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Council Voices

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun violence has long been an issue of concern for the North Carolina Council of Churches. Every injury endured and life lost, whether on a downtown street corner or in a suburban classroom, runs directly counter to message of the Prince of Peace. As Council leaders said in their 1998 policy statement on Children and Gun […]

Interfaith Call-In Day to Prevent Gun Violence Feb. 4

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun violence has long been an issue of concern for the North Carolina Council of Churches. Every injury endured and life lost, whether on a downtown street corner or in a suburban classroom, runs directly counter to message of the Prince of Peace. As Council leaders said in their 1998 policy statement on Children and Gun […]

Durham’s Faith Summit on Child Poverty

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has been engaged with issues related to child poverty for decades. We were one of the founders of the Covenant with NC’s Children, a leading advocacy group on behalf of children, especially the most vulnerable ones. And we were instrumental in creation of the Caring Program for Children, enabling a […]

Durham’s Faith Summit on Child Poverty

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has been engaged with issues related to child poverty for decades. We were one of the founders of the Covenant with NC’s Children, a leading advocacy group on behalf of children, especially the most vulnerable ones. And we were instrumental in creation of the Caring Program for Children, enabling a […]

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve already had a one-day organizational meeting. You probably also already know that this will be a difficult session for those of us who have worked for years (or even decades) for justice for all North Carolinians, especially the most […]

Important Upcoming Events for NC Social Justice Advocates

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

You probably already know that the General Assembly goes into session on Wednesday, January 30. They’ve already had a one-day organizational meeting. You probably also already know that this will be a difficult session for those of us who have worked for years (or even decades) for justice for all North Carolinians, especially the most […]

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Register for the 2013 Conference on the Common Good set for Monday, February 18 at Wake Forest Divinity School.

2013 Conference on the Common Good — February 18

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Register for the 2013 Conference on the Common Good set for Monday, February 18 at Wake Forest Divinity School.

NC AG: Immigrants with DACA Can Have Driver’s Licenses

By chris

In an incredibly short-sighted move, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stopped issuing driver’s licenses several months ago to young immigrants who had been granted a two-year work permit under the DACA program. That program, enacted by the Obama administration last year, blocks deportation for young immigrants who came to the U.S. before they […]

NC AG: Immigrants with DACA Can Have Driver’s Licenses

by chris

In an incredibly short-sighted move, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stopped issuing driver’s licenses several months ago to young immigrants who had been granted a two-year work permit under the DACA program. That program, enacted by the Obama administration last year, blocks deportation for young immigrants who came to the U.S. before they […]

Raleigh City Council Approves Bring The War Dollars Home Proclamation

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

I was thrilled to attend the Raleigh City Council meeting on January 15 where Council members passed a Bring the War Dollars Home proclamation to send to our North Carolina congressional delegation.  I was proud that our capital city of NC has local leadership that recognizes how spending money on wars along with other excessive Pentagon expenditures […]

Raleigh City Council Approves Bring The War Dollars Home Proclamation

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

I was thrilled to attend the Raleigh City Council meeting on January 15 where Council members passed a Bring the War Dollars Home proclamation to send to our North Carolina congressional delegation.  I was proud that our capital city of NC has local leadership that recognizes how spending money on wars along with other excessive Pentagon expenditures […]

Speaking Life In a Dry Valley

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NCCC’s annual staff Christmas lunch is a time of good cheer for the old and new staff.  I was warmly surrounded by spiritual leaders who strive to do as Ezekiel did, speak to where there seems to be no hope—and speak the word of God to renew life (Ezekiel 37:1-14). I sat next to […]

Speaking Life In a Dry Valley

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NCCC’s annual staff Christmas lunch is a time of good cheer for the old and new staff.  I was warmly surrounded by spiritual leaders who strive to do as Ezekiel did, speak to where there seems to be no hope—and speak the word of God to renew life (Ezekiel 37:1-14). I sat next to […]

Preach-in on Global Warming: How To’s

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

The 2013 National Preach-In on Global Warming is less than a month away! On the weekend of February 8-10, join with other people of faith across America to ask President Obama to address climate change as a moral issue and safeguard vulnerable communities at home and abroad. Here’s what to do: 1) Register for NCIPL’s Preach-In: What, Why, […]

Preach-in on Global Warming: How To’s

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

The 2013 National Preach-In on Global Warming is less than a month away! On the weekend of February 8-10, join with other people of faith across America to ask President Obama to address climate change as a moral issue and safeguard vulnerable communities at home and abroad. Here’s what to do: 1) Register for NCIPL’s Preach-In: What, Why, […]

Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Over the holidays, North Carolina State Health Director, Dr. Laura Gerald, put out a press release urging all North Carolinians over the age of 6 months to get their annual flu shot. Public health professionals have deemed this year’s flu season to be the worst in recent years. By the end of December 2012, North […]

Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Over the holidays, North Carolina State Health Director, Dr. Laura Gerald, put out a press release urging all North Carolinians over the age of 6 months to get their annual flu shot. Public health professionals have deemed this year’s flu season to be the worst in recent years. By the end of December 2012, North […]

Equal Education, Unequal Pay

By chris

For decades, we've been working toward equal pay and equal treatment for women in the workplace. Sadly, there is still much progress to be made - illustrated by this powerful graphic below created by Kayla Evans.

Equal Education, Unequal Pay

by chris

For decades, we’ve been working toward equal pay and equal treatment for women in the workplace. Sadly, there is still much progress to be made – illustrated by this powerful graphic below created by Kayla Evans.

Looking for Community Sparkplugs for a Healthier Wilson County

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The Rensselaerville Institute are looking for individuals with project ideas for creating a healthier Wilson County. Projects will be implemented over the next 6 months and must focus on increasing physical activity and/or access to and consumption of fresh produce. Selected Community Sparkplugs and their teams will receive the following: a $3,000 grant (simple application process), individualized help to create an action plan and set project results, support and coaching over the next 6 months, and an opportunity to become part of a growing network of Community Sparkplugs across North Carolina.

Looking for Community Sparkplugs for a Healthier Wilson County

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The Rensselaerville Institute are looking for individuals with project ideas for creating a healthier Wilson County. Projects will be implemented over the next 6 months and must focus on increasing physical activity and/or access to and consumption of fresh produce.

Selected Community Sparkplugs and their teams will receive the following: a $3,000 grant (simple application process), individualized help to create an action plan and set project results, support and coaching over the next 6 months, and an opportunity to become part of a growing network of Community Sparkplugs across North Carolina.

