The Episcopal Church in the United States has formally declined to assist in the resettlement of 49 Afrikaners who recently arrived in the country under a controversial refugee programme introduced by former President Donald Trump.
Episcopal Church on why it will not assist resettle Afrikaners in the US
The decision, which breaks from the church’s decades-long partnership with the federal government on refugee support, has triggered criticism from the White House.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced on Monday that the church’s migration services, known as Episcopal Migration Ministries, would not participate in the government’s plan to resettle the white South African group.
The group arrived at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC, aboard a private charter flight, where they were welcomed by a US government delegation.
Rowe explained the church’s reasoning:
“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we are not able to take this step.”
He added that the decision was also based on concerns of fairness.
“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.”
White House slams the church over its decision
In response, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly strongly criticised the Episcopal Church’s move, stating, “This decision raises serious questions about its supposed commitment to humanitarian aid.” Kelly defended the Afrikaners’ inclusion in the refugee programme, claiming they had “faced unspeakable horrors.”
The 49 Afrikaners, who include families and children, were granted refugee status by the Trump administration based on claims of racial discrimination in South Africa. The move was part of a broader programme launched in February 2025. Critics argue the programme is politically motivated and based on misleading claims.
In South Africa, the government has pushed back against these allegations. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has maintained that all citizens, regardless of race, are protected equally under the law.
“Allegations of discrimination are unfounded,” DIRCO said in a statement, adding that police statistics do not show white farmers being specifically targeted.
South Africa has not blocked the departure of the Afrikaner group, and DIRCO has confirmed they will retain their South African citizenship. However, it has requested clarity from the US about how the individuals were processed—whether as refugees, asylum seekers, or ordinary migrants.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has since extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit South Africa and witness conditions firsthand.
“There is no genocide here,” Mashatile said, urging Trump to see for himself how people of all races live and work together.
Meanwhile, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) condemned the refugee claims as politically motivated.
“These claims are a fabrication and a cowardly political construct,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.
With the Episcopal Church stepping away from the federal refugee programme, it marks the end of nearly 40 years of collaboration in resettling people from global conflict zones.
The church said it will conclude its federal grant agreements by the end of the financial year.