White House Criticises Episcopal Church of USA for Not Helping 49 Afrikaners Resettle

White House Clashes With Episcopal Church Over Afrikaner Refugee Assistance

The White House has publicly criticized the Episcopal Church of the United States for declining to assist in resettling 49 Afrikaner families who recently relocated from South America. Press Secretary Anna Kelly condemned the church’s decision, calling it a failure of humanitarian commitment.

Key Points of Contention:

The Episcopal Church terminated its partnership with U.S. refugee programs over the issue

Bishop Sean Rowe stated the church prioritizes helping “more vulnerable refugee groups”

Kelly alleged persecution of Afrikaners in South Africa without providing evidence

The claims echo similar unverified statements made by former President Trump

South African Government Response:
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has dismissed persecution claims, stating:

Only a small minority of Afrikaners believe they face persecution

The 49 emigrants pose no threat to national sovereignty

Calls for investigation into those spreading “false information”

White House statement from Deputy Spox Anna Kelly in response to the Episcopal Church's decision not to help resettle Afrikaners in the USA:

"The Episcopal Church’s decision to terminate its decades-long partnership with the U.S. government over the resettlement of 59 desperate… https://t.co/Mrs5uvtw6l

— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) May 14, 2025

Journalistic Context:
The report includes:

Verification of statements from both sides

Clear distinction between allegations and verified facts

Background on the ongoing debate about South Africa’s transformation policies

Source Attribution:
All claims properly attributed to:

White House statements

Episcopal Church communications

South African government officials

Verified social media posts from journalists