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Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The office of Rep. Garland Pierce, who is also a Baptist pastor, sent me the following message in italics about an opportunity to come to Raleigh and express your opposition to legislative measures which will make life more difficult for people who are poor: I invite you to join me on Tuesday, May 17th, at […]

Legislative Black Caucus Sponsors Clergy Day at the General Assembly

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The office of Rep. Garland Pierce, who is also a Baptist pastor, sent me the following message in italics about an opportunity to come to Raleigh and express your opposition to legislative measures which will make life more difficult for people who are poor: I invite you to join me on Tuesday, May 17th, at […]

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Rev. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, organizer of the HKonJ movement (of which the NC Council of Churches is a partner), and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, has issued an update and call to action. It gives details about the multi-faceted assault on issues of racial equality and social justice in […]

Emergency Call to Action from Rev. William Barber

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Rev. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, organizer of the HKonJ movement (of which the NC Council of Churches is a partner), and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, has issued an update and call to action. It gives details about the multi-faceted assault on issues of racial equality and social justice in […]

Civil Rights Panel Gets an Earful on Wake Schools

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The News & Observer

All the conflict raging about the Wake schools for the past year and a half came spilling out Wednesday night when a panel of federal civil rights investigators heard testimony - often heated - in an East Raleigh church. The hearing concerned a complaint against Wake Public Schools, filed with the federal education department by the state NAACP. An estimated 200 people nearly filled the fellowship hall at Martin Street Baptist Church, with speakers making emphatic points on both sides of the issues.

Civil Rights Panel Gets an Earful on Wake Schools

The News & Observer

All the conflict raging about the Wake schools for the past year and a half came spilling out Wednesday night when a panel of federal civil rights investigators heard testimony – often heated – in an East Raleigh church.

The hearing concerned a complaint against Wake Public Schools, filed with the federal education department by the state NAACP. An estimated 200 people nearly filled the fellowship hall at Martin Street Baptist Church, with speakers making emphatic points on both sides of the issues.

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Budget Edition: Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees started revealing their plans for the 2011-13 budget. Not surprisingly, their plans differ in significant ways from the budget proposed by Governor Perdue. The most important difference is that the House leaders will not approve the continuation of any of the emergency tax increases enacted in 2009.

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Budget Edition: Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees started revealing their plans for the 2011-13 budget. Not surprisingly, their plans differ in significant ways from the budget proposed by Governor Perdue. The most important difference is that the House leaders will not approve the continuation of any of the emergency tax increases enacted in 2009.

Jack Crum Conference Focuses on School Diversity

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please join us for the 3rd Annual Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry: Saturday, April 9, 2011 Avent Ferry United Methodist Church 2700 Avent Ferry Road Raleigh, NC 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry is an annual ecumenical gathering for North Carolina faith leaders to learn, dialogue and respond […]

Jack Crum Conference Focuses on School Diversity

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please join us for the 3rd Annual Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry: Saturday, April 9, 2011 Avent Ferry United Methodist Church 2700 Avent Ferry Road Raleigh, NC 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry is an annual ecumenical gathering for North Carolina faith leaders to learn, dialogue and respond […]

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New bills on the budget, care of creation, criminal justice, election and campaign law, gambling, guns, health and health care, immigration, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse services, public eduction, and taxes.

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New bills on the budget, care of creation, criminal justice, election and campaign law, gambling, guns, health and health care, immigration, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse services, public eduction, and taxes.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn

By chris

A Reflection on Public Education in God's World Today

Rev. Joe Brown, chair of the Council's Public Education Committee and a Presiding Elder in the AME Zion Church, is encourging congregations across North Carolina to use a Lenten Study Guide which has been created by members of the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy.

Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn

by chris

A Reflection on Public Education in God’s World Today

Rev. Joe Brown, chair of the Council’s Public Education Committee and a Presiding Elder in the AME Zion Church, is encourging congregations across North Carolina to use a Lenten Study Guide which has been created by members of the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy.

A Great Day at HKonJ

By chris

There was a great turnout for Saturday's HKonJ5. Thanks to all of you who attended and marched.

Watch video of HKonJ here.

A Great Day at HKonJ

by chris

There was a great turnout for Saturday’s HKonJ5. Thanks to all of you who attended and marched.

Watch video of HKonJ here.

School Diversity Sign-On Statement

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please join us and people of faith across North Carolina in committing to diversity in North Carolina schools by signing this statement.

School Diversity Sign-On Statement

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Please join us and people of faith across North Carolina in committing to diversity in North Carolina schools by signing this statement.

Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is a member of the Together NC Coalition. In light of the current state budget crisis, the coalition is offering concerned citizens one way to show what they value in the state. Here’s some information on what they’ve got planned: Together NC: Stand Up for NC A mobilization event […]

Affirming NC’s Public Investments — An Opportunity for Action

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is a member of the Together NC Coalition. In light of the current state budget crisis, the coalition is offering concerned citizens one way to show what they value in the state. Here’s some information on what they’ve got planned: Together NC: Stand Up for NC A mobilization event […]

HK on J March

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J) rally and march will take place on February 12 in Raleigh. A coalition of nearly a hundred social justice and community development organizations, including the North Carolina Council of Churches, have banded together to promote this event for the last several years.

HK on J March

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

The Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J) rally and march will take place on February 12 in Raleigh. A coalition of nearly a hundred social justice and community development organizations, including the North Carolina Council of Churches, have banded together to promote this event for the last several years.

As We Enter A New Year

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to the work we believe in must be fortified and renewed. The environment in which we will be doing our work for justice and peace in the coming New Year has changed. Legislatively, it will be a difficult two years. […]

As We Enter A New Year

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to the work we believe in must be fortified and renewed. The environment in which we will be doing our work for justice and peace in the coming New Year has changed. Legislatively, it will be a difficult two years. […]

NC Faith Leaders Support DREAM Act

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Today many of North Carolina’s faith leaders issued a statement calling on Congress to pass the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act is a bipartisan bill that provides a clear, earned path to citizenship for students who are currently undocumented. Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, many at the top of their […]

NC Faith Leaders Support DREAM Act

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Today many of North Carolina’s faith leaders issued a statement calling on Congress to pass the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act is a bipartisan bill that provides a clear, earned path to citizenship for students who are currently undocumented. Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, many at the top of their […]

Peace-related Events Around the State

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Hello friends, There are a couple of upcoming events I wanted to let you know about in the Raleigh area, Charlotte and Greensboro. •Thursday, October 7 at 5 PM — please join us for an Action to End the Militarization of Afghanistan. Nine years after the US invaded Afghanistan, we gather to mourn the deaths of Americans and Afghanis and call for an […]

Peace-related Events Around the State

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Hello friends, There are a couple of upcoming events I wanted to let you know about in the Raleigh area, Charlotte and Greensboro. •Thursday, October 7 at 5 PM — please join us for an Action to End the Militarization of Afghanistan. Nine years after the US invaded Afghanistan, we gather to mourn the deaths of Americans and Afghanis and call for an […]

Religious leaders talk possible legal action against the Wake school board

By chris

News 14 Carolina

Outside a closed door meeting with fellow clergy and attorneys at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C. NAACP President Rev. Dr. William Barber, a representative from the North Carolina Council of Churches and fellow Wake school board protest arrestees talked future tactics on how they plan to take on the changing policies of the board.

Religious leaders talk possible legal action against the Wake school board

News 14 Carolina

Outside a closed door meeting with fellow clergy and attorneys at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C. NAACP President Rev. Dr. William Barber, a representative from the North Carolina Council of Churches and fellow Wake school board protest arrestees talked future tactics on how they plan to take on the changing policies of the board.

Pro-diversity prayer meeting slated at Pullen Baptist Monday night

By chris

Independent Weekly

Leaders in the pro-diversity movement who are battling the Wake school board majority to stop resegregation of the county's school system, have called a prayer meeting for Monday, August 30 at 7 p.m. in Pullen Memorial Baptist Church.

Pro-diversity prayer meeting slated at Pullen Baptist Monday night

Independent Weekly

Leaders in the pro-diversity movement who are battling the Wake school board majority to stop resegregation of the county’s school system, have called a prayer meeting for Monday, August 30 at 7 p.m. in Pullen Memorial Baptist Church.

Faith Voices Strong at Wake County March

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Last week’s march and rally to halt re-segregation in Wake County was a powerful experience. Thanks to all of the Council folks who turned out. I saw several current leaders of Council member bodies (Bishop Richard Thompson, Bishop George Walker, Bishop Al Gwinn, Bishop Michael Curry, President Greg Moss, Pastor Nancy Petty), one retired bishop […]

Faith Voices Strong at Wake County March

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Last week’s march and rally to halt re-segregation in Wake County was a powerful experience. Thanks to all of the Council folks who turned out. I saw several current leaders of Council member bodies (Bishop Richard Thompson, Bishop George Walker, Bishop Al Gwinn, Bishop Michael Curry, President Greg Moss, Pastor Nancy Petty), one retired bishop […]

Council to Work on Countering School Resegregation

By chris

In light of concerns about public school resegregation in counties across the state, the North Carolina Council of Churches has begun work to counter this backward step toward increased racial and economic separation.  Issues of resegregation have surfaced in the state’s largest school districts, Wake and Charlotte-Mecklenburg counties, as well Wayne and New Hanover counties and elsewhere.

Council to Work on Countering School Resegregation

by chris

In light of concerns about public school resegregation in counties across the state, the North Carolina Council of Churches has begun work to counter this backward step toward increased racial and economic separation.  Issues of resegregation have surfaced in the state’s largest school districts, Wake and Charlotte-Mecklenburg counties, as well Wayne and New Hanover counties and elsewhere.

