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Ecumenical Group Files Amicus Brief Supporting Fired Gay Church Worker’s Lawsuit

· New Ways Ministry

A group of Protestant churches in North Carolina has filed an amicus brief supporting a gay plaintiff’s Title VII claim against the Catholic school that fired him in 2014, according to Law360. Lonnie […]

Ecumenical Group Files Amicus Brief Supporting Fired Gay Church Worker’s Lawsuit

· New Ways Ministry Leave a Comment

A group of Protestant churches in North Carolina has filed an amicus brief supporting a gay plaintiff’s Title VII claim against the Catholic school that fired him in 2014, according to Law360. Lonnie […]

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Democracy Under the Reign of God

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v. Whitford) and in North Carolina (Common Cause v. Rucho), along with the latest move […]

Democracy Under the Reign of God

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As I continue to follow court cases addressing Gerrymandering at both the federal level (Gill v. Whitford) and in North Carolina (Common Cause v. Rucho), along with the latest move […]

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

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

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health Summit. Thursday’s events include a community gardens and permaculture tour throughout the city of […]

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

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

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health Summit. Thursday’s events include a community gardens and permaculture tour throughout the city of […]

Time to Take a Knee

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

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 […]

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” […]

Regaining our Faith in Democracy

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In surveys conducted during the months leading up to the 2016 election, large numbers of Americans reported little interest in the political process. They said things like, “nothing will change,” […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography Contest

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we want to hear what you have to say. The theme of this year’s PHW Faith and Health Summit is, […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Announces Photography Contest

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we want to hear what you have to say. The theme of this year’s PHW Faith and Health Summit is, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the military may have distracted attention from another action by the federal government. The Department […]

Anti-LGBTQ Policies Impact Us All

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Wednesday’s federal-policy-by-tweet announcement that children of God who are transgender could no longer serve in the military may have distracted attention from another action by the federal government. The Department […]

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 […]

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 […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council staff members enjoyed spending time with friends from across the country, hearing your stories, […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council staff members enjoyed spending time with friends from across the country, hearing your stories, […]

Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Yesterday, the Senate unveiled a revised version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act. According to a report from our friends at the North Carolina Justice Center the changes, and their […]

Revised Health Care Bill, Same Devastating Effects

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Yesterday, the Senate unveiled a revised version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act. According to a report from our friends at the North Carolina Justice Center the changes, and their […]

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 […]

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 […]

Healing Miracles

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus […]

Healing Miracles

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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, […]

Sanctuary as a Sacred Act

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

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 […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

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

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

What Gives Me Hope

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered at the NC Justice Center’s 2017 Defenders of Justice Awards where the Council was recognized for Grassroots Empowerment. In 1960 Terry Sanford ran for Governor of NC. By […]

What Gives Me Hope

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered at the NC Justice Center’s 2017 Defenders of Justice Awards where the Council was recognized for Grassroots Empowerment. In 1960 Terry Sanford ran for Governor of NC. By […]

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 […]

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 […]

Special Interest Altar Calls

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it explores to recognize that money is suffocating our democracy. Add to this styptic environment […]

Special Interest Altar Calls

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it explores to recognize that money is suffocating our democracy. Add to this styptic environment […]

Shepherds of Creation

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in kindergarten, we memorized the 23rd Psalm. Of course, it was the King James Version, […]

Shepherds of Creation

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in kindergarten, we memorized the 23rd Psalm. Of course, it was the King James Version, […]

House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives reflects a political choice on a life-or-death matter. If House members truly believed that this was the […]

House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives reflects a political choice on a life-or-death matter. If House members truly believed that this was the […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in the aftermath of recent income tax filing deadlines, when the subject becomes a sore […]

Tax-Cut Fever Threatens Services

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

How many times do we have to say it? Well, it’s worth repeating – especially in the aftermath of recent income tax filing deadlines, when the subject becomes a sore […]

NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Jesus mentions when discussing faith-based activity, “Do not sound a trumpet before you…so that [you] might be praised” (Matthew 6:2) and advises that those who work toward the Reign of […]

