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Help for schools: Courts to the rescue

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the rough and tumble realm of politics, it can be a hard call as to whether someone is standing firm on worthwhile principle or simply obstructing out of plain old bullheadedness – perhaps because it plays well among some voters. So let’s consider the example of North Carolina’s legislative leadership and its prickly response […]

Help for schools: Courts to the rescue

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the rough and tumble realm of politics, it can be a hard call as to whether someone is standing firm on worthwhile principle or simply obstructing out of plain old bullheadedness – perhaps because it plays well among some voters. So let’s consider the example of North Carolina’s legislative leadership and its prickly response […]

Now at stake: money, schools, power

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here in the last week of October, almost four months after a new state budget was supposed to have been in place and with multiple plot-lines coming to a head, North Carolina’s government is like a somewhat rickety aircraft stressed to the limits amid a thunderstorm. Not only that, but there’s fighting in the cockpit! […]

Now at stake: money, schools, power

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here in the last week of October, almost four months after a new state budget was supposed to have been in place and with multiple plot-lines coming to a head, North Carolina’s government is like a somewhat rickety aircraft stressed to the limits amid a thunderstorm. Not only that, but there’s fighting in the cockpit! […]

God’s Creative Diversity

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on October 11, 2021 at a press conference hosted by St. John’s MCC in front of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s house in response to hateful anti LGBTQ comments. Read more about the comments made by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson at this link. There are lots […]

God’s Creative Diversity

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on October 11, 2021 at a press conference hosted by St. John’s MCC in front of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s house in response to hateful anti LGBTQ comments. Read more about the comments made by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson at this link. There are lots […]

Welcome Eco-Justice Fellows!

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

We are thrilled to introduce 3 Eco-Justice Connection Fellows that will be joining our NC Council of Churches Eco-Justice Connection team! We are excited about the developments these 3 fellows will be working on during their fellowships. Below you can read more about these 3 social justice advocates: Susan Brooks After graduating from North Carolina […]

Welcome Eco-Justice Fellows!

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

We are thrilled to introduce 3 Eco-Justice Connection Fellows that will be joining our NC Council of Churches Eco-Justice Connection team! We are excited about the developments these 3 fellows will be working on during their fellowships. Below you can read more about these 3 social justice advocates: Susan Brooks After graduating from North Carolina […]

Push, shove on public school spending

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools to meet the needs of all students – specifically, those students who live in communities where the proper financing of schools can be an overwhelming […]

Push, shove on public school spending

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools to meet the needs of all students – specifically, those students who live in communities where the proper financing of schools can be an overwhelming […]

Vaccine Inequity Threatens to Derail Meaningful Climate Talks

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Via our NC Interfaith Power & Light campaign, the NC Council of Churches is a part of the US Climate Action Network, a vital network of nearly 200 climate organizations across the United States, we joined Climate Action Network International in calling for the postponement of the 2021 in-person United Nations Conference of the Parties […]

Vaccine Inequity Threatens to Derail Meaningful Climate Talks

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Via our NC Interfaith Power & Light campaign, the NC Council of Churches is a part of the US Climate Action Network, a vital network of nearly 200 climate organizations across the United States, we joined Climate Action Network International in calling for the postponement of the 2021 in-person United Nations Conference of the Parties […]

NC Council of Churches Welcomes Fund Development Director

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

The staff of the NC Council of Churches is thrilled to welcome Heidi Peterson as our new Fund Development Director. Read more about Heidi: As an Indiana native, Heidi studied Philosophy at Indiana University in Indianapolis and attended the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy for Professional Fundraising and Nonprofit Management. The pursuit of racial […]

NC Council of Churches Welcomes Fund Development Director

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

The staff of the NC Council of Churches is thrilled to welcome Heidi Peterson as our new Fund Development Director. Read more about Heidi: As an Indiana native, Heidi studied Philosophy at Indiana University in Indianapolis and attended the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy for Professional Fundraising and Nonprofit Management. The pursuit of racial […]

NC Council of Churches Welcomes Two New Staff

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

The staff of the NC Council of Churches is delighted to welcome Sharon Jarrells and Brandy Murray to our team of social justice advocates. Sharon Jarrells has just joined our Council team as Office Manager. Sharon was raised in NYC in the South Bronx. She has 20 years of office management experience, mostly in the legal field. She […]

NC Council of Churches Welcomes Two New Staff

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

The staff of the NC Council of Churches is delighted to welcome Sharon Jarrells and Brandy Murray to our team of social justice advocates. Sharon Jarrells has just joined our Council team as Office Manager. Sharon was raised in NYC in the South Bronx. She has 20 years of office management experience, mostly in the legal field. She […]

Democracy Fights Infections

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The coronavirus – now rekindled in a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” – is forcing us yet again to adjust our daily routines and recalibrate our expectations of normalcy. Even people who got their shots early and thought they were in the clear are finding they need to keep their masks handy.  Perhaps the new normalcy […]

Democracy Fights Infections

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The coronavirus – now rekindled in a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” – is forcing us yet again to adjust our daily routines and recalibrate our expectations of normalcy. Even people who got their shots early and thought they were in the clear are finding they need to keep their masks handy.  Perhaps the new normalcy […]

North Carolina Council of Churches Calls on General Assembly to Spend Opioid Settlement Money on Saving Lives