2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state. Click here to download a PDF of […]

2013 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

This Prayer for Unity and monthly ecumenical prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state. Click here to download a PDF of […]

New Year’s Resolution to Drop the Habit

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

No, I’m not talking about the attire worn by a group of women deeply committed to God. I’m referring to tobacco cessation. Many people resolve to quit smoking or otherwise using tobacco as a New Year’s resolution. If that is your resolution, then the trick to being successful is – well, there is no trick. The […]

New Year’s Resolution to Drop the Habit

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

No, I’m not talking about the attire worn by a group of women deeply committed to God. I’m referring to tobacco cessation. Many people resolve to quit smoking or otherwise using tobacco as a New Year’s resolution. If that is your resolution, then the trick to being successful is – well, there is no trick. The […]

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

By chris

The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute has prepared material for the celebration of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which runs from January 18-25, 2013. You will find prayer services, prayers of the faithful and musical suggestions at their website. The theme for 2013 is "What Does God Require of Us?" (cf. Micah 6:6-8). In North Carolina, there will be several observances of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Celebrate the 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

by chris

The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute has prepared material for the celebration of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which runs from January 18-25, 2013. You will find prayer services, prayers of the faithful and musical suggestions at their website. The theme for 2013 is “What Does God Require of Us?” (cf. Micah 6:6-8). In North Carolina, there will be several observances of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Faith and Weight Loss: NC Churches Encourage Members to be Healthy

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Public News Service - NC

Weight loss is the most popular New Year's resolution being made by North Carolinians and people around the country, according to new data from the University of Scranton. The goal of being healthier is even making its way into churches around the state, through a program sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches.

Faith and Weight Loss: NC Churches Encourage Members to be Healthy

Public News Service – NC

Weight loss is the most popular New Year’s resolution being made by North Carolinians and people around the country, according to new data from the University of Scranton. The goal of being healthier is even making its way into churches around the state, through a program sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches.

Film Depicts Relocation Due to Climate Change

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

I recently watched the trailer for the new movie, The Hungry Tide. The film documents history in the making, as the Pacific Island of Kiritiba prepares to be perhaps the first nation relocated due to climate change. Let’s just pause for a moment and reflect upon that. An entire nation relocated. Can you even fathom […]

Film Depicts Relocation Due to Climate Change

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

I recently watched the trailer for the new movie, The Hungry Tide. The film documents history in the making, as the Pacific Island of Kiritiba prepares to be perhaps the first nation relocated due to climate change. Let’s just pause for a moment and reflect upon that. An entire nation relocated. Can you even fathom […]

Good News for All Creation

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

When I found out that the current issue of Unbound focuses on “Hope for Eco-Activists: Dis­cov­er­ing an Envi­ron­men­tal Faith,” I joyfully, yet naively thought, “of course, another article on faith and the environment.” I say “naively” because while I work day-in and day-out on the intersection of climate change and faith, sometimes I forget that […]

Good News for All Creation

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

When I found out that the current issue of Unbound focuses on “Hope for Eco-Activists: Dis­cov­er­ing an Envi­ron­men­tal Faith,” I joyfully, yet naively thought, “of course, another article on faith and the environment.” I say “naively” because while I work day-in and day-out on the intersection of climate change and faith, sometimes I forget that […]

Better Dental Care With a Bag of Apples

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Executive Director George Reed wrote an article recently about the importance of dental care for children. His link to Kathy Higgins’ remarks brought our attention to the contradiction of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on items that we “want” such as big musical concerts against the claim that we “don’t have the money to support those […]

Better Dental Care With a Bag of Apples

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Executive Director George Reed wrote an article recently about the importance of dental care for children. His link to Kathy Higgins’ remarks brought our attention to the contradiction of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on items that we “want” such as big musical concerts against the claim that we “don’t have the money to support those […]

Have a Green Christmas

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Grist’s recent article A Million and One Ways (at Least!) to Simplify the Holidays makes it clear that low-carbon holidays are perhaps becoming more of a trend than any recent year past. Still, the commercials and stores on every corner trying to sell that last minute stocking stuffer make it hard not to slip back […]

Have a Green Christmas

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Grist’s recent article A Million and One Ways (at Least!) to Simplify the Holidays makes it clear that low-carbon holidays are perhaps becoming more of a trend than any recent year past. Still, the commercials and stores on every corner trying to sell that last minute stocking stuffer make it hard not to slip back […]

After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

We join in the shared grief of our nation and especially offer words of comfort to all of those who have had loved ones torn from them.

After Sandy Hook — Sign-On Statement

by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

We join in the shared grief of our nation and especially offer words of comfort to all of those who have had loved ones torn from them.

Turning Strangers into Neighbors: Helping Congregations with Immigration

By chris

Thursday, Jan. 31 | 9:00am | Free registration required

This free 45-minute webinar will take a look at innovative ways to communicate about immigration issues with your congregation or community group, helping to transform the conversation from a political context to a religious and values-based context. In particular, we'll highlight the new "Stranger to Neighbor" program by FaithAction International House, which is engaging a diverse group of congregations in Greensboro.

Turning Strangers into Neighbors: Helping Congregations with Immigration

by chris

Thursday, Jan. 31 | 9:00am | Free registration required

This free 45-minute webinar will take a look at innovative ways to communicate about immigration issues with your congregation or community group, helping to transform the conversation from a political context to a religious and values-based context. In particular, we’ll highlight the new “Stranger to Neighbor” program by FaithAction International House, which is engaging a diverse group of congregations in Greensboro.

Come to the Table 2013

Come to the Table Eastern Regional Conference

By chris

Details:
Monday February 4th, 2013
8:30am – 4:30pm
Kinston Community Council for the Arts
Kinston, NC

The conference includes plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration Fee: $0-15 (sliding scale fee structure).

Come to the Table Eastern Regional Conference

by chris

Details:
Monday February 4th, 2013
8:30am – 4:30pm
Kinston Community Council for the Arts
Kinston, NC

The conference includes plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration Fee: $0-15 (sliding scale fee structure).

Come to the Table 2013

Come to the Table Piedmont Regional Conference

By chris

Details:
8:30 – 5:00pm
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
UNC-Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

The conference includes plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration Fee: $0-15 (sliding scale fee structure).

Come to the Table Piedmont Regional Conference

by chris

Details:
8:30 – 5:00pm
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
UNC-Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

The conference includes plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration Fee: $0-15 (sliding scale fee structure).

Come to the Table 2013

Come to the Table Western Regional Conference

By chris

Details:
Friday, March 15, 2013
8:30am-4:30pm
Southwestern Community College
Sylva, NC

The conference includes plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration Fee: $0-15 (sliding scale fee structure).

Come to the Table Western Regional Conference

by chris

Details:
Friday, March 15, 2013
8:30am-4:30pm
Southwestern Community College
Sylva, NC

The conference includes plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration Fee: $0-15 (sliding scale fee structure).

Farmworkers’ Vital Contribution to North Carolina’s Economy

By chris

Agriculture serves as the economic backbone for North Carolina, and farmworkers’ hand labor is needed to produce crops that bring in billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Despite this fact, farmworkers remain one of the state’s most economically disadvantaged and unprotected group of laborers.

Farmworkers’ Vital Contribution to North Carolina’s Economy

by chris

Agriculture serves as the economic backbone for North Carolina, and farmworkers’ hand labor is needed to produce crops that bring in billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Despite this fact, farmworkers remain one of the state’s most economically disadvantaged and unprotected group of laborers.

Lectionary on Gun Violence

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The horror of what has occurred in Connecticut is unimaginable, and the days ahead will be a test for all of us. The Council’s resources include a lectionary on gun violence which might prove helpful to people of faith going forward. While this resource cannot possibly explain how something like this happens, it provides a […]

Lectionary on Gun Violence

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The horror of what has occurred in Connecticut is unimaginable, and the days ahead will be a test for all of us. The Council’s resources include a lectionary on gun violence which might prove helpful to people of faith going forward. While this resource cannot possibly explain how something like this happens, it provides a […]

Blessings of the Christmas Season

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The staff and volunteer program associates of the North Carolina Council of Churches wish you a blessed and peaceful holiday with words by Sr. Evelyn Mattern.

