In March 1961, President John F. Kennedy told Congress that giving substantial foreign aid to underdeveloped countries was his nation’s “moral and economic obligation” in the quest for global stability.
In the midst of the Cold War, Kennedy warned that failing to meet these obligations would be “disastrous, and, in the long run, more expensive.” He cautioned:
“Widespread poverty and chaos lead to a collapse of existing political and social structures, which would inevitably invite the advance of totalitarianism into every weak and unstable area.”
Kennedy created USAID by executive order, making foreign aid a central pillar of U.S. global leadership and emphasizing America’s desire to be a “wise leader” and “good neighbor.”
Six decades later, the U.S. Government has frozen USAID’s work, citing a review to align it with the “America First” foreign policy. In reality, this has created widespread uncertainty, disrupted critical life-saving programs—likely bringing an end to many—while significantly weakening U.S. strategic interests.
The Human Cost
This is a fast-moving situation, and while the Trump administration is now attempting to walk back some of the most life-threatening aspects of the aid freeze, chaos and confusion still reign. A confusing mix of waivers, abrupt stop-work orders, and bureaucratic uncertainty has made it nearly impossible for organizations to resume operations—compounded by the fact that USAID itself has been gutted.
At last review, the freeze had:
- Immediately impacted 1.2 million displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid escalating violence and an mpox outbreak.
- In Afghanistan, around 50 aid organizations had suspended operations, leaving 40 million people without critical support.
- In Sudan, now facing famine, food programs serving 800,000 people had been shut down.
- In Cambodia, near-successful malaria eradication efforts had halted.
- Vital services for 6.5 million orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV in 23 countries had stopped.
- Hunger monitoring programs in Yemen, Gaza, and multiple conflict zones had been crippled.
While USAID is not without flaws, the few questionable programs unearthed—though worthy of scrutiny—represent a tiny fraction of the overall aid budget. Allegations that USAID is rife with waste, corruption, or misaligned foreign policy objectives remain largely unsubstantiated.
Concerns over wasteful spending or funding for abortion and reproductive health clinics are understandable. Many Christians care deeply about where aid dollars go. But we must engage these concerns thoughtfully, ensuring valid questions don’t lead to reckless decisions.
For context, USAID was the world’s largest relief agency, providing 42% of all global humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024. The freeze has already had devastating effects, and unless fully reversed, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Faith-Based Aid Will Be Smashed
Many Christian denominations benefit from USAID partnerships, including Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, World Relief, and Catholic Relief Services. These faith-based organisations form the backbone of global humanitarian efforts, yet many of their projects have now been crippled.
The spiralling consequence of the aid freeze and the debate surrounding it is not just about money—it reveals a growing rejection of global responsibility and engagement, even within some Christian circles.
It is right that foreign aid policies should face constant scrutiny, oversight, accountability, and review. But a sudden abandonment of the aid and development agenda puts millions of lives at risk. It is both inhumane and reckless.
JD Vance’s “Ordo Amoris” Argument
JD Vance defended the USAID freeze using the medieval theological concept of “ordo amoris” (order of loves)—arguing that Christians should prioritize their own nation before helping others.
His interpretation, a version of “charity begins at home”, contradicts the Gospels. Christian love is not constrained by borders—Jesus consistently called us to care beyond our immediate circle.
Christian love is universal, not nationalist.
Micah’s Safer World for All campaign is not just policy—it is a Gospel imperative.
Why Australian Aid Matters
Not only is aid the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.
We need to adapt and respond continuously to the changing environment. We must develop theological, cultural, and pastoral responses to a globalizing world.
Giving aid opens the way for effective relationships with our global neighbors, and it also contributes to stability in our region and beyond.
Aid saves lives by breaking down barriers of poverty, enabling people to realize their God-given potential and build a better and fairer future.
Impact of Australian Aid in One Year
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10M+ people immunized with emergency assistance.
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2.38M people provided relief in conflict and crisis zones.
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240K+ additional children enrolled in school.
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248K+ survivors of gender-based violence received services.
Source: Performance of Australian Development Cooperation Report 2022–23
Australia’s Aid Budget: A Decade of Decline
Australia’s aid budget has declined structurally over the past decade, now standing at just 0.68% of the federal budget—far below the 1.12% level left by John Howard.
In an Australian election year, I see signs of a renewed debate over whether we give “too much” in foreign aid—despite polling showing most Australians overestimate how much we give.
This debate often ignores the fact that Australia has already undergone a major review and restructure of its aid program. In 2013, the Abbott Government abolished AusAID as a standalone agency, merging it into DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) in an effort to align aid more closely with diplomatic and trade priorities. This was accompanied by deep funding cuts, which many experts believe weakened Australia’s development expertise, influence, and long-term effectiveness.
In recent years, there have been some improvements, though much remains to be done.
The Morrison Government temporarily increased aid during the pandemic, but it took the Albanese Government making new long-term investments at the start of its tenure to stabilise an aid budget that was in significant structural decline. These gains were achieved in large part through Micah’s advocacy and the Church’s voice.
Yet, so much damage had already been done. In global aid rankings, we’ve dropped from 14th (2015) to 26th out of 31 comparable nations.
We need to do better.
A Call to Action: The Role of the Church
Sin manifests in hunger, injustice, sickness, and oppression—everything that cripples the image of God.
Salvation is expressed through justice, health, and abundance—restoring what is broken.
We are called by God to partner with Him to set things right.
We live in a time of multiple global crises, but we are not helpless. The signs of the times are also signs of hope.
It is time for Australia to be a beacon of hope.
Even a modest restoration of Australia’s aid budget to 1% of federal spending would have a profound impact. This is not unrealistic generosity—it is smart, strategic, and just.
We have the opportunity to be a game-changer, restoring Australia’s role in building peace, security, and human flourishing—a world that is safer for our neighbors and ourselves.
This is not just about government budgets—it’s about who we are as a nation and as followers of Christ.
Let’s encourage our leaders to make the right choice.