At the final plenary, on the final day of General Synod 35, delegates were engaging in faithful and urgent deliberation around two resolutions: “In Support of Restoration of Full Funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)” and “In Support of Restoration of Full Funding and Autonomy for the Voice of America (VOA).” Each resolution reflects the Church’s broader commitment to human dignity, global justice, and freedom of the press — values deeply rooted in the gospel call to love neighbor and pursue peace.
The resolutions call upon the Church and its members to speak out against funding reductions and political interference that threaten the vital humanitarian work of USAID and the editorial independence of VOA. Advocates for the resolutions emphasized the lifesaving and truth-bearing roles these agencies play on the global stage, particularly in vulnerable regions where democratic values and public health infrastructure are under threat.
The vote on both resolutions’ results are:
USAID Resolution vote: 567 approval, 9 deny, 3 abstain
VOA Resolution vote: 503 approval, 50 deny, 43 abstain
During floor discussions, speakers highlighted the importance of holding public institutions accountable to their founding missions of service and truth-telling. They named how restoring full funding would help stabilize global partnerships, combat poverty, address climate change, and support journalistic integrity in a time of growing disinformation.
Delegates prepare to vote to pass resolutions to restore full funding to the USAID and VOA at General Synod 35 in Kansas City on Tuesday, July 15. Photo by Hanz Holznagel.
During discussion on the second part of this resolution, Zoey Pfeiffer, of the Pacific Northwest Conference offered these words: “I am from the Pacific Northwest Conference and I was a part of this committee as well as the writing committee. I am here in support for this resolution, recognizing the vital role in America. Voice of America isn’t just a news outlet it’s a lifeline these symbol of our global engagement.”
As the body continues to wrestle with these important matters, the energy on the floor reflects the depth of care and conviction that delegates bring to their work — discerning and ultimately seeking to speak a collective word rooted in justice and hope.
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