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Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

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 the effort of EqualityNC to designate this Sunday as Faith and Equality Sunday. Calling on faith communities to encourage early voting, they write: EqualityNC’s Faith Outreach […]

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

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 the effort of EqualityNC to designate this Sunday as Faith and Equality Sunday. Calling on faith communities to encourage early voting, they write: EqualityNC’s Faith Outreach […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

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 may see a familiar paradox of politics once again displayed: Things had to get worse before they could get better. And brother, did they get […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

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 may see a familiar paradox of politics once again displayed: Things had to get worse before they could get better. And brother, did they get […]

Stand Up and Vote

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 — my middle son is out-of-state for several months and will vote absentee. That comes out to about an hour and 20 minutes each. I spent mine […]

Stand Up and Vote

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 — my middle son is out-of-state for several months and will vote absentee. That comes out to about an hour and 20 minutes each. I spent mine […]

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

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 often by faith leaders. Then we neglect to connect the values of our faith to the politicians who can enact them. So, let me give […]

Vote Your Values and Take a Friend

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 often by faith leaders. Then we neglect to connect the values of our faith to the politicians who can enact them. So, let me give […]

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

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 practices which, he claims, have made him rich. (How rich? Perhaps if he weren’t so secretive about his tax returns we’d have a better idea.) […]

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

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 practices which, he claims, have made him rich. (How rich? Perhaps if he weren’t so secretive about his tax returns we’d have a better idea.) […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

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 love to see the clock rolled back to that glorious time before Charlotte strengthened the city’s anti-discrimination rules and before the General Assembly responded with […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

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 love to see the clock rolled back to that glorious time before Charlotte strengthened the city’s anti-discrimination rules and before the General Assembly responded with […]

Bad Law vs. Big Games

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 pier. Or something more colorful. But what if the change being sought is one that advances ideals of fairness and human dignity? Then, to go […]

Bad Law vs. Big Games

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 pier. Or something more colorful. But what if the change being sought is one that advances ideals of fairness and human dignity? Then, to go […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

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 over the past year. While this is up a bit from 2014 (67%), according to Gallup, this is pretty much in line with what they’ve seen […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

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 over the past year. While this is up a bit from 2014 (67%), according to Gallup, this is pretty much in line with what they’ve seen […]

The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent

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 recent tax cuts by adding them to our state’s most basic document. (Amending the constitution requires 2/3 votes in both Senate and House and then […]

The Cost of Making Tax Cuts Permanent

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 recent tax cuts by adding them to our state’s most basic document. (Amending the constitution requires 2/3 votes in both Senate and House and then […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

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 made infinitely easier to execute because of a gun. And so, again, we call on people of faith to hold those killed, injured, or otherwise […]

Pray for Orlando, Pray for Us All

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 made infinitely easier to execute because of a gun. And so, again, we call on people of faith to hold those killed, injured, or otherwise […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

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, as they say, will still come up in the morning. Public school teachers will continue to report for their difficult, essential duties. State parks will […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

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, as they say, will still come up in the morning. Public school teachers will continue to report for their difficult, essential duties. State parks will […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

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 a brilliant Carolina sun, their commencement robes the color of the sky. Six days ago, he set out driving cross country with three friends on […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

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 a brilliant Carolina sun, their commencement robes the color of the sky. Six days ago, he set out driving cross country with three friends on […]

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

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 Assembly that for the past five years has embraced a shrunken, warped vision of its proper role? Nope, we didn’t think so. The new budget […]

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

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 Assembly that for the past five years has embraced a shrunken, warped vision of its proper role? Nope, we didn’t think so. The new budget […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, 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 are named in this issue.) Authorizing resolutions have been filed on several issues. Under terms governing the 2016 short session, new bills not otherwise qualified […]

