• The Episcopal Church ends its long-standing partnership with the U.S. government over the resettlement of white South Africans.
• Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe cites a commitment to racial justice as the primary reason for this decision.
• The church opposes the preferential treatment of Afrikaners while other refugees remain in dangerous conditions.
• This move reflects historical ties to South Africa and a commitment to combating racism, dating back to the anti-apartheid movement.
• Church World Service indicates its willingness to support the new South African arrivals despite the church's decision.

The Episcopal Church has officially announced its decision to terminate a nearly 40-year partnership with the U.S. government regarding refugee resettlement, principally due to its refusal to assist in resettling white Afrikaners from South Africa. This announcement was made by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, who expressed that the directive from the Trump administration crossed a “moral line” for the church, which prides itself on its commitment to racial justice and reconciliation. The decision follows the expedited refugee status granted by President Trump to Afrikaners amidst claims of racial discrimination in South Africa, which the government has vehemently denied, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Rowe stated, “It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years.” He highlighted that many refugees who had served alongside U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan are now facing risks at home, citing moral concerns regarding the church’s involvement in this selective resettlement process, as reported by Newsweek and NPR.

This termination will conclude the Episcopal Church's agreements with the U.S. federal government by the end of the fiscal year, marking a pivotal change in its involvement with refugee support. Rowe emphasized the church's ongoing commitment to aiding immigrants already present in the U.S. as well as those still in peril overseas, reinforcing a humanitarian mission distinct from the government’s current approach. His statements reflect the historical advocacy of the church against apartheid, as it continues to align itself with values rooted in compassion and justice, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Despite the Episcopal Church's refusal to participate in this specific resettlement initiative, other organizations such as Church World Service have indicated their readiness to assist the new incoming arrivals from South Africa. They expressed concern over the broader implications of the U.S. government's strategy in refugee admissions, particularly regarding its effectiveness and morality, as they advocate for all vulnerable populations awaiting resettlement, as shared by NPR and Los Angeles Times.