Race/Ethnicity

Upcoming symposium to focus on the continual harm inflicted by Confederate monuments

March 29, 2023 · The Pulse

The North Carolina Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Criminal Justice System will host a symposium next month focusing on the harms posed by confederate monuments. The all-day event […]

Upcoming symposium to focus on the continual harm inflicted by Confederate monuments

March 29, 2023 · The Pulse

Eco-Justice is Anti-Colonial

March 3, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join NCIPL & NC Council of Churches Intern for Climate and Environmental Justice, Noely Bernier, for a discussion on the impacts of colonialism (on our lives and the environmental movement), […]

Eco-Justice is Anti-Colonial

March 3, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Join NCIPL & NC Council of Churches Intern for Climate and Environmental Justice, Noely Bernier, for a discussion on the impacts of colonialism (on our lives and the environmental movement), […]

No Justice No Peace: Confederate Monuments and the Fight for Racial Justice

February 25, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

When it comes to Confederate monuments, there is no common ground. Polarizing debates over their meaning have intensified into legislative maneuvering to preserve the statues, legal battles to remove them, […]

No Justice No Peace: Confederate Monuments and the Fight for Racial Justice

February 25, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

“11 AM: Hope for America’s Most Segregated Hour” Film Screening

February 5, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

On February 11 at 6 p.m., join Catawba College for a live-stream screening of 11am: Hope for America’s Most Segregated Hour. The story in this film is centered around the […]

“11 AM: Hope for America’s Most Segregated Hour” Film Screening

February 5, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

On February 11 at 6 p.m., join Catawba College for a live-stream screening of 11am: Hope for America’s Most Segregated Hour. The story in this film is centered around the […]

The Faithful Work of Environmental Justice

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

Join us on Friday, February 26th, for a conversation on the work of environmental justice with expert speakers including Sherri White-Williamson of the Environmental Justice Community Action Network and the […]

The Faithful Work of Environmental Justice

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

Virtual HKonJ Moral March & People’s Assembly 2021

January 28, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The annual HKonJ (Historic Thousands on Jones Street) Moral March and People’s Assembly 2021 is happening virtually and online this year. Due to Covid, we cannot gather on Fayetteville Street, but there […]

Virtual HKonJ Moral March & People’s Assembly 2021

January 28, 2021 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Celebrating Christmas in a Time of Fear

December 3, 2020 By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Join us and NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green for a Zoom discussion on one of James Baldwin’s essays, Equal in Paris, written shortly before Christmas 1949. Jaki Shelton Green will […]

Celebrating Christmas in a Time of Fear

December 3, 2020 by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Join us and NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green for a Zoom discussion on one of James Baldwin’s essays, Equal in Paris, written shortly before Christmas 1949. Jaki Shelton Green will […]

Voting Our Values: Forum on Restorative & Racial Justice

July 23, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This August and September, NCIPL will host an eight-week forum series detailing the important issues facing us this election. These events will highlight our voter reflection guide, feature expert speakers, […]

Voting Our Values: Forum on Restorative & Racial Justice

July 23, 2020 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Voting Our Values: Forum on Restorative & Racial Justice

July 23, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Voting Our Values: Forum on Restorative & Racial Justice

July 23, 2020 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

From Domination to Dominion

June 9, 2020 By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

The following transcript was offered as a sermon by NCIPL Program Coordinator, Sarah Ogletree, on Sunday, June 7th, during the online worship service of Pittsboro Presbyterian Church. The sermon reflects […]

From Domination to Dominion

June 9, 2020 by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Statement on Systemic Racism

June 2, 2020 By North Carolina Council of Churches

A resolution adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches, June 2, 2020. Whereas the North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935, primarily for […]

Statement on Systemic Racism

June 2, 2020 by North Carolina Council of Churches

A resolution adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches, June 2, 2020. Whereas the North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935, primarily for […]

A small roadway memorial marks the area where jogger Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed in Brunswick, Georgia [Erik S Lesser/EPA]

Lament for a Life

May 15, 2020 By North Carolina Council of Churches

This piece was written by Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, in conjunction with Jessica Stokes, Associate Director of Partners in Health and Wholeness. For 85 years the North Carolina Council of […]

Lament for a Life

May 15, 2020 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Christians and Racial Equity Lenten Series

March 26, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Racism has been called America’s “original sin.” Struggles around affirmative action, welfare and immigration reform, and other policies show that the racial divide in the United States wasn’t healed in […]

Christians and Racial Equity Lenten Series

March 26, 2020 by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Raleigh Report: Flawed deal to resurrect Silent Sam