Raleigh Report: Weekly Update, 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 are named in this issue.) Authorizing resolutions have been filed on several issues. Under terms governing the 2016 short session, new bills not otherwise qualified […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: 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 the 2016 short session has now passed. Below are summaries of several of the bills which have come in. (Note that a legislator’s party affiliation […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: 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 the 2016 short session has now passed. Below are summaries of several of the bills which have come in. (Note that a legislator’s party affiliation […]

2016 Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

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 Assembly to hear their vision for North Carolina’s energy future and to express our support for new and existing clean energy policies. Throughout the legislative session […]

2016 Faith Voices for Clean Energy Advocacy Day

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

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 Assembly to hear their vision for North Carolina’s energy future and to express our support for new and existing clean energy policies. Throughout the legislative session […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

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 of being dragged through the mud by cynics who prefer to kick people while they’re down. But then, we come across the shining example of […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

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 of being dragged through the mud by cynics who prefer to kick people while they’re down. But then, we come across the shining example of […]

Don’t Neglect the June 7 Election

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 NOT to resolve run-offs from the first primary, in March. Rather, because of successful court challenges to legislation passed by our General Assembly, it is […]

Don’t Neglect the June 7 Election

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 NOT to resolve run-offs from the first primary, in March. Rather, because of successful court challenges to legislation passed by our General Assembly, it is […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: 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 director. Weekly Update May 2, 2016 The NC General Assembly convened on April 25 for its 2016 short session. Long-time Raleigh Report participants know that […]

Raleigh Report Weekly Update: 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 director. Weekly Update May 2, 2016 The NC General Assembly convened on April 25 for its 2016 short session. Long-time Raleigh Report participants know that […]

Video: Christian Ethics and HB2

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 below.

Video: Christian Ethics and HB2

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 below.

nc voting rights

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

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 that, well, there’s no reason to get all upset about a little inconvenience. Civil rights and social justice groups have led the charge against a […]

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

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 that, well, there’s no reason to get all upset about a little inconvenience. Civil rights and social justice groups have led the charge against a […]

How Do You Read the Bible?

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 a bad plan since there’s some pretty good individual improvement impetus in it. But the primary reason these scriptures were put together was to give […]

How Do You Read the Bible?

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 a bad plan since there’s some pretty good individual improvement impetus in it. But the primary reason these scriptures were put together was to give […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

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 a rush to block — the one that supposedly threw the usual custom of sex-separated public bathrooms to the winds — doesn’t directly mention bathrooms at all. […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

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 a rush to block — the one that supposedly threw the usual custom of sex-separated public bathrooms to the winds — doesn’t directly mention bathrooms at all. […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

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 so misguided, harmful and unfair as to boggle the mind. Bathroom protocols for transgender people, as ridiculously unnecessary as those rules are, may have been […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

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 so misguided, harmful and unfair as to boggle the mind. Bathroom protocols for transgender people, as ridiculously unnecessary as those rules are, may have been […]

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

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 Bill 2. He will present the keynote and be joined by T. Anthony Spearman, pastor of St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Greensboro and […]

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

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 Bill 2. He will present the keynote and be joined by T. Anthony Spearman, pastor of St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Greensboro and […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

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 state’s economy, and that subjects this state to national ridicule as a redoubt of unhinged intolerance. All the while making a mockery of the legislative […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

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 state’s economy, and that subjects this state to national ridicule as a redoubt of unhinged intolerance. All the while making a mockery of the legislative […]

Making Discrimination Easier in NC

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 made and crucial rights have been extended over the last two decades, but Wednesday, a majority of the NC General Assembly reminded us we still […]

Making Discrimination Easier in NC

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 made and crucial rights have been extended over the last two decades, but Wednesday, a majority of the NC General Assembly reminded us we still […]

State Medicaid Reform Could Be an Opportunity for Expansion

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 program that serves about 1.9 million North Carolina residents, from a fee-for-service format toward a managed-care format. Under this change, Medicaid recipients can enroll in […]

