Over 100 Christian leaders denounce Trump cuts to foreign aid, mass deportations
Christian Post ^ | March 8, 2025 | Michael Gryboski
Posted on 03/08/2025 11:27:24 AM PST by Morgana
A group of over 100 Christian pastors and social justice activists have signed an open letter denouncing the Trump administration's cuts to welfare programs, foreign aid and large-scale deportations of immigrants in the country illegally.
Titled "Returning To Jesus: Practicing Lent In Our Time," the letter was the result of meetings among faith organization leaders in January, with the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, headed by longtime Evangelical progressive activist Jim Wallis, helping organize signatures and other logistics.
The letter does not mention President Donald Trump by name, though it does take issue with the current efforts of his administration to cut foreign aid and other anti-poverty programs.
"The massive cutting of foreign aid to those most in need, and from many faith-based organizations supplying it is a gospel issue for us that we must speak to, despite dishonest, personal, and unprecedented government attacks now coming against faith-based service providers," the letter reads.
"We must defend lifesaving international aid and humanitarian assistance that prevents hungry people from starving, keeps those in ill health from dying, and defends children and families lives from being destroyed."
The letter argues that "deficit reduction should never be at the expense of low-income families, while benefits are disproportionately given to the wealthy, calling it a "moral tradeoff" that is "unacceptable."
"As Christians on both sides of the political aisle, we must call on our local, state, and federal elected officials to oppose massive cuts in funding to programs like Medicaid that provide vital healthcare to the poor, and like SNAP, WIC, and other efforts to sustain food for the hungry," the letter reads.
The statement is centered on the liturgical season of Lent, a time of spiritual preparation for Easter Sunday that began on Wednesday and often involves participants giving things up.
"This year we celebrate Lent amidst a growing crisis in America, driven by the political accumulation of wealth, power, and control. This crisis already threatens the rule of law and the checks and balances of our constitutional democracy," reads the letter in part.
"In the deluge and whirlwind of this administration's initial actions we see the brutal abandonment and targeting of the people Jesus commands his followers to serve and protect. Defending the vulnerable and opposing unjust decisions are faith-rooted commitments we must examine during Lent."
The letter cites and quotes from Matthew 25, where Jesus is described as standing in judgment over the sheep and goats, with Jesus saying in verse 40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
The website where the letter was published also offers resources, including efforts to organize vigils during March and a petition calling for the administration to prohibit immigration raids on houses of worship.
Center on Faith and Justice Faculty Director Wallis is best known as the founder of the Evangelical progressive magazine and social justice organization Sojourners.
He said in a statement emailed to The Christian Post that the letter "draws on the biblical story of Jesus in the desert resisting Satan's temptations of money, wealth, and power as well as Jesus' final teachings in Matthew about how, in the end, we will be judged by how we treat the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, stranger, and imprisoned."
"If people read this and think it's political and especially if they feel like it directly confronts their own politics — then they need to reexamine their politics," Wallis contends.
Signatories include several notable left-leaning and progressive Christian leaders, including Shane Claiborne of Red Letter Christians, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Minister Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, Rev. Adam Hamilton of the mutli-campus United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in the Greater Kansas City area, Sojourners President Adam Taylor as well as Bishop Claude Alexander of The Park Church in North Carolina, a prominent figure in the Evangelicals for Harris campaign.
The open letter is not without its critics, among them David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at the Christian conservative advocacy group the Family Research Council.
Closson told CP in emailed comments that he commends "any group or denomination that prioritizes prayer" and that "Christians should take the admonition of Matthew 25 seriously."
"However, as reflected in the list of signatories, this letter represents yet another attempt by the theological left to reframe political issues through a progressive lens," he said.
"While it does not explicitly mention President Trump, it clearly criticizes his administration's efforts to eliminate certain controversial programs and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse — issues that have often been obscured under the umbrella of foreign aid."
Patrick Carolan of the activist organization Catholics Vote Common Good, who formerly served as executive director of the Franciscan Action Network, was also one of the signatories.
Carolan told CP that he signed the letter because he believes "that our Christian faith teaches us to care for the stranger, welcome the stranger, care for the poor."
"In our Christian faith, the one prayer that we're taught to pray all the time is the 'Our Father,' it's the one prayer that Jesus actually taught us. And in the Lord's Prayer, it says 'Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,'" he said.
"I often ask people, 'do you think in Heaven there's going to be children living in garbage dumps and starving while other people are living in mansions? And if God wouldn't find that acceptable in Heaven, why do you think God would find that acceptable on earth?'"
Carolan said, "The words of Jesus are obvious, to welcome the stranger, to care for the poor and the hungry," adding, "Jesus didn't beat around the bush about that."
"The one sin that Jesus talks most about in the Gospels, is the sin of hypocrisy," he continued. "It's kind of hypocritical to say you're following the message of Jesus while you want to cut out programs that care for the poor and the hungry."
Closson disputed the letter's claims, telling CP, "It is inaccurate to claim that the administration is engaging in unbiblical policies."
"On the contrary, when it comes to issues concerning creation order — such as abortion and transgenderism — this administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to policies that align with a biblical worldview," Closson continued.
"Since returning to office, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders that uphold these values, including measures to protect women's sports, reinstate the Mexico City Policy (which prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortion overseas), and prohibit gender-related medical interventions on minors. These and other actions reflect a commitment to biblical principles rather than a departure from them."
The Rev. Nancy Neal of the anti-hunger charity Bread for the World was another signatory, telling CP that "as a cradle rock Presbyterian, I was taught that caring for our neighbors is at the heart of our response to God's saving grace demonstrated in the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
"Historically, programs grounded in caring for the most vulnerable in our communities and world have had bipartisan support. And I have dedicated my life and ministry for the last 14 years to working in an organization that is distinctly nonpartisan," she said.