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

When leaders of the N.C. Council of Churches two years ago adopted a policy statement entitled “Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess,” the statue known as Silent Sam still faced north […]

Raleigh Report: Flawed deal to resurrect Silent Sam

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

Documentary Screening: Wilmington on Fire

July 30, 2019 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

During both the pre- and post-Civil War eras, lynching was used with impunity by patrols of KKK members to intimidate, terrorize, incarcerate and kill black people. Then as now, unpunished […]

Documentary Screening: Wilmington on Fire

July 30, 2019 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

During both the pre- and post-Civil War eras, lynching was used with impunity by patrols of KKK members to intimidate, terrorize, incarcerate and kill black people. Then as now, unpunished […]

Liberating Theologies Speaker Series

August 29, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Liberating Theologies conference is a one-day experience exploring varying theologies with an emphasis on liberation and inclusion for the oppressed and marginalized. North Carolina has been a political, social […]

Liberating Theologies Speaker Series

August 29, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Liberating Theologies Speaker Series

August 13, 2018 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Liberating Theologies conference, presented by The Freedom Center for Social Justice, is a one-day experience exploring varying theologies with an emphasis on liberation and inclusion for the oppressed and […]

Liberating Theologies Speaker Series

August 13, 2018 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

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

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to […]

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

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

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to […]

The Commission Came to Town

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

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

The Commission Came to Town

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

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

Be Reconciled

February 9, 2018 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 […]

Be Reconciled

February 9, 2018 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 […]

Jesus, Martin, and Gilles

January 17, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

A reflection on Jesus of Nazareth (out of which nothing good comes)¹, the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr., and the detention of Gilles Bikindou. Jesus. Martin. Gilles. […]

Jesus, Martin, and Gilles

January 17, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

A reflection on Jesus of Nazareth (out of which nothing good comes)¹, the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr., and the detention of Gilles Bikindou. Jesus. Martin. Gilles. […]

Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege

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

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

Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege

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

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

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not […]

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not […]

The Infection in Our Democracy

August 25, 2017 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 […]

The Infection in Our Democracy

August 25, 2017 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 […]

In the Face of Violence

August 18, 2017 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 […]

In the Face of Violence

August 18, 2017 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 […]

Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When

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

When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., that had erupted two days before, he was […]

Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When

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

When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., that had erupted two days before, he was […]

Response to the Violence in Charlottesville

August 15, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Before I came to call the great state of North Carolina home, I was a proud Virginian for the first twenty-six years of my life. I grew up in a […]

Response to the Violence in Charlottesville

August 15, 2017 by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Before I came to call the great state of North Carolina home, I was a proud Virginian for the first twenty-six years of my life. I grew up in a […]

Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams

August 5, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable young people brought to this country as children to come out of the shadows […]

Supporting Young Immigrants’ Dreams

August 5, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Five years ago, President Obama created the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program to enable young people brought to this country as children to come out of the shadows […]

Rights Advocacy At Risk

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

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

Rights Advocacy At Risk

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

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

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

July 9, 2017 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 […]

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

July 9, 2017 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 […]

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

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

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

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

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

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

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

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

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

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

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

Sanctuary as a Sacred Act

June 2, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Photo courtesy of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Under President Trump’s recent executive orders, many people’s lives have changed, especially the lives of those who have come to North Carolina […]

Sanctuary as a Sacred Act

June 2, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Rolling Waters

June 2, 2017 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 […]

Rolling Waters

June 2, 2017 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 […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 1, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement means that while the needs of our endangered climate are increasing, […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 1, 2017 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

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

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

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

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

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

SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25

April 18, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly discussed SB 145, an anti-immigrant bill that would expand the 287g program, thereby allowing local law enforcement to […]

SB 145 Debate Not in Accordance with Matthew 25

April 18, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

March 29, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

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 […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

March 29, 2017 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

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 […]

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

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

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

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

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

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

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

March 17, 2017 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 […]

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

March 17, 2017 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 […]

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

March 13, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders have gone where elected leaders sometimes go – blaming the poor for being poor. […]

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

March 13, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders have gone where elected leaders sometimes go – blaming the poor for being poor. […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Despite evidence that the Affordable Care Act is more popular and more needed than ever, some Republicans in Congress have proceeded with partisan plans to repeal Obamacare while dismantling Medicaid […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

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

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

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

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

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

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

February 23, 2017 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers […]

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

February 23, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Yesterday morning, the Sandra P. Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham received a bomb threat. This was the most recent in recurring waves of bomb threats against Jewish centers […]

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

February 16, 2017 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 […]

Answering your Questions about Sanctuary

February 16, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Whispers and Shouts

