Episcopal Church to not accept white Afrikaner refugees for resettlement in the United States.

The Episcopal Church formally announced on Monday its decision to withdraw from the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, primarily due to its longstanding commitment to racial justice and reconciliation. The church’s leadership articulated that it would not assist in the resettlement of white South African refugees, specifically Afrikaners, who have been designated as refugees by the Trump administration.

The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, communicated to the church community that the administration had indicated an expectation for the church to provide support for the resettlement of these white Afrikaner refugees. This decision aligns with the church’s historic perspective on race relations, particularly in relation to the legacy of apartheid in South Africa. Notably, the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, recognized globally as an opponent of apartheid, was one of the prominent figures in the Anglican Communion to which the Episcopal Church belongs. Historically, the church divested from companies linked to South Africa during the 1980s to protest the injustices of apartheid.

In a letter addressed to church members, Rowe emphasized the ethical implications of aiding a group that has been selected for preferential treatment, contrasting them with many other refugees who have endured years of hardship in camps or dangerous conditions. He expressed concern that the church’s support for these particular refugees would compromise its mission of advocating for racial justice. The letter specified that the church intends to conclude its refugee resettlement grant agreements with the federal government by the end of the federal fiscal year.

In a recent development, a charter flight carrying 59 Afrikaners landed at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., shortly after Rowe’s letter was released. This event underscores the contrasting treatment of white South Africans relative to other refugee groups. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who welcomed the arrivals at the airport, commented that these individuals were chosen partly because they would likely integrate more easily into American society.

The South African government, led by a Black administration, along with various white religious leaders in the country, refuted claims made by the Trump administration regarding discrimination faced by white Afrikaners. In recent years, numerous faith-based organizations focused on refugee resettlement have expressed opposition to the administration’s policies, prompting lawsuits against it for what they view as unjust practices in the resettlement process. The Episcopal Church’s decision reflects a broader conversation within religious communities about justice, equity, and the current dynamics of refugee assistance.