The Episcopal Church is ending its refugee resettlement partnership with the federal government due to the Trump administration’s preferential treatment of white South African immigrants. This decision follows the arrival of 59 South Africans on a taxpayer-funded flight, a move the church views as prioritizing one group over others waiting in dangerous conditions. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe cited the church’s commitment to racial justice and the administration’s undermining of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program as key factors in this choice. The church plans to redirect its resources to support migrants through alternative means. The decision highlights concerns over the administration’s handling of refugee resettlement and the perceived politicization of the process.
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The Episcopal Church’s refusal to participate in a federal program resettling white South African refugees has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the American right. Prominent conservatives accused the church of racism and demanded funding cuts, citing the church’s receipt of over $50 million in federal grants for refugee resettlement. The Episcopal Church justified its decision based on its commitment to racial justice and its historical ties to South Africa, while the Trump administration maintains that these refugees are victims of genocide. The church will end its federal refugee resettlement program by September but will continue aiding refugees through other means.
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The Episcopal Church terminated its partnership with the U.S. government to resettle refugees due to moral objections to a Trump administration request to resettle white Afrikaners from South Africa. This decision, ending a four-decade relationship, stems from the church’s commitment to racial justice and its historical ties to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, which opposed apartheid. The White House criticized the decision, arguing that Afrikaners deserve resettlement regardless of politics. The church will continue supporting refugees through other means. This action comes amidst a broader Trump administration freeze on the refugee resettlement program, causing significant challenges for other resettlement organizations.
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The Episcopal Church ended its decades-long partnership with the U.S. government to resettle refugees due to moral objections to resettling white Afrikaners from South Africa, a request made by the Trump administration. This decision, announced by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, cites the church’s commitment to racial justice and its historical ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, which opposed apartheid. The church will continue supporting immigrants and refugees through other means, while the government’s actions have halted most refugee resettlement programs and sparked lawsuits from other resettlement organizations. This move coincides with the planned arrival of Afrikaners to the U.S., despite denials of systemic racism in South Africa.
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Following a national prayer service where she implored President Trump to show mercy towards marginalized groups including LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde refused to apologize for her remarks. Trump subsequently attacked Budde on social media, criticizing her sermon and demanding an apology. Budde’s plea highlighted the stark contrast between the Episcopal Church’s inclusive stance and Trump’s policies on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Her refusal to recant her message underscores the ongoing tension between religious leaders and the Trump administration.
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Following a national prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, President Trump condemned Bishop Mariann Budde’s remarks as “nasty” and politically motivated, criticizing her focus on marginalized groups and immigrants. He took to Truth Social to demand an apology from Budde and the Episcopal Church, alleging her speech was inappropriate and uninspiring. Trump further criticized the service’s overall quality, deeming it “boring and uninspiring.” The President’s response followed Budde’s plea for mercy and recognition of the fears and vulnerabilities of various communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants.
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John Q. Hosedrinker