The North Carolina Council of Churches will host its 2021 Legislative Seminar virtually from Monday, April 26 through Friday, April 30 daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Held biennially when the General Assembly holds its “long session,” the Seminar offers people of faith the factual tools they need to faithfully consider the policy matters that affect our lives and the lives of our neighbors.
Registration for the Seminar is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated. For more information on the 2021 Legislative Seminar, visit their website at
https://www.ncchurches.org/event-single/2021-legislative-seminar/
A highlight of the Legislative Seminar is presentation of the Council’s Faith Active in Public Life Award, which seeks to recognize a North Carolinian whose public service reflects the faith values of the Council.
This year the Council will honor Michael S. Regan, recently confirmed EPA Administrator and former Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. “Mr. Regan has been a long-time ally of the Council, particularly our eco-justice work, dating back to his days as Regional Director of the Southeast Office and Associate Vice President, Climate and Energy Program, at the Environmental Defense Fund, and right through our current work to ensure clean water and clean air for the people of North Carolina. We couldn’t be happier to know he will take this value system of caring for God’s creation to the national level.”
The Seminar begins Monday, April 26, at 11 a.m. with worship. The featured preacher is Bishop Valerie Melvin, Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in N.C. and N.C. Council of Churches Governing Board member. The worship service will include presentation of the Faith Active in Public Life award to Michael Regan.
Whether individuals are new to policy advocacy or have been engaged in this work for years, the Council’s Legislative Seminar offers a chance to learn about the important discussions during the 2021 General Assembly session, connect with fellow people of faith, and learn how to take meaningful action.
“The call to love our neighbor involves us in the steadfast work of social change,” said Isaac Villegas, President of the N.C. Council of Churches. “We’re especially interested in legislative action that enables our political institutions to care for the vulnerable among us, to center our political vision on people whose lives are disregarded in our communities.”
Individuals can register for any or all of the virtual workshops hosted daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Workshop topics include: Eco-Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Immigration Policy, Drug Policy, Voting Rights, Tax & Budget/Finance Reform, Healthcare Policy, Public Education, and Raising Wages. Our workshops will feature many expert speakers from Allison Riggs with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ), to Bryan Proffitt at the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), to Michelle Mathis with Olive Branch Ministries.
Register here: https://ncchurches.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/register?id=109