Church Leaders Push Back Against Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill

Faith Leaders Across Denominations Stand United Against Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Budget Bill

A broad coalition of Christian leaders is urging the U.S. Senate to reject President Donald Trump’s proposed budget reconciliation bill, House Resolution 1 (HR 1), warning that its provisions would fuel mass deportations, damage vulnerable communities, and threaten religious freedom.

In a strongly worded letter sent to senators this week, dozens of pastors and church leaders condemned the bill—dubbed by Trump as his “big beautiful bill”—for its potential to instill fear in immigrant communities, break apart families, and deepen poverty in the nation.

“The recent changes made by the Senate are inadequate and fail to address the bill’s harmful consequences significantly,” the letter reads.

The religious leaders voiced particular concern over tens of billions of dollars allocated for immigration enforcement, which they say would result in the separation of families—including U.S. citizens—and destabilize local communities.

They also criticized a provision that would allow immigration agents to enter churches and religious institutions, once considered protected spaces. “We’ve seen a decline in worship attendance as families fear showing up for services,” the signatories noted.

The letter goes on to oppose additional funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, arguing that it would harm the environment, push asylum seekers toward dangerous smuggling routes, and increase migrant deaths.

Faith leaders also rejected the bill’s proposed cuts to healthcare and food assistance, citing a Congressional Budget Office report that warns the legislation would shift wealth from the poorest Americans to the wealthiest.

“The moral integrity of a nation is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable,” the letter says. “In that light, this bill represents a profound moral failure.”

Signatories include leaders from various Christian denominations, including the Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches, among others.

While the Trump administration remains optimistic, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the president expects to sign the bill by July 4, faith leaders are calling on lawmakers to stand against it.

Interestingly, former Trump supporter Elon Musk has voiced strong opposition to the bill, even threatening to launch a new political party if it becomes law.

The American Bankers Association, however, expressed its backing of many of the bill’s provisions, citing benefits for taxpayers and businesses.

The Senate began intense deliberations on the bill with an overnight voting session on Monday, and a final decision is expected soon.