NC Council of Churches to be Recognized as a Defender of Justice

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Jesus mentions when discussing faith-based activity, “Do not sound a trumpet before you…so that [you] might be praised” (Matthew 6:2) and advises that those who work toward the Reign of […]

Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it a head-on collision between politics and principle. Is anyone surprised that politics prevailed? Yet here’s the twist that perhaps makes the outcome somewhat understandable, if no less regrettable. […]

Swallow Hard: H.B. 2’s Less-than-Ideal ‘Repeal’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it a head-on collision between politics and principle. Is anyone surprised that politics prevailed? Yet here’s the twist that perhaps makes the outcome somewhat understandable, if no less regrettable. […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning […]

2017 Legislative Seminar Check-In Instructions

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

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 […]

Do the Goose

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild […]

Do the Goose

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name, so if your congregation has been a part of the Partners in Health and […]

PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name, so if your congregation has been a part of the Partners in Health and […]

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but it’s not too far off the mark. Participants seek to win, and to do […]

N.C.’s Reckless ‘Party Time’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Politics, at least in a democracy, is competitive. The analogy to sports may be simplistic but it’s not too far off the mark. Participants seek to win, and to do […]

Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Did you miss our webinar, ““Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration?” If so, please watch the one-hour video below to learn ways to protect immigrants and refugees in the […]

Video of Webinar: Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Did you miss our webinar, ““Loving Our Neighbors in a New Administration?” If so, please watch the one-hour video below to learn ways to protect immigrants and refugees in the […]

Let Loving One Another Become Our Norm

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

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

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at HKonJ 2017. Picture this on the marquee in front of your favorite house of worship: Pulpit for Sale! For the right price […]

Repealing the Johnson Amendment Means Pulpits for Sale

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at HKonJ 2017. Picture this on the marquee in front of your favorite house of worship: Pulpit for Sale! For the right price […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Walls Demonstrate Hostility, not Hospitality

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

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 […]

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.” […]

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.” […]

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he never says blocked or banned. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the […]

Blessed not Blocked or Banned

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

This Sunday’s Gospel reading was the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. Jesus says blessed nine times, but he never says blocked or banned. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the […]

Keeping With Community

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Enabling good health is a community restoration project. It’s really not about prescription plans, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, or any other cost-benefit analysis. It’s about community. When people are sick or […]

Keeping With Community

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Enabling good health is a community restoration project. It’s really not about prescription plans, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, or any other cost-benefit analysis. It’s about community. When people are sick or […]

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council has had a busy weekend. Much of the staff was helping with the Beyond Gun Violence Conference at United Church of Chapel Hill, but we also had folks […]

The Threat is not from Immigrants and Refugees

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council has had a busy weekend. Much of the staff was helping with the Beyond Gun Violence Conference at United Church of Chapel Hill, but we also had folks […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest office. We can hope for the best but it’s hard not to anticipate the […]

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest office. We can hope for the best but it’s hard not to anticipate the […]

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference

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

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 […]

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

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.

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

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

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 & […]

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified in 2016 (and have not already received a grant from the last cycle) are […]

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified in 2016 (and have not already received a grant from the last cycle) are […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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, […]

Seeds of Change in a Momentous Year

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

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 Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

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

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

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

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

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 […]

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 […]

UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Updated December 21, 9:50 p.m. Special Session #5 of the General Assembly adjourned this evening without passing anything. The Senate moved first. But the […]

UPDATE: Raleigh Report — Special GA Session on HB2

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Updated December 21, 9:50 p.m. Special Session #5 of the General Assembly adjourned this evening without passing anything. The Senate moved first. But the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

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

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

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

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Post-Election Travesty Targets the Governor

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ugly truth can’t be evaded or denied: North Carolina’s General Assembly, in the grip of an arrogant Republican majority, has plunged ahead with a shocking, shameful abuse of power […]

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a December 15 press conference in Raleigh on the General Assembly’s second special session. For Christians around the world it is the third week […]