Blessings of the Christmas Season

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The staff and volunteer program associates of the North Carolina Council of Churches wish you a blessed and peaceful holiday with words by Sr. Evelyn Mattern.

Update on Free AED and CPR Program

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

In the spring of this year, the NC Council of Churches and our partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and the American Red Cross, awarded 34 free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to congregations across the state. This was done in an effort to reduce the number of deaths from sudden […]

Update on Free AED and CPR Program

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

In the spring of this year, the NC Council of Churches and our partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and the American Red Cross, awarded 34 free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to congregations across the state. This was done in an effort to reduce the number of deaths from sudden […]

Help – How Do I Talk with My Congregation about Immigration?

By chris

Wednesday, Jan. 9 | 11:00am | Free registration required

Immigration continues to be a hot topic on the news and in the pews. As North Carolina continues to experience demographic changes, one of the main questions facing our ministries is how to respond to our new neighbors.This free 45-minute webinar will take a look at innovative ways to communicate about immigration issues with your congregation or community group, helping to transform the conversation from a political context to a religious and values-based context.

Help – How Do I Talk with My Congregation about Immigration?

by chris

Wednesday, Jan. 9 | 11:00am | Free registration required

Immigration continues to be a hot topic on the news and in the pews. As North Carolina continues to experience demographic changes, one of the main questions facing our ministries is how to respond to our new neighbors.This free 45-minute webinar will take a look at innovative ways to communicate about immigration issues with your congregation or community group, helping to transform the conversation from a political context to a religious and values-based context.

Help Sustain Wind Power Tax Credit

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sunshine, wind and waves are all free gifts from God and expressions of God’s amazing power and love.  North Carolina is blessed with all three in abundance. That puts our state in a wonderful position to lead the nation and the world in clean, renewable energy production – energy that does not pollute the air, […]

Help Sustain Wind Power Tax Credit

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sunshine, wind and waves are all free gifts from God and expressions of God’s amazing power and love.  North Carolina is blessed with all three in abundance. That puts our state in a wonderful position to lead the nation and the world in clean, renewable energy production – energy that does not pollute the air, […]

The Not-So-Sweet Truth

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is trying to reach you in every way possible. Why are we trying to reach you? Because we have some truths that could help change how we view health for ourselves and for each other. People of faith who are interested in these health topics try really hard to get […]

The Not-So-Sweet Truth

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is trying to reach you in every way possible. Why are we trying to reach you? Because we have some truths that could help change how we view health for ourselves and for each other. People of faith who are interested in these health topics try really hard to get […]

First NCIPL Regional Partner Groups Formed

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

NCIPL is so happy to announce that two Regional Partner Groups have been formalized. Regional Partner Groups are self-organizing, local, interfaith affiliates of NCIPL. They work to address climate change collectively and at their home congregations in ways that are locally relevant. NCIPL supports climate mitigation and adaptation efforts identified by partner groups and encourages […]

First NCIPL Regional Partner Groups Formed

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

NCIPL is so happy to announce that two Regional Partner Groups have been formalized. Regional Partner Groups are self-organizing, local, interfaith affiliates of NCIPL. They work to address climate change collectively and at their home congregations in ways that are locally relevant. NCIPL supports climate mitigation and adaptation efforts identified by partner groups and encourages […]

Baptist Peacemaker Highlights Churches’ Care of Creation Work

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

A recent article in the Baptist Peacemaker focuses on what churches are doing to address creation care and global climate change. In addition to mentioning our NC Interfaith Power & Light program, it features four North Carolina congregations with ties to the NC Council of Churches: •Myers Park Baptist, Charlotte – one of the Council’s […]

Baptist Peacemaker Highlights Churches’ Care of Creation Work

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

A recent article in the Baptist Peacemaker focuses on what churches are doing to address creation care and global climate change. In addition to mentioning our NC Interfaith Power & Light program, it features four North Carolina congregations with ties to the NC Council of Churches: •Myers Park Baptist, Charlotte – one of the Council’s […]

NC House Select Committee on Immigration

NC House Select Committee on Immigration Wraps Up with a Whimper

By chris

With this report, the Committee is in effect conceding that it cannot push for Arizona or Alabama-style legislation. While there is no doubt that some members of the General Assembly will cynically attempt to pass new measures that target immigrants, the immigrant rights community in North Carolina can stand proud. There are many battles that lay ahead, but at least for now disaster has been averted thanks to the courage of undocumented protesters and the strong immigrant rights partnerships that are being forged across the state.

NC House Select Committee on Immigration Wraps Up with a Whimper

by chris

With this report, the Committee is in effect conceding that it cannot push for Arizona or Alabama-style legislation. While there is no doubt that some members of the General Assembly will cynically attempt to pass new measures that target immigrants, the immigrant rights community in North Carolina can stand proud. There are many battles that lay ahead, but at least for now disaster has been averted thanks to the courage of undocumented protesters and the strong immigrant rights partnerships that are being forged across the state.

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc. But those living in poverty are short on lobbyist as the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ is debated and cuts as well as revenue sources are considered. People of faith and compassion are being called to serve as lobbyists for the […]

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc. But those living in poverty are short on lobbyist as the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ is debated and cuts as well as revenue sources are considered. People of faith and compassion are being called to serve as lobbyists for the […]

2012 A Victory for NC and for PFADP

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For the first time in the modern era, no one was sentenced to death in North Carolina during 2012. The milestone marks a victory for people throughout the state and for the organization People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, which began as a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches. As PFADP, which […]

2012 A Victory for NC and for PFADP

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For the first time in the modern era, no one was sentenced to death in North Carolina during 2012. The milestone marks a victory for people throughout the state and for the organization People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, which began as a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches. As PFADP, which […]

Emotional Eating During the Holidays

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I have to admit that the Eat Smart, Move More’s Holiday Challenge to maintain and not gain has been weighing on me…no pun intended. I sometimes emotionally eat during the holidays. I do it because I miss my grandmother and certain dishes remind me of her. I understand that others who are experiencing this season […]

Emotional Eating During the Holidays

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I have to admit that the Eat Smart, Move More’s Holiday Challenge to maintain and not gain has been weighing on me…no pun intended. I sometimes emotionally eat during the holidays. I do it because I miss my grandmother and certain dishes remind me of her. I understand that others who are experiencing this season […]

Making Peace between a Planet and Its People

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Baptist Peacemaker

Google “care for creation” and you’ll find it’s a panreligious movement. If nothing else, this demonstrates that all major religions—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Baptist—all agree on at least one thing. Can I get an “amen” to that? It’s good that this is the case. Reconciliation between a planet needing stewardship and inhabitants who often refuse to see that need will require everything from global to grassroots activity.

Making Peace between a Planet and Its People

Baptist Peacemaker

Google “care for creation” and you’ll find it’s a panreligious movement. If nothing else, this demonstrates that all major religions—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Baptist—all agree on at least one thing. Can I get an “amen” to that?

