By Hannah Santos, Communications & Campaigns Specialist, UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy
Published: May 21, 2025
As Congress advances a controversial budget reconciliation bill proposing over $1 trillion in cuts to essential public aid programs, faith leaders and communities from across the country have mobilized in protest.
The legislation includes $715 billion in Medicaid cuts and $313 billion in reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs are being slashed to fund tax breaks for billionaires and corporations, as well as to support an expanded national deportation agenda.
Communities at Risk: Children, Mothers, and the Poor
Medicaid currently serves as the largest single payer of maternity care and pediatric services, covering 40% of mothers and 49% of children nationwide. SNAP, a crucial nutritional lifeline, would see eligibility shrink, with children over the age of seven reclassified as “nonworking adults,” effectively removing their access to food assistance.
“These cuts would leave children hungry and without access to doctors,” said Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ (UCC). “Congress must vote in line with values of compassion and justice—not corporate greed.”
UCC Advocacy Week Mobilizes Nationwide Support
From April 21–25, the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, along with UCC Wellness Ministries and the UCC Council on Health and Human Services Ministries, hosted Medicaid and SNAP Advocacy Week in Washington, D.C.
The event brought together 51 congregations and 16 nonprofits to raise a unified voice against the proposed legislation. Participants took part in advocacy trainings and met with members of Congress to urge the protection of vulnerable communities.
One such delegation from Ada Congregational Church met with Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI). “She was receptive to our concerns and encouraged us to engage with representatives from rural districts,” said Rev. Rebecca Riekse, Minister of Faith Formation.
Another participant noted that congressional staff were “truly listening,” and later confirmed that their message had been passed directly to the legislator.
Letters, Lobbying, and Interfaith Action
Beyond in-person meetings, the UCC and other faith partners submitted several formal letters to Congressional committees, including:
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A joint letter to the Energy and Commerce and Agriculture Committees, outlining how the proposed cuts would harm faith communities;
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A letter to the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, highlighting the moral cost of defunding social services to expand deportation efforts;
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A letter focused on the impact of Medicaid cuts on people with disabilities, who rely heavily on this program for access to critical care.
On May 8, UCC leaders joined over 500 clergy from states including New York, Maine, and Arizona in signing and hand-delivering letters to members of Congress, urging them to vote against the bill.
“We will not allow our government to balance its budget on the backs of the poor,” said Abigail Cipparone, UCC Domestic Policy Advocate. “The energy and passion from our congregations has been inspiring—and necessary.”
Prayer Vigils in the Halls of Congress
On May 13–14, an interfaith coalition held silent prayer vigils and song-filled demonstrations outside congressional committee hearings. Wearing shirts that read “God is Watching” and “Whatever You Do to the Least of These,” advocates stood in solidarity as lawmakers advanced bills that would strip millions of families of healthcare and nutrition support.
Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, led one of the vigils. “Cutting programs that feed and heal children while rewarding billionaires is morally indefensible,” he said.
Next Steps: A Call to Action
The House may soon vote on this legislation, but resistance is far from over. On June 10, faith leaders from across the country will gather for a procession and prayer vigil at the U.S. Capitol ahead of a key Senate vote.
This national event is co-sponsored by the UCC, which urges concerned individuals to participate and contact their legislators through the UCC Action Center.
“As Christians, we are called to build a just world for all,” said Rev. Thompson. “We pray that our lawmakers will choose love, equity, and compassion over cruelty and greed.”
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United Church of Christ News
