Download Our Faithful Voter Guide

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

Get Involved Donate

Peace

May We All Be Promoters of Peace 

By North Carolina Council of Churches

by the Rev. Dr. Christy Lohr Sapp, Pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Hickory and member of the North Carolina Council of Churches Governing Board. As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. — Ephesians 6:15  As a country this fall, we are moving […]

May We All Be Promoters of Peace 

by North Carolina Council of Churches

by the Rev. Dr. Christy Lohr Sapp, Pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Hickory and member of the North Carolina Council of Churches Governing Board. As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. — Ephesians 6:15  As a country this fall, we are moving […]

When They Go Low…

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NRSV). Election season can be disorienting. It is easy to lose track of what is helpful and what is destructive, what is necessary […]

When They Go Low…

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NRSV). Election season can be disorienting. It is easy to lose track of what is helpful and what is destructive, what is necessary […]

On Not Going to Church

By North Carolina Council of Churches

In light of recent protests and rallies from some pastors and politicians in North Carolina calling for reopening our places of worship, the North Carolina Council of Churches states unequivocally that we do not believe now is the time for congregations to return to their sanctuaries. This is not a political issue. It is a […]

On Not Going to Church

by North Carolina Council of Churches

In light of recent protests and rallies from some pastors and politicians in North Carolina calling for reopening our places of worship, the North Carolina Council of Churches states unequivocally that we do not believe now is the time for congregations to return to their sanctuaries. This is not a political issue. It is a […]

No More War

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Written by Vivian Taylor, Public Policy Intern with Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director The United States of America is on the verge of war with Iran. Long-standing tensions have been exacerbated by the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Deal, and the reimposition of U.S. sanctions. With the […]

No More War

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Written by Vivian Taylor, Public Policy Intern with Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director The United States of America is on the verge of war with Iran. Long-standing tensions have been exacerbated by the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Deal, and the reimposition of U.S. sanctions. With the […]

Bright Light on Interfaith Life

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

While the headlines tell us about very real instances of violence against faith communities (a synagogue in Pittsburgh, a mosque in New Zealand, a sikh temple in Wisconsin, a church in Charleston and another in Sutherland Springs, Texas, just to name a few) they often don’t tell us about the everyday stories of grace and […]

Bright Light on Interfaith Life

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

While the headlines tell us about very real instances of violence against faith communities (a synagogue in Pittsburgh, a mosque in New Zealand, a sikh temple in Wisconsin, a church in Charleston and another in Sutherland Springs, Texas, just to name a few) they often don’t tell us about the everyday stories of grace and […]

Sacrificial Lambs and Scapegoats

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered at the Witness for Peace footwashing ceremony at the gates of Aero Contractors earlier today. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks thinking about the meaning of life. The weeks fall just prior to Easter. We call them Lent. You may have heard the stories of folks […]

Sacrificial Lambs and Scapegoats

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered at the Witness for Peace footwashing ceremony at the gates of Aero Contractors earlier today. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks thinking about the meaning of life. The weeks fall just prior to Easter. We call them Lent. You may have heard the stories of folks […]

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits asking an applicant about criminal history unless the applicant is getting a conditional job offer. If a background check shows a criminal record, requires giving […]

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits asking an applicant about criminal history unless the applicant is getting a conditional job offer. If a background check shows a criminal record, requires giving […]

North Carolina’s Role in Torture

By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

North Carolina’s role in torture has come in the form of a government-private contract with a jet service located in Johnston County. When people hear about it for the first time, their expressions can vary from shock to thankful because the CIA was involved. You’re invited to come Saturday, March 9 to learn from experts […]

North Carolina’s Role in Torture

by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

North Carolina’s role in torture has come in the form of a government-private contract with a jet service located in Johnston County. When people hear about it for the first time, their expressions can vary from shock to thankful because the CIA was involved. You’re invited to come Saturday, March 9 to learn from experts […]

More Truth About Torture

By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

The decade-long struggle for truth and justice got a welcome boost this weekend with a powerful opinion piece in the News & Observer. The writer, former N.C. resident and Capitol Hill staffer, Tommy Ross, eloquently makes the case for release of the full Senate Intelligence Committee’s 2014 report on the CIA’s Rendition, Detention, and Interrogation […]

More Truth About Torture

by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

The decade-long struggle for truth and justice got a welcome boost this weekend with a powerful opinion piece in the News & Observer. The writer, former N.C. resident and Capitol Hill staffer, Tommy Ross, eloquently makes the case for release of the full Senate Intelligence Committee’s 2014 report on the CIA’s Rendition, Detention, and Interrogation […]

Human Rights, North Carolina, and 49 People

By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Monday, December 10 marked the 70th anniversary of the United Nation’s International Human Rights Day. As we wait for the incarnation of God during this Advent season, we must also acknowledge that human rights are still being violated at all levels of life and in all places. In particular, we lift up the violations that […]

Human Rights, North Carolina, and 49 People

by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Monday, December 10 marked the 70th anniversary of the United Nation’s International Human Rights Day. As we wait for the incarnation of God during this Advent season, we must also acknowledge that human rights are still being violated at all levels of life and in all places. In particular, we lift up the violations that […]

Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture

By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is being challenged in the upcoming election. Every person qualified to vote has a responsibility to show up at the polls on Nov. 6 cast a ballot during the early voting period, or fill out an absentee ballot. One issue that should be addressed by our elected […]

Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture

by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is being challenged in the upcoming election. Every person qualified to vote has a responsibility to show up at the polls on Nov. 6 cast a ballot during the early voting period, or fill out an absentee ballot. One issue that should be addressed by our elected […]

In God’s Image

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the North Carolina Commission of Inquiry on Torture’s press conference on Thursday, September 27. The press conference marked the full release of the Commission’s report detailing North Carolina’s involvement in the CIA’s post 9/11 rendition and torture program. You can read the report by […]

In God’s Image

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the North Carolina Commission of Inquiry on Torture’s press conference on Thursday, September 27. The press conference marked the full release of the Commission’s report detailing North Carolina’s involvement in the CIA’s post 9/11 rendition and torture program. You can read the report by […]

Bright Spot: Perseverance Pays Off

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Recently, two stalwart champions of justice, Christina Cowger and Allyson Caison, received the annual Joshua Heintz Humanitarian Award from the Robert H. Jackson Center in Syracuse, NY. The mission of the Jackson Center is to “advance public awareness and appreciation of the principles of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the achievements […]

Bright Spot: Perseverance Pays Off

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Recently, two stalwart champions of justice, Christina Cowger and Allyson Caison, received the annual Joshua Heintz Humanitarian Award from the Robert H. Jackson Center in Syracuse, NY. The mission of the Jackson Center is to “advance public awareness and appreciation of the principles of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the achievements […]

Confronting North Carolina’s Role in Torture

By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

The North Carolina Council of Churches announces a new peace initiative, N.C. No Torture, to encourage people of faith and seekers of justice to step into the role of “The Good Samaritan.”   When Jesus told the parable of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37), he likely surprised his audience. They would not expect a Samaritan […]

Confronting North Carolina’s Role in Torture

by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

The North Carolina Council of Churches announces a new peace initiative, N.C. No Torture, to encourage people of faith and seekers of justice to step into the role of “The Good Samaritan.”   When Jesus told the parable of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37), he likely surprised his audience. They would not expect a Samaritan […]

Job Opening: NC No Torture Project Coordinator

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

UPDATE: This position has been filled. The Council is hiring a half-time (20 hours per week) project coordinator to work with communities of faith to seek confession, repentance, and forgiveness for our state’s role in torture. The full job description is posted below and at this link. Position:   Project Coordinator – Communities of Faith Seek Confession, […]

Job Opening: NC No Torture Project Coordinator

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

UPDATE: This position has been filled. The Council is hiring a half-time (20 hours per week) project coordinator to work with communities of faith to seek confession, repentance, and forgiveness for our state’s role in torture. The full job description is posted below and at this link. Position:   Project Coordinator – Communities of Faith Seek Confession, […]

The Border as War

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Sermon delivered by Council Governing Board member Isaac S. Villegas on May 28, 2018. Coming and going, leaving and arriving, exit and entrance. That’s the theme permeating these verse from Exodus 19. Departures and arrivals, the movement of people as they leave one land for another—wandering and camping their way to new life. On the […]

The Border as War

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Sermon delivered by Council Governing Board member Isaac S. Villegas on May 28, 2018. Coming and going, leaving and arriving, exit and entrance. That’s the theme permeating these verse from Exodus 19. Departures and arrivals, the movement of people as they leave one land for another—wandering and camping their way to new life. On the […]

It’s Only 40 Days

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland yesterday, Sunday, February 18 at Millford Hills United Methodist Church in Salisbury, NC. The lectionary texts were Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15. 40 days–rain! 40 days–wilderness! Noah and rainbows; Jesus and temptation. 40 is an important number in our faith tradition. There were 40 years in the wilderness for Moses […]

It’s Only 40 Days

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland yesterday, Sunday, February 18 at Millford Hills United Methodist Church in Salisbury, NC. The lectionary texts were Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 1:9-15. 40 days–rain! 40 days–wilderness! Noah and rainbows; Jesus and temptation. 40 is an important number in our faith tradition. There were 40 years in the wilderness for Moses […]

What More Can Be Said?

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

Powerful voices have long narrated the story of guns in America. The media. The NRA. Outraged, livid, grief-stricken mothers and fathers. When it comes to the horror of mass shootings, the stories are told with images and words that sear into our brains: limp bodies, the cries of parents, eulogies, and an NRA Valentine’s advertisement […]

What More Can Be Said?

