United Women in Faith | Feb. 13, 2025
NEW YORK – Following the administration’s decision to shutter the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Women in Faith expressed concern for the millions of individuals and programs served by USAID. They lamented the challenge the lack of funding will have on core programs, including Africa University, which is affiliated with the United Methodist Church:
“It is imperative that the courts step in and save the lives of thousands of persons served by programs of USAID, including Africa University. To continue on this path of cruelty, in the freezing of foreign aid, is to break with precedent and sacrifice human lives. With each passing day, humanity hangs in the balance.
“We shouldn’t wait to see bodies piled up in international streets to take action. Nor should we allow our conscience to be desensitized to the pleas and pain of our brothers and sisters abroad.
“USAID was mandated by Congress and the government has a responsibility to act. People of faith must hold their representatives accountable for doing so. We are urging all members of United Women in Faith to call their congressional leaders and plead for mercy and action.
“We are also reminding the nation of these words from Matthew 25:37-40: “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
Dominique Francisco is director of communications for United Women in Faith.