February 11, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sometimes God whispers. Whether through hymns or homilies or kids dancing their way down the aisle to children’s chapel. Sometimes God shouts. Through the amplified suffering of others, known or […]

Whispers and Shouts

February 11, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

February 10, 2017 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 […]

Refugees Welcomed, Not Banned

February 10, 2017 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 […]

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality

February 7, 2017 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Second in a series of three blogs. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2) The idea […]

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality

February 7, 2017 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Second in a series of three blogs. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2) The idea […]

Big Stakes in High Court Pick

February 1, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Compared with some of the provocatively, even outrageously unsuited people whom President Trump has chosen for high office, Neil Gorsuch barely moves the needle. But that’s not to say Americans […]

Big Stakes in High Court Pick

February 1, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

January 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

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

January 27, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Sanctuary, Not Deportation

January 27, 2017 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 […]

Sanctuary, Not Deportation

January 27, 2017 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 […]

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 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 […]

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 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 […]

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 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 […]

A Letter to President Trump

January 20, 2017 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 […]

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference

January 17, 2017 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Pizazz. Laughter. Friends. Singing. These words describe the Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference. But, did you know that a faith and health national conference even exists? Healthy Churches 2020 held […]

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference

January 17, 2017 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Excerpts from Dr. King’s remarks delivered on May 14, 1963 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The American dream reminds us that every man is the heir of […]

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Excerpts from Dr. King’s remarks delivered on May 14, 1963 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The American dream reminds us that every man is the heir of […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

January 10, 2017 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 & […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

January 10, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Update: Save Our Health Care Rallies Statewide on January 15

January 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted to continue the process that could ultimately repeal the Affordable Care Act. Activists across the nation were already planning Day of Action events […]

Update: Save Our Health Care Rallies Statewide on January 15

January 10, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

January 3, 2017 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 […]

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

January 3, 2017 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 […]

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

December 31, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we watched the egregiously unqualified Donald Trump campaign for and win election to the White House, any good news on the government and politics front was likely to be […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

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

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

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video — #LoveOneAnother

December 8, 2016 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 […]

Video — #LoveOneAnother

December 8, 2016 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 […]

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

November 25, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Pilgrimage event, a time when several thousand middle and high school students come together for a weekend to hear from […]

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

November 25, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Pilgrimage event, a time when several thousand middle and high school students come together for a weekend to hear from […]

Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People

November 23, 2016 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 […]

Be Thankful for Immigrants and Indigenous People

November 23, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

December 2-4: Preach Love

November 14, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is calling on people of faith and leaders of the faith communities across NC to shape their worship services the weekend of December 2-4 […]

December 2-4: Preach Love

November 14, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is calling on people of faith and leaders of the faith communities across NC to shape their worship services the weekend of December 2-4 […]

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

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

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

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

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

Separating Church and Hate Since 1935

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

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

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock

November 6, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

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 […]

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock

November 6, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

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 […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

Early Voting Draws Support

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

The folks in North Carolina who want to make it harder rather than easier for people to vote – a category that features top officials of the state Republican Party […]

Early Voting Draws Support

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

The folks in North Carolina who want to make it harder rather than easier for people to vote – a category that features top officials of the state Republican Party […]

North Carolina Passes a Decade with No Executions

August 18, 2016 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Many in our state are celebrating 10 years of no executions and putting out a call for no more killings in our name. Patrick O’Neil a leading abolitionist in our […]

North Carolina Passes a Decade with No Executions

August 18, 2016 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Many in our state are celebrating 10 years of no executions and putting out a call for no more killings in our name. Patrick O’Neil a leading abolitionist in our […]

Election Maps Under Scrutiny

August 12, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republican Party developed a national strategy to seize and hold legislative power, and in North Carolina executed it with relentless precision. Six years into that process, however, the adverse […]

Election Maps Under Scrutiny

August 12, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Changing the View

August 11, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

This sermon was preached on August 6, 2016 at the Church Women United Leadership Conference. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let […]

Changing the View

August 11, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

This sermon was preached on August 6, 2016 at the Church Women United Leadership Conference. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let […]

Voting Rights, Redeemed

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

Even for ardent voting rights advocates, there’s little comfort to be gained from a federal appeals court’s finding that the N.C. General Assembly engaged in a multifaceted scheme to discriminate […]

Voting Rights, Redeemed

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

Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters

July 17, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! — Genesis 4:10 For days now, I’ve heard the same cry God is hearing. The blood of Philando Castile, Alton […]

Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters

July 17, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! — Genesis 4:10 For days now, I’ve heard the same cry God is hearing. The blood of Philando Castile, Alton […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