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

Powerful voices have long narrated the story of guns in America. The media. The NRA. Outraged, livid, grief-stricken mothers and fathers. When it comes to the horror of mass shootings, the stories are told with images and words that sear into our brains: limp bodies, the cries of parents, eulogies, and an NRA Valentine’s advertisement […]

Be Reconciled

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Black History month is North Carolina Council of Churches’ history starting in 1935 because our history is founded on the black experience as seen through the eyes of the white church. Fortunately, those white church leaders early on recognized their need to ground black history in the black experience and not merely on black history […]

Be Reconciled

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Black History month is North Carolina Council of Churches’ history starting in 1935 because our history is founded on the black experience as seen through the eyes of the white church. Fortunately, those white church leaders early on recognized their need to ground black history in the black experience and not merely on black history […]

That Resolution

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

We all do it and well we should–start the new year resolving to do better. Maybe it’s eat better, exercise more, or work less. The resolution itself quickly takes a back seat to the resolve it takes from us to follow it through. This might happen because our resolutions are too ambitious. For instance, few […]

That Resolution

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

We all do it and well we should–start the new year resolving to do better. Maybe it’s eat better, exercise more, or work less. The resolution itself quickly takes a back seat to the resolve it takes from us to follow it through. This might happen because our resolutions are too ambitious. For instance, few […]

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

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

It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as for many, the Holiday Season is cluttered by rehearsals, recitals, school performances, pageants, holiday parties, classroom volunteering, shopping, shattered light bulbs from window candles that get caught up in the blinds, light strands on which only half of the […]

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

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

It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as for many, the Holiday Season is cluttered by rehearsals, recitals, school performances, pageants, holiday parties, classroom volunteering, shopping, shattered light bulbs from window candles that get caught up in the blinds, light strands on which only half of the […]

Christ’s Mass

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of an only child, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, 14). ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For centuries, Christians have heard these words […]

Christ’s Mass

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of an only child, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, 14). ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For centuries, Christians have heard these words […]

Vigil to End Gun Violence

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

This is my favorite time of the year. I’m a sap about all of it. I love decorating the house, seeing the lights downtown, the music, getting cozy with a blanket and a good book, and spending extra time with the people I care about the most. As the old Christmas song goes, “it’s the […]

Vigil to End Gun Violence

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

This is my favorite time of the year. I’m a sap about all of it. I love decorating the house, seeing the lights downtown, the music, getting cozy with a blanket and a good book, and spending extra time with the people I care about the most. As the old Christmas song goes, “it’s the […]

Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, and Beth Messersmith,  North Carolina Campaign Director for MomsRising, received the 2017 Effie Steele Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence. Effie Steele was a tireless advocate for gun violence prevention after her daughter and unborn grandson were murdered in a domestic violence dispute. […]

Executive Director Jennifer Copeland Receives Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, and Beth Messersmith,  North Carolina Campaign Director for MomsRising, received the 2017 Effie Steele Award from North Carolinians Against Gun Violence. Effie Steele was a tireless advocate for gun violence prevention after her daughter and unborn grandson were murdered in a domestic violence dispute. […]

Torture Inquiry Hits Close to Home

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The solid citizens of Johnston County, N.C. – in a fateful quirk of geography – for several years have faced an unusual dilemma: What to do about the local company whose airplanes and personnel helped the Central Intelligence Agency carry out an interrogation program featuring human rights abuses that amounted to torture. By extension, the […]

Torture Inquiry Hits Close to Home

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The solid citizens of Johnston County, N.C. – in a fateful quirk of geography – for several years have faced an unusual dilemma: What to do about the local company whose airplanes and personnel helped the Central Intelligence Agency carry out an interrogation program featuring human rights abuses that amounted to torture. By extension, the […]

Creating Peace

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If we are not angry today, we have no faith. If we are not frustrated today, we have no hope. If we are not bereaved today, we have no love. As Christians, we claim faith, hope, and love as foundational elements for our identity (I Corinthians 13:13). Our faith in God’s good gifts should cause […]

Creating Peace

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If we are not angry today, we have no faith. If we are not frustrated today, we have no hope. If we are not bereaved today, we have no love. As Christians, we claim faith, hope, and love as foundational elements for our identity (I Corinthians 13:13). Our faith in God’s good gifts should cause […]

Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Approved September 13, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches As North Carolinians and as people of faith, we recognize the need to uncover and understand the full extent of the state’s and the nation’s participation in the use of torture, a program that was un-American, ineffective, and immoral. The […]

Statement Supporting Transparency and Accountability on American Involvement in Torture

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Approved September 13, 2017 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches As North Carolinians and as people of faith, we recognize the need to uncover and understand the full extent of the state’s and the nation’s participation in the use of torture, a program that was un-American, ineffective, and immoral. The […]

The Infection in Our Democracy

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now live in Durham, NC. He was from the upstate of South Carolina, as am I, yet there he was and here I am. The historians among us know what happened that day in 1865. Confederate General Johnston surrendered to […]

The Infection in Our Democracy

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

On April 26, 1865, my great-great-grandfather was camped a mere five miles from where I now live in Durham, NC. He was from the upstate of South Carolina, as am I, yet there he was and here I am. The historians among us know what happened that day in 1865. Confederate General Johnston surrendered to […]

Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 Today is a pretty big deal– it has been nearly 100 years since a total eclipse has moved from coast to coast across the United […]

Praying for a Total Eclipse of the Heart

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 Today is a pretty big deal– it has been nearly 100 years since a total eclipse has moved from coast to coast across the United […]

In the Face of Violence

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Today, Friday, August 18, 2017, South Main in Durham, NC, is closed to traffic. Civil employees have been sent home. Some banks and many businesses in the downtown area have closed early. And a group of people have gathered on the Courthouse lawn. All this because of the possibility that a group of White Supremacists […]

