Updated January 29th, 2025 at 3pm: Earlier this afternoon, the White House Office of Management and Budget  rescinded the memo demanding a freeze of federal funds. While we celebrate this victory, we acknowledge it is likely temporary and encourage our advocates to stay tuned for possible next steps. Thank you for your continued support! 

On January 28th, President Trump instructed all federal agencies to freeze and review funding appropriated by Congress. This order freezes 2,600 federal grants that support disaster relief responses for floods and wildfires, school lunch programs for children, emergency shelter and food assistance for seniors and low-income families, clean water programs, and so much more. While a federal judge temporarily halted this order late on Tuesday, if allowed to stand it would leave millions of Americans in need without critical aid.   

The United Church of Christ affiliated Back Bay Mission (BBM) is just one such agency that learned today it would be impacted by this federal freeze. BBM provides emergency assistance and housing rehabilitation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, an area deeply impacted by natural disasters. Other agencies and programs are still sorting out what impact this freeze will have on their funding and programs.   

Not only is this devastating for low-income and working-class families who rely on these federally funded programs, but it is a clear example of presidential overreach. This illegal freeze of government spending directly violates Congress’s authority over the federal budget, reflected in the Impoundment Act of 1974, which says a president does not have the authority to withhold appropriated funding.  

As people of faith, we must take action and call upon Congress to stand up against this unconstitutional action. 

The teachings of Jesus Christ instruct us to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick and in prison, and above all else, love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 25:40-45). What we do for the most vulnerable people in our world, we do for God.  

Help us embody God’s abundant love by acting with urgency to demand President Trump follows the law and fulfills the responsibility to distribute necessary funds and grants that so many benefit from. Urge Congress to stand up to this illegal and immoral order!