Episcopal Church Refuses to Aid Resettlement of White South African Refugees
The Episcopal Church’s migration arm is ending its decades-long refugee resettlement partnership with the US government after being asked to assist white South Africans fast-tracked for asylum. Citing its commitment to racial justice, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe said the church could not support a program that offers preferential treatment to Afrikaners while sidelining long-waiting refugees, including wartime allies and persecuted Christians. The controversial policy began under Donald Trump, who accused South Africa of discriminating against whites. The decision ends a 40-year partnership that helped resettle over 100,000 refugees. While other agencies like Church World Service remain open to assisting the arrivals, the Episcopal Church plans to shift focus to supporting immigrants already in the US and abroad.