By North Carolina Council of Churches

**Chris Pernell Available for Interviews** Raleigh, North Carolina — In response to the $26 billion settlement that North Carolina and states across the country reached with Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen for their role in the overdose epidemic, the North Carolina Council of Churches is calling on the North Carolina General Assembly […]

North Carolina Council of Churches Calls on General Assembly to Spend Opioid Settlement Money on Saving Lives

by North Carolina Council of Churches

**Chris Pernell Available for Interviews** Raleigh, North Carolina — In response to the $26 billion settlement that North Carolina and states across the country reached with Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen for their role in the overdose epidemic, the North Carolina Council of Churches is calling on the North Carolina General Assembly […]

Inaugural 2021 Willona Stallings Award for Community Innovation presented to Local Thomasville Church

By North Carolina Council of Churches

THOMASVILLE, NC — This past Sunday, the Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) program of the North Carolina Council of Churches presented the inaugural 2021 Willona Stallings Award for Excellence in Community Innovation to Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship, Inc. (CFCF) and their health lead, Miranda Lashion Bolton, during worship service in Thomasville. Willona Stallings […]

Inaugural 2021 Willona Stallings Award for Community Innovation presented to Local Thomasville Church

by North Carolina Council of Churches

THOMASVILLE, NC — This past Sunday, the Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) program of the North Carolina Council of Churches presented the inaugural 2021 Willona Stallings Award for Excellence in Community Innovation to Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship, Inc. (CFCF) and their health lead, Miranda Lashion Bolton, during worship service in Thomasville. Willona Stallings […]

Sad Twists on Election Integrity

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators – offering what amounts to a snappy salute in the direction of Mar-a-Lago – are well on their way toward fixing an election law that’s anything but broken. If they succeed, they will have managed to inject a dose of inconvenience and uncertainty into the state’s system of mail-in absentee voting, which […]

Sad Twists on Election Integrity

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators – offering what amounts to a snappy salute in the direction of Mar-a-Lago – are well on their way toward fixing an election law that’s anything but broken. If they succeed, they will have managed to inject a dose of inconvenience and uncertainty into the state’s system of mail-in absentee voting, which […]

Stand with Elizabeth City

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, at the Elizabeth City Solidarity Rally in Raleigh on June 1st, 2021. To watch the full video of the rally, click here. When mobs were roaming the streets of Rome ruling through violence, the philosopher Cicero said, “Laws are silent amidst the […]

Stand with Elizabeth City

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, at the Elizabeth City Solidarity Rally in Raleigh on June 1st, 2021. To watch the full video of the rally, click here. When mobs were roaming the streets of Rome ruling through violence, the philosopher Cicero said, “Laws are silent amidst the […]

Riot or Rally?

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, at a Takeover Tuesday rally against HB805, a bill that threatens our first amendment. The history of my faith tradition is to work out disputes in the public square. During the time of the Old Testament prophets, those who were at odds […]

Riot or Rally?

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, at a Takeover Tuesday rally against HB805, a bill that threatens our first amendment. The history of my faith tradition is to work out disputes in the public square. During the time of the Old Testament prophets, those who were at odds […]

A Voice Was Heard

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, during the public gathering and clergy march in Elizabeth City after the recent death of Andrew Brown, Jr on May 8th. Click here for the full recording. I greet you on behalf of the N.C. Council of Churches and the 18 denominations […]

A Voice Was Heard

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, during the public gathering and clergy march in Elizabeth City after the recent death of Andrew Brown, Jr on May 8th. Click here for the full recording. I greet you on behalf of the N.C. Council of Churches and the 18 denominations […]

2021 Legislative Seminar Resources

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Recordings We hope you enjoyed the many informative conversations on so many vital topics last week. For those of you who could not make it to each one, we have a recording of the sessions that can be found on the 2021 Legislative Seminar playlist on our YouTube channel. For quick access to the topic you would […]

2021 Legislative Seminar Resources

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Recordings We hope you enjoyed the many informative conversations on so many vital topics last week. For those of you who could not make it to each one, we have a recording of the sessions that can be found on the 2021 Legislative Seminar playlist on our YouTube channel. For quick access to the topic you would […]

A Workers’ Memorial

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, during the Workers’ Memorial Day Service hosted by the NC State AFL-CIO. To view the live-stream, click here.   How fortunate to be deemed an essential worker for the past 14 months and not be laid off or have your position eliminated […]

A Workers’ Memorial

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were presented by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, during the Workers’ Memorial Day Service hosted by the NC State AFL-CIO. To view the live-stream, click here.   How fortunate to be deemed an essential worker for the past 14 months and not be laid off or have your position eliminated […]

This is a Moral Emergency

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following message was presented on April 27, 2021 in Elizabeth City by Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, after the life of Andrew Brown Jr. was abruptly taken by law enforcement. Pastors from across NC join together to declare a “moral emergency.” Last week on the morning after the jury rendered a verdict […]

This is a Moral Emergency

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following message was presented on April 27, 2021 in Elizabeth City by Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, after the life of Andrew Brown Jr. was abruptly taken by law enforcement. Pastors from across NC join together to declare a “moral emergency.” Last week on the morning after the jury rendered a verdict […]

Raise the Minimum Wage

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland at the Minimum Wage Increase – Bill Introduction Press Conference, hosted by Raising Wages NC. To watch the full press conference, click here. It’s been 12 years since the minimum wage was raised, but it’s been more than 60 years since the minimum wage […]