State Medicaid Reform Could Be an Opportunity for Expansion

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 program that serves about 1.9 million North Carolina residents, from a fee-for-service format toward a managed-care format. Under this change, Medicaid recipients can enroll in […]

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

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. The 13 districts were dramatically realigned, with major consequences both for candidates and voters. Primary elections for the 13 seats that had been slated for […]

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

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. The 13 districts were dramatically realigned, with major consequences both for candidates and voters. Primary elections for the 13 seats that had been slated for […]

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

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 as you prepare to exercise your right to vote. This from Democracy NC’s Associate Director Jenn Frye: The wait is over! Get your sample ballot and Election […]

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

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 as you prepare to exercise your right to vote. This from Democracy NC’s Associate Director Jenn Frye: The wait is over! Get your sample ballot and Election […]

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

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 number of their moves. It may be that most of those lawsuits will play out in the federal courts. But the state courts are bound […]

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

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 number of their moves. It may be that most of those lawsuits will play out in the federal courts. But the state courts are bound […]

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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 Democrats, crafting favorable districts while also complying with voter protections embedded in the Constitution becomes tricky. Now we can expect to see whether the legislature’s […]

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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 Democrats, crafting favorable districts while also complying with voter protections embedded in the Constitution becomes tricky. Now we can expect to see whether the legislature’s […]

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

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 with voting rights and social justice advocates who have sought to keep the state’s African-Americans from being used as pawns amid a drive by conservative […]

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

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 with voting rights and social justice advocates who have sought to keep the state’s African-Americans from being used as pawns amid a drive by conservative […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

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; gather and rally is at 8:30 a.m. and the march begins at 10 a.m. Participants can meet across the street from Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

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; gather and rally is at 8:30 a.m. and the march begins at 10 a.m. Participants can meet across the street from Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at […]

Your Vote in 2016 — Important Dates and Information

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 became uncertain shortly after this article was written. The judges declared that North Carolina’s 1st and 12th Congressional Districts, as drawn by the legislature in […]

Your Vote in 2016 — Important Dates and Information

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 became uncertain shortly after this article was written. The judges declared that North Carolina’s 1st and 12th Congressional Districts, as drawn by the legislature in […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

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 federal judge. Farr, attorney for the defendants in a challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID law, was wrapping up his case on Feb. 1 before […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

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 federal judge. Farr, attorney for the defendants in a challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID law, was wrapping up his case on Feb. 1 before […]

Voter ID on Trial

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 the courts to decide whether a law is needed or wise. It’s their job to decide whether a law violates someone’s constitutional rights. Yet the […]

Voter ID on Trial

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 the courts to decide whether a law is needed or wise. It’s their job to decide whether a law violates someone’s constitutional rights. Yet the […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

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 legislators yield to that temptation, it’s inescapable that the rights of some voters to have a fair, equal voice in elections are trampled into the […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

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 legislators yield to that temptation, it’s inescapable that the rights of some voters to have a fair, equal voice in elections are trampled into the […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

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 amounted to yet another slog down a disappointing path. It was the third full year since conservative Republicans completed their takeover of power […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

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 amounted to yet another slog down a disappointing path. It was the third full year since conservative Republicans completed their takeover of power […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

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 come down. There’s been enough damage. But as if our illustrious lawmakers wanted to give us the worst of both worlds, the session’s climactic phase […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

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 come down. There’s been enough damage. But as if our illustrious lawmakers wanted to give us the worst of both worlds, the session’s climactic phase […]

Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318

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 in this country illegally and would limit the forms of acceptable personal identification people are able to use. The bill, which was approved by the […]

Gov. McCrory Should Veto H.B. 318

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 in this country illegally and would limit the forms of acceptable personal identification people are able to use. The bill, which was approved by the […]

Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time

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 for immigrants and refugees when he addressed Congress. He invoked the Golden Rule held by many faith traditions – do unto others as we would […]

