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Wednesday marks the 100th day of the Trump administration’s second term. This milestone typically prompts a broad evaluation of an administration’s progress —its achievements, broken or fulfilled campaign promises, and the tone it sets for the future. This second Trump administration is no exception. In response, the advocacy efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have been vigorous, faithful and unrelenting during these first 100 days.
Litigation and protection of sensitive locations
One of the most notable developments from the denomination has been the decision to join as a plaintiff in Mennonite Church USA v. Department of Homeland Security. This lawsuit challenged the rescission of the “sensitive locations” memo, which had previously limited immigration enforcement at or near houses of worship. By joining this litigation, the General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and upholding the sanctity of spiritual sanctuary.
Expanding digital advocacy
Through webinars and Zoom dialogues, the denomination has reached Presbyterians across the country. In response to requests from multiple presbyteries, the Office of Public Witness hosted a webinar exploring the relationship between Project 2025 and executive orders.
“Presbyterian Advocacy Hour,” a new initiative by the Office of Public Witness, launched in February in collaboration with the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, the Office of Immigration Issues, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and other ministries of the denomination. Sessions are designed to educate and equip leaders on the theology of advocacy and interconnected issues like U.S. policy and global hunger, immigration and social justice. Upcoming topics will explore public education reform, economic advocacy through divestment and boycotts and strategies for effective community organizing.
Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations created a digital Advocacy Toolkit with prayers, litanies, strategies, and book recommendations for advocacy.
Action Alerts and legislative engagement
Action Alerts help Presbyterians contact their elected representatives on a range of urgent issues. The church has released Action Alerts calling to restored funding for USAID, a ceasefire in Palestine and Israel, and other key issues in response to major shifts in U.S. foreign policy. During the federal budget reconciliation process, OPW continues to urge Congress to preserve critical programs related to health care, food security and immigration. Engagement has been especially high on Action Alerts regarding Project 2025’s implementation and U.S. policy’s direct impact on human needs, both domestically and globally.
Global advocacy and witness
Advocacy in DC and at the UN extends far beyond U.S. borders. Global partners issued a joint Action Alert and participated in a candlelight vigil on the National Mall marking the second anniversary of the war in Sudan. Calls from faith leaders for Cuba’s removal from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list and a repeal of the FORCE Act echo in the halls of Congress. Alongside Congolese partners, Advocacy staff met with State Department officials to discuss the deepening crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The denomination remains firm in our support for UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and continues to advocate for a halt to U.S. military aid to Israel and a lasting ceasefire in the region. The Office of Public Witness has endorsed sustained foreign assistance funding and last week hosted a webinar emphasizing the importance of global vaccine access.
Local and congregational engagement
Face-to-face interaction with congregations and mid councils remains a cornerstone of advocacy work. In 2025, OPW has led worship, facilitated workshops, and hosted advocacy discussions in congregations across the country, such as Davidson College Presbyterian Church in Davidson, North Carolina; First Presbyterian Church in Morgantown, West Virginia; and with the Presbytery of East Tennessee and Synod of the Northeast. Additional visits to Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Florida are planned for the coming months.
In March, the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations hosted a delegation of 68 Presbyterians to the United Nations’ 69th Commission on the Status of Women. Delegates to this year’s Commission were especially passionate and engaged in “pushing back against the pushback” to the Commission by showing support for reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ rights, considering recent attempts to rollback hard-won progress.
Coalition partnerships and public witness
Advocacy work is deeply rooted in collaboration with both faith-based and secular coalitions. PC(USA) staff coordinate with partner organizations to lobby members of Congress and federal agencies. The denomination regularly signs joint letters when federal actions conflict with General Assembly policies. Every week, staff members join the interfaith community in Washington, D.C., for “Faithful Witness Wednesday: Calling Congress to Moral Courage,” a public witness campaign.
Recent actions include participation in the “Hands Off” rally, organizing Presbyterians at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and protesting against ICE raids and deportations at the Department of Homeland Security. OPW continues to our support of the Poor People’s Campaign, particularly when the Rev. Dr. William Barber is in D.C., advocating for voting rights, health care access and living wages.
Empowering the next generation
Equipping young adults is central to the PC(U.S.A.)’s advocacy mission. This summer, 10 college students and seminarians will serve in the Advocacy Offices, writing Action Alerts, attending policy briefings, and working with ecumenical partners. OPW and PMUN will both receive one seminarian in the fall for field education placements.
Each year, the Advocacy Offices host a Young Adult Advocacy Conference. This year’s will be at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, a site chosen in response to the 2023 campus shooting. Local leadership from the Rev. Neil Myer of UKirk MSU has been instrumental in shaping the event. In February, Columbia Theological Seminary held an Advocacy Day conference to equip future church leaders, where the Office of Public Witness played a featured role.
PMUN has engaged with youth and young adults to help equip and empower younger generations in the pursuit of holy justice. The office hosted a visit from the youth group of The Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains, New Jersey on the Tuesday of Holy Week, and is currently preparing to receive two fellows in the summer and a new seminarian and a Young Adult Volunteer in the fall.
A prophetic voice for justice
The PC(U.S.A.) is committed to raising a prophetic voice against policies and practices that stand in opposition to our faith values. The denomination remains deeply concerned about the administration’s immigration policies, the dismantling of federal departments, the dismissal of career public servants, and a growing disregard for democratic institutions and norms.
This work is grounded in the mandates of the General Assembly and the call of Jesus Christ to stand with “the least of these.” Presbyterians do not do this work because it is easy, but because we are called to love God and to love our neighbors, especially those suffering from injustice, violence and neglect.
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and Office of Public Witness are ministries within the PC(USA)’s Interim Unified Agency.
By the Office of Public Witness and Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
