Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,

Thank you to everyone who joined us last month for the meet and greet, which marked the start of what I know will be an ongoing conversation with you all. Here is a link to the recording. As I mentioned during the event, my door is open to all USAID staff, interagency colleagues, and faith-based and community organizations. Please do not hesitate to contact cfbnp@usaid.gov to set up a time to meet.

Check out this month's newsletter below to learn more about USAID's approach to faith-based engagement, view the Agency's recent statements commemorating religious holidays, and more.

Thank you for all the work that you do. I am excited to carry forth the legacy of this office, which has had tremendous impact across multiple Administrations. I am excited to build and deepen relationships with many of you in this new season to forge a path towards a future that’s present with hope and possibility.

Peace,
Adam Nicholas Phillips
Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships Hub at USAID
Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation
Highlights
USAID’s Approach to Faith-Based Engagement
USAID faith-based partner CRS’ response to Tropical Depression Eta, which hit Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala in November 2020. Photo: Ivan Palma / CRS
In his recent blog, Director Adam Phillips shares his background, what brought him to USAID, and a snapshot of the Agency’s approach to faith-based engagement.

Adam also discussed the Biden administration's approach to faith-based engagement in his recent interview with Devex.
USAID Commemorates Religious Holidays and Observances
White tea candles lit during nighttime. Photo: Canva
USAID released statements honoring recent religious holidays and observations, noting how each relates to USAID's mission to build a peaceful, free, and prosperous world.
Evidence, Research, and Learning
Rabbi Gabriel Negrin places a candle in the Holocaust memorial at Etz Hayyim Synagogue in Chania, Crete. Photo: Patrick Comerford via USIP.
USAID is partnering with the The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) to conduct a research project, Closing the Gap, that analyzes trends in government restrictions on religion.

Launched last year, the ongoing project employs statistical analysis and case studies to better understand the relationship between religious freedom, peace, and development. Research findings will inform policy guidance and training resources for U.S. Government policymakers and peace practitioners.