N.C. General Assembly

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

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

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

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

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

NC Family Featured in Video on Need for Medicaid Expansion

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

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

NC Family Featured in Video on Need for Medicaid Expansion

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

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 […]

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

October 28, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Early voting in North Carolina is on pace with some of the best years on record. In the spirit of keeping the momentum building, the NC Council of Churches is supporting […]

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

October 28, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Early voting in North Carolina is on pace with some of the best years on record. In the spirit of keeping the momentum building, the NC Council of Churches is supporting […]

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 […]

Stand Up and Vote

October 25, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

So far, our family of five has stood in line, collectively, for five hours and 15 minutes in order to vote. That’s actually the total for four of us — […]

Stand Up and Vote

October 25, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

So far, our family of five has stood in line, collectively, for five hours and 15 minutes in order to vote. That’s actually the total for four of us — […]

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

October 13, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference with the NC NAACP in Raleigh on October 13. Vote your values is a rallying cry issued early and […]

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

October 13, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference with the NC NAACP in Raleigh on October 13. Vote your values is a rallying cry issued early and […]

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

October 1, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump may strike a populist, anti-big business note a la Bernie Sanders from time to time. But he also has a tendency to gloat over his own cutthroat business […]

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

October 1, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump may strike a populist, anti-big business note a la Bernie Sanders from time to time. But he also has a tendency to gloat over his own cutthroat business […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

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

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

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

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

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

Bad Law vs. Big Games

September 17, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to do is to tell them to take the proverbial long walk off a short […]

Bad Law vs. Big Games

September 17, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to do is to tell them to take the proverbial long walk off a short […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

June 16, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Why are health care premiums steadily going up? Gallup polls at the end of 2015 found that 74% of Americans say the amount they pay in premiums had gone up […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

June 16, 2016 by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Why are health care premiums steadily going up? Gallup polls at the end of 2015 found that 74% of Americans say the amount they pay in premiums had gone up […]

The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent

June 13, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote tomorrow afternoon on a proposed constitutional amendment which would solidify […]

The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent

June 13, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

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

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

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

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

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

Budgeting that Tests our Values

June 3, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

June 3, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

June 1, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC advocates in orange at the General Assembly last year. Photo provided by Beth Messersmith, NC Campaign Director, MomsRising. Less than a month ago, our middle son sat with his classmates under […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

June 1, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

May 26, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, did anyone really expect North Carolina’s General Assembly, in finalizing a new state budget, suddenly to see the light and swerve toward more effective, fairer government? The same General […]

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

May 26, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 25, 2016 (Legislators’ identifications are listed only the first time they […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016

May 17, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 17, 2016 The deadline for introduction of most new bills into […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 17, 2016

May 17, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive director. Weekly Update May 17, 2016 The deadline for introduction of most new bills into […]

2016 Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day

May 15, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

On May 11, NCIPL hosted the Second Annual Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day. Members of faith communities from across the state met with representatives of the NC General […]

2016 Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day

May 15, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

On May 11, NCIPL hosted the Second Annual Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day. Members of faith communities from across the state met with representatives of the NC General […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

May 13, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Take heart, fair-minded North Carolinians. The state’s not-always-pristine but still vaguely operative image as a place where “the weak grow strong and the strong grow great” is in the process […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

May 13, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Don’t Neglect the June 7 Election

May 4, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the Council North Carolina has a second primary coming up next month, and in contrast to second primaries of old, this one is […]

Don’t Neglect the June 7 Election

May 4, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the Council North Carolina has a second primary coming up next month, and in contrast to second primaries of old, this one is […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 3, 2016

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

Today, the weekly update from Raleigh Report resumes as a supplement to Steve Ford’s commentary. The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: May 3, 2016

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

Today, the weekly update from Raleigh Report resumes as a supplement to Steve Ford’s commentary. The update is compiled on a volunteer basis by George Reed, the Council’s retired executive […]

Video: Christian Ethics and HB2

April 30, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On April 24, the Council joined with EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to present a discussion of Christian ethics and House Bill 2. The video from this remarkable event is […]

Video: Christian Ethics and HB2

April 30, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On April 24, the Council joined with EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to present a discussion of Christian ethics and House Bill 2. The video from this remarkable event is […]

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

April 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A federal judge’s ruling that upholds changes in North Carolina election laws, despite their effect of making it harder for some citizens to vote, seems to rest on his conclusion […]

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

April 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A federal judge’s ruling that upholds changes in North Carolina election laws, despite their effect of making it harder for some citizens to vote, seems to rest on his conclusion […]

How Do You Read the Bible?

April 24, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks from an April 19 press conference in opposition to HB2. There are lots of ways to read the Bible. Some of us read it like a self-help manual; not […]

How Do You Read the Bible?

