On October 18, 2021, Congregations for Children and United Methodist Advocates for Public Schools were represented at an ecumenical prayer vigil for our public school children who are affected by the ongoing Leandro court case, which determines funding for our public schools. The vigil was sponsored by one of our ecumenical faith partners, Pastors for NC Children, led by Rev. Suzanne Miller, Executive Director, and Rev. Chalice Overy, Board Co-Chair.

The purpose of the event was to draw attention to the importance of full funding of our public schools by our NC General Assembly so that every child in NC, regardless of his/her school district, zip code, or home address, receives a “sound, basic education” as directed by the Leandro decision. While we wait for a state budget to be approved by the General Assembly that includes full funding for our public schools, we gathered in prayer for school children, their families, teachers and other school employees, and our state legislators.

Members of our NCCUMC C4C Committee, NCCUMC pastors, and NCCUMC UMC local church members participated in this prayer vigil at the Bicentennial Plaza across from the NC Legislature Building.