Faith-Based Organizations Send Letter to Congress

According to an article recently published by the Catholic News Agency, a coalition of faith-based organizations including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is asking Congress to take immediate action to help fund efforts to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic overseas. In a letter sent to leaders of both political parties in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, representatives of 36 organizations said America’s humanitarian efforts can play a key role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19, as well as obtaining personal protective equipment for health care workers on the front lines around the world.

Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which found that more than 70% of countries do not have the public health structure to handle outbreaks of disease, the letter continued, “A recent report estimated that up to three million deaths could occur in these countries without additional humanitarian assistance, and millions more stand on the brink of starvation given the economic upheaval in the world’s poorest countries.”

The letter also argues that without the additional funds, many countries may also see hampered efforts to treat malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, and to promote religious freedom.

“As leaders of faith-based organizations and communities, we implore you to take urgent action to support a robust international response to address the impacts of COVID-19 as part of any new emergency funding legislation,” the signatories said. “We pray that as our nation’s duly elected representatives of a generous people, you will collectively find a way to meet our nation’s responsibility to serve those less fortunate.”

“At this critical moment, we cannot turn our back on our brothers and sisters around the world,” the letter said. “As a nation, we have both the ability and obligation to provide resources which will prevent the worldwide spread of this disease and alleviate the suffering of those afflicted – and in so doing, we are certain it will also protect us here at home as well.”

In addition to Catholic Relief Services and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, other signatories included representatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, World Relief, the National Association of Evangelicals, World Vision US, and Sudan Relief Fund.