At the end of February, we learned that United States funding for four of our projects has been terminated. This leaves us in a very challenging financial position but we are determined to find a way through.
Disastrous news for the world’s most vulnerable communities
In late January, the new American administration decided to suspend all international development funding. A month later, over 10,000 projects were terminated. It is reported that over forty billion dollars will no longer go to the world’s poorest people.
The US State Department supported six of Cord’s projects. At the end of February, we were shocked to learn that funding for four of these projects is being terminated with immediate effect, without explanation. This means a loss of approximately $2 million for Cord over the next three years. This leaves us with no choice but to bring these projects to an end. This is a heartbreaking decision and devastating for the affected communities.
The need for peace is greater than ever
We see tension, division, and violence in so many places around the world. War and conflict destroy lives. Human rights are denied. The resulting trauma lasts for generations. The decision to cut US international development funding is therefore deeply disturbing.
Even more bad news came with the UK government’s announcement to reduce the international development budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI —a cut of around £5.5 billion.
But now is not the time to step back. We continue to hold firm to our vision of a world where all people can live in peace and live life to the full. Our values will guide us as we seek to fulfil our mission.
57 Years of peacebuilding will continue
In 1967, a small group from St Mary’s Church in Leamington Spa gathered to pray. They were moved to help victims of the Vietnam War. Who could have imagined that their faith, compassion, and courage would transform the lives of thousands of people in countless countries for over half a century?
What began in that prayer meeting, now known as Cord, became a powerful river, flowing through the world’s most broken places, bringing healing, reconciliation, and hope.
Cord supporters’ overwhelming response
There has been an overwhelming response from Cord supporters following the launch of an emergency appeal in March. Cord’s CEO, Andy Pask, invited donations to help the organisation navigate this challenging period. He said, “In these volatile and challenging times, your donation—now more than ever before—will be an investment in peace and hope.”
Many supporters have sent messages of solidarity and encouragement with their donations:
“Standing with you at this time”
“May the Lord continue to provide for your good work”
“This must be a difficult time for Cord with all its financial uncertainties, but we must believe that despite everything, God will provide for your good work.”
“We have made a one-off donation and in the Spring when pension increments are known, we will look at increasing our monthly contribution.”
“Please do your best in Jesus’ name to bring peace to the people you currently serve despite the gaps in US assistance.”
“We will be praying for Jehovah Jireh to provide as only He can.”
A huge thankyou to all those who have given so generously to this appeal. If you would like to make a donation there’s still time.