In the Face of Violence

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Today, Friday, August 18, 2017, South Main in Durham, NC, is closed to traffic. Civil employees have been sent home. Some banks and many businesses in the downtown area have closed early. And a group of people have gathered on the Courthouse lawn. All this because of the possibility that a group of White Supremacists […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech delivered to law enforcement officers last week, President Trump seemed to endorse police brutality when he asked officers not to be “too nice” and suggested that they should hit suspect’s heads on the doors of their police cars. The […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech delivered to law enforcement officers last week, President Trump seemed to endorse police brutality when he asked officers not to be “too nice” and suggested that they should hit suspect’s heads on the doors of their police cars. The […]

Wages of War

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Wartime profits are a thing — from the people who make the machines we use to kill other people to the garment factories that provide clothing for the people who do the killing, there is money to be made keeping the war machine equipped. Eisenhower, the retired Army general we elected president in 1952, warned […]

Wages of War

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Wartime profits are a thing — from the people who make the machines we use to kill other people to the garment factories that provide clothing for the people who do the killing, there is money to be made keeping the war machine equipped. Eisenhower, the retired Army general we elected president in 1952, warned […]

America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

With so many issues confronting us, our nation’s involvement in acts of torture is fading from the public’s priorities for concern. Five years and $40 million in the making, the Senate Intelligence Committee 6,700-page report is the only official action to address the CIA’s 2001-2006 detention/interrogation program. Released in December 2014, the 500-page executive summary […]

America’s Role in Torture — Beginning the Path to Forgiveness

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

With so many issues confronting us, our nation’s involvement in acts of torture is fading from the public’s priorities for concern. Five years and $40 million in the making, the Senate Intelligence Committee 6,700-page report is the only official action to address the CIA’s 2001-2006 detention/interrogation program. Released in December 2014, the 500-page executive summary […]

NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For at least the next month, drivers along I-40 West between Statesville and Hickory will see an important reminder of God’s directive to be a welcoming presence to the most vulnerable among us. The NC Council of Churches has purchased a billboard near Exit 132 that quotes Leviticus 19:34, “Welcome the stranger for you were […]

NC Council of Churches Places Welcome Billboard Along I-40

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For at least the next month, drivers along I-40 West between Statesville and Hickory will see an important reminder of God’s directive to be a welcoming presence to the most vulnerable among us. The NC Council of Churches has purchased a billboard near Exit 132 that quotes Leviticus 19:34, “Welcome the stranger for you were […]

Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20​. The day marks a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and recognize the contributions​ of forcibly displaced people. The annual commemoration is designated​ to honor​ “the strength, courage and resilience of refugees.”  It​ is marked by events in more than 100 countries; in Raleigh […]

Let Us Show Love and Compassion on World Refugee Day

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

First celebrated in 2001, World Refugee Day is held annually on June 20​. The day marks a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and recognize the contributions​ of forcibly displaced people. The annual commemoration is designated​ to honor​ “the strength, courage and resilience of refugees.”  It​ is marked by events in more than 100 countries; in Raleigh […]

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether in a South Carolina church two years ago, a Florida club one year ago, or on a Virginia baseball field today, and in all of the other times and places where lives have been shattered. The Council of Churches […]

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether in a South Carolina church two years ago, a Florida club one year ago, or on a Virginia baseball field today, and in all of the other times and places where lives have been shattered. The Council of Churches […]

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Representatives in the General  Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are still needed against this bill. As our friends at NC Policy Watch reported, the North Carolina Association of Police Chiefs and others in law enforcement have come out again H.B. 746 because of their concerns for public safety. Their […]

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Representatives in the General  Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are still needed against this bill. As our friends at NC Policy Watch reported, the North Carolina Association of Police Chiefs and others in law enforcement have come out again H.B. 746 because of their concerns for public safety. Their […]

Rolling Waters

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I headed north for my sister’s graduation. Being only a few hours away from Niagara Falls at that point, we decided to make a weekend out of it since it would be a new experience for both of us. It is quite easy to see what makes […]

Rolling Waters

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I headed north for my sister’s graduation. Being only a few hours away from Niagara Falls at that point, we decided to make a weekend out of it since it would be a new experience for both of us. It is quite easy to see what makes […]

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

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary IV committee on Wednesday. A new version of the bill would likely eliminate North Carolina’s pistol […]

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

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary IV committee on Wednesday. A new version of the bill would likely eliminate North Carolina’s pistol […]

The Plank in Your Eye

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians are not always particularly peaceful people, which is what makes North Carolina’s return to the national stage as a foothold for intolerance both unsurprising and deeply troubling. The ease with which a Christian group would condemn another religion denies our own legacy as well as the work […]

The Plank in Your Eye

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians are not always particularly peaceful people, which is what makes North Carolina’s return to the national stage as a foothold for intolerance both unsurprising and deeply troubling. The ease with which a Christian group would condemn another religion denies our own legacy as well as the work […]

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written than most of us can fully absorb, but  Politico offers a key observation: On close reading, the budget is less a credible attempt to eliminate, […]

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written than most of us can fully absorb, but  Politico offers a key observation: On close reading, the budget is less a credible attempt to eliminate, […]

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks with the outgoing ED in June learning the ropes, and then I would really get to work in August. My first day in the office […]

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks with the outgoing ED in June learning the ropes, and then I would really get to work in August. My first day in the office […]

Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A change in New York law earlier this month leaves North Carolina alone in a place 49 other states have found to be indefensible: only NC automatically prosecutes 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, regardless of their crime. There are many things our state will not let teenagers do because of their age, but it will […]

Faith Leaders: Make Yourselves Heard on Juvenile Justice

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A change in New York law earlier this month leaves North Carolina alone in a place 49 other states have found to be indefensible: only NC automatically prosecutes 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, regardless of their crime. There are many things our state will not let teenagers do because of their age, but it will […]

No More of This

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In the final hours of the first day of the Triduum, these intense three days when Christians rehearse the events between Maundy Thursday and the Easter Vigil, the juxtaposition of bombs in Afghanistan and swords in Gethsemane boggles the mind. In Gethsemane when they came out with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus and someone […]

No More of This

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In the final hours of the first day of the Triduum, these intense three days when Christians rehearse the events between Maundy Thursday and the Easter Vigil, the juxtaposition of bombs in Afghanistan and swords in Gethsemane boggles the mind. In Gethsemane when they came out with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus and someone […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress we have made over the past decade. In addition to directing the EPA to dismantle the Clean Power Plan, this sweeping executive order also attempts to undo methane standards for oil and gas operations, stop federal agencies from considering […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress we have made over the past decade. In addition to directing the EPA to dismantle the Clean Power Plan, this sweeping executive order also attempts to undo methane standards for oil and gas operations, stop federal agencies from considering […]

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through programs that serve women, people of color, those of low income (for poor women of color, that would mean the same old same old), the arts, the environment, education, job creation, and science.  Couple it with the proposed health […]

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through programs that serve women, people of color, those of low income (for poor women of color, that would mean the same old same old), the arts, the environment, education, job creation, and science.  Couple it with the proposed health […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers as well as for our democratic system of government. Right now, there isn’t much reason to believe things will improve. […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers as well as for our democratic system of government. Right now, there isn’t much reason to believe things will improve. […]

Ethical Debates on Industrial Agriculture

By Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

An ethical debate is a bit of a juxtaposition. As we know, ethics are a set of moral principles. It is how we understand right from wrong. So how can what is right and what is wrong be up for debate? In Carl Sigel’s post on the “Caring for Creation” section of the Church of […]

Ethical Debates on Industrial Agriculture

by Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

An ethical debate is a bit of a juxtaposition. As we know, ethics are a set of moral principles. It is how we understand right from wrong. So how can what is right and what is wrong be up for debate? In Carl Sigel’s post on the “Caring for Creation” section of the Church of […]

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

President Trump’s recent executive actions impacting refugees and immigrants have faithful people increasingly interested in how they might support our sisters and brothers being impacted. Court decisions have offered a reprieve, but the administration’s determination to make many newcomers to our country scapegoats and the targets of misguided hostility has only emphasized their vulnerability. Jennie […]

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

President Trump’s recent executive actions impacting refugees and immigrants have faithful people increasingly interested in how they might support our sisters and brothers being impacted. Court decisions have offered a reprieve, but the administration’s determination to make many newcomers to our country scapegoats and the targets of misguided hostility has only emphasized their vulnerability. Jennie […]

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase in the number of bills being introduced. Here are summaries of several which will be of interest to members of the Raleigh Report network. HUMAN RIGHTS The saga of HB2 continues, with the NCAA soon to be selecting sites […]

Raleigh Report — February 15, 2017

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director As the legislative session continues, there’s been a marked increase in the number of bills being introduced. Here are summaries of several which will be of interest to members of the Raleigh Report network. HUMAN RIGHTS The saga of HB2 continues, with the NCAA soon to be selecting sites […]

Whispers and Shouts

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or strangers, all created in the same image. Or through the aftermath of a cataclysmic election. Lately, the lectionary readings have provided desperately needed whispers for […]

Whispers and Shouts

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or strangers, all created in the same image. Or through the aftermath of a cataclysmic election. Lately, the lectionary readings have provided desperately needed whispers for […]

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we welcome our creator. Refugees, immigrants, those yearning to be free—these are the ones whom Jesus spoke about when he said, “I was a stranger and […]

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last in a series of three blogs. Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we welcome our creator. Refugees, immigrants, those yearning to be free—these are the ones whom Jesus spoke about when he said, “I was a stranger and […]

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” We started with the issue of racial equality in 1935 and forthrightly moved into “migrant labor” and immigration, women’s right, the environment, and health care. […]

Speak Against Vitriol; Stand for Values

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For more than 80 years the NC Council of Churches has stood for essential human rights and common decency grounded in the Gospel imperative to “love God and love neighbor.” We started with the issue of racial equality in 1935 and forthrightly moved into “migrant labor” and immigration, women’s right, the environment, and health care. […]

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

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future it forecasts. One of the crucial facts he offered — those of us opposed to the policies, personalities, and vicious rhetoric of the current administration […]

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

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future it forecasts. One of the crucial facts he offered — those of us opposed to the policies, personalities, and vicious rhetoric of the current administration […]

Sanctuary, Not Deportation

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

First in a series of three blogs. God calls people of faith to remember that they once were strangers in a strange land and they must, must welcome the stranger as an expression of covenant faithfulness. (Leviticus 19:33-34) For the past several weeks I have been working on organizing a webinar, “Loving Our Neighbors in […]