It’s good that this is the case. Reconciliation between a planet needing stewardship and inhabitants who often refuse to see that need will require everything from global to grassroots activity.

The Case for Fair Taxes

By Justin Hubbard, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

The challenge of faith communities is not to deduct a set of moral principles from scripture that houses a model for a fair tax system. There are no formulas or bureaucratic maps that arise out of biblical texts that we might apply to our current context and tax system that will magically make the system fair. Rather, the biblical texts provide a framework to understand the Christian witness towards the common good and a Christian ethic of love and care for the vulnerable and exploited.

The Case for Fair Taxes

by Justin Hubbard, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

The challenge of faith communities is not to deduct a set of moral principles from scripture that houses a model for a fair tax system. There are no formulas or bureaucratic maps that arise out of biblical texts that we might apply to our current context and tax system that will magically make the system fair. Rather, the biblical texts provide a framework to understand the Christian witness towards the common good and a Christian ethic of love and care for the vulnerable and exploited.

Date Change: Latino Pastor Dinner in Robeson Co.

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness will host a dinner to connect Latino pastors with free resources and grants for churches. It takes place Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodwin Heights Baptist Church, 704 Godwin Avenue in Lumberton. Please note this is a change in date from a prior announcement. The meeting will be conducted in Spanish and is free. Please e-mail Joy Williams, for more information.

Date Change: Latino Pastor Dinner in Robeson Co.

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness will host a dinner to connect Latino pastors with free resources and grants for churches. It takes place Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodwin Heights Baptist Church, 704 Godwin Avenue in Lumberton. Please note this is a change in date from a prior announcement.

The meeting will be conducted in Spanish and is free. Please e-mail Joy Williams, for more information.

Planting the Seeds of Abundant Harvest

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I have been reading about the controversies surrounding factory farms and companies that generate genetically modified seeds capable of mass producing and surviving under any conditions.  In this debate that originates from the intricacies of industrial farming, there are good points being made from many perspectives, such as the legal, business, scientific and farming. […]

Planting the Seeds of Abundant Harvest

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I have been reading about the controversies surrounding factory farms and companies that generate genetically modified seeds capable of mass producing and surviving under any conditions.  In this debate that originates from the intricacies of industrial farming, there are good points being made from many perspectives, such as the legal, business, scientific and farming. […]

Electioneering and the IRS

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In the weeks just before November’s general election, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association paid to place full-page ads in newspapers including the [Raleigh] News & Observer to The New York Times. These ads quoted Billy Graham calling on voters to “cast [their] ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the […]

Electioneering and the IRS

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In the weeks just before November’s general election, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association paid to place full-page ads in newspapers including the [Raleigh] News & Observer to The New York Times. These ads quoted Billy Graham calling on voters to “cast [their] ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the […]

The Passing of Bishop James McCoy

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Last week, North Carolina lost a religious leader we hardly knew. Bishop James McCoy had been named back during the summer to be the Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church. He took office here a couple of months ago, was officially installed only a couple of weeks […]

The Passing of Bishop James McCoy

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Last week, North Carolina lost a religious leader we hardly knew. Bishop James McCoy had been named back during the summer to be the Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church. He took office here a couple of months ago, was officially installed only a couple of weeks […]

Focus and Early Registration for 2013 Preach-in on Global Warming

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Since 2010, NCIPL has encouraged individuals and faith communities to participate in the national Preach-In on Global Warming. The Preach-In allows faith communities across the nation to coordinate their message of profound concern to lawmakers. This year the Preach-In will be February 8-10 and National IPL has chosen the following focus: Following his re-election, President […]

Focus and Early Registration for 2013 Preach-in on Global Warming

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Since 2010, NCIPL has encouraged individuals and faith communities to participate in the national Preach-In on Global Warming. The Preach-In allows faith communities across the nation to coordinate their message of profound concern to lawmakers. This year the Preach-In will be February 8-10 and National IPL has chosen the following focus: Following his re-election, President […]

Christian Scriptures and Farmworkers

By chris

From the laws and histories of ancient Israel to the life of Jesus and the letters of Paul, themes related to the treatment of farmworkers emerge consistently throughout the Judeo-Christian scriptures. Many of these passages suggest that a community’s relationship with God is in fact defined at least in part by its treatment of foreigners, laborers, the poor, and the marginalized. Below is a brief selection of Bible verses that support the idea that farmworkers should be treated fairly.

Christian Scriptures and Farmworkers

by chris

From the laws and histories of ancient Israel to the life of Jesus and the letters of Paul, themes related to the treatment of farmworkers emerge consistently throughout the Judeo-Christian scriptures. Many of these passages suggest that a community’s relationship with God is in fact defined at least in part by its treatment of foreigners, laborers, the poor, and the marginalized. Below is a brief selection of Bible verses that support the idea that farmworkers should be treated fairly.

Thankful for Your Support

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From farmworkers to food; climate change to personal health; immigration to rural life; good government to peace. The North Carolina Council of Churches continues to work toward a time when “the least of these” are recognized and valued as beloved children of God. When elected leaders work together for the common good. When health and […]

Thankful for Your Support

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From farmworkers to food; climate change to personal health; immigration to rural life; good government to peace. The North Carolina Council of Churches continues to work toward a time when “the least of these” are recognized and valued as beloved children of God. When elected leaders work together for the common good. When health and […]

Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - words by Robert Robinson

Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – words by Robert Robinson

Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán

Sharing the Story: Empowerment through Radical Hospitality

By chris

Thank you for your decision to conquer evil with good. You have decided to defeat opposition and resistance with diligence and perseverance. But above all, thank you for allowing love and hospitality to prevail over hate and hostility. When I arrived to this country it was precisely people like you, women and men of faith that practiced hospitably and your Christian love, who left an impression and transformed my life forever. Please don’t have any doubt that God uses every gesture of Christian love and radical hospitality that you make towards an immigrant in order to transform lives.

Sharing the Story: Empowerment through Radical Hospitality

by chris

Thank you for your decision to conquer evil with good. You have decided to defeat opposition and resistance with diligence and perseverance. But above all, thank you for allowing love and hospitality to prevail over hate and hostility. When I arrived to this country it was precisely people like you, women and men of faith that practiced hospitably and your Christian love, who left an impression and transformed my life forever. Please don’t have any doubt that God uses every gesture of Christian love and radical hospitality that you make towards an immigrant in order to transform lives.

Food Day Flash Mob a Success

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Experiencing Food Day across the nation was a big success. Many people came together to celebrate healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair food. The real success, that we can have a system that is healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair, comes through the actions you and I take.  But for now, working to bring awareness and the […]

Food Day Flash Mob a Success

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Experiencing Food Day across the nation was a big success. Many people came together to celebrate healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair food. The real success, that we can have a system that is healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair, comes through the actions you and I take.  But for now, working to bring awareness and the […]

The importance of Latino voters

What the Election Means for Immigration

By chris

Thankfully the election is over and the American people can look forward to their leaders governing for a season before returning to full-scale re-election mode. While the economy continues to dominate headlines in both the Business and Politics sections of the paper, one of the most pressing issues facing the 113th Congress is comprehensive immigration reform. Election night demonstrated the growing power of Latino voters and the renewed demand for results on immigration policy.

