NCC Opposes Laken Riley Act (S.5)
On January 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the contentious Laken Riley Act (S.5) with a vote of 263-156, sending the bill to President Donald Trump for his signature. This legislation mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of minor crimes such as shoplifting—even when no charges are filed or convictions secured. It also grants state attorneys general unprecedented power to sue federal immigration agencies for perceived enforcement failures. These provisions undermine due process, exacerbate overcrowding in detention facilities, and disproportionately harm vulnerable communities.
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) strongly condemns S.5, as it directly contradicts Christian principles of justice, compassion, and fairness. Detaining individuals without charges or convictions violates fundamental rights and disproportionately harms marginalized populations, particularly immigrants. With projections suggesting more than 65,000 individual detainments annually, this legislation would overburden Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), creating inhumane conditions and straining judicial resources. Families will be torn apart by unnecessary detentions, while taxpayer dollars are diverted to overcrowded, punitive detention facilities.
This bill stands in stark contrast to the biblical call to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and to uphold justice for the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). Its enactment would perpetuate injustice, cruelty, and systemic inequality. The NCC strongly urges President Trump to veto the Laken Riley Act. We implore the President to reject this harmful legislation and prioritize policies that embody justice, compassion, and human dignity, ensuring fairness for all.
NCC member communions are encouraged to preach and teach about the importance of due process, justice, and compassion for immigrants. We call on faith leaders to advocate for policies that reflect these values, ensuring that our nation honors the dignity and humanity of all people.
NCC Condemns Harmful Executive Orders
In the first week of his presidency, President Trump signed several executive orders that deeply concern the National Council of Churches (NCC). On January 21, 2025, an executive order was issued to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies and contracting. While the stated aim is to promote civil rights and end discrimination, this order undermines decades of progress in rectifying systemic inequalities and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities. Revoking policies such as Executive Order 11246, which enforced Affirmative Action in federal contracting, erases vital safeguards designed to ensure fairness in hiring and procurement practices. Framing DEI efforts as discriminatory disregards the historic injustices they were meant to address, perpetuating inequities under the guise of promoting "merit."
The revocation of DEI policies will disproportionately harm communities of color, women, and other historically marginalized groups, denying them access to opportunities in federal hiring and contracting. Individuals who belong to these communities will face greater barriers to employment and economic advancement, while the country risks backsliding on decades of progress in promoting racial and gender equity. This executive order will make it more difficult to create diverse workplaces, directly impacting individuals seeking fairness and equal opportunities in public service and contracting.
The NCC firmly believes that addressing racial and gender disparities in hiring and contracting is a moral and spiritual imperative. The executive order risks worsening systemic inequalities, disproportionately affecting communities of color, women, and other marginalized groups. By equating equity-driven policies with favoritism, this order fails to uphold the shared responsibility to create a more inclusive society. The NCC calls for a recommitment to policies that promote equity, diversity, and justice, acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity of every individual as central to the Christian faith.
The NCC encourages member communions to engage in discussions about the moral imperative of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to speak out against these harmful executive orders by advocating for policies that prioritize equity, justice, and the dignity of all people.
NCC Opposes Congressional Cuts to Essential Safety Net Programs
The National Council of Churches (NCC) strongly opposes proposed congressional spending cuts targeting essential safety net programs, including Medicaid, food assistance, housing support, and poverty reduction initiatives. These cuts would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations and contradict the Christian call to care for the "least of these." Slashing funding for healthcare access, food assistance, and public services undermines human dignity and would leave millions without access to essential resources, exacerbating poverty, hunger, and inequality.
Proposals to cut Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other social programs would create devastating hardships for low-income families, children, seniors, and marginalized communities. Millions of individuals who rely on these programs for healthcare, food, and housing would face increased barriers to meeting their basic needs. These cuts would widen the gap between the rich and the poor, leaving countless people unable to escape poverty and more vulnerable to homelessness, hunger, and preventable health issues.
The government’s role is to promote equity and opportunity, not deepen inequality. The NCC urges Congress to reject these harmful proposals and protect vital programs that ensure access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education—basic human needs that reflect the values of love, justice, and mercy.
NCC member communions are encouraged to advocate for the preservation of these critical safety net programs by contacting their representatives and reminding them of their responsibility to advance systemic solutions that promote social and economic justice for all. Together, we can protect the dignity of those most in need and work toward a society that prioritizes compassion and equity. Read NCC’s full statement HERE.
On January 20th, the United States saw a return to the peaceful transition of power as Donald Trump succeeded Joe Biden as the 47th Presiden...
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