Sanctuary, Not Deportation

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

First in a series of three blogs. God calls people of faith to remember that they once were strangers in a strange land and they must, must welcome the stranger as an expression of covenant faithfulness. (Leviticus 19:33-34) For the past several weeks I have been working on organizing a webinar, “Loving Our Neighbors in […]

Let’s Keep Marching

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to shoulder with a half million others. But there I was, pink hat and all. I chose to be there because my grandmother cleaned other people’s […]

Let’s Keep Marching

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to shoulder with a half million others. But there I was, pink hat and all. I chose to be there because my grandmother cleaned other people’s […]

Moving Beyond Gun Violence

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Two weeks ago I flew to Florida for a national gathering of state ecumenical leaders and a few days later I flew home.  In between my landing and leaving, in a different Florida airport (into which I have also flown many times), a passenger retrieved his baggage, assembled and loaded the gun he had brought […]

Moving Beyond Gun Violence

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Two weeks ago I flew to Florida for a national gathering of state ecumenical leaders and a few days later I flew home.  In between my landing and leaving, in a different Florida airport (into which I have also flown many times), a passenger retrieved his baggage, assembled and loaded the gun he had brought […]

A Letter to President Trump

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these United States. True, my ancestors tried to secede from the union in 1861, but the ancestors of others prevailed against them and kept us together. […]

A Letter to President Trump

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Mr. Trump, You ARE my president. I did not vote for you, but you were elected, and that makes you my president because I am a citizen of these United States. True, my ancestors tried to secede from the union in 1861, but the ancestors of others prevailed against them and kept us together. […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & Light, MomsRising, Faith in Public Life, and the National Council of Churches are just some of the organizations calling on people of conscience to speak […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & Light, MomsRising, Faith in Public Life, and the National Council of Churches are just some of the organizations calling on people of conscience to speak […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

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

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

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

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king […]

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

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham and the NC Council of Churches invite you to join us for a brief service to pray for justice and reconciliation in our nation and world on January 18 at 6 p.m. As we gather in the days between the commemoration of the work and witness of Dr. Martin […]

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

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham and the NC Council of Churches invite you to join us for a brief service to pray for justice and reconciliation in our nation and world on January 18 at 6 p.m. As we gather in the days between the commemoration of the work and witness of Dr. Martin […]

Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We could not begin the new year without acknowledging the volunteers, grassroots advocates, donors, organizational partners, and all others who helped the Council continue to be a faithful, prophetic voice for justice, peace, and unity in 2016. In particular, we would like to recognize faith leaders from across traditions, denominations, and locations statewide who signed their name to our shared call for love […]

Thank You for Speaking Love in 2016

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We could not begin the new year without acknowledging the volunteers, grassroots advocates, donors, organizational partners, and all others who helped the Council continue to be a faithful, prophetic voice for justice, peace, and unity in 2016. In particular, we would like to recognize faith leaders from across traditions, denominations, and locations statewide who signed their name to our shared call for love […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain […]

Beyond Gun Violence: A Conference for People of Faith and Conscience About Ending America’s Deadly Epidemic

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us one month from today for a weekend of preaching and teaching about the cost of gun violence to our nation and how we can bring about change. Speakers will include: ·         Matthew Crebbin, Senior Minister of Newtown Congregational Church (UCC) ·         Mark Carman, American Coalition for Responsible Gun Ownership ·         James Atwood, theologian […]

Beyond Gun Violence: A Conference for People of Faith and Conscience About Ending America’s Deadly Epidemic

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us one month from today for a weekend of preaching and teaching about the cost of gun violence to our nation and how we can bring about change. Speakers will include: ·         Matthew Crebbin, Senior Minister of Newtown Congregational Church (UCC) ·         Mark Carman, American Coalition for Responsible Gun Ownership ·         James Atwood, theologian […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in 1935 out of the recognition that racial segregation was antithetical to Christ’s teachings. Since that time, the Council’s work has expanded to include issues ranging […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in 1935 out of the recognition that racial segregation was antithetical to Christ’s teachings. Since that time, the Council’s work has expanded to include issues ranging […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have […]

Advent: A Call to Action

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The themes of Advent are particularly resonant and difficult this year. For me, this is in light of two major events, the recent election and the recent birth of my first child. This time seems particularly dark and scary, and we as a nation seem in desperate need of light and hope. Many of us […]

Advent: A Call to Action

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The themes of Advent are particularly resonant and difficult this year. For me, this is in light of two major events, the recent election and the recent birth of my first child. This time seems particularly dark and scary, and we as a nation seem in desperate need of light and hope. Many of us […]

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

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, and peaceful society. Our faith calls us to love one another, protect the vulnerable, and work together toward a beloved community. We continue to be […]

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

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, and peaceful society. Our faith calls us to love one another, protect the vulnerable, and work together toward a beloved community. We continue to be […]

We Didn’t Know it Was You

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

I recently heard the song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” for the first time in a beautiful recording by Straight No Chaser. For days the lines, “We didn’t know who you were,” and “We didn’t know it was you” echoed in my mind. How often do we, as a culture, as the church, and as Christians […]