April 24, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks from an April 19 press conference in opposition to HB2. There are lots of ways to read the Bible. Some of us read it like a self-help manual; not […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

April 21, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North Carolina so much grief: The Charlotte ordinance that the General Assembly was in such […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

April 21, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North Carolina so much grief: The Charlotte ordinance that the General Assembly was in such […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

April 13, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in less than half a day – manages to rope together a herd of provisions […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

April 13, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in less than half a day – manages to rope together a herd of provisions […]

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak

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

The Council is joining EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to bring noted Christian ethicist David Gushee to Durham on April 24 to speak about Christian ethics and the recently passed House […]

Christian Ethics and HB2: Gushee, Spearman, and Meyer to Speak

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

The Council is joining EqualityNC and the Equality Federation to bring noted Christian ethicist David Gushee to Durham on April 24 to speak about Christian ethics and the recently passed House […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

April 1, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable North Carolinians to unfair, hurtful treatment, that threatens to put a dent in the […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

April 1, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable North Carolinians to unfair, hurtful treatment, that threatens to put a dent in the […]

Making Discrimination Easier in NC

March 24, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Almost 24 years ago, leaders of the North Carolina Council of Churches approved a policy statement opposing discrimination against beloved children of God based on their sexuality. Progress has been […]

Making Discrimination Easier in NC

March 24, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

State Medicaid Reform Could Be an Opportunity for Expansion

March 16, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Several public hearings have been planned around the state over the next few months to receive public input on the new plan for Medicaid reform. The plan would move Medicaid, the state […]

State Medicaid Reform Could Be an Opportunity for Expansion

March 16, 2016 by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Several public hearings have been planned around the state over the next few months to receive public input on the new plan for Medicaid reform. The plan would move Medicaid, the state […]

District Challengers: ‘Oh, No, You Don’t!’ (Updated)

March 7, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a panel of federal judges threw out North Carolina’s congressional district map because it trampled the rights of African-American voters, the General Assembly followed orders and redrew the map. […]

District Challengers: ‘Oh, No, You Don’t!’ (Updated)

March 7, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Early Voting Has Begun — Here’s What You Need to Know

March 4, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Early voting has begun in North Carolina. With all the shifting pieces in this year’s electoral puzzle, our friends at Democracy NC are providing much-needed answers to some of the questions you may have […]

Early Voting Has Begun — Here’s What You Need to Know

March 4, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

February 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a five-year exercise in seeking to put a lasting stamp on North Carolina government and policy, the General Assembly’s majority Republicans have provoked a parade of lawsuits challenging a […]

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

February 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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

The Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly are determined to draw election-district boundaries favoring their party’s candidates and promoting their conservative agenda. But when Republican voters are outnumbered by […]

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

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

With an eye toward the battles over redistricting that have roiled North Carolina politics for the last quarter-century, once again push is coming to shove. This time, the advantage lies […]

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

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

With an eye toward the battles over redistricting that have roiled North Carolina politics for the last quarter-century, once again push is coming to shove. This time, the advantage lies […]

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; […]

Your Vote in 2016 — Important Dates and Information

February 5, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [Editor’s note: Because of a late afternoon ruling on February 5 by a panel of federal judges, the timing of North Carolina’s primary elections […]

Your Vote in 2016 — Important Dates and Information

February 5, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [Editor’s note: Because of a late afternoon ruling on February 5 by a panel of federal judges, the timing of North Carolina’s primary elections […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

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

It was just one little comment, perhaps ventured with the flicker of a wry smile. But we can doubt that Tom Farr saw the humor in being ribbed by a […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

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

It was just one little comment, perhaps ventured with the flicker of a wry smile. But we can doubt that Tom Farr saw the humor in being ribbed by a […]

Voter ID on Trial

January 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ongoing legal challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID rule, now playing out before a federal judge in Winston-Salem, could end up reminding us that it’s not the job of […]

Voter ID on Trial

January 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ongoing legal challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID rule, now playing out before a federal judge in Winston-Salem, could end up reminding us that it’s not the job of […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

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

Few of the decisions made by the men and women of our General Assembly are so prone to self-serving, partisan abuse as the setting of boundaries for voting districts. When […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

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

Few of the decisions made by the men and women of our General Assembly are so prone to self-serving, partisan abuse as the setting of boundaries for voting districts. When […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318

October 3, 2015 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In the final hours of the 2015 legislative session, the NC House of Representatives passed House Bill 318, a measure that would prohibit communities from being so-called “sanctuaries” for people living […]

Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318

October 3, 2015 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Clergy Breakfasts Come at a Crucial Time

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

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

Clergy Breakfasts Come at a Crucial Time

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

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

September 25, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

September 25, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Love God, Love Creation

