Honoring World Refugee Day: A Call to Compassionate Witness

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 and bear witness to hope.

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 Reformed 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
  Urge your Members of Congress to protect refugee resettlement and preserve federal funding for refugee programs. This action alert is provided by our partners at Church World Service.
• 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
  Join World Renew and the CRC Centre for Public Dialogue by taking this action alert to urge the Canadian government to renew and expand its commitment to refugee welcome.
• 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.
• Journey With Me: Refugee Stories that Change Lives 
  Refugees are our neighbours. When one part of a community struggles, the entire community is affected. Our hope is that this workshop will help Christian citizens to work with their refugee neighbours for justice.

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.