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Dear Members and Partners in Mission,
We need your voice today.
On Tuesday, January 28, an Executive Order went into effect, pausing U.S. foreign assistance for a 90-day review. As a result, nearly all foreign aid and development programs received immediate stop-work orders, halting life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide. While it is customary for new administrations to review programs, a sudden and prolonged disruption puts lives at risk, fuels global instability, and increases the chances of forced migration and violent conflict.
As a network of faith leaders committed to networking, formation and advocacy for God's Mission, USCMA stands in solidarity with those affected by this pause and urges you to contact your members of Congress immediately. Ask them to engage with the Administration to allow foreign assistance to continue uninterrupted during the review period. The people impacted by these funding pauses are those we, as missionaries, walk with daily—the children, families, and communities who rely on these programs for survival, stability, and hope.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a USCMA member, has provided an advocacy resource and a template letter for reaching out to Congress.
Access the CRS template here.
Personalizing your outreach with real stories of those who depend on this assistance will make an even greater impact.
Important Update
Late Tuesday, Secretary of State Rubio approved a waiver for “core lifesaving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance.” While this is a crucial step, it remains unclear which programs will continue and which will remain suspended. We must push for full transparency and ensure essential aid does not stop during the review process.
Federal humanitarian assistance has long been a priority for the U.S. Catholic Church. Just yesterday, 500 Catholics from across the country met with members of Congress as part of the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). They advocated for policies that support vulnerable families, including robust international humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding aid. USCMA was honored to stand with them in this mission.
Since 1948, through the USCCB’s Mission Secretariat—precursor to USCMA—our members have worked alongside government agencies to uphold the dignity of all people. As a network of faith leaders committed to networking, advocacy, and formation in God’s mission, we must act now. Let’s stand together to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
In mission and solidarity,
Antoinette Mensah, Ph.D.
President
Kevin Foy
Executive Director
Doshie Piper, Ph.D.
Chair, Advocacy Committee
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