Refugee Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on what it means to be people of welcome, hospitality and compassion.
Across the world, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes because of conflict, persecution, violence, environmental disasters and other circumstances beyond their control. Behind every headline and statistic are individuals and families whose lives have been shaped by loss, uncertainty and the search for safety.
As Christians, our response is rooted in the Gospel. Throughout Scripture, we encounter God's concern for the stranger, the foreigner and those on the margins. We are reminded that every person is made in the image of God and worthy of dignity, respect and love.
Refugee Week invites us not only to learn more about the experiences of refugees and people seeking asylum, but also to celebrate the gifts, talents, cultures and perspectives they bring to our communities.
Many churches across the Diocese are already offering practical support, friendship, advocacy, English language opportunities, community activities and places of belonging for those rebuilding their lives in a new country.
At a time when public conversations about migration and asylum can often become polarised, Refugee Week provides an opportunity to listen well, build relationships and engage with these issues through the lens of faith, compassion and human dignity.
Whether your church is already involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers or is just beginning to explore how it might respond, we encourage you to use this week as a time for prayer, reflection and action.
Small acts of welcome can have a profound impact and help create communities where people feel valued, safe and able to flourish.
Resources
The following resources may be helpful for churches wishing to mark Refugee Week or reflect on their 'Welcome to the stranger' at any point in the year:
- Refugee Week resources, stories and events: https://refugeeweek.org/
- Church of England Migration and Asylum Guidance: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/views/migration-asylum-guidance
- Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Refugee Week and Sanctuary Sunday resources: https://ctbi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Refugee-Week-2026-Church-resources-website-1.pdf
As we mark Refugee Week, may we continue to grow as churches that offer welcome, build belonging and bear witness to God's love for all people.