May 28, 2009

WASHINGTON – Urging support for robust funding for foreign aid programs, 59 of the 65 synod bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) signed a letter calling on members of the U.S. Congress to co-sponsor the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act of 2009 (H.R. 2139). The bipartisan bill is intended to refocus the U.S. government's global development policies and programs to make them more effective at addressing poverty and security.

In the May 14 letter distributed to the 465-member U.S. House of Representatives, the bishops said "comprehensive reform is critical in order to more effectively meet the growing needs of those living in extreme poverty while ensuring global security."

The ELCA is one of several faith groups calling on millions of their constituents to urge their U.S. representatives to co-sponsor the bill. Nearly 50 Christian, Jewish and Muslim organizations are working together to issue statements on U.S. foreign assistance reform.

"Lutheran leaders understand the importance of U.S. foreign aid because we have seen firsthand how it affects our brothers and sisters in partner churches throughout the world," said the Rev. Peter Rogness, bishop, ELCA St. Paul (Minn.) Area Synod, and one of the signers. "Many individuals and communities that we work with have experienced the lifesaving reality of U.S. assistance," he said.

Every ELCA synod has an established relationship with at least one global church partner.

Kimberly C. Stietz, director for international public policy, ELCA Washington Office, said, "The Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act is a critical first step toward comprehensive reform of U.S. foreign aid. Comprehensive reform is necessary to ensure sustainability and the building of local capacities necessary to address the root causes of hunger and poverty."

The bishops stated that they were "acutely aware" of the severe consequences global partners face during the economic downturn. "A global development strategy will help ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively by eliminating duplication, increasing coordination among U.S. government agencies implementing foreign aid and requiring a more robust system of monitoring and evaluation," the bishops wrote.

The bill would direct the U.S. president to develop and implement a comprehensive national strategy for global development, establish new guidelines for monitoring and evaluating U.S. foreign assistance, and increase the transparency for U.S. foreign assistance.

The text of the ELCA Bishop's joint letter and information about Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act (H.R. 2139) is at http://tinyurl.com/ne5hts/, on the ELCA Web site.

ELCA News Service