Rights group plans big rally on Wake schools policy

By chris

Raleigh News & Observer

The Rev. William Barber, president of the state NAACP, has organized a wide range of church groups that have historically been involved in civil rights and social justice issues to oppose the move to neighborhood schools in Wake County. Using language heavy with religious overtones and accompanied by a comparison between ending the diversity policy and the old Jim Crow segregation laws, speakers at a news conference Tuesday at the state Capitol argued that they had the moral high ground in the fight.

Rights group plans big rally on Wake schools policy

Raleigh News & Observer

The Rev. William Barber, president of the state NAACP, has organized a wide range of church groups that have historically been involved in civil rights and social justice issues to oppose the move to neighborhood schools in Wake County. Using language heavy with religious overtones and accompanied by a comparison between ending the diversity policy and the old Jim Crow segregation laws, speakers at a news conference Tuesday at the state Capitol argued that they had the moral high ground in the fight.

Raleigh Report: General Assembly Addressing Childhood Obesity

By chris

Unfortunately, the childhood obesity epidemic is drastically affecting North Carolina. In 2009, North Carolina ranked 14th worst in the nation in childhood overweight and obesity for children ages 10-17, with more than one-third (33.5%) of our children being overweight or obese.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education, and more.

Raleigh Report: General Assembly Addressing Childhood Obesity

by chris

Unfortunately, the childhood obesity epidemic is drastically affecting North Carolina. In 2009, North Carolina ranked 14th worst in the nation in childhood overweight and obesity for children ages 10-17, with more than one-third (33.5%) of our children being overweight or obese.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education, and more.

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

By chris

The summer’s “short session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened on May 12, a continuation of the 2009 session. Its primary task will be to adjust the 2010-11 budget adopted last year, though it can also take up bills that made it through one house last year, bills coming from study commissions, and bills amending the state Constitution.

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

by chris

The summer’s “short session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened on May 12, a continuation of the 2009 session. Its primary task will be to adjust the 2010-11 budget adopted last year, though it can also take up bills that made it through one house last year, bills coming from study commissions, and bills amending the state Constitution.

UNCW’s Edgerton tackles school redistricting

By chris

Wilmington Star-News

Last week, the council sent an email to all the churches on its New Han over County database titled “Opposing re-segregation in the schools,” that encouraged church leaders to sign petitions being circulated against middle school redistricting. The organization isn’t formally planning an event in the area, said executive director George Reed. The Council is a Raleigh-based group that organizes churches in the state around social justice issues.

UNCW’s Edgerton tackles school redistricting

Wilmington Star-News

Last week, the council sent an email to all the churches on its New Han over County database titled “Opposing re-segregation in the schools,” that encouraged church leaders to sign petitions being circulated against middle school redistricting. The organization isn’t formally planning an event in the area, said executive director George Reed. The Council is a Raleigh-based group that organizes churches in the state around social justice issues.

A Statement on the Public Schools

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Today we again reaffirm our support for the public schools as one of society’s primary vehicles for social, racial, and economic justice. Today we also voice our concern about the dangers of resegregation in the public schools and of a return to separate and unequal education. Current figures show that 40 of the 44 low-performing high schools in NC are made up primarily of students of color, while 43 of the 44 top performing schools are made up primarily of white students.

A Statement on the Public Schools

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Today we again reaffirm our support for the public schools as one of society’s primary vehicles for social, racial, and economic justice. Today we also voice our concern about the dangers of resegregation in the public schools and of a return to separate and unequal education. Current figures show that 40 of the 44 low-performing high schools in NC are made up primarily of students of color, while 43 of the 44 top performing schools are made up primarily of white students.

Celebrating a Public Education Sabbath

By chris

We invite every religious and faith community in North Carolina to join us in celebrating a Public Education Sabbath on their day of worship before the school year begins or at another appropriate time during the school year.

Celebrating a Public Education Sabbath

by chris

We invite every religious and faith community in North Carolina to join us in celebrating a Public Education Sabbath on their day of worship before the school year begins or at another appropriate time during the school year.

The Role of Religion in Public Education

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Disagreements about the proper role of religion in public schools divide local communities and fuel national controversies.  Across North Carolina and the United States battles are being fought over school prayer, the celebration of religious holidays, sex education, Bible courses, evolution and creationism. The voucher movement is fueled, in large part, by the opposition of religious conservatives to public education.  Many members of Congress are pressing for a constitutional amendment that would permit organized prayer in public schools.

The Role of Religion in Public Education

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Disagreements about the proper role of religion in public schools divide local communities and fuel national controversies.  Across North Carolina and the United States battles are being fought over school prayer, the celebration of religious holidays, sex education, Bible courses, evolution and creationism. The voucher movement is fueled, in large part, by the opposition of religious conservatives to public education.  Many members of Congress are pressing for a constitutional amendment that would permit organized prayer in public schools.