September 23, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following, based on Psalm 148, was offered by Rev. Jennifer Copeland at Raleigh’s Church of the Nativity on September 23 as part of an ecumenical prayer service on the […]

Love God, Love Creation

September 23, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following, based on Psalm 148, was offered by Rev. Jennifer Copeland at Raleigh’s Church of the Nativity on September 23 as part of an ecumenical prayer service on the […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

September 17, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

September 17, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Odor Around the Lottery

September 5, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery, capping a long debate over the wisdom of state-sponsored gaming, they set aside warnings […]

The Odor Around the Lottery

September 5, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery, capping a long debate over the wisdom of state-sponsored gaming, they set aside warnings […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

August 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re set up to be equal in power, although it could be said that the […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

August 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re set up to be equal in power, although it could be said that the […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

August 13, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch on its efforts to turn North Carolina into a veritable Promised Land for conservatives, […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

August 13, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch on its efforts to turn North Carolina into a veritable Promised Land for conservatives, […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

August 1, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they go about their business of determining whether laws are constitutional – from horning in […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

August 1, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they go about their business of determining whether laws are constitutional – from horning in […]

Voting Rights Trial Winding Down

July 30, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National attention has been focused on North Carolina during the federal voting rights trial going on in Winston-Salem. Closing arguments began today. For those who may have missed it, Council […]

Voting Rights Trial Winding Down

July 30, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National attention has been focused on North Carolina during the federal voting rights trial going on in Winston-Salem. Closing arguments began today. For those who may have missed it, Council […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

July 24, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Don’t be surprised if, during the General Assembly’s closed-door negotiations to craft a new state budget, enterprising reporters manage to pry loose some of the juicy (or gory) details. Keeping […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

July 24, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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: […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

July 9, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

July 9, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House […]

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

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

June 23, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

June 23, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

June 23, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week, I listened to WUNC as I usually do. I heard a lot about the […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

June 23, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Wayde Marsh, Duke Divinity School Intern On my way to work one day last week, I listened to WUNC as I usually do. I heard a lot about the […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

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

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

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

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

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

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

June 6, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s General Assembly has muddled through many undistinguished moments since conservative Republicans took charge four years ago. Now, with an ongoing cascade of wrongheaded decisions, it’s adding to that […]

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

June 6, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

June 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Anticipation of an unpleasant event – gallows humorists usually cite the prospect of being hanged – is said to concentrate the mind. Although 17 months will pass before North Carolina […]

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

June 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Anticipation of an unpleasant event – gallows humorists usually cite the prospect of being hanged – is said to concentrate the mind. Although 17 months will pass before North Carolina […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

May 28, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

May 28, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

May 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

May 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

May 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

May 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained enough support to make them worth fussing with during the remainder of the legislative […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

April 23, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s certainly no guarantee that the U.S. Supreme Court, in sending North Carolina’s election district scheme back to the state Supreme Court for review, eventually will find that the General […]

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

April 23, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

April 11, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

April 11, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

Faith and Taxation

March 26, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make […]

Faith and Taxation

March 26, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Lots of us will have our attention focused on taxes over the next couple of weeks. This focus provides a unique opportunity for faith communities to help North Carolinians make […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

March 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

March 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

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

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

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

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

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

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

February 20, 2015 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.” Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

February 20, 2015 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our faiths call us to work for justice and show compassion for the “least of these.” Justice issues can also make such good economic sense that we cannot afford not […]

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

February 19, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gene Nichol was the recipient of the Council’s 2013 Faith Active in Public Life Award. (To see his keynote address at our 2013 Legislative Seminar, “It’s Better Not to Be […]

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

February 19, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gene Nichol was the recipient of the Council’s 2013 Faith Active in Public Life Award. (To see his keynote address at our 2013 Legislative Seminar, “It’s Better Not to Be […]

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

February 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to assign a single letter grade to each of the state’s public schools – ostensibly […]

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

February 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to assign a single letter grade to each of the state’s public schools – ostensibly […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

District Lines Entangle Race, Politics

January 6, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who rule North Carolina’s General Assembly start the new year riding tall in the saddle – and yes, we can imagine GOP legislators tipping their Stetsons to salute […]

District Lines Entangle Race, Politics

January 6, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who rule North Carolina’s General Assembly start the new year riding tall in the saddle – and yes, we can imagine GOP legislators tipping their Stetsons to salute […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

November 16, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The decision last year by the conservatives who control North Carolina’s state government not to expand the state’s Medicaid program has left an estimated half-million residents out in the cold […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

November 16, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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 […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

November 7, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

November 7, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

October 9, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

October 9, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

October 4, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

October 4, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

September 24, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

September 24, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens […]

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 […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

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

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

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

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

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 […]