The Episcopal Bishop who made headlines for criticizing President Donald Trump during an inaugural prayer service is now facing scrutiny after reports revealed that the church received $53 million in taxpayer funds for migrant resettlement programs.

The funding was funneled through Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), the federal contracting arm of the Episcopal Church, which facilitated the resettlement of 3,600 individuals in 2023 using taxpayer dollars.

However, following his return to office, Trump has paused these programs for evaluation.

According to public records, EMM received $53 million from various government programs in 2023 to facilitate refugee resettlement efforts. In total, 6,400 individuals from 48 countries were sponsored by EMM, including individuals from:

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  • Afghanistan
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Vietnam
  • And other nations

In addition to its resettlement work, the Episcopal Church has actively advocated for additional federal programs that would benefit EMM, lobbying for expanded government funding in Washington, D.C.

A 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report raised concerns about how refugee resettlement agencies operate, stating:

“Funding is based on the number of refugees they serve, so affiliates are incentivized to maintain or increase the number of refugees they resettle each year rather than allowing the number to decrease.”

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This has led to criticism that organizations like EMM may have a financial incentive to support policies that encourage increased migration.

Bishop Mariann Budde, a vocal advocate for migrant resettlement, has been accused of conflict of interest due to her criticism of Trump’s immigration policies while leading an organization that benefits from federal funding.

During the inaugural prayer service, Budde addressed Trump directly, saying:

“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. In the name of a loving God, have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.”

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She also spoke in defense of undocumented immigrants, stating:

“And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings… They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals… I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.”

EMM plays a key role in resettling LGBTQ migrants and asylees through the Preferred Communities program, a federal initiative launched during the Obama administration.

The program provides additional government funding beyond standard refugee assistance and is designed to support:

  • Refugees facing social or psychological difficulties
  • Survivors of torture
  • LGBTQ refugees
  • HIV-positive refugees
  • Individuals with physical disabilities or other medical conditions

Additionally, the Matching Grant program, a public-private partnership, allows the Department of Health and Human Services to provide $1 for every 10 cents raised by EMM—meaning taxpayer dollars significantly outweigh private contributions.

Beyond direct resettlement funding, the Episcopal Church benefits financially through commissions earned on refugee travel loans.

These loans, issued by the International Organization for Migration, are funded by U.S. taxpayers and help refugees cover their travel costs to the United States.

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If a refugee repays the loan, the Episcopal Church retains 25% of the repayment.

This financial arrangement has led to further criticism of the organization’s involvement in migration programs, with questions raised about whether religious advocacy is influenced by the financial incentives tied to federal funding.

With Trump pausing migrant resettlement programs for further review, it remains to be seen how funding to organizations like EMM will be impacted.

The administration’s focus on border security and tightened immigration policies has put renewed scrutiny on how taxpayer dollars are used in refugee resettlement efforts.

As the debate continues, the Episcopal Church’s role in advocating for policies that directly fund its programs remains a topic of concern among critics who argue that faith-based groups should not be financially entangled with government immigration policies.

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