Clergy Breakfasts​ Come at a Crucial Time

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 for immigrants and refugees when he addressed Congress. He invoked the Golden Rule held by many faith traditions – do unto others as we would […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

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 Street. But all too often, the results are more scary than funny. OK, scary is a loaded term that has to be viewed within the […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

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 Street. But all too often, the results are more scary than funny. OK, scary is a loaded term that has to be viewed within the […]

Love God, Love Creation

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 eve of the Pope’s address to Congress. The composer of this Psalm obviously had a copy of the first chapter of Genesis in front of […]

Love God, Love Creation

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 eve of the Pope’s address to Congress. The composer of this Psalm obviously had a copy of the first chapter of Genesis in front of […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

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 mouse, then a state budget that is completely underwhelming as a vehicle for making North Carolina a better place for all of its residents to […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

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 mouse, then a state budget that is completely underwhelming as a vehicle for making North Carolina a better place for all of its residents to […]

The Odor Around the Lottery

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 of a slippery slope. Supporters maintained that our lottery would be, in effect, a lottery-lite. Advertising would be soft-pedaled so as not to pose irresistible […]

The Odor Around the Lottery

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 of a slippery slope. Supporters maintained that our lottery would be, in effect, a lottery-lite. Advertising would be soft-pedaled so as not to pose irresistible […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

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 larger House is designed to be more reflective of the public will. Senators typically have more room to operate. And operating in a smaller group, […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

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 larger House is designed to be more reflective of the public will. Senators typically have more room to operate. And operating in a smaller group, […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

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, where taxes are always low, the government is always small, and public services are always below average. Will enough members of the House muster the […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

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, where taxes are always low, the government is always small, and public services are always below average. Will enough members of the House muster the […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

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 on the role of legislators, whose task is to make policy choices and then to enact laws reflecting those choices. Proper restraint makes judges’ rulings […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

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 on the role of legislators, whose task is to make policy choices and then to enact laws reflecting those choices. Proper restraint makes judges’ rulings […]

Voting Rights Trial Winding Down

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 Executive Director Jennifer Copeland offered a powerful statement during a pre-trial press conference on why people of faith care about voting rights. And this week, […]

Voting Rights Trial Winding Down

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 Executive Director Jennifer Copeland offered a powerful statement during a pre-trial press conference on why people of faith care about voting rights. And this week, […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

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 tight security on a process that involves 114 legislators – fully two-thirds of the combined House and Senate roster – won’t be easy. Not to […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

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 tight security on a process that involves 114 legislators – fully two-thirds of the combined House and Senate roster – won’t be easy. Not to […]

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

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: People working two jobs to make ends meet will tend to feel the impact of a shorter early voting period more than will retirees with […]

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

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: People working two jobs to make ends meet will tend to feel the impact of a shorter early voting period more than will retirees with […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

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 on June 23 rejected the Senate’s version of the annual budget bill. No, not exactly a cliff-hanger. House members – majority Republicans as well as […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

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 on June 23 rejected the Senate’s version of the annual budget bill. No, not exactly a cliff-hanger. House members – majority Republicans as well as […]

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

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” measure to deter ballot fraud. We were supposed to ignore the fact that the kind of fraud by impersonation that a voter ID law might […]

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

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” measure to deter ballot fraud. We were supposed to ignore the fact that the kind of fraud by impersonation that a voter ID law might […]

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

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 elements being stripped from the bill. But more than that, later on the very evening when the bill gained final House passage, the folly of […]

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

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 elements being stripped from the bill. But more than that, later on the very evening when the bill gained final House passage, the folly of […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

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 state legislature during my drive to Raleigh – about how the Senate budget will cut up to 8,500 teaching assistants jobs and the stories of […]

Undocugraduation: Hope to Replace Fear

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 state legislature during my drive to Raleigh – about how the Senate budget will cut up to 8,500 teaching assistants jobs and the stories of […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

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 be asking for trouble if it let public officials pick and choose which of their duties they will carry out. His veto stamp thumped down on […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

