Rise in Global Displacement and Faith-Based Responses
In the last decade, the global number of individuals who have been forcibly displaced due to persecution or conflict has nearly doubled, with over 120 million currently living in exile. A significant number of pastors contend that the U.S. government bears a moral obligation to assist these refugees, with many churches actively engaged in serving this population.
A striking 82% of pastors affirm that the United States has a ethical duty to accept refugees fleeing persecution linked to factors such as race, religion, or political beliefs. This sentiment is notably echoed by 78% of evangelical pastors and 90% of those from mainline Protestant denominations. A survey conducted in 2025 indicates that seven out of ten evangelicals support this view.
A substantial 84% of pastors assert that prioritizing Christians fleeing persecution is crucial for refugee resettlement efforts. Other groups deserving priority, as identified by the pastors, include individuals with family members already in the U.S. (70%), Afghans at risk due to their service to the U.S. military (63%), those facing ethnic or racial persecution (60%), and people escaping wars in countries like Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (57%). Additionally, 51% believe that victims of gang violence should be prioritized.
Conversely, fewer pastors indicated that those fleeing political persecution (46%) or non-Christian religious persecution (44%) should be prioritized. Only 18% felt the Afrikaner minority from South Africa warranted resettlement focus, while a mere 2% believed that all refugee admissions to the United States should cease.
Matthew Sorens, Vice President of Global Relief Policy, criticized the administration’s early 2025 decision to suspend all refugee resettlement and limit reinstatement to white South Africans. He stated, “To garner the support of pastors, prioritization should shift towards those facing persecution for their Christian faith, family reunification, and Afghans at risk for their service in the military.”
Upon the arrival of refugees, a significant number of congregations step up to assist. Currently, 41% of churches engage in ministries that support refugees and immigrants, with 24% reporting active initiatives. Furthermore, 36% of pastors believe the American church should lead in addressing the escalating global displacement crisis.
When reflecting on global priorities, pastors predominantly emphasize discipleship training (71%) and evangelism (62%). However, opinions diverge on a third critical issue, with 25% prioritizing refugees and immigration. Other pressing concerns identified include religious persecution and the welfare of orphans, each cited by 20% of respondents. Issues like hunger (18%), war (16%), changing social attitudes (15%), and human trafficking (14%) were seen as less urgent, with climate change (9%) and global health (6%) even further down the list of priorities.
Despite a tendency for pastors to address key issues such as discipleship and evangelism in their sermons—95% and 88%, respectively—there remains a disconnect in some matters. Notably, 64% address religious persecution, and 59% discuss war and conflict. Issues such as the welfare of women and girls and climate change receive comparatively less attention.
Recent cuts to government foreign aid have significantly impacted humanitarian efforts worldwide, prompting 46% of U.S. Protestant pastors to report that their churches are bolstering initiatives to tackle these challenges. Meanwhile, 21% have advocated for the restoration of foreign aid funding, reflecting a strong commitment among many to engage with community needs amidst shifting governmental priorities.
While some pastors support the ongoing cuts—22% fully endorse reductions in foreign aid, and 19% feel some cuts were necessary but excessive—others highlight the challenges posed by these funding reductions. Approximately 26% express concerns that churches cannot completely fill the void left by cuts in foreign aid, with 13% uncertain about the church’s capacity to address these pressing issues.
The sudden drop in foreign aid has severely impacted vulnerable communities globally, and it is notable that only a small number of pastors support these reductions fully. Many churches have taken proactive measures to advocate and collaborate directly with organizations to provide humanitarian assistance in response to crises.
