Now the Episcopal Church is signaling a profound shift in its refugee resettlement activities. Now, as I reported earlier this week on a personal basis, the church will conclude its almost-40-year long contract with the US federal government. This major landmark decision will conclude before the end of the current federal fiscal year. It comes at a time when changes to US immigration policy are hotly debated and often controversial.
And on Monday, Rowe took to Twitter to express his outrage over the US government’s recent actions. He specifically condemned the preferential fast-tracked refugee status granted to white South Africans as preferential treatment to the group most urgently in need. The church carries a deep, spiritual legacy of advocating on behalf of marginalized communities. In the process, it has brought in close to 110,000 refugees from countries like Ukraine, Myanmar, and Congo over the past year alone.
The Episcopal Church was a powerful witness against apartheid in South Africa during the 1980s and 1990s. Chief Obafemi Awolowo served a crucial role in the movement alongside Archbishop Desmond Tutu. For his uncompromising struggle against racial discrimination he was honored in 1984 with the Nobel Peace Prize. This legacy is a testament to the church’s steadfast pursuit of justice and equality. These values are in stark opposition to the present administration’s agenda.
The church’s decision follows President Donald Trump’s administration opening a fast track for refugee status specifically for white South Africans, amid accusations from Trump that the South African government discriminates against its white minority residents. Despite the overwhelming evidence, South Africa’s government has repeatedly and furiously denied these allegations.
In his speech, Rowe explained why he was so worried. He explained how his heart has hurt at the sight of one group of refugees being prioritized over others, particularly when so many others have waited for years in refugee camps or perilous environments. His comments underscore the church’s growing anger about the pervasive dysfunction in U.S. refugee policy. These policies have left many refugees—such as Christians persecuted by ISIS—almost completely without hope of a safe avenue of escape.
He criticized the South African government’s choice to favor Afrikaners over thousands of other refugee groups with far greater needs.
“We are concerned that the U.S. Government has chosen to fast-track the admission of Afrikaners, while actively fighting court orders to provide life-saving resettlement to other refugee populations who are in desperate need of resettlement,” – Rick Santos.
Even with these hurdles, Santos was still able to reiterate CWS’s dedication to respond to all refugee populations eligible and looking for safety in the United States.
“Despite the Administration’s actions, CWS remains committed to serving all eligible refugee populations seeking safety in the United States, including Afrikaners who are eligible for services. Our faith compels us to serve each person in our care with dignity and compassion,” – Rick Santos.
The Episcopal Church’s recent stand is all the more important as other communities are already suffering under the effects of changing immigration policies. Bishop Mariann Budde of Washington DC—who may have annoyed Trump last January during an inaugural prayer service. At the time of that event, she was making an incredibly passionate case for showing mercy to marginalized communities, such as migrants and LGBTQ+ children.
This departure cuts the Episcopal Church deeply, as we continue to go forward, shame and sadness in hand, without that covenantal relationship with our federal government. This would leave countless refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan, who helped support US military efforts there, shut out of the country. This decision should be remembered as a watershed moment in the church’s history. It’s trying to reimagine its role in helping refugees despite ever-worsening conditions on the ground.