In a surprising turn of events, the White House criticized the Episcopal Church on Tuesday for its decision to sever its longstanding partnership with the federal government regarding refugee resettlement, citing the demographic composition of the latest group of refugees as a key factor—specifically, their whiteness.
The uproar began following an open letter from the church’s presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, who articulated the church’s refusal to assist in the resettlement of white Afrikaner families from South Africa. This decision seems particularly perplexing given the documented persecution, violent attacks, and political targeting these families face in the post-apartheid context.
Rather than extend compassion, the Episcopal Church opted to envelop itself in the rhetoric of “racial justice,” effectively turning its back on those suffering from violence and displacement due to their inconvenient status as politically incorrect victims.
In his letter, Rowe explained:
“Since January, the previously bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in which we participate has essentially shut down. Virtually no new refugees have arrived, hundreds of staff in resettlement agencies across the country have been laid off, and funding for the support of already-resettled refugees has been in limbo.
Then, just over two weeks ago, the federal government informed Episcopal Migration Ministries that, under the terms of our federal grant, we are expected to resettle white Afrikaners from South Africa, classified as refugees by the U.S. government.
In light of our church’s unwavering commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we cannot take this step. Therefore, we have decided to conclude our refugee resettlement grant agreements with the U.S. federal government by the end of the fiscal year.
It has been disheartening to witness a particular group of refugees, selected in an atypical manner, gain preferential treatment over many others who have been languishing in refugee camps or perilous situations for years. I am saddened and ashamed that many of the refugees who are now denied entry to the United States are individuals who bravely collaborated with our military in Iraq and Afghanistan, now facing threats due to their service. I also mourn the fact that victims of religious persecution, including Christians, have been overlooked in recent months.
As Christians, we must be guided not by political whims, but by the unwavering truth that the kingdom of God is revealed in the struggles of those on the margins. Jesus instructs us to care for the poor and vulnerable as if we were caring for him, and we must heed this command. Presently, this means ending our participation in the federal refugee resettlement program and reallocating our resources to assist migrants through different avenues.”
The hypocrisy becomes even more glaring considering that just last year, the Episcopal Church boasted about its efforts to assist undocumented immigrants who had contravened U.S. immigration laws.
Yet when the federal government legally designates 59 white Afrikaners as refugees according to international standards, the church suddenly opts for a different moral compass.
So much for compassion. So much for justice. So much for the core tenets of Christianity.
Read more:
Episcopal Church Ends Refugee Partnership with U.S. Government — Cites Moral Opposition to Resettling Persecuted White Afrikaners from South Africa
During an interview on CNN, Bishop Sean Rowe defended his stance against resettling South African refugees, asserting, “This is really about people who have jumped the line.”
WATCH:
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe defends his refusal to resettle South African refugees: “This is really about people who have jumped the line.”
“We can’t be ourselves as the church, as the people that Jesus has called us to—which is the most vulnerable—and take the… pic.twitter.com/D5yzyE3Mva
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) May 15, 2025
Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not hold back when addressing this issue with The Daily Signal:
“The Episcopal Church’s decision to end its decades-long partnership with the U.S. government over the resettlement of 59 desperate Afrikaner refugees raises serious concerns about its claimed commitment to humanitarian aid.
“Any religious organization should advocate for the plight of Afrikaners, who have endured terror, brutality, and persecution at the hands of the South African government.
“Afrikaners have faced unspeakable horrors and deserve refugee resettlement just as much as the hundreds of thousands who were permitted entry into the United States during the previous administration.”
“President [Donald] Trump has made it clear: refugee resettlement should be determined by need, not political considerations.”