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 be asking for trouble if it let public officials pick and choose which of their duties they will carry out. His veto stamp thumped down on […]

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

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 disappointing and even destructive list. Gov. Pat McCrory, also a Republican but one who wants to be seen as more of a moderate, relatively speaking, […]

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

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 disappointing and even destructive list. Gov. Pat McCrory, also a Republican but one who wants to be seen as more of a moderate, relatively speaking, […]

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

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 voters decide whether Gov. Pat McCrory has earned a second term, the possibility that he might be sent back home to Charlotte must be starting […]

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

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 voters decide whether Gov. Pat McCrory has earned a second term, the possibility that he might be sent back home to Charlotte must be starting […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

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 commonly known as SEPA, or the State Environmental Policy Act. It was enacted in 1971, during the great upsurge of the modern environmental movement that […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

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 commonly known as SEPA, or the State Environmental Policy Act. It was enacted in 1971, during the great upsurge of the modern environmental movement that […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

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 be how Bob Luddy sees it. Luddy, a highly successful Wake County businessman (his company makes commercial kitchen ventilation equipment), is an outspoken advocate for […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

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 be how Bob Luddy sees it. Luddy, a highly successful Wake County businessman (his company makes commercial kitchen ventilation equipment), is an outspoken advocate for […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

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 up, putting the state on course to finish its budget year in the black. Berger proclaimed that the tax cuts had done the trick. One […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

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 up, putting the state on course to finish its budget year in the black. Berger proclaimed that the tax cuts had done the trick. One […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

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 and choose the leaders who write our laws – was Samuel Flippen, 36, who was given a lethal injection at Central Prison in Raleigh at […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

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 and choose the leaders who write our laws – was Samuel Flippen, 36, who was given a lethal injection at Central Prison in Raleigh at […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

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 session. A bill that makes the deadline by gaining approval in either the state House or Senate stays alive – for better, or as happens […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

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 session. A bill that makes the deadline by gaining approval in either the state House or Senate stays alive – for better, or as happens […]

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

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 Assembly has engaged in unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. However, the high court in Washington could have gone the other way. It could have declined to consider […]

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

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 Assembly has engaged in unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. However, the high court in Washington could have gone the other way. It could have declined to consider […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

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 that this year’s version, held on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, succeeded on both counts. With the General Assembly moving into […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

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 that this year’s version, held on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary, succeeded on both counts. With the General Assembly moving into […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

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 system. Of course, whether it really was broken is a point many North Carolinians have been quick to dispute. The overall effect of the […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

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 system. Of course, whether it really was broken is a point many North Carolinians have been quick to dispute. The overall effect of the […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

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 has been addressing for many years. The legal context The first words of the Bill of Rights are the religious liberty clauses: “Congress shall make […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

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 has been addressing for many years. The legal context The first words of the Bill of Rights are the religious liberty clauses: “Congress shall make […]

Faith and Taxation

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 the connection between paying taxes and living out our values.  Paying taxes allows us to invest in the Common Good and build a just economy […]

Faith and Taxation

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 the connection between paying taxes and living out our values.  Paying taxes allows us to invest in the Common Good and build a just economy […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

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 the Council, none is more closely focused on those links than the Legislative Seminar – giving it a special prominence on the Council calendar. No, […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

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 the Council, none is more closely focused on those links than the Legislative Seminar – giving it a special prominence on the Council calendar. No, […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

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, thank you and we look forward to seeing you on April 14. If you haven’t registered, please do so by April 7 in order to […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

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, thank you and we look forward to seeing you on April 14. If you haven’t registered, please do so by April 7 in order to […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

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 information they need to be advocates on issues before the NC General Assembly. Registration with workshop options is below. Please scroll through the registration section […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

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 information they need to be advocates on issues before the NC General Assembly. Registration with workshop options is below. Please scroll through the registration section […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

