Churches invited to commemorate refugees who died on Europe's borders

Photo: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk

Source: CCME

In anticipation of the World Refugee Day on 20 June 2022, the Conference of European Churches (CEC) together with the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) is inviting churches to commemorate thousands of migrants and refugees, who lost their lives in the Mediterranean, as well as other borders in and around Europe, seeking safety.

In their joint appeal, CEC and CCME encourage churches to hold dedicated services, prayers and vigils on 19 June, continuing with tradition from past years.

"In this period of Ascension and Pentecost, filled with hope and light intended for all humankind, we are deeply saddened that suffering, hopelessness, and death continues for thousands of our brothers and sister on the outer borders of the European Union and wider Europe," reads a joint letter to the European churches from CEC General Secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen and CCME General Secretary Dr Torsten Moritz.

"Our appeal is made in times when the war in Ukraine rages on," they say, emphasising that "our prayers and actions for the refugees consequently become more significant than ever."

"As churches and Christians, our calling is to be witnesses and servants of the Resurrection, as well as new life in justice and peace for all, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or religion. We know that we are part of a global fellowship of Christians in remembering together those affected in their respective regions, and in reflecting on the causes of their displacement," reads the letter.

CCME has published special resource materials on its website, which can be used for worship or intercessions during a service, available in English and German.

LINKS

Read full letter: Call to commemorate refugees who lost their lives in the Mediterranean www.ceceurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CCME-CEC-commemoration-2022-final.pdf

Download CCME resources materials https://ccme.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018-06-18_Commemoration_Day_June_2018__00000002_.pdf