Raise the Minimum Wage

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland at the Minimum Wage Increase – Bill Introduction Press Conference, hosted by Raising Wages NC. To watch the full press conference, click here. It’s been 12 years since the minimum wage was raised, but it’s been more than 60 years since the minimum wage […]

Called to Protect & Preserve

By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

This sermon on Genesis 2:5-15 is being offered to the Brooks-Howell Retirement Community this Earth Day, April 22, via Zoom by NCIPL & Eco-Justice Connection Program Coordinator, Sarah Ogletree.  In the Garden of Eden, at the place where four ancient rivers claim their beginnings, humanity also takes shape. We are told in this creation account […]

Called to Protect & Preserve

by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

This sermon on Genesis 2:5-15 is being offered to the Brooks-Howell Retirement Community this Earth Day, April 22, via Zoom by NCIPL & Eco-Justice Connection Program Coordinator, Sarah Ogletree.  In the Garden of Eden, at the place where four ancient rivers claim their beginnings, humanity also takes shape. We are told in this creation account […]

Accountability, just the beginning

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935, primarily for the purpose of addressing racial inequity and racial injustice, and we strive to do so to this day. As people of faith, we believe the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial is only a small step toward holding police accountable for the use […]

Accountability, just the beginning

The North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935, primarily for the purpose of addressing racial inequity and racial injustice, and we strive to do so to this day. As people of faith, we believe the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial is only a small step toward holding police accountable for the use […]

Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935, primarily for the purpose of addressing racial inequity and racial injustice, and we strive to do so to this day. As people of faith, we believe the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial is only a small step toward holding police accountable for the use […]

Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict

by North Carolina Council of Churches

The North Carolina Council of Churches was founded in 1935, primarily for the purpose of addressing racial inequity and racial injustice, and we strive to do so to this day. As people of faith, we believe the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial is only a small step toward holding police accountable for the use […]

Now in play: Pro-voter pushback

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much, at least, for those legislators who favor making it easier, not harder, for North Carolinians to vote: They’re not ready to surrender to their vote-suppressing foes. Even as key Republicans in the state Senate push changes to absentee voting rules whose main purpose would be to gum up the works, a group […]

Now in play: Pro-voter pushback

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much, at least, for those legislators who favor making it easier, not harder, for North Carolinians to vote: They’re not ready to surrender to their vote-suppressing foes. Even as key Republicans in the state Senate push changes to absentee voting rules whose main purpose would be to gum up the works, a group […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Easter Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Easter Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he […]

2021 Lenten Guide: Good Friday

By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?      Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;    and by […]

2021 Lenten Guide: Good Friday

by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?      Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;    and by […]

2021 Lenten Guide: Maundy Thursday

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 13: 1-17, 31b-35 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, […]

2021 Lenten Guide: Maundy Thursday

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 13: 1-17, 31b-35 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, […]

Politicians’ fear: Too many votes

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republican lawmakers throughout the land making “election integrity” a favorite cause and rallying cry, it likely was just a matter of time before some of their North Carolina counterparts got on board. Lo and behold, along came the sterling piece of legislative statesmanship known as Senate Bill 326, filed on March 18 and entitled […]

Politicians’ fear: Too many votes

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republican lawmakers throughout the land making “election integrity” a favorite cause and rallying cry, it likely was just a matter of time before some of their North Carolina counterparts got on board. Lo and behold, along came the sterling piece of legislative statesmanship known as Senate Bill 326, filed on March 18 and entitled […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Palm Sunday

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 118:1-2 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks because there has been enough for all in the past, give thanks because there is enough for all […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Palm Sunday

by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 118:1-2 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks because there has been enough for all in the past, give thanks because there is enough for all […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Fifth Sunday

By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 12:20-33 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Fifth Sunday

by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 12:20-33 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went […]

‘For the People’ – or for whom?

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When an ambitious bill designated as H.R. 1 was approved by the newly empowered Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives back on March 8, 2019, perhaps a fitting salute to the sponsors would have been “Bless their hearts!” The bill, earnestly nicknamed the “For the People Act,” aimed broadly to shore up Americans’ […]

‘For the People’ – or for whom?

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When an ambitious bill designated as H.R. 1 was approved by the newly empowered Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives back on March 8, 2019, perhaps a fitting salute to the sponsors would have been “Bless their hearts!” The bill, earnestly nicknamed the “For the People Act,” aimed broadly to shore up Americans’ […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Fourth Sunday

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

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Ephesians 2:1-10 You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Fourth Sunday

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

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Ephesians 2:1-10 You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Third Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Exodus 20:1-17 Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Third Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Exodus 20:1-17 Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Second Sunday

By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 22:23-31 You who fear the Lord, praise him!    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;    stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!For he did not despise or abhor    the […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Second Sunday

by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 22:23-31 You who fear the Lord, praise him!    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;    stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!For he did not despise or abhor    the […]

‘Stop the Steal’ after-effect – voter suppression?

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps it’s the pandemic that offers a fitting analogy to the condition of our politics as Americans try to recover from the trauma of Jan. 6 – when we came dangerously close to the onset of an anti-democratic Trump-ocracy. The loss of more than 500,000 of our fellow citizens, their lives snuffed out by COVID-19, […]

‘Stop the Steal’ after-effect – voter suppression?

