Jobaaj Stories
🌍 South African Refugees Spark Church-Government Showdown
A major controversy has erupted in the U.S. after the Episcopal Church refused to help resettle white South African refugees, despite a push from former President Donald Trump.
The group, consisting of 49 Afrikaners—white descendants of Dutch and French colonial settlers—recently arrived in the U.S. under a fast-track refugee program launched by Trump.
⚖️ The Episcopal Church declined to participate, citing a “moral dilemma” and its long-standing ties to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
🏛️ Why the Episcopal Church Said No
In a letter to church members, Bishop Sean W. Rowe explained that the church's stance is grounded in racial justice and historical integrity.
✉️ “Given our deep relationship with the Anglican Church in South Africa and our legacy tied to Desmond Tutu's fight against apartheid, we cannot support this program,” Rowe wrote.
As a result:
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The Episcopal Church will end its formal refugee resettlement program with the U.S. government by September 2025.
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It will continue supporting South African refugees and others through non-governmental efforts.
📢 MAGA Supporters Lash Out at the Church
The decision drew immediate backlash from MAGA figures, who accused the church of racial bias:
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🗣️ Charlie Kirk: “I guess you aren’t a refugee if you’re white.”
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🔥 Alex Jones: “All federal funds MUST be pulled from the Episcopal Church.”
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💵 Parker Thayer noted the church received $50 million+ yearly under Biden to resettle refugees from 48 countries, but refused to help fewer than 50 white South African refugees.
📌 JD Vance, U.S. Vice President, called the move: “Crazy.”
🇿🇦 South Africa, Afrikaners, and Trump’s Argument
Trump defends the decision to welcome white refugees from South Africa, saying Afrikaner farmers face violence and racial targeting.
“It’s a genocide... White farmers are being killed, and their land is being taken,” Trump said Monday.
📉 But the South African government and courts strongly disagree.
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A South African judge ruled claims of “white genocide” as “clearly imagined.”
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Police data showed 44 farm murders in 2024, with only 8 white farmers among them.
🚫 Refugee Policy Controversy Widens
Critics say this case exposes selective immigration priorities:
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The Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status for Afghans this week.
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Refugee advocates claim that while white South African refugees were welcomed quickly, others from active war zones are still waiting.
📣 Rick Santos, head of Church World Service:
“The U.S. proved it can move fast when it wants to. It’s time to do that for ALL refugees.”
⛪ Not the First Church-State Clash
This isn't the first time the Episcopal Church has disagreed with federal policy.
Earlier this year, Bishop Mariann Budde criticized Trump’s immigration stance at a national prayer service. She later said:
“We may not see the world the same way, but we all belong in it. No one should be denied the right to be themselves.”
