Why the Episcopal Church Declined to Resettle White Afrikaners: A Deep Dive into Moral Stances and Community Impacts

The Episcopal Church has made a significant decision. It announced it will end a long-standing partnership with the federal government to resettle refugees. This decision comes after a moral disagreement involving white Afrikaners from South Africa, whom the Trump administration classified as refugees.

In a letter to church members, Bishop Sean W. Rowe expressed that the government’s request to resettle Afrikaners crossed a moral line. The church has deep ties to the fight against apartheid in South Africa, notably through figures like the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. For Rowe and the church, prioritizing racial justice and reconciliation is essential.

“As a church committed to these values, we can’t support this move,” Rowe stated. While they plan to wind down federally funded services, the church will provide support to refugees already in the U.S.

This announcement comes against a backdrop where the refugee program is largely frozen. Afrikaners are among the few being admitted under this program. The U.S. government, under Trump’s executive order in February, declared it would accept Afrikaners, citing claims of racial discrimination against them. However, many in South Africa, including religious leaders, have strongly rejected this narrative.

The church’s decision highlights a historical context. The Episcopal Church has actively campaigned against apartheid since the 1960s. It began withdrawing its investments from South Africa and voted to divest from companies operating there in the 1980s.

In a recent turn of events, refugee organizations have reported ongoing frustration with the government’s handling of refugee admissions. They argue that while it has fast-tracked Afrikaners, it hasn’t provided the same urgency for other vulnerable populations. Matthew Soerens from World Relief emphasized the need for broader refugee resettlement, noting the support even among conservative evangelical communities.

This situation raises important discussions about equity in refugee admissions and the moral responsibilities of faith-based organizations versus government actions. For many, the church’s stand represents a clear commitment to justice and ethical considerations in the complex landscape of immigration and refugee support.

For more insights on this matter, you can read Bishop Rowe’s letter and view the historical context of the Episcopal Church’s advocacy against apartheid here.



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