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

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

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

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

Video: Sermon by T. Anthony Spearman at the Critical Issues Seminar

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

The Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman delivered the sermon during worship at the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar on Race, Power, and Privilege. Video of his extraordinary message is below: […]

Video: Sermon by T. Anthony Spearman at the Critical Issues Seminar

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

The Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman delivered the sermon during worship at the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar on Race, Power, and Privilege. Video of his extraordinary message is below: […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

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

Registration for 2016 Critical Issues Seminar workshops is now available online. If you have not yet registered, please use the form below to do so and include your selection for […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

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

Registration for 2016 Critical Issues Seminar workshops is now available online. If you have not yet registered, please use the form below to do so and include your selection for […]

Signs of Hope After Easter

April 3, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I do not believe that I am the only one who feels a little hopeless right now. Members of the news media bombard us with news of the attack on Brussels, […]

Signs of Hope After Easter

April 3, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I do not believe that I am the only one who feels a little hopeless right now. Members of the news media bombard us with news of the attack on Brussels, […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

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

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

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

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

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

Lenten Guide — Easter Sunday

March 26, 2016 By Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Easter — John 20:1-18 Early on the first day of the week, […]

Lenten Guide — Easter Sunday

March 26, 2016 by Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Easter — John 20:1-18 Early on the first day of the week, […]

Lenten Guide — Good Friday

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

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” By Brian Hollingsworth, Partners in Health and Wholeness Intern Good Friday — […]

Lenten Guide — Good Friday

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

Lenten Guide — Maundy Thursday

March 23, 2016 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Maundy Thursday — John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Now before the festival of the […]

Lenten Guide — Maundy Thursday

March 23, 2016 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Maundy Thursday — John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Now before the festival of the […]

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

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

If Donald J. Trump successfully concludes his so-far-dominant push to become this year’s Republican presidential nominee, North Carolinians will have played a role. Some will view that role as a […]

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

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

Lenten Guide — Palm Sunday

March 19, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Palm Sunday —Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 O give thanks to the Lord, for […]

Lenten Guide — Palm Sunday

March 19, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Palm Sunday —Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 O give thanks to the Lord, for […]

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

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

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

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

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

Lenten Guide — Fourth Sunday

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

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Second Corinthians 5:16-21 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from […]

Lenten Guide — Fourth Sunday

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

The Path Toward Energy Justice: Creating a Climate for Change

March 4, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Infographic by Tracy Loeffelholz Dunn / The Nation. Shutterstock images from Lorelyn Medina, Agusto Cabral The Clean Power Plan, and transitioning to a clean energy economy more broadly, are creating […]

The Path Toward Energy Justice: Creating a Climate for Change

March 4, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

February 27, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Isaiah 55:1-9 Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you […]

Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

February 27, 2016 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Isaiah 55:1-9 Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you […]

Lenten Guide — Second Sunday

February 20, 2016 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Philippians 3:17-20; 4:1 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe […]

Lenten Guide — Second Sunday

February 20, 2016 by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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

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

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

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

Lenten Guide — First Sunday

February 13, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Deuteronomy 26:1-11 When you have come into the land that the Lord […]

Lenten Guide — First Sunday

February 13, 2016 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Deuteronomy 26:1-11 When you have come into the land that the Lord […]

Lenten Guide — Ash Wednesday

February 10, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Ash Wednesday —Psalm 51: 1-17 Have mercy on me, O God, according […]

Lenten Guide — Ash Wednesday

February 10, 2016 by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Love One Another: Reflections on Race, Power, and Privilege” Ash Wednesday —Psalm 51: 1-17 Have mercy on me, O God, according […]

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

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

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

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

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

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

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

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

Join us for the Council’s 2016 Critical Issues Seminar, focused on Race, Power, and Privilege, on Saturday, April 23 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 600 East Florida Street, Greensboro. […]

Critical Issues Seminar — Registration Now Open

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

Lenten Guide Available — Love One Another

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

When we set out to prepare this year’s Lenten guide, the contributors were told they could choose whichever lectionary passage they wanted to write about for their given date as […]

Lenten Guide Available — Love One Another

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

When we set out to prepare this year’s Lenten guide, the contributors were told they could choose whichever lectionary passage they wanted to write about for their given date as […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

February 6, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral March on Raleigh. Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2016 takes place on Saturday, February 13; […]

Tenth Annual HKonJ is February 13

February 6, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the NAACP, NC Council of Churches, and other coalition partners for the Tenth Annual Moral March on Raleigh. Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2016 takes place on Saturday, February 13; […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

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

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

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

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

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

Uncomplicating Justice

January 5, 2016 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 […]

Uncomplicating Justice

January 5, 2016 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 […]