"At Bread for the World we seek to build bridges across political and theological divides, locking arms to advocate for a world without hunger. For 50 years, Bread has been guided by our Christian faith and rooted in scripture to lead the Church in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time."
Regarding what impact the Lenten letter may have on society, Closson responded that he does not "believe this letter will significantly influence the broader public discourse."
"The signatories represent a familiar group of individuals aligned with the theological left, and their positions on these issues are well known," he continued.
"Those who follow religious and political discussions are already aware of the perspectives these leaders hold, making it unlikely that this letter will shift public opinion in any meaningful way."
TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Mainline Protestant; Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: astroturf; atheists; christianpost; demagogicparty; dnctalkingpoint; dnctalkingpoints; doge; fauxiantroll; fauxiantrolls; liars; maga; mediawingofthednc; michaelgryboski; partisanmediashill; partisanmediashills; usaid
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1 posted on 03/08/2025 11:27:24 AM PST by Morgana
To: Morgana
It is not the function of government to implement their (or anyone else’s) concepts of charity.
They have a congregation. Talk to them about it.
2 posted on 03/08/2025 11:29:51 AM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is opinion or satire. Or both.)
To: Morgana
Sounds like a bunch of congregations with the rainbow flag draped outside
3 posted on 03/08/2025 11:31:56 AM PST by ckilmer
To: Morgana
I am not afraid to say it, they are not Christians, the are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are not aligned with scriptures and most likely seeking personal gain or influence from taking tax money for their ideology, not for actual Godly reasons.
4 posted on 03/08/2025 11:32:21 AM PST by Skwor
To: BenLurkin
Agree! If they cannot get the money from their congregations, then they need to not be assisting with that charity.
(Need to check the list. I may need to speed up my membership removal)
5 posted on 03/08/2025 11:32:21 AM PST by madison10
To: Morgana
To the 100 whiners
No one cares
The only reason you assholes care is that PRESIDENT Trump is cutting off your NGO gravy train
Stop swaddling your greed in “Charity”
6 posted on 03/08/2025 11:33:00 AM PST by 5Madman2 (Practicing random acts of Douchebaggery whenever possible)
To: Morgana
Let them open their own pockets. Let them send money to the deportees’ countries if they care so much.
7 posted on 03/08/2025 11:33:37 AM PST by T.B. Yoits
To: BenLurkin
They are enemy actors.
Audit them, end their 501(c)(3) status, stop all grants from any and every government agency.
Scorched earth.
8 posted on 03/08/2025 11:33:54 AM PST by cgbg (The Democrat Party is a criminal enterprise.)
To: Morgana
The Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, headed by longtime Evangelical progressive activist Jim Wallis is on the wrong side of the argument.
Individual freedom given by God at birth, not gov’t coercion, is America’s founding ideal and principle. Gov’t is meant to PROTECT our God-given rights to life, liberty, and free pursuits. Stopping and reversing invasion - illegal immigration - supports America’s founding principles.
Your “progressive” theology is false doctrine.
9 posted on 03/08/2025 11:34:44 AM PST
To: Morgana
I’m sure Catholic Charities is among them. They are as corrupt as they come.
10 posted on 03/08/2025 11:34:57 AM PST by laplata (They want each crisis to take the greatest toll possible.)
To: Morgana
Because “Christian” churches are making fortunes aiding and abetting criminal illegal aliens and their invasion.
11 posted on 03/08/2025 11:35:04 AM PST by Organic Panic (Democrats. Memories as short as Joe Biden's eyes)
To: Morgana
“Over 100 Christian leaders denounce Trump cuts to foreign aid, mass deportation”
Sure! They were all feeding from the same trough!
12 posted on 03/08/2025 11:35:12 AM PST by aquila48 (Do not let them make you "care" ! Guilting you i9s how they. control you. )
To: Skwor
I am not afraid to say it, they are not Christians, the are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are not aligned with scriptures and most likely seeking personal gain or influence from taking tax money for their ideology, not for actual Godly reasons.
><
You are correct.
13 posted on 03/08/2025 11:36:18 AM PST by laplata (They want each crisis to take the greatest toll possible.)
To: Morgana
I find very little proof that the Christian Post is really Christian.
14 posted on 03/08/2025 11:36:32 AM PST by Responsibility2nd (Nobody elected Elon Musk? Well nobody elected the Deep State either.)
To: 5Madman2
"Stop swaddling your greed in 'Charity.'"
That is an apt description of what they are about. Kudos.
15 posted on 03/08/2025 11:36:42 AM PST by Rockingham
To: 5Madman2
16 posted on 03/08/2025 11:37:14 AM PST by laplata (They want each crisis to take the greatest toll possible.)
To: Morgana
Remind them they can do it with their own money, instead of abusing government and destroying our future.
17 posted on 03/08/2025 11:37:33 AM PST by Vision (“Our Democracy” means "Our Slush Fund.")
To: Morgana
There are easily 100M Americans who will say these 100 pastors are wrong and probably corrupt.
18 posted on 03/08/2025 11:37:41 AM PST by Zathras
To: Morgana
Time to start the Peace Corps up again. Send all of the domestic missionaries to the poor countries and work with the folks there directly.
Oh, and fund it through private liberal donations to a GoFundMe account.
19 posted on 03/08/2025 11:38:29 AM PST by Bernard (Issue an annual budget. And Issue a federal government balance sheet. Let's see what we got.)
To: laplata
It’s time to revisit their tax exempt status. Especially if they take $$$ from NGO’s.
20 posted on 03/08/2025 11:38:51 AM PST by lula (God is in control.)
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