The Episcopal Church has announced its decision to cease participation in the U.S. government’s refugee resettlement program, following the Trump administration’s move to grant expedited refugee status to white South African Afrikaners. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe stated that the church’s commitment to racial justice and reconciliation prevents it from assisting in the resettlement of this specific group, highlighting concerns over preferential treatment.
On May 12, 2025, approximately 59 Afrikaner refugees arrived at Dulles International Airport under a new policy enacted by President Donald Trump. The administration cited alleged racial persecution and violence against white farmers in South Africa as justification for the expedited resettlement. This policy shift has sparked criticism from various quarters, including South African officials and refugee advocacy groups, who question the evidence supporting claims of targeted violence.
The Episcopal Church’s withdrawal from the resettlement program marks the end of a decades-long partnership with the federal government, during which the church assisted in resettling nearly 110,000 refugees from countries such as Ukraine, Myanmar, and Congo. Bishop Rowe emphasized that the church will now focus its efforts on aiding immigrants already in the United States or those stranded abroad.
Critics argue that the administration’s focus on resettling white South Africans, while suspending broader refugee admissions, sets a concerning precedent and undermines established international refugee protocols. The Episcopal Church’s decision underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the ethical considerations surrounding refugee resettlement.