What the Election Means for Immigration

by chris

Thankfully the election is over and the American people can look forward to their leaders governing for a season before returning to full-scale re-election mode. While the economy continues to dominate headlines in both the Business and Politics sections of the paper, one of the most pressing issues facing the 113th Congress is comprehensive immigration reform. Election night demonstrated the growing power of Latino voters and the renewed demand for results on immigration policy.

CPR Less Likely in Low Income Neighborhoods

By Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

WFMY News 2HD

Ramsuer, NC - What if your chances of surviving a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest, depended on the neighborhood you lived in? According to a new study, it just may. The New England Journal of Medicine suggests CPR by a bystander is less likely in low-income areas. They go on to say there is a direct relationship between household income and the racial makeup of a neighborhood.

CPR Less Likely in Low Income Neighborhoods

WFMY News 2HD

Ramsuer, NC – What if your chances of surviving a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest, depended on the neighborhood you lived in? According to a new study, it just may. The New England Journal of Medicine suggests CPR by a bystander is less likely in low-income areas. They go on to say there is a direct relationship between household income and the racial makeup of a neighborhood.

Resources on Faith and Farmworkers

By chris

There is a wide variety of resources available to aid you and your congregation in exploring how your faith relates to your relationship with farmworkers.

Resources on Faith and Farmworkers

by chris

There is a wide variety of resources available to aid you and your congregation in exploring how your faith relates to your relationship with farmworkers.

PHW Featured in NC Medical Journal

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator, co-authored a section on working with faith communities to improve population health in the September/October issue of the NC Medical Journal (NCMJ). Stallings highlighted the intrinsic strengths of congregations across NC and the US to create community change, namely their existing infrastructures (e.g., space for promoting physical activity) and built-in […]

PHW Featured in NC Medical Journal

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator, co-authored a section on working with faith communities to improve population health in the September/October issue of the NC Medical Journal (NCMJ). Stallings highlighted the intrinsic strengths of congregations across NC and the US to create community change, namely their existing infrastructures (e.g., space for promoting physical activity) and built-in […]

New Pilot Program: Neighbors Together

By chris

Practicing Hospitality, Building Bridges, Making Friends The debate about immigration policy continues to divide people of good will across our nation and our state. Immigration divides us, in part, because of both the breadth and the depth of the issues involved – from powerful global economics to fast-changing local cultures, from the complex world of […]

New Pilot Program: Neighbors Together

by chris

Practicing Hospitality, Building Bridges, Making Friends The debate about immigration policy continues to divide people of good will across our nation and our state. Immigration divides us, in part, because of both the breadth and the depth of the issues involved – from powerful global economics to fast-changing local cultures, from the complex world of […]

Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our prayers are with our sisters and brothers who continue to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and also with those who are working tirelessly to provide relief. The road ahead of them is long. May we remember their struggle as we move into the seasons of Thanksgiving and Advent. Anyone wishing to provide financial […]

Prayers for Those Impacted by the Storm

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our prayers are with our sisters and brothers who continue to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and also with those who are working tirelessly to provide relief. The road ahead of them is long. May we remember their struggle as we move into the seasons of Thanksgiving and Advent. Anyone wishing to provide financial […]

Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health

By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), the Council’s faith-based health initiative, is now offering mini-grants to support congregations in your efforts to promote healthy, active lifestyles. In order to qualify, a congregation must first become PHW-certified – i.e., offer healthier church meals; name a health contact person; maintain tobacco-free buildings and take part in other […]

Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health

by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), the Council’s faith-based health initiative, is now offering mini-grants to support congregations in your efforts to promote healthy, active lifestyles. In order to qualify, a congregation must first become PHW-certified – i.e., offer healthier church meals; name a health contact person; maintain tobacco-free buildings and take part in other […]

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Connects Health to Faith

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Sabrina Morris, a nurse at Cape Fear Valley Health, is helping to connect health as a faith issue within Fayetteville’s Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with the support of her pastor, David C. Camps Sr. Over the summer, the health ministry team at MCMB served healthy snacks to congregants, boosting health morale within the church. The health ministry team has […]

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Connects Health to Faith

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Sabrina Morris, a nurse at Cape Fear Valley Health, is helping to connect health as a faith issue within Fayetteville’s Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with the support of her pastor, David C. Camps Sr. Over the summer, the health ministry team at MCMB served healthy snacks to congregants, boosting health morale within the church. The health ministry team has […]

Our Responsibility to Vote

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our middle son and I went to early vote on Saturday, taking advantage of his visit home for fall break. He is 18, and this is his first general election. We have impressed upon him and his older brother that how they vote – for whom and what – is a matter of thoughtful, personal […]

Our Responsibility to Vote

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our middle son and I went to early vote on Saturday, taking advantage of his visit home for fall break. He is 18, and this is his first general election. We have impressed upon him and his older brother that how they vote – for whom and what – is a matter of thoughtful, personal […]

Latest National Survey on Climate Change Beliefs

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The Center for Climate Change Communication, a joint project of Yale and George Mason Universities, released last month its most recent national survey of American’s beliefs about climate change. It turns out that in this sample that scientifically represents the nation, 70% of Americans now recognize that climate change is happening and more than half […]

Latest National Survey on Climate Change Beliefs

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The Center for Climate Change Communication, a joint project of Yale and George Mason Universities, released last month its most recent national survey of American’s beliefs about climate change. It turns out that in this sample that scientifically represents the nation, 70% of Americans now recognize that climate change is happening and more than half […]

Critical Issue — Children’s Dental Health

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve got critical issue overload. How about you? So probably the last thing you want to hear about is one more issue that really needs to be on our radar screens but isn’t. But here it is – dental care for children, especially for children who live in or near poverty. Last Sunday, Kathy Higgins […]

Critical Issue — Children’s Dental Health

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve got critical issue overload. How about you? So probably the last thing you want to hear about is one more issue that really needs to be on our radar screens but isn’t. But here it is – dental care for children, especially for children who live in or near poverty. Last Sunday, Kathy Higgins […]

Clergy Breakfast on Immigration – Yadkinville

By chris

This year, the NC Council of Churches is continuing its successful statewide series of “Clergy Breakfasts” on immigration. These events are geared towards busy religious professionals and faith leaders, and they provide an overview of immigration issues in the context of a great networking event (and free breakfast!). To date, over 500 NC clergy and faith leaders have participated […]

Clergy Breakfast on Immigration – Yadkinville

by chris

This year, the NC Council of Churches is continuing its successful statewide series of “Clergy Breakfasts” on immigration. These events are geared towards busy religious professionals and faith leaders, and they provide an overview of immigration issues in the context of a great networking event (and free breakfast!). To date, over 500 NC clergy and faith leaders have participated […]

Connecting Faith Communities and Farmworkers

By chris

Perhaps the greatest challenge is helping a congregation begin to see farmworkers as created in God’s image and thus full members of our community. In theological terms, we might use the language of “strangers no longer” and “brothers and sisters in Christ.” We’ve found that most of the controversial conversations about farmworkers are based on myths or misunderstandings. Many of these myths can fracture communities and pit one group against another. You may want to explore these in your congregational discussions as a way of moving members to a better understanding of our farmworker neighbors.

