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Institute for Emerging Issues

Faith & Community

Moving forward together.
Wrestling with realities.
Building capacity for the long haul.

About Faith & Community

The Faith and Community Initiative at IEI has existed in partnership with The Duke Endowment since 2015 to fold rural North Carolina faith leaders into local and statewide leadership on emerging issues. IEI invites rural faith leaders to our Emerging Issues Forum and our annual Faith and Community Conference. We provide technical assistance on community-congregation partnerships throughout the year. Our network includes more than 400 clergy, lay leaders and partners.

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Faith & Community is made possible through the generous funding of the Duke Endowment.

news

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Faith and Community Gathering Brings Leaders Together to Discuss Energy Issues

Faith leaders, advocates and community partners gathered at Open Table United Methodist Church in Raleigh on May 29, 2025, to reflect on conversations started at the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum, focusing on energy.  

Madeline Kujabi Joins IEI as Community Initiatives Program Specialist

IEI is excited to welcome Madeline Kujabi as its new Community Initiatives Program Specialist on the Faith and Community Initiatives team. Meet Madeline! 

Meet Jenny, IEI’s New Community Initiatives Intern

IEI is excited to welcome NC State University undergraduate student Jenny Browne as its new Community Initiatives Intern. Get to know Jenny! 

pathways to engage

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Peer Networks

IEI’s Peer Networks are issue-based informal resource groups around topics rural faith leaders care about.

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Faith & Community Events

IEI hosts an annual gathering and other events throughout the year for faith leaders passionate about community engagement and collaborative partnerships in rural North Carolina.

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Emerging Issues Forum

Rural faith leaders from around North Carolina gather at the Emerging Issues Forum each year, along with statewide leaders in business, education, non-profits, government, and more.

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Resources

Making your impact a little easier by connecting you to the best resources.

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Questions? Contact:

EB
Ellen Beasley

Faith and Community Initiative Lead

919-515-5398