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps it’s the pandemic that offers a fitting analogy to the condition of our politics as Americans try to recover from the trauma of Jan. 6 – when we came dangerously close to the onset of an anti-democratic Trump-ocracy. The loss of more than 500,000 of our fellow citizens, their lives snuffed out by COVID-19, […]

2021 Lenten Guide- First Sunday

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 25:1-10 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.Do not let those […]

2021 Lenten Guide- First Sunday

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 25:1-10 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.Do not let those […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Ash Wednesday

By North Carolina Council of Churches

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Written by Andrew Whitworth, Duke Divinity School Intern, Summer of 2020 to Spring 2021 Isaiah 58:1-12 Shout out, do not hold back!   Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion,   to the house of […]

2021 Lenten Guide- Ash Wednesday

by North Carolina Council of Churches

Excerpted from Enough for All, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Written by Andrew Whitworth, Duke Divinity School Intern, Summer of 2020 to Spring 2021 Isaiah 58:1-12 Shout out, do not hold back!   Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion,   to the house of […]

2021 Lenten Guide: Enough for All

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

How much is enough? Scripture has a treasure trove of advice for defining enough and even more advice on how to make sure everyone has enough. And not merely enough to survive; rather, enough to thrive. To thrive we need enough food, nutritious food. To thrive we need enough space to live, safe, warm, and […]

2021 Lenten Guide: Enough for All

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

How much is enough? Scripture has a treasure trove of advice for defining enough and even more advice on how to make sure everyone has enough. And not merely enough to survive; rather, enough to thrive. To thrive we need enough food, nutritious food. To thrive we need enough space to live, safe, warm, and […]

Remove Confederate Symbols Where Justice Is Sought

By North Carolina Council of Churches

A resolution drafted by Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate, and adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches on January 26, 2021. Carved above the columns at the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court’s noble home in Washington is a statement of dramatic simplicity. It is both a promise and a […]

Remove Confederate Symbols Where Justice Is Sought

by North Carolina Council of Churches

A resolution drafted by Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate, and adopted by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches on January 26, 2021. Carved above the columns at the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court’s noble home in Washington is a statement of dramatic simplicity. It is both a promise and a […]

Climate Justice Interns

By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

We are thrilled to introduce you to our 2021 spring interns, Noely Bernier and Dani Bahena Bustos. Noely is a student at Guilford College in Greensboro, while Dani is a student at Meredith College in Raleigh. Both Dani and Noely are environmental and climate justice advocates who share in our understanding of the climate crisis […]

Climate Justice Interns

by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

We are thrilled to introduce you to our 2021 spring interns, Noely Bernier and Dani Bahena Bustos. Noely is a student at Guilford College in Greensboro, while Dani is a student at Meredith College in Raleigh. Both Dani and Noely are environmental and climate justice advocates who share in our understanding of the climate crisis […]

The fraud that was election fraud

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The United States Congress, a week after the nation’s Capitol was overrun by a violent mob while lawmakers were carrying out one of their paramount duties, now faces a paramount challenge: How to hold President Trump properly accountable for his role in the insurrection. Failure to do so, whether by forced resignation or impeachment, would […]

The fraud that was election fraud

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The United States Congress, a week after the nation’s Capitol was overrun by a violent mob while lawmakers were carrying out one of their paramount duties, now faces a paramount challenge: How to hold President Trump properly accountable for his role in the insurrection. Failure to do so, whether by forced resignation or impeachment, would […]

NAACP PRESS RELEASE: Trump Coup Attempt

By North Carolina Council of Churches

For Immediate Release: January 7, 2021 Contacts:Joy Cook, NC NAACP, 336-970-8131, joy.cook@naacpnc.orgMorgan Pratt, NC NAACP, morgan.pratt@naacpnc.org Rev. Dr. Anthony Spearman Many who love democracy tremble for the United States of America tonight.  The outgoing President of the United States has tried to overturn the clear and proven will of the electorate—the lifeblood of any democracy.  As his […]

NAACP PRESS RELEASE: Trump Coup Attempt

by North Carolina Council of Churches

For Immediate Release: January 7, 2021 Contacts:Joy Cook, NC NAACP, 336-970-8131, joy.cook@naacpnc.orgMorgan Pratt, NC NAACP, morgan.pratt@naacpnc.org Rev. Dr. Anthony Spearman Many who love democracy tremble for the United States of America tonight.  The outgoing President of the United States has tried to overturn the clear and proven will of the electorate—the lifeblood of any democracy.  As his […]

Perspective

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

No doubt, all of us have watched multiple recaps of events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Epiphany. Perhaps it was calendar coincidence that counting and certifying the electoral votes for the most recent presidential election happened on the day named by Christians as the “manifestation” of Jesus as Christ to the world. We […]

Perspective

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

No doubt, all of us have watched multiple recaps of events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Epiphany. Perhaps it was calendar coincidence that counting and certifying the electoral votes for the most recent presidential election happened on the day named by Christians as the “manifestation” of Jesus as Christ to the world. We […]

Healthcare is a Human Right

By North Carolina Council of Churches

This piece was written by Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, in conjunction with Chris Pernell, Director of Partners in Health and Wholeness. The Council has long been an advocate for universal healthcare, dating back at least to this Governing Board resolution. In truth, universal healthcare is as old as our faith tradition that lays out guidelines […]