Connecting Faith Communities and Farmworkers

by chris

Perhaps the greatest challenge is helping a congregation begin to see farmworkers as created in God’s image and thus full members of our community. In theological terms, we might use the language of “strangers no longer” and “brothers and sisters in Christ.” We’ve found that most of the controversial conversations about farmworkers are based on myths or misunderstandings. Many of these myths can fracture communities and pit one group against another. You may want to explore these in your congregational discussions as a way of moving members to a better understanding of our farmworker neighbors.

North Carolina Beyond Coal

By Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

Since 1965, my first year of medical school, I knew that coal kills (see Alan Lockwood’s The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health). Since 1989, when I read Bill McKibben’s The End of Nature, I knew that climate change was the most serious threat to humanity and all other life on earth […]

North Carolina Beyond Coal

by Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

Since 1965, my first year of medical school, I knew that coal kills (see Alan Lockwood’s The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health). Since 1989, when I read Bill McKibben’s The End of Nature, I knew that climate change was the most serious threat to humanity and all other life on earth […]

Faith & Immigration Podcast: Education for All – Immigrant Youth Movements

By chris

Ramón Zepeda of Student Action with Farmworkers offers an in-depth workshop about one of the critical issues facing immigrant youth today: access to education. He covers everything from pending legislation to the struggle for in-state tuition to DACA.

Faith & Immigration Podcast: Education for All – Immigrant Youth Movements

by chris

Ramón Zepeda of Student Action with Farmworkers offers an in-depth workshop about one of the critical issues facing immigrant youth today: access to education. He covers everything from pending legislation to the struggle for in-state tuition to DACA.

Faith & Immigration Podcast: NC Legislation & Lobbying

By chris

Mauricio Castro of the NC Latino Coalition offers an in-depth workshop about state-level immigration legislation and the ways that we can make a difference on the ground, here in North Carolina.

Faith & Immigration Podcast: NC Legislation & Lobbying

by chris

Mauricio Castro of the NC Latino Coalition offers an in-depth workshop about state-level immigration legislation and the ways that we can make a difference on the ground, here in North Carolina.

Faith & Immigration Podcast: Federal Legislation & Lobbying

By chris

Jen Smyers of Church World Service in Washington DC offers an in-depth workshop about the world of federal immigration legislation and the ways that we can make a difference on the ground, here in North Carolina.

Faith & Immigration Podcast: Federal Legislation & Lobbying

by chris

Jen Smyers of Church World Service in Washington DC offers an in-depth workshop about the world of federal immigration legislation and the ways that we can make a difference on the ground, here in North Carolina.

Welcome Duke Divinity Interns!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are delighted to welcome Justin Hubbard and Scott Schomburg, the Council’s interns from Duke Divinity School for 2012-2013. Justin received a Bachelor’s of Individualized Studies in Psychology, Sociology, and International Politics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. After working for a few years at the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration, he moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Welcome Duke Divinity Interns!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are delighted to welcome Justin Hubbard and Scott Schomburg, the Council’s interns from Duke Divinity School for 2012-2013.

Justin received a Bachelor’s of Individualized Studies in Psychology, Sociology, and International Politics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. After working for a few years at the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration, he moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

NCIPL Certificate of Participation Now Online

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Completing a Certificate of Participation for North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light just got easier. The certificate, which has been offered since 2006, allows congregations to pledge support for the mission and goals of NCIPL. And now it’s available online. NCIPL works with faith communities to address the causes and consequences of global climate change […]

NCIPL Certificate of Participation Now Online

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Completing a Certificate of Participation for North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light just got easier. The certificate, which has been offered since 2006, allows congregations to pledge support for the mission and goals of NCIPL. And now it’s available online. NCIPL works with faith communities to address the causes and consequences of global climate change […]

On Finding Comrades: The 2nd Annual Faith & Immigration Summit

By Scott Schomburg, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Before the room could come into focus, I found myself in conversation with pastors, organizers, and advocacy groups, recognizing both a patience and an urgency that seems to come with this work. Our day together unfolded a compelling narrative of faith leaders in North Carolina moving forward in solidarity to make communities better for immigrants. This story of challenge and hope, of conflicting conceptions of justice, and of faith leaders forming a public voice, captured my attention early.

On Finding Comrades: The 2nd Annual Faith & Immigration Summit

by Scott Schomburg, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Before the room could come into focus, I found myself in conversation with pastors, organizers, and advocacy groups, recognizing both a patience and an urgency that seems to come with this work. Our day together unfolded a compelling narrative of faith leaders in North Carolina moving forward in solidarity to make communities better for immigrants. This story of challenge and hope, of conflicting conceptions of justice, and of faith leaders forming a public voice, captured my attention early.

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as worthless or weak, including the poor, […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as worthless or weak, including the poor, […]

Facts About North Carolina Farmworkers

By chris

Order free hard copies | Download the PDF Farmworkers play a vital role in cultivating the food we eat every day, and North carolina has one of the largest farmworker populations in the nation. even though 85% of our fresh fruits and vegetables are harvested by hand, farmworkers remain largely invisible. Overview of Farm Work Agricultural labor […]

Facts About North Carolina Farmworkers

by chris

Order free hard copies | Download the PDF Farmworkers play a vital role in cultivating the food we eat every day, and North carolina has one of the largest farmworker populations in the nation. even though 85% of our fresh fruits and vegetables are harvested by hand, farmworkers remain largely invisible. Overview of Farm Work Agricultural labor […]

Rendering to Caesar

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Ed: This post is part of a new series called “Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice,” in which Council staff consider the biblical and theological roots of their work. You can read more from the series here. Mark Chapter 12:13-17 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero’dians, to entrap […]

Rendering to Caesar

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Ed: This post is part of a new series called “Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice,” in which Council staff consider the biblical and theological roots of their work. You can read more from the series here. Mark Chapter 12:13-17 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero’dians, to entrap […]

Why the Faith & Immigration Summit Matters

By chris

This is really a unique event for North Carolina, bringing together people across the state who are connected to both faith communities and immigrant communities. While the immigration debate rages, congregations are really on the front lines – offering English courses, meals, job training, and pastoral care to people facing very challenging situations. The Summit will help equip faith leaders to both deal with these difficult realities and to mobilize support for immigrants in their own contexts.

