Rev. Eugene Cho is President/CEO of Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger. Bread’s mission is to educate and equip people to advocate for policies and programs that can help end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
Eugene preaches and speaks about Bread’s mission to end hunger, justice, and leadership at the intersection of faith and public life. By weaving together scripture, personal stories, and accessible hunger data, he encourages pastors, leaders, missionaries, and justice workers from churches and nonprofits throughout the world in the pursuit of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Eugene is Co-Chair of the U.S. Nutrition CEO Council, the body of leaders from international NGOs encouraging the U.S. government, civil society, corporations, and other stakeholders to make global nutrition expertise into law and policy. He also serves on the board of Interaction, the largest U.S.-based alliance of INGOs and partners, and on the Coordinating Committee for the Circle of Protection, the coalition of church bodies and related ministries who have united across theological, sociological, and political differences to advocate for U.S. government policies that better address the needs of people experiencing poverty and vulnerability.
Eugene has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as an Outstanding American by Choice, which was established to recognize “the significant contributions and achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens.” His father was born in what is now North Korea, in a village outside of Pyongyang. Eugene was born in Seoul, South Korea. When he was a child, his parents made a difficult decision to leave their homeland to come to the United States.
Prior to becoming President/CEO of Bread for the World, Eugene pastored a local church for nearly thirty years. He is also founder and visionary of One Day’s Wages, which works to promote awareness of extreme global poverty, invite simple giving (one day’s wages), and support sustainable relief through partnerships, especially with small organizations in developing regions.
Eugene has been married to Minhee J. Cho for over 25 years, and they have three adult children. Eugene enjoys fishing, basketball, and table tennis.
Posts By This Author
Everyone Needs to Read This
Diversity is the New Normal
'What the Arizona?': Silence is not an Option in the Immigration Debate
I know that there are many of you that are engaging, debating, learning, and wrestling with the issue known to most as immigration reform or known to others as, "What the Arizona?" And these debates and discussion will continue with more and more incidents like
Inspired by Haitians Rebuilding Haiti
First of all, I have several pictures below I'd love to share with you from my recent trip to Haiti. It's surreal to me that a week ago, I was in Haiti -- hosted by the good folks at World Concern. The primary reason was to assess the work they've done and grasp a glimpse of the strategy ahead -- for them and other organizations.
Two Words for Glenn Beck, Five Thoughts for the Church
By now, most of you have heard the brouhaha regarding what Glenn Beck said on his radio and TV show recently:
Maybe It's Not Supposed to Feel Right
Six Principles for How to Handle Critics
Don't Give Anything Up for Lent -- Give Yourself
'I don't live for the Jesus who eats red meat, drinks beer, and beats on other men.'
Several weeks ago, I had an extensive phone interview with a reporter from The New York Times about the growing popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the wide and nebulous net of "evangelical churches." The reporter had come across one of my previous blog entries
'Who Cares?' -- A Visual Guide to Americans' Charitable Giving
Religion and Women: The Oldest Injustice
Which Message Are You Listening to?
'Stand up for Christmas'?!
Equality in the Beautiful Image of God -- and the Ugliness of Violence Against Women
Thoughts on Zondervan's and Authors' Statements After Pulling of Deadly Viper Products
As many of you know, several Asian-American leaders and I have been in dialogue with both the authors of
Sarah Palin, Newsweek Cover, and Sexism
Sarah Palin is all over the news -- just like she wants. And before you criticize her, she and her team have a strategy and they're implementing it well to ensure that her persona is before the American public until the next Presidential election. Like her or not, get used to seeing and hearing much about Palin.
Continuing an Honest Conversation on Race
Three General Thoughts on Deadly Vipers, Mike Foster, Jud Wilhite, Soong-Chan Rah, Chuck Norris, Joyluck Club, Angry Asian Man, Wanna-Be Ninjas and Everyone Else
Why I Choose to Be at Times, 'an Angry Asian Man'
We often speak of 'loving our neighbors,' but it's really hard when we don't even know our neighbors. I see this to be a growing problem -- not just in the Church but our larger society. Why is it so hard to meet and grow with our neighbors?