Healthcare is a Human Right

by North Carolina Council of Churches

This piece was written by Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, in conjunction with Chris Pernell, Director of Partners in Health and Wholeness. The Council has long been an advocate for universal healthcare, dating back at least to this Governing Board resolution. In truth, universal healthcare is as old as our faith tradition that lays out guidelines […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Endow the king with your justice, O God,    the royal son with your righteousness.May he judge your people in righteousness,    your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Endow the king with your justice, O God,    the royal son with your righteousness.May he judge your people in righteousness,    your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday after Christmas, January 3

By Vanna Fox, Development Director

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 1:(1-9), 10-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday after Christmas, January 3

by Vanna Fox, Development Director

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 1:(1-9), 10-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him […]

Hard year’s signposts in quest for justice

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for those of us who found a measure of joy during the year whose end we now mark – taking delight from a child’s birth, perhaps, or from a marriage, a graduation, success at work – Americans will remember 2020 chiefly as a showcase of conflict and sorrow. It brought of course the rampage […]

Hard year’s signposts in quest for justice

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for those of us who found a measure of joy during the year whose end we now mark – taking delight from a child’s birth, perhaps, or from a marriage, a graduation, success at work – Americans will remember 2020 chiefly as a showcase of conflict and sorrow. It brought of course the rampage […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday after Christmas, December 27

By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 148 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights above.Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon;    […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday after Christmas, December 27

by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 148 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights above.Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon;    […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Day

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 2:1-20 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Day

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 2:1-20 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 20

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 1:26-38, 46b-55 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 20

by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 1:26-38, 46b-55 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 13

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,    because the Lord has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,  […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 13

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,    because the Lord has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,  […]

Healthcare for All

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a press conference at the General Assembly on Healthcare for all this morning. There’s a story in the Gospel of Luke (5:17-39) about a man who couldn’t walk. As usual, there was a crowd around Jesus and even people who could walk were having a hard […]

Healthcare for All

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Jennifer Copeland at a press conference at the General Assembly on Healthcare for all this morning. There’s a story in the Gospel of Luke (5:17-39) about a man who couldn’t walk. As usual, there was a crowd around Jesus and even people who could walk were having a hard […]

Voters met the challenge. Now, ‘ID, please?’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Americans soldier on amidst their ill-fated 2020 stress test, there is inspiration to be found. Our democracy’s guardrails as enshrined in the Constitution may have been battered by a self-aggrandizing president contemptuous of his oath of office. But voters mustered the strength even while a pandemic raged to give that president the hook. In […]

Voters met the challenge. Now, ‘ID, please?’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Americans soldier on amidst their ill-fated 2020 stress test, there is inspiration to be found. Our democracy’s guardrails as enshrined in the Constitution may have been battered by a self-aggrandizing president contemptuous of his oath of office. But voters mustered the strength even while a pandemic raged to give that president the hook. In […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 6

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

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort my people,    says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and proclaim to herthat her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for,that she has received from the Lord’s […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 6

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

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort my people,    says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and proclaim to herthat her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for,that she has received from the Lord’s […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 29

By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Mark 13:24-27 But in those days, following that distress,the sun will be darkened,    and the moon will not give its light;the stars will fall from the sky,    and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 29

by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from The Heart of the Work, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Mark 13:24-27 But in those days, following that distress,the sun will be darkened,    and the moon will not give its light;the stars will fall from the sky,    and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time […]

2020 Advent Guide: The Heart of the Work

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As I write these words (early enough for compilation, printing, and delivery into your hands), we are all watching polls, listening to commentators, and considering how best to cast a ballot. We are saying, as we did four years ago, this is the most important election of our lives. And it is true again as […]

2020 Advent Guide: The Heart of the Work

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As I write these words (early enough for compilation, printing, and delivery into your hands), we are all watching polls, listening to commentators, and considering how best to cast a ballot. We are saying, as we did four years ago, this is the most important election of our lives. And it is true again as […]

Raise the Wage

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

My faith tradition professes that our worth is in our faces because our faces look like God’s face. We are created in the Image of God, making each human face invaluable. Hiding opposition to fair wages behind arguments about shrinking bottom lines and increased overhead devalues the face. Why do people need to work for […]

Raise the Wage

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

My faith tradition professes that our worth is in our faces because our faces look like God’s face. We are created in the Image of God, making each human face invaluable. Hiding opposition to fair wages behind arguments about shrinking bottom lines and increased overhead devalues the face. Why do people need to work for […]

Face it: Trump, allies owned N.C.

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolinians who stood against our soon-to-be ex-president’s rancid politics of grievance, contempt and division, fueled by a gusher of falsehoods, are heartened by the nation’s clear choice of Joseph R. Biden Jr. to be our next chief executive. At the same time, Biden’s happy supporters must reckon with this uncomfortable fact: Even if the […]

Face it: Trump, allies owned N.C.

