Racial Reconciliation & Social Justice

Racial Justice & Reconciliation

It is our unity in Christ that powers the efforts of the Episcopal Church to continue its ongoing efforts to combat the sin of racism. Racism is an affliction that sickens us as a community and as individuals. It is still alive and well. We see the effects of racism reflected in all aspects of society. Through resolutions passed nationally and in North Carolina, The Episcopal Church has extolled a consistent message to its churches, clergy, and parishioners to educate themselves and to take action to eliminate racism wherever it exists— in our institutions, communities, churches and ourselves. Much progress has been made but there is still work to be done to achieve the biblical imperative of unity in Christ.

Affordable Housing

The 204th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina created a Bishop’s Committee on Affordable Housing. The Committee has produced a guidebook to showcase successful housing programs in the Diocese and to suggest ways for all to get involved.

Money Bail Advocacy

At its 203rd Annual Convention in November 2018, the Diocese voted to approve Act 2018-12, calling for reform in the country's money bail system. With the backing of Convention, the work of the committee and others across the Diocese has turned to focus more on this fundamental issue of justice in our society.

Prison Ministry

The Bishop's Committee on Prison Ministry was created in 2010 at the 194th Annual Convention. Its continuing focus is to raise awareness of the need to bring Christ's light into North Carolina jails and prisons.

At its 203rd Annual Convention in November 2018, the Diocese voted to approve Act 2018-12, calling for reform in the country's money bail system. With the backing of Convention, the work of the committee and others across the Diocese has turned to focus more on this fundamental issue of justice in our society.

Immigration

Both the Diocese of North Carolina and the broader Episcopal Church have consistently supported compassionate, comprehensive immigration reform that respects the dignity of individuals, the sanctity of families and our scriptural mandate to care for the strangers among us. This collection of resources is designed to explain the Diocese's and the Episcopal Church's stances on immigration and immigration reform and to provide resources for better understanding the complex issue surrounding immigration and how our scriptural tradition sheds light on those issues.

Refugee Ministries

HELP OUR AFGHAN ALLIES

An estimated 123,000 Afghans will arrive in the United States during the next couple of months. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, “1,169 refugees from Afghanistan will arrive in the next 30 days and continue coming for the next six months.” (The News and Observer, September 22, 2021). Afghan arrivals fall largely in one of th…

Sanctuary

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention recommit to the spirit of the New Sanctuary Movement by supporting congregations so they can assist immigrant individuals, unaccompanied minors, families, and communities by being centers of information, services and accompaniment, and by supporting families facing separation in the absence of comprehensive, humane immigration reform.

- Recommit to Giving Sanctuary to Immigrants (Res. 2015-D057, 78th General Convention)

Diocesan Gun Policy

The Diocese of North Carolina declares its office properties, specifically the offices in Raleigh (200 West Morgan Street) and the leased space in Greensboro (301 Elm Street, Suite 308-C), gun-free zones. No guns concealed or otherwise are allowed on the premises.

We believe this policy is in keeping with the nonviolent principles of the life, teachings and example of Jesus and is responsive to Resolution 2012-D003 of our Church’s 77th General Convention recommending that all Episcopal dioceses and their congregations declare themselves a gun-free zone.