For decades, the Christian Reformed Church and its members have held a deep, faithful commitment to welcoming refugees—fellow image bearers of Christ. Our churches and our faith communities have been strengthened and enriched by the presence, gifts, and stories of refugees who have become our neighbors, friends, and co-laborers in Christ.
World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, is a global opportunity to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the plight and resilience of refugees. By recognizing this day, you and your congregation can play a meaningful role in continuing our shared commitment to welcome the stranger.
A Resource for Reflection and Action
To support you in this work, Thrive, the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue, and World Renew invite you and your congregation to make use of our World Refugee Day Toolkit—not just on June 20, but throughout this month and beyond. It is our prayer that this resource will strengthen and encourage the faithful witness of Christian communities as they continue to extend Christ’s welcome to those seeking refuge.
In the toolkit, you’ll find a variety of ideas and resources to help you engage—whether as a congregation or as individuals. From worship and prayer to advocacy and community-building, there are many ways to demonstrate that Christians across North America stand in solidarity with refugees, following the call of Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Opportunities for Engagement in Canada and the U.S.
We also encourage you to explore country-specific advocacy and mobilization opportunities happening this week and in the weeks ahead:
U.S. Resources & Opportunities
- World Refugee Day Event Map
Find local events in your area using this interactive map—or add your own if you’re planning to host one. - Advocacy Opportunity
We invite you to urge your Members of Congress to support bipartisan immigration reform and defend refugee resettlement. This action alert is provided by our partners at the National Association of Evangelicals. We also encourage you to explore their video series, I Am Your Immigrant Neighbor. - Faith in Action: Practicing Biblical Advocacy (U.S.)
Take part in our self-guided workshop designed to equip you with tools for effective, faith-rooted advocacy by contacting your elected officials.
Canadian Resources & Opportunities
- World Refugee Day Events
On and leading up to June 20 there are events held in communities across Canada. We recommend visiting your local settlement agency, library, or community centre to learn more. - Advocacy Opportunity
The Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH) Association, of which World Renew is a member, has recently launched the “27 for 27” campaign, asking for a minimum of 27,000 privately sponsored refugee arrivals to Canada in 2027. This campaign and the associated letter echoes previous World Renew advocacy and we encourage you to send this to your elected representatives as a way to encourage more welcoming immigration policies. - Faith in Action: Practicing Biblical Advocacy (Canada)
Participate in our Canadian self-guided workshop to learn how to effectively engage your elected officials and advocate for just and compassionate refugee policies. - “What Have You Heard About Refugees in Canada?”
Since 1979, World Renew has supported Canadian churches in welcoming refugees. In this helpful resource, World Renew’s Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Program team shares some common perceptions you may hear about refugees, and how the team sees them.
We invite you to access the World Refugee Day Toolkit and explore recent stories of hope, hospitality, and Christian witness. Together, let us continue to be communities of welcome, mercy, and justice—bearing the light of Christ in a world longing for refuge and belonging.
Comments
As a member of an active refugee committee, we are happy to celebrate this day. We will have some life stories and special music from people within our church who are here as refugees. My concern is we celebrate World Refugee day in a time when the US has largely cut off accepting any refugees and Canada has reduced the numbers we are accepting by 30 to 40 percent. What is the larger CRC doing to address this. Like your article says, this is a call to compassion and faithful witness. Shouldn't this be part of our faithful witnessing that should be talked about at synod?
Hi Karl,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for the faithful work your refugee committee is doing. We share your concern about the significant reductions in refugee admissions and resettlement opportunities in both the U.S. and Canada.
As part of our response, Thrive and the CRC, together with ecumenical partners, continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and policies that protect and welcome refugees and other vulnerable newcomers. At the local level, we're also working to equip congregations to faithfully welcome, support, and walk alongside immigrants and refugees in their communities.
We'd be glad to continue this conversation and explore ways we can support you and your congregation in this work. Please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Thank you again for your compassionate witness and commitment to welcoming the stranger.
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