Press Releases

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Renews Commitment with CWS as a Covenant Member

March 19, 2025

Washington, D.C.—CWS today announced that the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion) had committed to joining Church World Service as a Covenant Member. The A.M.E. Zion Church is the 15th faith-based organization to commit to Covenant Membership with CWS, together representing more than 10 million people of faith across the United States and Canada. CWS celebrates this partnership and …

By Invoking Alien Enemies Act of 1798, President Trump Brings Stains from America’s Past into the Present

March 16, 2025

Washington, D.C.—Today, Church World Service decries President Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Last invoked during World War II, it remains a stain on our nation’s history, leading to the detainment of 31,000 Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants based solely on their ancestry. Church World Service calls on President Trump to rescind the invocation of the Act …

CWS Responds to U.S. Government Status Report in Pacito v. Trump

March 11, 2025

CWS Responds to U.S. Government Status Report in Pacito v. Trump Proposal to deny refugee resettlement contracts to long standing partners would strip refugee families of robust established support networks Washington, D.C.—CWS today noted deep concern following news that the Department of State is preparing to issue a request for proposals to identify a new singular service provider to provide …

Faith Communities Unite in Historic Declaration to Defend Refugees at Critical Crossroads for U.S. Policy

March 4, 2025

Washington, D.C.— In an unprecedented moment of moral reckoning, Church World Service (CWS) today issues The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, a bold and urgent call to action from faith communities across the nation. With 45 initial signers—including CWS’ Covenant Members—this declaration is more than a statement, it is a solemn and unshakable commitment by religious leaders and organizations …

Church World Service on the Termination of Refugee Resettlement and Humanitarian Assistance Contracts

March 3, 2025

Washington, D.C.— Last week, in response to a court order requiring the Trump administration to reimburse frozen aid funding, the White House instead chose to terminate nearly 10,000 federal contracts, including those with agencies to resettle and welcome refugees. Church World Service unequivocally opposes these actions and expresses deep concern over the impact these decisions will have on the displaced, …