In a world where refugee crises are unfolding across continents, not every decision is simple—or universally supported.
The Episcopal Church in the United States recently made headlines for taking a firm and controversial stand: refusing to resettle a group of white Afrikaner refugees from South Africa.
The Church’s reason? It believes the group is receiving unfair, preferential treatment over other refugees who have been stuck in limbo for years.
This bold move has ignited discussions about race, justice, and what it truly means to care for those in need.
49 Afrikaners Arrive in the U.S. Amid Trump-Era Asylum Order
On Sunday, 11 May, a group of 49 white South African Afrikaners—families with children—left their homeland and landed in the United States the following day.
Their journey was made possible by a controversial executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.
He claimed these white farmers were victims of persecution and were having their land seized by the South African government without compensation.
Trump’s directive categorized the Afrikaners as refugees, sparking an urgent and divided response within American resettlement communities.
Episcopal Church Declines to Participate in Afrikaner Resettlement
Despite the federal government’s directive, the Episcopal Church, one of the major partners in the U.S. refugee resettlement program, took a different path.
In a letter addressed to church members, Presiding Bishop Reverend Sean Rowe expressed deep concern over what he called an “unusual” selection process for this particular group of refugees.
He pointed out the heartbreaking reality that thousands of people have been waiting for years in refugee camps or facing dangerous situations, with no such lifeline in sight.
“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation,” Rowe wrote, “we’ve decided not to move forward with this resettlement.”
A Broader Crisis in Refugee Admissions
Rowe didn’t stop there. He shed light on a wider issue: the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program had been largely inactive since January, with no new refugees arriving and many resettlement staff being laid off.
So when the government informed the church that their grant would be used specifically for resettling white Afrikaners, the church made a tough call. Rowe announced that they would conclude their federal resettlement partnership by the end of the fiscal year and redirect their resources to support migrants in other ways.
A Moral Stand Over Political Directives
For Bishop Rowe, the issue wasn’t just about policy—it was deeply moral and spiritual.
In his letter, he emphasized the teachings of Jesus and the church’s call to serve the marginalized, not based on political pressures but on principle.
“We must care for the poor and oppressed as we would for Christ himself,” he wrote.
“Right now, that means stepping away from the government’s refugee resettlement program and finding new ways to serve migrants more equitably.”
South African President Responds to Trump’s Claims
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke out publicly following a phone conversation with Donald Trump, aiming to counter the narrative that white South Africans are under targeted persecution.
Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa’s journey toward unity and democracy was guided by the principles of Nelson Mandela and other struggle leaders.
“We are the only African country where the colonizers came to stay, and we have never driven them out,” he explained.
He dismissed claims of a white exodus or systematic targeting, labeling them as attempts by fringe anti-transformation groups to reverse the progress of a democratic South Africa.
The Debate Goes Public
As the Episcopal Church’s decision spreads across social media and news platforms, public opinion remains divided.
Some applaud the church’s stand for racial justice and prioritizing the most vulnerable.
Others argue that persecution should be addressed regardless of skin color or nationality.
What’s clear is this: the conversation around race, justice, and who gets a place of safety is far from over.