Wise Leaders Would Answer the Call for Justice and Righteousness

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a December 15 press conference in Raleigh on the General Assembly’s second special session. For Christians around the world it is the third week […]

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15, in the General Assembly building, 16 West Jones Street. Details can be found here. […]

UPDATE — Urgent Action Required: Let GA Members Hear from You

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC NAACP has called for a People’s Assembly at 4:30 p.m., today, Thursday, December 15, in the General Assembly building, 16 West Jones Street. Details can be found here. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I […]

The Cuban Church in a Post-Castro World

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

In September, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with Witness for Peace as part of a delegation focused on “Faith, Politics, Economics, and Changing U.S.-Cuban Relations.” There I […]

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources, others questionable), I was taken with a graphic shared by Hacking Christianity, a blog […]

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources, others questionable), I was taken with a graphic shared by Hacking Christianity, a blog […]

Knowing the Truth

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a November 15 press conference in Fayetteville opposing the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Roughly half the people in this country, give or take six hundred […]

Knowing the Truth

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Remarks delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a November 15 press conference in Fayetteville opposing the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Roughly half the people in this country, give or take six hundred […]

A Troubling Choice, Yet Glimmers of Hope

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness ambitiously endeavors to work for and toward issues of mind, body, and spirit with faith communities. The words ‘health’ and ‘wholeness’ are truly huge words, […]

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness ambitiously endeavors to work for and toward issues of mind, body, and spirit with faith communities. The words ‘health’ and ‘wholeness’ are truly huge words, […]

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 […]

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 […]

NC Council of Churches Stands with Standing Rock

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

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 […]

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

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

Faith and Equality Sunday — October 30

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

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

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

Stand Up and Vote

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

Stand Up and Vote

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

USDA Approves Emergency Food Benefits for Matthew Victims Through 10/26

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Residents in 18 counties impacted by Hurricane Matthew are eligible for emergency food benefits through a program called D-SNAP. The application period is very short, ending on Wednesday, October 26. […]

USDA Approves Emergency Food Benefits for Matthew Victims Through 10/26

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Residents in 18 counties impacted by Hurricane Matthew are eligible for emergency food benefits through a program called D-SNAP. The application period is very short, ending on Wednesday, October 26. […]

Information for Voting in Eastern NC

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew in the eastern part of the state still want to vote, but the storm’s devastation has raised challenges. For those looking for information about whether […]

Information for Voting in Eastern NC

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew in the eastern part of the state still want to vote, but the storm’s devastation has raised challenges. For those looking for information about whether […]

Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches There has been a lot of confusion about voting this year. Voter suppression laws, designed to make it […]

Voting 2016 – What You Need to Know to Be Sure Your Ballot Counts

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches There has been a lot of confusion about voting this year. Voter suppression laws, designed to make it […]

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In September, the Council had the opportunity to partner with Americans United for Separation of Church and State on a series of trainings across North Carolina called “Keeping Sacred Spaces […]

Keeping Sacred Spaces Sacred: A Recap of the Week

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In September, the Council had the opportunity to partner with Americans United for Separation of Church and State on a series of trainings across North Carolina called “Keeping Sacred Spaces […]

Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As the election approaches, many people of faith are turning to clergy for advice and assistance in the voting process. This year the Council is partnering with the nonpartisan voting […]

Ways to Encourage Faithful Voters in This Election Season

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As the election approaches, many people of faith are turning to clergy for advice and assistance in the voting process. This year the Council is partnering with the nonpartisan voting […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

Bad Law vs. Big Games

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

Bad Law vs. Big Games

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

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 […]

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 […]

Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Don’t charge interest when you lend money to any of my people who are in need.” –Exodus 22:25 – Contemporary English Version Payday lending is a debt trap for the […]

Payday Lending is Opposite Biblical Teaching

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Don’t charge interest when you lend money to any of my people who are in need.” –Exodus 22:25 – Contemporary English Version Payday lending is a debt trap for the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

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