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolinians who stood against our soon-to-be ex-president’s rancid politics of grievance, contempt and division, fueled by a gusher of falsehoods, are heartened by the nation’s clear choice of Joseph R. Biden Jr. to be our next chief executive. At the same time, Biden’s happy supporters must reckon with this uncomfortable fact: Even if the […]

God’s Democracy

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

There was no recognizable democracy for the people and places reflected in the Old and New Testaments. It was mostly clans and tribes eventually giving way to monarch rule. In the 1st century, Jesus lived in an occupied territory, Palestine occupied by Rome.  Yet, throughout scripture we see the fabric of democracy weaving together salvation […]

God’s Democracy

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

There was no recognizable democracy for the people and places reflected in the Old and New Testaments. It was mostly clans and tribes eventually giving way to monarch rule. In the 1st century, Jesus lived in an occupied territory, Palestine occupied by Rome.  Yet, throughout scripture we see the fabric of democracy weaving together salvation […]

Election Machinery in High Gear

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With North Carolinians on track to cast eye-popping numbers of votes in advance of Election Day, Nov. 3, perhaps it’s time to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. A system that could have buckled under the strain of massive early voting, both by mail and in person, amidst the coronavirus pandemic may have creaked and […]

Election Machinery in High Gear

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With North Carolinians on track to cast eye-popping numbers of votes in advance of Election Day, Nov. 3, perhaps it’s time to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. A system that could have buckled under the strain of massive early voting, both by mail and in person, amidst the coronavirus pandemic may have creaked and […]

School Quality vs. the Virus

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the coronavirus still rampant across North Carolina, the top education concern in many families has little to do with the state’s long-term school investments or with the disadvantages faced by students in economically stressed rural communities. The big issue in thousands of households has to do with kids trying to learn effectively in online, […]

School Quality vs. the Virus

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the coronavirus still rampant across North Carolina, the top education concern in many families has little to do with the state’s long-term school investments or with the disadvantages faced by students in economically stressed rural communities. The big issue in thousands of households has to do with kids trying to learn effectively in online, […]

Churches’ Watchwords: Every Vote Counts!

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s pretty obvious why the N.C. Council of Churches and its allies on the faith-and-justice spectrum hope to see plenty of like-minded voters turning out for the elections this fall. Much is at stake, from who will serve as the nation’s chief executive during perilous, challenging times to who will decide how public schools are […]

Churches’ Watchwords: Every Vote Counts!

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s pretty obvious why the N.C. Council of Churches and its allies on the faith-and-justice spectrum hope to see plenty of like-minded voters turning out for the elections this fall. Much is at stake, from who will serve as the nation’s chief executive during perilous, challenging times to who will decide how public schools are […]

The Virus and the Vulnerable

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The image of a perfect storm conveys a rueful irony – the storm whose components are so intertwined, so synchronized, so mutually reinforcing as to make it “perfect” in its destructiveness. Perfect storm, meet COVID-19. The overall dynamic is as simple as it is terrible: The coronavirus endangers people who come into contact with others […]

The Virus and the Vulnerable

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The image of a perfect storm conveys a rueful irony – the storm whose components are so intertwined, so synchronized, so mutually reinforcing as to make it “perfect” in its destructiveness. Perfect storm, meet COVID-19. The overall dynamic is as simple as it is terrible: The coronavirus endangers people who come into contact with others […]

Pandemic Session’s Tangled Tale

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scenario was familiar as the N.C. General Assembly engaged in another frantic and exhausting push to complete a legislative session. Mission accomplished? Well, that depends on how you look at it. Formal adjournment was delayed, awaiting Gov. Roy Cooper’s response to several bills, as the House and Senate wrapped up most of their business […]

Pandemic Session’s Tangled Tale

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scenario was familiar as the N.C. General Assembly engaged in another frantic and exhausting push to complete a legislative session. Mission accomplished? Well, that depends on how you look at it. Formal adjournment was delayed, awaiting Gov. Roy Cooper’s response to several bills, as the House and Senate wrapped up most of their business […]

From Domination to Dominion

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 on Genesis 1:1-2:4 as is titled “From Domination to Dominion.”  Our text this morning is one of great beauty and fame. If you are like […]

From Domination to Dominion

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 on Genesis 1:1-2:4 as is titled “From Domination to Dominion.”  Our text this morning is one of great beauty and fame. If you are like […]

Sacred Spaces

By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

What does “sacred space” mean to you?  This is the question I asked during my first virtual Sunday school class weeks ago. I teach a broad age range (3-9) so I never know what kind of answers I will get from my group.  The kids responded with answers such as; somewhere special, cozy, calm, someplace full […]

Sacred Spaces

by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

What does “sacred space” mean to you?  This is the question I asked during my first virtual Sunday school class weeks ago. I teach a broad age range (3-9) so I never know what kind of answers I will get from my group.  The kids responded with answers such as; somewhere special, cozy, calm, someplace full […]

Statement on Systemic Racism

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 the purpose of addressing racial inequity and racial injustice, and  Whereas our white founders soon recognized that racial equity and racial justice should not be […]

Statement on Systemic Racism

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 the purpose of addressing racial inequity and racial injustice, and  Whereas our white founders soon recognized that racial equity and racial justice should not be […]

Light a Fire in our Midst

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

In his poem, “Harlem,” Langston Hughes asked, “what is a dream deferred?” He offers some unsettling answers and concludes that a dream deferred is a dream that ultimately explodes.  Pentecost, celebrated yesterday throughout Christianity, also exposes us to explosiveness. It is about newness: new ways of existing, new communities of faith, new ways of relating […]

Light a Fire in our Midst

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

In his poem, “Harlem,” Langston Hughes asked, “what is a dream deferred?” He offers some unsettling answers and concludes that a dream deferred is a dream that ultimately explodes.  Pentecost, celebrated yesterday throughout Christianity, also exposes us to explosiveness. It is about newness: new ways of existing, new communities of faith, new ways of relating […]

Swing Toward Safer Voting

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With just five months and change until Election Day, 2020 – and with many virus-leery North Carolinians wondering how they’ll manage to vote safely – efforts to update the state’s election laws to meet the challenges of COVID-19 show that push is coming to shove. Those efforts are unfolding in the General Assembly, where legislation […]

