The Episcopal Church has announced it will no longer participate in the U.S. government’s refugee resettlement program, ending a decades-long partnership. This decision comes in response to a federal directive asking the church to help resettle white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, who have recently been granted fast-tracked refugee status by the Trump administration.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe stated that this move aligns with the church’s commitment to racial justice and its historical ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, a prominent anti-apartheid institution. He criticized the prioritization of these refugees over others who have waited for years in dire conditions, including allies of U.S. military efforts and those facing religious persecution.

The Trump administration’s decision to grant refugee status to white South Africans has sparked controversy. President Trump cited alleged racial discrimination and violence against white farmers following South Africa’s 2024 land reform law as reasons for the fast-tracked refugee status. However, South African officials and international bodies dispute claims of targeted violence against white farmers, citing lack of supporting evidence.

The Episcopal Church’s withdrawal from the resettlement program underscores ongoing tensions between the church and the Trump administration, highlighting broader debates over immigration and racial justice. Despite ending official resettlement work, the church remains committed to supporting migrants through other initiatives, reaffirming its dedication to racial justice and its global Anglican ties.