We Didn’t Know it Was You

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

I recently heard the song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” for the first time in a beautiful recording by Straight No Chaser. For days the lines, “We didn’t know who you were,” and “We didn’t know it was you” echoed in my mind. How often do we, as a culture, as the church, and as Christians […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon […]

Video — #LoveOneAnother

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The response to our sign-on ad was overwhelming and inspired the staff of the Council to create the video below. Clergy who would like to have their names included in an updated list to be posted at the end of the year can do so by going here. More information about this effort can be […]

Video — #LoveOneAnother

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The response to our sign-on ad was overwhelming and inspired the staff of the Council to create the video below. Clergy who would like to have their names included in an updated list to be posted at the end of the year can do so by going here. More information about this effort can be […]

More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A full-page ad in Sunday’s Raleigh News & Observer will include the signatures of more than 300 clergy who have added their name to a statement speaking to our shared faithful call to love and care for one another. They represent a variety of faith traditions, denominations, and locations from across the state. The ad reads: All […]

More than 300 NC Clergy Sign-On to Speak Love

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A full-page ad in Sunday’s Raleigh News & Observer will include the signatures of more than 300 clergy who have added their name to a statement speaking to our shared faithful call to love and care for one another. They represent a variety of faith traditions, denominations, and locations from across the state. The ad reads: All […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and […]

Advent Guide: Introduction

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with one another. Lord have mercy. In the presence of fears and hurts, we have become destructive and dangerous. Christ have mercy. For every ungentle personal act, our leaders push policies of anger or invest in division so that our […]

Advent Guide: Introduction

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with one another. Lord have mercy. In the presence of fears and hurts, we have become destructive and dangerous. Christ have mercy. For every ungentle personal act, our leaders push policies of anger or invest in division so that our […]

Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Almost 400 years ago, in what is now Massachusetts, a group of newly arrived immigrants from Europe received lifesaving hospitality from a group of indigenous Americans. Tomorrow, we celebrate and remember this act of welcome for the stranger as Thanksgiving. The Wampanoag tribe, who had lived in the region for some 12,000 years, taught the […]

Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Almost 400 years ago, in what is now Massachusetts, a group of newly arrived immigrants from Europe received lifesaving hospitality from a group of indigenous Americans. Tomorrow, we celebrate and remember this act of welcome for the stranger as Thanksgiving. The Wampanoag tribe, who had lived in the region for some 12,000 years, taught the […]

Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On the weekend of December 2-4, the Council has called on NC faith leaders to shape their worship service around the theme “Love One Another.” On the same weekend, we hope to run a full-page ad in The Raleigh News & Observer signed by many NC clergy of all faiths. If we are not able […]

Faith Leaders: Add Your Name to Speak Love

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On the weekend of December 2-4, the Council has called on NC faith leaders to shape their worship service around the theme “Love One Another.” On the same weekend, we hope to run a full-page ad in The Raleigh News & Observer signed by many NC clergy of all faiths. If we are not able […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself in many ways – in how we relate to one another, in the policies our elected officials put in place, in who has enough. For […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself in many ways – in how we relate to one another, in the policies our elected officials put in place, in who has enough. For […]

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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 to welcome our immigrant sisters and brothers, care for creation, work for economic justice and voting rights, build toward Christian unity and interfaith understanding, teach […]

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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 to welcome our immigrant sisters and brothers, care for creation, work for economic justice and voting rights, build toward Christian unity and interfaith understanding, teach […]

Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On December 2, the Council’s Christian Unity Committee will offer a workshop intended to help Christians get to know our Muslim neighbors with tools for interfaith community building and theological reflection. The event is to be held at Salisbury’s Hood Theological Seminary Aymer Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature presentations and […]

Christian Unity Committee Offers Workshop: Getting to Know our Muslim Neighbor

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On December 2, the Council’s Christian Unity Committee will offer a workshop intended to help Christians get to know our Muslim neighbors with tools for interfaith community building and theological reflection. The event is to be held at Salisbury’s Hood Theological Seminary Aymer Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature presentations and […]

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Many of us have been following with great interest the resistance of Native Americans in North Dakota to the Dakota Access Pipeline. For the crime of defending their lands and waters – not to mention the climate of all of us — the camp at Standing Rock has been met with militarized policing in the […]

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Many of us have been following with great interest the resistance of Native Americans in North Dakota to the Dakota Access Pipeline. For the crime of defending their lands and waters – not to mention the climate of all of us — the camp at Standing Rock has been met with militarized policing in the […]

Prayers for Those Impacted by Matthew

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Matthew’s devastation. May we be faithful in our commitment to assisting them now and to the long-term recovery efforts needed after such a storm. Many denominations are responding to this disaster and will be accepting donations to their respective relief funds for those wanting to support their efforts.

Prayers for Those Impacted by Matthew

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Matthew’s devastation. May we be faithful in our commitment to assisting them now and to the long-term recovery efforts needed after such a storm. Many denominations are responding to this disaster and will be accepting donations to their respective relief funds for those wanting to support their efforts.