Swing Toward Safer Voting

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With just five months and change until Election Day, 2020 – and with many virus-leery North Carolinians wondering how they’ll manage to vote safely – efforts to update the state’s election laws to meet the challenges of COVID-19 show that push is coming to shove. Those efforts are unfolding in the General Assembly, where legislation […]

On Not Going to Church

By North Carolina Council of Churches

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

On Not Going to Church

by North Carolina Council of Churches

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

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

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 Churches has worked to address racial inequality. In fact, it was the reason for our inception. Our founder believed that churches working together could bring […]

Lament for a Life

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 Churches has worked to address racial inequality. In fact, it was the reason for our inception. Our founder believed that churches working together could bring […]

Safe Elections: The Pressure’s On

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Members of the N.C. House and Senate, resolutely confronting the deadly and disastrous coronavirus pandemic, have offered up shining examples of just what friends are for. Friends are there to rescue you as you are about to commit a major blunder – a blunder betraying long-held principles and maybe even helping some people who aren’t […]

Safe Elections: The Pressure’s On

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Members of the N.C. House and Senate, resolutely confronting the deadly and disastrous coronavirus pandemic, have offered up shining examples of just what friends are for. Friends are there to rescue you as you are about to commit a major blunder – a blunder betraying long-held principles and maybe even helping some people who aren’t […]

Day of [Ringing] Prayer

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is offering a modification to the typical National Day of Prayer, celebrated each year on the first Thursday of May. Borrowing an idea from residents around the world who call aloud from their balconies and rooftops across their neighborhoods and cities each evening, the Council invites churches and individuals to […]

Day of [Ringing] Prayer

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The North Carolina Council of Churches is offering a modification to the typical National Day of Prayer, celebrated each year on the first Thursday of May. Borrowing an idea from residents around the world who call aloud from their balconies and rooftops across their neighborhoods and cities each evening, the Council invites churches and individuals to […]

In search of voting’s ‘new normal’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When and if members of the N.C. General Assembly reconvene as scheduled on April 28 – presumably wearing masks and taking all the other recommended precautions to stay safe and help foil the spread of COVID-19 – they’ll confront an unprecedented tangle of complex and crucial issues. Normally – yes, what we wouldn’t give for […]

In search of voting’s ‘new normal’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When and if members of the N.C. General Assembly reconvene as scheduled on April 28 – presumably wearing masks and taking all the other recommended precautions to stay safe and help foil the spread of COVID-19 – they’ll confront an unprecedented tangle of complex and crucial issues. Normally – yes, what we wouldn’t give for […]

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Easter Sunday – Colossians 3:1-4 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are […]

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Easter Sunday – Colossians 3:1-4 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are […]

Lenten Guide – Good Friday

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Good Friday – Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not […]

Lenten Guide – Good Friday

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Good Friday – Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not […]

Holy Breaths: Our Health Tips in Response to COVID-19

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This “new normal” of social distancing has been weighing on our minds, hearts, and souls. We are living through a challenging time constantly consumed by distressing news updates. Many face this crisis with so few choices, forced to live in fear of “what if.”  Our hearts yearn for the moment when we can finally embrace […]

Holy Breaths: Our Health Tips in Response to COVID-19

by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This “new normal” of social distancing has been weighing on our minds, hearts, and souls. We are living through a challenging time constantly consumed by distressing news updates. Many face this crisis with so few choices, forced to live in fear of “what if.”  Our hearts yearn for the moment when we can finally embrace […]

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

By Vanna Fox, Development Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Maundy Thursday – John 13: 31b-35 Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself […]

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

by Vanna Fox, Development Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Maundy Thursday – John 13: 31b-35 Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself […]

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately […]

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately […]

Virus-era Voting – Buckle Up

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with the familiar rhythms of American politics, this is a year when many of our elected leaders, including the president, and their would-be successors will stand for inspection before the voters. They will offer themselves for judgment on their performance, for appraisal of their likely success going forward, for assessment of character and […]

Virus-era Voting – Buckle Up

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with the familiar rhythms of American politics, this is a year when many of our elected leaders, including the president, and their would-be successors will stand for inspection before the voters. They will offer themselves for judgment on their performance, for appraisal of their likely success going forward, for assessment of character and […]

Lenten Guide – Fifth Sunday

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.    Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentive    to the voice of my supplications!If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,    Lord, who could stand?But there […]

Lenten Guide – Fifth Sunday

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.    Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentive    to the voice of my supplications!If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,    Lord, who could stand?But there […]

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

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

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths […]

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

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

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths […]

Courage & Compassion in the Time of Coronavirus

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The work of faith-based climate action is important to us because we know that we cannot Iove our neighbors without addressing climate change and environmental injustice. The same can be said for COVID-19. We know we cannot love, and stand with, the vulnerable in our society without taking the coronavirus seriously. That means following the guidelines issued by […]

Courage & Compassion in the Time of Coronavirus

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The work of faith-based climate action is important to us because we know that we cannot Iove our neighbors without addressing climate change and environmental injustice. The same can be said for COVID-19. We know we cannot love, and stand with, the vulnerable in our society without taking the coronavirus seriously. That means following the guidelines issued by […]

Faithful Responses to COVID 19

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Handwashing, covering sneezes, and social distancing techniques abound. We recommend the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ guidelines. Meanwhile, our friends in Seattle and Italy tell us we should take steps now to prevent the spread of this virus before it gets out of hand. To that end, business as usual must be […]

Faithful Responses to COVID 19

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Handwashing, covering sneezes, and social distancing techniques abound. We recommend the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ guidelines. Meanwhile, our friends in Seattle and Italy tell us we should take steps now to prevent the spread of this virus before it gets out of hand. To that end, business as usual must be […]

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 4:5-42 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, […]

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 4:5-42 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, […]

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he […]

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he […]

Lenten Guide – First Sunday

By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came […]

Lenten Guide – First Sunday

by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came […]

Support a 100% Clean Energy Economy.

