|
The Lord defends the rights of orphans and widows.
He cares for foreigners and gives them food and clothing.
You should also care for them, because you were foreigners in Egypt.
(Deuteronomy 10:18-19, Contemporary English Version)
Dear Folks:
I have been asked how the UCC is responding to and affected by the recent funding cuts from the federal government. Perhaps the most significant effect is within Church World Service, an ecumenical agency that works to resettle refugees in partnership with the federal government. We support CWS through One Great Hour of Sharing offering (March 30, 2025) as well as providing UCC staff and board members to CWS. CWS is also supported by local CROP Walks. The UCC’s Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., works closely with CWS as well as with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition that has published a toolkit for action, which has clear steps on how to respond to the brazenly immoral government actions.
The Office of Public Policy and Advocacy is involved in a variety of actions directed at the government’s immigration reform and funding cessation. Faith-based groups have long partnered with the federal government to support refugees overseas and domestically. The Religious News Service (RNS) reports on this public-private collaboration and whether faith-based organizations should morally take funding from the feds. CWS, along with HIAS (Jewish refugee service), has joined a suit against the president brought by refugees waiting to enter the country for suspending the US Refugee Admissions Program. With the cessation of the program, flights have been stopped for travel-ready refugees, including children relocating to be with their parents and parents relocating to be with their children, leaving them stuck in camps. Here is a link to a few of the stories of the more than 10000 people ready for departure and blocked by these measures.
The UCC’s Education for Faithful Action Ministries has several ways to be involved with justice issues. To take action around foreign aid, refugee resettlement and asylum, here is a link to a letter you can address to congress members, and here is a FAQ sheet for houses of worship working in immigration ministries. Our General Counsel has also put together this document to discuss legal issues around churches and immigration, including response to ICE if they happen to show up at your church.
CWS and HIAS are two of the 10 faith-based agencies that work with the government in refugee support and resettlement. All of them have had to furlough staff and halt work in the US and around the world. As well, The Office of Public Policy and Advocacy reports that many federal workers in the DC area have been furloughed. Please keep these people in your prayers.
Peace,
Pastor Tony
| 