Speak Peace

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered on September 21 by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference marking the International Day of Peace. Words make a world. The words we use become embedded in the ways we think about the world around us. So, we have bullet points, target dates, and killer ideas. We shoot emails, fire off […]

Speak Peace

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered on September 21 by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at a press conference marking the International Day of Peace. Words make a world. The words we use become embedded in the ways we think about the world around us. So, we have bullet points, target dates, and killer ideas. We shoot emails, fire off […]

Sore Afraid

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News about a savior, but who will assuage our fears about the news from Charlotte, Tulsa, Dallas, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Ferguson, Baltimore, New York, … ? We […]

Sore Afraid

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

We are “sore afraid.” But not like the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem on the night angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The angels assuaged their fears with Good News about a savior, but who will assuage our fears about the news from Charlotte, Tulsa, Dallas, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Ferguson, Baltimore, New York, … ? We […]

Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern This week our nation has again experienced the inevitable results of living with the factions and fears that plague us. Three shootings in three days, right on the heels of the commemoration of our independence as a nation, each shooting horrific and tragic in its own right. We, […]

Appealing to our Shared Humanity in Response to Civil Unrest

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern This week our nation has again experienced the inevitable results of living with the factions and fears that plague us. Three shootings in three days, right on the heels of the commemoration of our independence as a nation, each shooting horrific and tragic in its own right. We, […]

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home countries due to violence in search of safety and a better life for themselves and their families.  Due to the continuing crises in Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, […]

Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day when people all over the world celebrate the courage, strength and resiliency of our neighbors who were forced to flee their home countries due to violence in search of safety and a better life for themselves and their families.  Due to the continuing crises in Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, […]

Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern The tragic mass murder in Orlando this past weekend is yet another reminder of the challenges that we as Americans must rise to meet – together. Public news media reports a connection between the shooter and the Islamic State, further invigorating the ethos of fear and resentment towards […]

Unity in Action against Islamophobia in the Wake of the Orlando Murders

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

By Fady Hanna, Duke Divinity School Intern The tragic mass murder in Orlando this past weekend is yet another reminder of the challenges that we as Americans must rise to meet – together. Public news media reports a connection between the shooter and the Islamic State, further invigorating the ethos of fear and resentment towards […]

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of American, must do more to forestall the situations and grievances and opportunities that can lead to any kind of slaughter remotely resembling the Orlando tragedy of June 12, 2016. 6/12, a new code for 21st century inhumanity, even if […]

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of American, must do more to forestall the situations and grievances and opportunities that can lead to any kind of slaughter remotely resembling the Orlando tragedy of June 12, 2016. 6/12, a new code for 21st century inhumanity, even if […]

How Do We Respond?

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

After Sunday morning, no one can dispute we are under attack. The real attack, however, is not the one involving assault rifles like the ArmaLite Rifle – 15 (Yes, I know the “a” doesn’t stand for “assault” even though enabling assault is what the AR-15 does). The real attack is on our sense of being. […]

How Do We Respond?

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

After Sunday morning, no one can dispute we are under attack. The real attack, however, is not the one involving assault rifles like the ArmaLite Rifle – 15 (Yes, I know the “a” doesn’t stand for “assault” even though enabling assault is what the AR-15 does). The real attack is on our sense of being. […]

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 […]

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

According to the news reports, it all started over a place on a pew. One parishioner sat in someone else’s spot and then objected to moving. Another flashed his legally carried concealed weapon, apparently as an incentive to settle down his fellow church-goer. But it didn’t work that way, and a 27-year-old was shot to […]

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

According to the news reports, it all started over a place on a pew. One parishioner sat in someone else’s spot and then objected to moving. Another flashed his legally carried concealed weapon, apparently as an incentive to settle down his fellow church-goer. But it didn’t work that way, and a 27-year-old was shot to […]

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks in the spring thinking about the meaning of life. The weeks fall just prior […]

Tell the Truth, Make Amends, Live Better

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks offered at the March 9, 2016 Vigil on Breaking the Silence on Torture co-sponsored with NC Stop Torture Now and the Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia. Every year, all over the world, millions of Christians spend six intense weeks in the spring thinking about the meaning of life. The weeks fall just prior […]

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 […]

Uncomplicating Justice

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it’s complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is complicated. Immigration reform is complicated. Climate change is complicated. And it is. History is complicated and so are people’s motives and interpretations. However, often that […]

Uncomplicating Justice

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A lot of times in the work that we do at the Council we preface our comments, blogs or presentations with the words, “it’s complicated”. The Syrian refugee crisis is complicated. Immigration reform is complicated. Climate change is complicated. And it is. History is complicated and so are people’s motives and interpretations. However, often that […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in […]

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks to try to win votes, he plays rough. Pursuing the Republican nomination for president, the bumptious Trump has been on a roll. His tough-guy rhetoric […]

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks to try to win votes, he plays rough. Pursuing the Republican nomination for president, the bumptious Trump has been on a roll. His tough-guy rhetoric […]

Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

December 10, 7 p.m. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of Churches, partnering with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters, will host a Candlelight Vigil to Remember the Victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. This is especially timely for the Council. Recently […]

Let Us Reason Together — Vigil Against Gun Violence 12/10

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

December 10, 7 p.m. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham The NC Council of Churches, partnering with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters, will host a Candlelight Vigil to Remember the Victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. This is especially timely for the Council. Recently […]