The Episcopal Church has announced the termination of its nearly 40-year partnership with the U.S. government for refugee resettlement. This decision comes in response to a controversial request from the Trump administration to assist in resettling white Afrikaners from South Africa. In a letter to its members on Monday, the church emphasized its commitment to racial justice as a moral imperative.
In an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe articulated the church's stance, stating that the administration's request crossed an ethical boundary. He expressed that the church could not condone the resettlement of Afrikaners while other refugee programs remain largely frozen by the White House. "The idea that we would be somehow resettling Afrikaners at this point over other refugees who have been vetted and waiting in camps for months or even years is unfathomable to us," Rowe said, highlighting the church's moral responsibility.
President Trump has repeatedly claimed, without substantiating evidence, that Afrikaners are facing genocide and land seizures in South Africa. Earlier this year, the Trump administration classified these white farmers as refugees. During a press briefing, Trump stated, "It's a genocide that's taking place that you people don't want to write about." However, NPR reported that despite a new land reform law in South Africa permitting rare cases of land expropriation without compensation, no actual land has been seized. Notably, white South Africans constitute about 7% of the population but own approximately 70% of the commercial farmland.
Rowe reflected on the values that guided the Episcopal Church's decision to end its partnership, emphasizing its historic ties to the Anglican Church in South Africa. "We have strong ties to that country and to that fight against racism and the apartheid regime," he pointed out, recalling the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu, a prominent figure in the Anglican community, was awarded the Nobel Prize for his leadership in opposing apartheid, reinforcing the church’s commitment to racial justice and reconciliation.
When questioned about the Trump administration's focus on Afrikaners, Rowe expressed confusion over why such a preference exists. "It seems to me that some people are more valuable than others," he said. He argued that the prioritization of white refugees over those facing persecution from other parts of the world contradicts the values of the Episcopal Church.
Since January, the refugee admission program has been largely halted, affecting the church's ability to assist those in need. "Since 1980, we've settled more than 100,000 refugees," Rowe noted, but the current pause means that almost no refugees are entering the United States. This situation is particularly troubling as it places Afrikaners ahead of individuals who have assisted U.S. forces, those facing religious persecution, and families awaiting reunification.
As the Episcopal Church concludes its partnership with the U.S. government in September, the future of its migration ministry remains uncertain. Rowe affirmed the church's dedication to continue advocating for refugees and migrants, even as they reassess their approach in light of recent developments. The church aims to uphold its core values of compassion and justice, ensuring that their mission aligns with their commitment to racial equity and humanitarian aid.