Why the Faith & Immigration Summit Matters

by chris

This is really a unique event for North Carolina, bringing together people across the state who are connected to both faith communities and immigrant communities. While the immigration debate rages, congregations are really on the front lines – offering English courses, meals, job training, and pastoral care to people facing very challenging situations. The Summit will help equip faith leaders to both deal with these difficult realities and to mobilize support for immigrants in their own contexts.

emPOWERed Greensboro

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

  Event Details: Thursday, October 11 6:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Emanuel 1129 Jefferson Road Greensboro Come and learn about NCIPL’s new energy-related resources and programs, all offered at no charge to congregations. These events are showcases of our emPOWERed program. We will explain how to receive a congregational energy audit, engage congregants with new and evolving […]

emPOWERed Greensboro

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

  Event Details: Thursday, October 11 6:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Emanuel 1129 Jefferson Road Greensboro Come and learn about NCIPL’s new energy-related resources and programs, all offered at no charge to congregations. These events are showcases of our emPOWERed program. We will explain how to receive a congregational energy audit, engage congregants with new and evolving […]

The Passing of Carolyn King

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

  Our friend Carolyn King passed on Tuesday evening after a long “medical adventure” (to use Sr. Evelyn Mattern’s term) with cancer.  She and her husband Cy have been leaders in the work for peace and justice for decades. Because of that history, they received the Council’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. If you didn’t […]

The Passing of Carolyn King

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

  Our friend Carolyn King passed on Tuesday evening after a long “medical adventure” (to use Sr. Evelyn Mattern’s term) with cancer.  She and her husband Cy have been leaders in the work for peace and justice for decades. Because of that history, they received the Council’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. If you didn’t […]

Sacred Potluck Challenge — Enter by Nov. 10

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Entering into fall, notions of harvests and feasts abound. As people of faith, we are called to make our eating decisions, our “foodscapes,” as sacred as possible. We must ask ourselves: how can our dietary choices best honor the rest of life? NCIPL’s Sacred Potluck Challenge is an opportunity for North Carolina congregations to answer […]

Sacred Potluck Challenge — Enter by Nov. 10

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Entering into fall, notions of harvests and feasts abound. As people of faith, we are called to make our eating decisions, our “foodscapes,” as sacred as possible. We must ask ourselves: how can our dietary choices best honor the rest of life? NCIPL’s Sacred Potluck Challenge is an opportunity for North Carolina congregations to answer […]

NC Farmworker Health Facts

By chris

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state.

NC Farmworker Health Facts

by chris

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state.

Clean Air, Clean Water, Good Jobs

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Over the past few months, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has been a proud part of a coalition of nonprofits and businesses participating in a statewide ad campaign emphasizing the link between clean air, clean water and good jobs. The slogan for the campaign was “All Three for NC.” The ads can be viewed on […]

Clean Air, Clean Water, Good Jobs

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Over the past few months, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has been a proud part of a coalition of nonprofits and businesses participating in a statewide ad campaign emphasizing the link between clean air, clean water and good jobs. The slogan for the campaign was “All Three for NC.” The ads can be viewed on […]

Choreographing A Flash Mob

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Why a statewide flash mob to celebrate National Food Day? Because I have big dreams, and even if I fail in achieving them, I can be encouraged knowing that I was not afraid to dream big and to go for it. But now, I’m humbled knowing that so many others hold the same dreams, and […]

Choreographing A Flash Mob

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Why a statewide flash mob to celebrate National Food Day? Because I have big dreams, and even if I fail in achieving them, I can be encouraged knowing that I was not afraid to dream big and to go for it. But now, I’m humbled knowing that so many others hold the same dreams, and […]

Immigrants are Big Business for Private Prison Companies

By chris

Did you know that the detention of immigrants is big business? Over the last several years we've witnessed the disturbing trend of private, for-profit prison corporations benefitting from new anti-immigrant laws. These prisons operate like hotels, where each and every bed that is filled provides profits for the company. Every empty bed, on the other hand, costs money. These companies have a financial incentive to detain as many immigrants as possible, and they have poured millions of dollars into lobbying efforts ensuring maximum profits.

Immigrants are Big Business for Private Prison Companies

by chris

Did you know that the detention of immigrants is big business? Over the last several years we’ve witnessed the disturbing trend of private, for-profit prison corporations benefitting from new anti-immigrant laws. These prisons operate like hotels, where each and every bed that is filled provides profits for the company. Every empty bed, on the other hand, costs money. These companies have a financial incentive to detain as many immigrants as possible, and they have poured millions of dollars into lobbying efforts ensuring maximum profits.

Farmworkers and Immigration

By chris

Not all immigrants are farmworkers, and not all farmworkers are immigrants. Yet as the following facts show, our agricultural system has always relied on the labor of displaced people that do not have the benefit of full citizenship in this country—whether indentured servants, slaves, sharecroppers, or undocumented immigrants.

Farmworkers and Immigration

by chris

Not all immigrants are farmworkers, and not all farmworkers are immigrants. Yet as the following facts show, our agricultural system has always relied on the labor of displaced people that do not have the benefit of full citizenship in this country—whether indentured servants, slaves, sharecroppers, or undocumented immigrants.

Become An emPOWERed Congregation

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Balancing a congregational budget is difficult. Caring for congregants, paying staff and clergy, funding mission work, and just plain paying the bills all place incredible demands on a congregation. But what if paying utility bills tied into mission work? And caring for buildings, grounds and congregants all went hand in hand? NCIPL’s emPOWERed program addresses […]

Become An emPOWERed Congregation

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Balancing a congregational budget is difficult. Caring for congregants, paying staff and clergy, funding mission work, and just plain paying the bills all place incredible demands on a congregation. But what if paying utility bills tied into mission work? And caring for buildings, grounds and congregants all went hand in hand? NCIPL’s emPOWERed program addresses […]

“Strangers” Are God’s Gift to the Church

By chris

In Church, when we talk about immigration, the first question isn’t whether immigrants contribute more than they take or how to secure the border. The first question is: “Who is my neighbor?” Are immigrants our neighbors? How do we as Christians treat people who don’t have the “right” status? How do we treat those whom society rejects and treats as invisible? This is a major question throughout the Bible.

“Strangers” Are God’s Gift to the Church

by chris

In Church, when we talk about immigration, the first question isn’t whether immigrants contribute more than they take or how to secure the border. The first question is: “Who is my neighbor?” Are immigrants our neighbors? How do we as Christians treat people who don’t have the “right” status? How do we treat those whom society rejects and treats as invisible? This is a major question throughout the Bible.

Clergy Breakfast on Immigration – Fuquay Varina

By chris

Speaker: Bishop Michael Burbidge, Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh

Thursday, October 25, 2012
8:30-10:00am
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
1005 Wilbon Rd.
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Clergy Breakfast on Immigration – Fuquay Varina

by chris

Speaker: Bishop Michael Burbidge, Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh

Thursday, October 25, 2012
8:30-10:00am
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
1005 Wilbon Rd.
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Worker Justice Leader in the Triangle This Week

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Kim Bobo, a religious and workers’ rights activist and executive director of Interfaith Worker Justice, will meet with other faith and worker rights activists in the Triangle this week to highlight worker-justice issues.  She is a highly regarded expert in her area of work and is the author of “Wage Theft in America.”  In his review of […]

Worker Justice Leader in the Triangle This Week

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Kim Bobo, a religious and workers’ rights activist and executive director of Interfaith Worker Justice, will meet with other faith and worker rights activists in the Triangle this week to highlight worker-justice issues.  She is a highly regarded expert in her area of work and is the author of “Wage Theft in America.”  In his review of […]

Tweet on Behalf of Children in Poverty

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Half in Ten reminds us that one in five children in the US lives in poverty (sadly, it is one in four in North Carolina) yet the presidential candidates are not discussing poverty in a meaningful way. The Coalition for Human Needs is joining with Half in Ten and Every Child Matters to try to change this discussion. […]

Tweet on Behalf of Children in Poverty

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Half in Ten reminds us that one in five children in the US lives in poverty (sadly, it is one in four in North Carolina) yet the presidential candidates are not discussing poverty in a meaningful way. The Coalition for Human Needs is joining with Half in Ten and Every Child Matters to try to change this discussion. […]

Watch the Webinar: The Politics of Immigration in Washington, DC

By chris

On September 18, the NC Council of Churches hosted a free one-hour webinar focused on immigration at the federal level. Between the recent Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s SB1070 and the Obama Administration’s announcement of deferred action, Congress has been engaged in a lively debate on many other issues related to immigration – and people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake. Learn about the latest bills and how your congregation can make a difference. Click here to watch a free recording of this webinar.

