Fracking, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life, Taxes

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

January 20, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest office. We can hope for the best but it’s hard not to anticipate the […]

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

January 20, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest office. We can hope for the best but it’s hard not to anticipate the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2

December 20, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Updated December 21, 9:50 p.m. Special Session #5 of the General Assembly adjourned this evening without passing anything. The Senate moved first. But the […]

UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2

December 20, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Updated December 21, 9:50 p.m. Special Session #5 of the General Assembly adjourned this evening without passing anything. The Senate moved first. But the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

December 16, 2016 By The 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 The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society, Rural Life

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

December 15, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

December 15, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Civil Liberties, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society

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

Possible Surprises in Upcoming Special Session

December 10, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The General Assembly returns to town this coming Tuesday, December 13, for a special session called by Governor McCrory to consider disaster relief legislation […]

Possible Surprises in Upcoming Special Session

December 10, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The General Assembly returns to town this coming Tuesday, December 13, for a special session called by Governor McCrory to consider disaster relief legislation […]

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

The Path to McCrory’s Last Stand

December 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He and his supporters twisted and turned, wriggled and squirmed. But 27 days after the Nov. 8 election, Gov. Pat McCrory finally bowed to the inevitable and conceded that his […]

The Path to McCrory’s Last Stand

December 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He and his supporters twisted and turned, wriggled and squirmed. But 27 days after the Nov. 8 election, Gov. Pat McCrory finally bowed to the inevitable and conceded that his […]

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

Maps Again Key to Power, Rights

December 5, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

No one reading this post is likely to pull a brain muscle describing ways in which the recent elections could have consequences ranging from the unfortunate to the dire. Our […]

Maps Again Key to Power, Rights

December 5, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

No one reading this post is likely to pull a brain muscle describing ways in which the recent elections could have consequences ranging from the unfortunate to the dire. Our […]

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

Plots Thicken in Election’s Aftermath — UPDATED

November 18, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency was a waste-pit wallow through a sludge of fear and hate. That millions of Americans voted for him presumably without hating anyone says a […]

Plots Thicken in Election’s Aftermath — UPDATED

November 18, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency was a waste-pit wallow through a sludge of fear and hate. That millions of Americans voted for him presumably without hating anyone says a […]

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

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

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, Immigration, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Taxes

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Gender, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

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

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. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, N.C. General Assembly

Voting — Finish Strong

November 3, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For decades, the NC Council of Churches has encouraged full and unfettered access to the polls for North Carolina’s citizens. As recently as 2013, the Council’s Governing Board approved a […]

Voting — Finish Strong

November 3, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For decades, the NC Council of Churches has encouraged full and unfettered access to the polls for North Carolina’s citizens. As recently as 2013, the Council’s Governing Board approved a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Interfaith, N.C. General Assembly

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