By North Carolina Council of Churches

NC Interfaith Power & Light Radio Ad “North Carolinians are feeling the impacts of climate change – every day. In just the past two years, our coasts have flooded, and in 2019 severe heat led to nearly four thousand emergency room visits. We must fight climate change to ensure a better world for our children […]

Support a 100% Clean Energy Economy.

by North Carolina Council of Churches

NC Interfaith Power & Light Radio Ad “North Carolinians are feeling the impacts of climate change – every day. In just the past two years, our coasts have flooded, and in 2019 severe heat led to nearly four thousand emergency room visits. We must fight climate change to ensure a better world for our children […]

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 58:1-12 Shout out, do not hold back!Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.Yet day after day they seek me and delight […]

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 58:1-12 Shout out, do not hold back!Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.Yet day after day they seek me and delight […]

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

By North Carolina Council of Churches

God does not look for perfection in God’s disciples. Instead, God only looks for openness to God’s grace, which is all God needs to turn weakness into something great. This Lenten season the Council invites you to journey toward the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday with the Apostle Paul’s […]

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

by North Carolina Council of Churches

God does not look for perfection in God’s disciples. Instead, God only looks for openness to God’s grace, which is all God needs to turn weakness into something great. This Lenten season the Council invites you to journey toward the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday with the Apostle Paul’s […]

In God’s Eye

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, February 23 at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York focusing on Matthew 17: 1-9. From the Gospel of Matthew, we have come to expect very important events whenever mountains are in the story.  Today’s reading does not disappoint, but first we need […]

In God’s Eye

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, February 23 at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York focusing on Matthew 17: 1-9. From the Gospel of Matthew, we have come to expect very important events whenever mountains are in the story.  Today’s reading does not disappoint, but first we need […]

Voter ID’s Rough Ride

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly’s Republican majority is down to what looks to be its last-ditch defense of the voter ID law it rammed through at the tail end of 2018: Stop complaining because it could be worse! That was the thrust of the argument mounted by GOP legislative chiefs as they tried to fend […]

Voter ID’s Rough Ride

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly’s Republican majority is down to what looks to be its last-ditch defense of the voter ID law it rammed through at the tail end of 2018: Stop complaining because it could be worse! That was the thrust of the argument mounted by GOP legislative chiefs as they tried to fend […]

Give Us a Budget

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

North Carolina needs a budget. With half the fiscal year gone (the year began July 1, 2019) we are operating with a budget that is more than a year old. Even routine inflation renders a negative outcome, never mind the burgeoning needs of a growing state that must limp along on 2018 numbers. Reaching a […]

Give Us a Budget

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

North Carolina needs a budget. With half the fiscal year gone (the year began July 1, 2019) we are operating with a budget that is more than a year old. Even routine inflation renders a negative outcome, never mind the burgeoning needs of a growing state that must limp along on 2018 numbers. Reaching a […]

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued an order endorsing the WestEd report’s findings and setting forth steps to address its recommendations for improvements in North Carolina’s public education system. The 34-page consent order obligates the state to do more to ensure that public school students receive […]

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued an order endorsing the WestEd report’s findings and setting forth steps to address its recommendations for improvements in North Carolina’s public education system. The 34-page consent order obligates the state to do more to ensure that public school students receive […]

Whose Justice?

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, January 12 at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill focusing on Isaiah 42:1-9. What are the images that come to mind when you hear Isaiah announce God’s justice? If you’re like me, it might conjure up pictures of: Every child going to sleep […]

Whose Justice?

by North Carolina Council of Churches

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, January 12 at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill focusing on Isaiah 42:1-9. What are the images that come to mind when you hear Isaiah announce God’s justice? If you’re like me, it might conjure up pictures of: Every child going to sleep […]

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal elections. Did we say pivotal? Try crucial, momentous, fateful — take your pick. Of course if you’re good with Trump II, that’s a different assessment. […]

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal elections. Did we say pivotal? Try crucial, momentous, fateful — take your pick. Of course if you’re good with Trump II, that’s a different assessment. […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany Sunday, January 5

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

Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany Sunday, January 5

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

Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas, December 29

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 148 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas, December 29

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 148 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 1:1-14a In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from Cultivating Care for Creation, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 1:1-14a In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not […]

No More of This

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks from Jennifer Copeland at the Vigil to End Gun Violence in Durham on December 13, 2019 About two years ago, the North Carolina Council of Churches paid for a billboard on I-85 between Durham and Greensboro. It had a huge picture of a huge pile of guns on one side and on the other […]

No More of This

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Remarks from Jennifer Copeland at the Vigil to End Gun Violence in Durham on December 13, 2019 About two years ago, the North Carolina Council of Churches paid for a billboard on I-85 between Durham and Greensboro. It had a huge picture of a huge pile of guns on one side and on the other […]