18 June 2018
Christians urged to pray for refugees on World Refugee Sunday
The World Evangelical Alliance has called on Christians worldwide to pray for refugees this week as part of its annual campaign.
To mark World Refugee Day on Wednesday, the global ministry has encouraged Christians and churches around the world to pray for individuals who are displaced due to persecution, violence and war on Sunday 17 and Sunday 24 June.
A range of resources has been produced to support and facilitate Christians during this period of prayer. This year, for example, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and the Refugee Highway Partnership have created resources underpinned by the following scripture, which shows us how to treat our distant neighbours: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me in" (Matthew 25:35).
A church pack is available to help church families mark the event on Sunday, and a seven-day prayer guide has been released to guide Christians through a week of prayer.The European Evangelical Alliance, meanwhile, has produced a film to encourage dialogue between citizens and asylum seekers, particularly in Europe.The Peace Between is a short film showcasing the friendships between three sets of Europeans and asylum seekers.
In 2015, the WEA established the Refugee Task Force to help churches and Christian communities around the world respond to refugee crises. The Task Force works closely with the WEA at the United Nations, advocating on behalf of refugees as well as helping the church serve refugee communities.
According to the UN there are an estimated 65 million-plus children, women and men who are displaced around the world due to persecution, violence and war.
Explore the World Refugee Sunday resources or discover more about The Peace Between.
