Episcopal Church Ends U.S. Refugee Partnership

The Episcopal Church has ended its decades-long partnership with the U.S. federal government on refugee resettlement, citing its refusal to participate in the Trump administration’s directive to prioritize white South African Afrikaners for expedited resettlement while most other refugee programs were suspended. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe pointed to the church’s dedication to racial justice and its relationship with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa as key reasons for the decision. The policy allowed 49 Afrikaners to arrive in the U.S., drawing criticism for giving preferential treatment to white South Africans over refugees from war-torn countries and those who aided U.S. forces abroad. Church World Service and other faith-based groups have agreed to participate in the resettlement but have voiced concerns about the administration’s selective approach. The South African government denies allegations of discrimination against white citizens. The Episcopal Church will continue to support refugees through other channels and will end its federal resettlement grants by the end of the fiscal year.