World Refugee Day: Call to commemorate refugees who lost their lives at European borders

Esteemed church leaders, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, dear friends, 

In this period between Easter and Pentecost, filled with hope and light intended for all humankind, we are again deeply saddened that the suffering, hopelessness and death, continues for thousands of our brothers and sister on the outer borders of the European Union and wider Europe. 

Considering this reality, and continuing with tradition from past years, we appeal to the churches across Europe to commemorate around World Refugee Day (20 June 2023) the persons who lost their lives in the Mediterranean. We encourage churches to hold dedicated services, prayers and vigils on 25 June 2023 the Sunday after CEC´s General Assembly in Tallinn and the CCME “virtual” GA on zoom. For some, commemorations on other dates or occasions in the year have become a tradition. 

Our appeal is made in times when the war in Ukraine rages on. The direct consequences of the Ukraine war continue and will continue to force people to flee. While the displacement from Ukraine is still a terrible reminder of the horror of the war, reception of those fleeing from Ukraine, not least by churches, has set several impressive, good examples. The facilitated entry of Ukrainians into the EU and other countries has shown that borders do not have to be deadly for those who are fleeing. 

You will find a short factsheet attached. We are also offering resources that can be used as worship materials or intercessions during a service. In 2018, we updated these materials, which were initially produced together with the German Ecumenical Committee on Church Asylum, supported by the Evangelical Church in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Oberlausitz and the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD). The resources are available in English and German and can be downloaded from links in PDF