Watch the Webinar: The Politics of Immigration in Washington, DC

by chris

On September 18, the NC Council of Churches hosted a free one-hour webinar focused on immigration at the federal level. Between the recent Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s SB1070 and the Obama Administration’s announcement of deferred action, Congress has been engaged in a lively debate on many other issues related to immigration – and people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake. Learn about the latest bills and how your congregation can make a difference. Click here to watch a free recording of this webinar.

United States Farmworker Factsheet

By chris

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States.

United States Farmworker Factsheet

by chris

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States.

Harvest of Dignity Film and Study Guide Now Available

By chris

It’s been 50 years since Edward R. Murrow’s landmark documentary Harvest of Shame that examined the lives of farmworkers. How much has changed since then? And how much remains the same? Here is a look at the lives of farmworkers in North Carolina today. We worked with the Farmworker Advocacy Network to create an original study […]

Harvest of Dignity Film and Study Guide Now Available

by chris

It’s been 50 years since Edward R. Murrow’s landmark documentary Harvest of Shame that examined the lives of farmworkers. How much has changed since then? And how much remains the same? Here is a look at the lives of farmworkers in North Carolina today. We worked with the Farmworker Advocacy Network to create an original study […]

Mt. Zion Picked To Receive Life Saving Tools

By Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

Winston-Salem Chronicle

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the North Carolina Council of Churches, the American Red Cross and State Rep. Becky Carney have selected Winston-Salem’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church as one of 150 places of worship across the state to participate in Strive to Revive.

Mt. Zion Picked To Receive Life Saving Tools

Winston-Salem Chronicle

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the North Carolina Council of Churches, the American Red Cross and State Rep. Becky Carney have selected Winston-Salem’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church as one of 150 places of worship across the state to participate in Strive to Revive.

Evaluation

By chris

Please help us evaluate the 2012 Faith & Immigration Statewide Summit. Your feedback will help make future events even better. Thank you.

Evaluation

by chris

Please help us evaluate the 2012 Faith & Immigration Statewide Summit. Your feedback will help make future events even better. Thank you.

North Carolina UCC Receives Heart Defibrillator Through Health and Wellness Program

By Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

UCC News

Parkway United Church of Christ is now ready to take action if someone in the building shows signs of a heart attack. Through the North Carolina Council of Churches' Strive to Revive program, the Winston-Salem congregation qualified for a free automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR training, and the Rev. Craig Schaub made sure his church took advantage of the opportunity.

North Carolina UCC Receives Heart Defibrillator Through Health and Wellness Program

UCC News

Parkway United Church of Christ is now ready to take action if someone in the building shows signs of a heart attack. Through the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Strive to Revive program, the Winston-Salem congregation qualified for a free automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR training, and the Rev. Craig Schaub made sure his church took advantage of the opportunity.

Join the Food Day Flash Mob

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is organizing a statewide Flash Mob on October 24 at 12:05 p.m. There is no single set location for this Flash Mob, which is celebrating Food Day, a national event. Local communities will decide their site. Food Day is a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. I’m asking people all […]

Join the Food Day Flash Mob

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is organizing a statewide Flash Mob on October 24 at 12:05 p.m. There is no single set location for this Flash Mob, which is celebrating Food Day, a national event. Local communities will decide their site. Food Day is a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. I’m asking people all […]

All Kale, All the Time?

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It may seem premature to state this…but I love my new job: Partners in Health and Wholeness Regional Consultant.   I started working with the North Carolina Council of Churches on Monday.  So here we are, day four.  And what can I say?  Things are going pretty well.  So far I have been to a […]

All Kale, All the Time?

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It may seem premature to state this…but I love my new job: Partners in Health and Wholeness Regional Consultant.   I started working with the North Carolina Council of Churches on Monday.  So here we are, day four.  And what can I say?  Things are going pretty well.  So far I have been to a […]

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William Barber. Many Council folks know him. He’s the President of the NC NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Goldsboro. The power of his message was not in fiery delivery. It was a low-key conversation with a group of fifty or so progressive leaders, sitting in a circle in the chapel of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The power was in the profound thoughts he expressed and in the clear rightness of his words.

Reclaiming the Bible’s Prophetic Voice

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Recently, I heard a powerful message from the Rev. William Barber. Many Council folks know him. He’s the President of the NC NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Goldsboro. The power of his message was not in fiery delivery. It was a low-key conversation with a group of fifty or so progressive leaders, sitting in a circle in the chapel of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The power was in the profound thoughts he expressed and in the clear rightness of his words.

What We Do

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Explaining what the NC Council of Churches does is both exceedingly simple and exceptionally complex. I should know – it’s a big part of what I do for a living. In simple terms, we are a faith-based organization working on issues of social justice, peace and Christian unity. How we do that is where things […]

What We Do

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Explaining what the NC Council of Churches does is both exceedingly simple and exceptionally complex. I should know – it’s a big part of what I do for a living. In simple terms, we are a faith-based organization working on issues of social justice, peace and Christian unity. How we do that is where things […]

Canaries in the School Bus Lane

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

You probably know how the phrase “canary in the coal mine” came into being, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat it. Before there were other ways of monitoring for dangerous gases in coal mines, like carbon monoxide, miners took caged canaries with them into the tunnels. If gases were present, they would kill the canaries […]

Canaries in the School Bus Lane

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

You probably know how the phrase “canary in the coal mine” came into being, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat it. Before there were other ways of monitoring for dangerous gases in coal mines, like carbon monoxide, miners took caged canaries with them into the tunnels. If gases were present, they would kill the canaries […]

The Politics of Immigration: Updates from Washington, DC

By chris

Tuesday, September 18 10am-11am Register now You’re invited to join the NC Council of Churches and Church World Service for a free one-hour webinar focusing on immigration at the federal level. Between the recent Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s SB1070 and the Obama Administration’s announcement of deferred action, Congress has been engaged in a lively […]

The Politics of Immigration: Updates from Washington, DC

by chris

Tuesday, September 18 10am-11am Register now You’re invited to join the NC Council of Churches and Church World Service for a free one-hour webinar focusing on immigration at the federal level. Between the recent Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s SB1070 and the Obama Administration’s announcement of deferred action, Congress has been engaged in a lively […]

Manage the Unavoidable and Avoid the Unmanageable

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

NCIPL is all about helping faith communities find positive responses to climate change. It’s a big mission dealing with an extremely complex and rapidly changing problem. Science tells us that the climate has already changed and is extremely unlikely to change back to the stable conditions I was born into in the middle of the 20th […]

Manage the Unavoidable and Avoid the Unmanageable

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

NCIPL is all about helping faith communities find positive responses to climate change. It’s a big mission dealing with an extremely complex and rapidly changing problem. Science tells us that the climate has already changed and is extremely unlikely to change back to the stable conditions I was born into in the middle of the 20th […]