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. We appoint the University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors. We set the system’s budget. “So why should we have to put up with […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

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. We appoint the University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors. We set the system’s budget. “So why should we have to put up with […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

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 him! Throughout his years in North Carolina, Nichol from his law professor’s perch has been a pugnacious crusader on behalf of the state’s social and […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

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 him! Throughout his years in North Carolina, Nichol from his law professor’s perch has been a pugnacious crusader on behalf of the state’s social and […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

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 to be compassionate. Such is the case with extending Medicaid to close the coverage gap and provide health insurance for all citizens in North Carolina. […]

Compassion Makes Good ‘Cents’ — It’s Affordable

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 to be compassionate. Such is the case with extending Medicaid to close the coverage gap and provide health insurance for all citizens in North Carolina. […]

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

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 Poor in North Carolina,” click here.) Gene’s upbringing and education in Catholic circles have led him to a special concern for the most vulnerable people […]

Gene Nichol Won’t Let Us Ignore Poverty

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 Poor in North Carolina,” click here.) Gene’s upbringing and education in Catholic circles have led him to a special concern for the most vulnerable people […]

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

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 as a quality signal so simple that even a caveman could get it – has proved, well, unhelpful. Given the way the grades were figured, […]

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

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 as a quality signal so simple that even a caveman could get it – has proved, well, unhelpful. Given the way the grades were figured, […]

Join us for HKonJ 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 the annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) march and People’s Assembly. It happens this coming Saturday, Valentine’s Day, in Raleigh.  Please do everything you […]

Join us for HKonJ 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 the annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) march and People’s Assembly. It happens this coming Saturday, Valentine’s Day, in Raleigh.  Please do everything you […]

District Lines Entangle Race, Politics

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 the state Supreme Court, which gave them an early Christmas present that must have made their holidays glow even brighter. The gift arrived on Dec. […]

District Lines Entangle Race, Politics

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 the state Supreme Court, which gave them an early Christmas present that must have made their holidays glow even brighter. The gift arrived on Dec. […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

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 when it comes to health insurance – that’s the number cited by the N.C. Institute of Medicine. These folks typically are among the state’s working […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

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 when it comes to health insurance – that’s the number cited by the N.C. Institute of Medicine. These folks typically are among the state’s working […]

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

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 General Assembly for the last four years – doing damage that calls to mind the proverbial elephant in a china shop. Republican victories might not […]

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

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 General Assembly for the last four years – doing damage that calls to mind the proverbial elephant in a china shop. Republican victories might not […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

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 Churches as we visit Charlotte and Asheville to discuss ways our programs are providing a progressive, faithful voice for issues facing NC residents and how […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

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 Churches as we visit Charlotte and Asheville to discuss ways our programs are providing a progressive, faithful voice for issues facing NC residents and how […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

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 here to view it and use it. Just type in your address in the Search box at the top right, then click Return, NOT the […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

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 here to view it and use it. Just type in your address in the Search box at the top right, then click Return, NOT the […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

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 decision not to put any of our new voting laws on hold and overturned the Circuit Court’s decision which would have allowed same-day registration during […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

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 decision not to put any of our new voting laws on hold and overturned the Circuit Court’s decision which would have allowed same-day registration during […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

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 to vote. Or, conceivably, the old rules will apply after all. That’s because the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has appellate jurisdiction in […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

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 to vote. Or, conceivably, the old rules will apply after all. That’s because the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has appellate jurisdiction in […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

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 support with their taxes — is too expensive. That it tries to do too much in the way of regulating business. That it saps individual […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

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 support with their taxes — is too expensive. That it tries to do too much in the way of regulating business. That it saps individual […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

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 did not materialize. The approach of an agreement to keep North Carolina state government operating with a balanced budget, as required under the state constitution, […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

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 did not materialize. The approach of an agreement to keep North Carolina state government operating with a balanced budget, as required under the state constitution, […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

