The Catholic News Agency reported on January 31 that U.S. bishops are calling on Catholics to contact their congressional representatives, urging them to resume foreign aid programs. This appeal follows the Trump-Vance administration’s decision to temporarily halt funding for numerous humanitarian initiatives, including projects run by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
The freeze on funding was proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Critics argue that this move, led by an unelected bureaucrat, undermines global humanitarian efforts and disproportionately harms vulnerable communities.
What Is Catholic Relief Services (CRS)?
Catholic Relief Services is a globally recognized organization that receives both public and private funding, including financial support from USAID. CRS runs development projects and humanitarian aid programs across various continents, focusing on:
- Healthcare access
- Community development
- Fair-trade economic initiatives
- Post-disaster reconstruction
Real-World Impact of CRS Programs: A Witness’s Perspective
Lois Harr, a lifelong activist and retired director of campus ministry and social action at Manhattan University, has personally visited CRS-supported projects in five countries across three continents. Her experiences offer a powerful testimony to the life-changing impact of these programs:
Kenya
In Nairobi’s slums, CRS facilitated peacemaking projects between rival tribes and supported a hospital providing critical HIV/AIDS care.
Ecuador
CRS promoted Fair-Trade initiatives as a safer alternative to hazardous flower-farming practices, empowering workers and protecting the environment.
Haiti
Following the devastating 2010 earthquake, CRS contributed to the reconstruction of a vital hospital and the creation of community-building recreational spaces.
Palestine
CRS backed small businesses, such as Fair-Trade olive wood workshops and women-led textile cooperatives, boosting local economies and preserving cultural heritage.
Rwanda
In the aftermath of the genocide, CRS trained women—many of them widows—in efficient agricultural practices. These women now grow nutritious sweet potatoes to feed their families and sell the surplus to local processing plants for making flour, oils, and other products.
The Fallout from DOGE’s Funding Pause
The decision to pause foreign aid funding—driven by DOGE under Musk’s leadership—has put countless humanitarian projects at risk. CRS, along with other organizations that rely on U.S. aid, could face severe disruptions, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Critics argue that:
- The freeze violates human dignity by cutting off essential support to vulnerable communities.
- It undermines global stability by withdrawing support from peace-building and poverty reduction efforts.
- Musk’s role as an unelected decision-maker raises constitutional concerns about power and accountability in government operations.
Religious and Humanitarian Response
The U.S. bishops are urging Catholics and concerned citizens to take action by:
- Contacting members of Congress and advocating for the resumption of foreign aid programs.
- Supporting organizations like CRS through donations and volunteer work.
- Raising awareness about the critical role U.S. foreign aid plays in promoting peace, health, and economic stability worldwide.
