When the Trump administration took office, a 90-day review of programs and projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was issued, immediately halting critical global work and providing a window for the administration to dismantle the agency completely. With the review period coming to an end, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83% of USAID programs have been eliminated.The dismantling of USAID and cutting of other foreign aid and peacebuilding programs run by other agencies, like the United States Institute of Peace, is theologically and morally reprehensible and irresponsible. It goes against our values to deprive people of life-saving HIV medications, prevent research that would cure diseases, and feed those who don’t have enough food. These are just a handful of examples of the kind of aid that is provided by USAID around the world. Join us in urging Congress to fund fully operational international development and peacebuilding institutions! While both USAID and USIP have experienced Presidential overreach, only one of these is a government agency. The U.S. Institute of Peace is an independent 501(c)3 that’s only tie to the federal government is that it receives congressional funding in recognition of the importance of peacebuilding efforts globally and U.S. responsibility to being a leader of peacebuilding both at home and abroad. No President has the authority to make decisions about or within USIP.
As a global leader, we are called to use our privilege and resources to help those in need. The United Church of Christ has been receiving updates from partners over the last 90-days whose communities have been impacted by first the freeze and now the cuts. The most immediate impact is being felt in the healthcare sphere with lack of access to various vaccines and HIV/AIDS medications. Agencies such as USAID and the United States Institute of Peace serve an important role not just in peacebuilding but global security. Through this work, our taxes help keep individuals and communities abroad safe, healthy, and secure—in turn making the world a safer place for all of us. The United Church of Christ’s call to build a just world for all requires us to advocate for programs that provide basic humanitarian support for all, including those run by USAID and USIP. Tell the President and Congress that we need fully operational international development and peacebuilding institutions today!
Tag: donald-trump
Don’t forget to follow us on Faith Expressed Freely
| Faith Expressed Freely – Statement on congressional response to Bishop Budde’s sermon |
| Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. – Isaiah 1:17 Preaching at the National Prayer Service, the Right Reverend Mariann Budde offered a sermon that was timely and prophetic following the inauguration of the 47th president. Her message offered a vision of hope and unity that is not easily lived and is needed now: |
| Unity is not partisan. Rather, unity is a way of being with one another that encompasses and respects differences, that teaches us to hold multiple perspectives and life experiences as valid and worthy of respect; that enables us, in our communities and in the halls of power, to genuinely care for one another even when we disagree. |
| Bishop Budde also warned about the normalization of a culture of contempt, of purposeful polarization manufactured to benefit a few while threatening to tear our country apart. The entirety of her message was lost in the response of the president of the United States, which focused on vilifying Bishop Budde’s appeal for mercy on the oppressed of our day. The prophetic plea was weaponized, and the message of unity presented went unheard. Bishop Budde’s words and actions are consistent with many faith leaders over the centuries and today who have provided voice in the call for justice. The voice of faith leaders must be heard in the public square calling truth to power in all times. We commend the courage and wisdom of Bishop Budde and other faith leaders who bring a message of justice and hope for the oppressed. The introduction of H. Res. 59 “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism and condemning its distorted message” is problematic as is the condemnation of the Bishop by the President. Our country’s rich history of religious freedom prohibits elected officials from dictating the message of religious communities, so their characterization of her sermon as “distorted” is deeply troubling. Faith leaders must be able to speak freely from the convictions of their faith, uncensored by threats of political retribution, following in the prophetic tradition, calling for justice in their communities. People of all faiths must be able to express their faith without fear of government harassment, coercion, or duress. As ministers of word and sacrament, we have a responsibility to seek justice for all. Our voices join with Bishop Budde and others defending the oppressed. This is a time to learn to do right, as the prophet Isaiah exhorts. The call for unity is before us. For the sake of the vulnerable with whom we are called to care and for the free expression of our faith, may we continue to center Jesus’ work and God’s vision for a just world for all. |
 |
| Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson General Minister and President/CEOUnited Church of Christ |
UCC GMP calls for peace after assassination attempt on former President Trump
A Pastoral Letter The United Church of Christ strongly condemns the violence directed against former President Donald Trump. Political violence has never been a solution to differing political beliefs and ideologies. As more details emerge regarding the shooting at the political rally for President Trump, we are horrified at the events which unfolded before us. With the former president injured and two dead including the gunman, we mourn this moment where violence is on display in the public square within our political arena. Today, I join with other voices calling for peace in our political process. This violence is a threat to the democracy we value in this country. As people of faith, we have the opportunity to be a part of civil discourse as we move through this time leading to another presidential election. A commitment to peace must be a priority in the days to come. More information will emerge and regardless of that information, peace is possible. We can commit to ensuring peace and civility among us. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. O God, we are shocked and appalled at the attempted shooting of former President Trump. We pray for his recovery and pray for the families of those who died as a result of this act of violence. May those who lost loved ones know the comfort of your embrace. Send your healing spirit upon those whose lives are affected by violence globally. Let there be peace among your people, O God, a deep and abiding peace which brings an end to the glorification of violence and ushers in a just world as you intend for all. Amen. Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia ThompsonGeneral Minister & President/CEOUnited Church of Christ
Lakewood United Church of Christ 