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 sticking points. Another case of partisan gridlock? Well, one could say so – except this is a standoff between members of the same party. The […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

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 sticking points. Another case of partisan gridlock? Well, one could say so – except this is a standoff between members of the same party. The […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

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 the latest round of Moral Monday protests that focused national attention on policies of the General Assembly and Gov. Pat McCrory. With rare exception, leaders […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

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 the latest round of Moral Monday protests that focused national attention on policies of the General Assembly and Gov. Pat McCrory. With rare exception, leaders […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

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 its turn. Yes, teachers willing to give up their job security could get a pay boost. But the proposed Senate budget fails tests of fairness […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

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 its turn. Yes, teachers willing to give up their job security could get a pay boost. But the proposed Senate budget fails tests of fairness […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

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 the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina have shared some video with us. June 9 Moral Monday on Education Bishop Michael Curry’s Remarks And if you’d […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

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 the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina have shared some video with us. June 9 Moral Monday on Education Bishop Michael Curry’s Remarks And if you’d […]

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on the website. It includes registration information, the schedule for the day, and a complete list of workshops and presenters. We are really excited about all the wonderful speakers and presenters who will be joining us to share their knowledge […]

Full Program Available for Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education

by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

The full program for the our 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education is now available on the website. It includes registration information, the schedule for the day, and a complete list of workshops and presenters. We are really excited about all the wonderful speakers and presenters who will be joining us to share their knowledge […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good shape, or whether the DMV has enough employees to keep wait times to a minimum. Then there are our neighbors for whom budget decisions can […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good shape, or whether the DMV has enough employees to keep wait times to a minimum. Then there are our neighbors for whom budget decisions can […]

Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor, shortened that to 10 days. This can make it harder on working people who must take time […]

Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor, shortened that to 10 days. This can make it harder on working people who must take time […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General Assembly was in only the second full week of its 2014 session. But already the Senate, marching quick-time to the cadence set by President Pro […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General Assembly was in only the second full week of its 2014 session. But already the Senate, marching quick-time to the cadence set by President Pro […]

Fracking and “Reform”: Senate’s Shaky Start

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina Senate could have gotten its 2014 session under way with a show of resolve to repair some of the damage from last year’s debacle. Just as one friendly suggestion: Senators could have reversed course and moved at the outset to expand the state’s Medicaid program, utilizing the available federal funds, so that […]

Fracking and “Reform”: Senate’s Shaky Start

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina Senate could have gotten its 2014 session under way with a show of resolve to repair some of the damage from last year’s debacle. Just as one friendly suggestion: Senators could have reversed course and moved at the outset to expand the state’s Medicaid program, utilizing the available federal funds, so that […]

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might amount to the overture. It introduces main themes and sets a mood. But there’s no guarantee that the governor and the legislators who are the […]

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might amount to the overture. It introduces main themes and sets a mood. But there’s no guarantee that the governor and the legislators who are the […]

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Education figured prominently in the news over the past few days, both nationally and locally. As a country, we marked the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark ruling that separate was inherently unequal in education and which set American schools on the path to integration and parity. At least, that was […]

From Superior Court to Supreme Court, Education in the News

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Education figured prominently in the news over the past few days, both nationally and locally. As a country, we marked the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark ruling that separate was inherently unequal in education and which set American schools on the path to integration and parity. At least, that was […]

Looming Battles Over the Schools

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators may think they have their hands full trying to defuse the hot political issue of the moment – the state’s woeful pay levels for its public school teachers, now averaging 46th in the nation – while also closing budget shortfalls aggravated by unwise tax cuts. Gov. Pat McCrory wants his Republican allies […]

Looming Battles Over the Schools

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators may think they have their hands full trying to defuse the hot political issue of the moment – the state’s woeful pay levels for its public school teachers, now averaging 46th in the nation – while also closing budget shortfalls aggravated by unwise tax cuts. Gov. Pat McCrory wants his Republican allies […]