After cuts, Trump administration gives $2B to Christian groups for global aid

(RNS) — The Trump administration announced plans to provide close to $2 billion in funding to faith-based and community groups for health and humanitarian assistance in more than a dozen countries, drawing praise from groups receiving funding and criticism from others for its emphasis on funding Christian organizations.

The assistance, which comes after the administration’s massive cuts to global support once offered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, is part of commitments detailed in the America First Global Health Strategy released by the State Department last September. It focuses on prioritizing American interests while promoting assistance in saving lives, according to the administration, which announced the funding on Thursday (Aug. 6).

The largest portion of the funding — $1.4 billion — is expected to support some 2,500 faith-based hospitals and clinics and train and pay tens of thousands of community health workers to provide healthcare services.

World Vision, an international evangelical humanitarian organization, and a consortium of local faith-based groups are to receive an award for a Faith and Community Initiative to provide healthcare services…