The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) have jointly appealed to churches across the continent to mark the World Refugee Day by remembering refugees and migrants who have lost their lives at Europe’s borders.

In a letter addressed to church leaders and communities, CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach and CCME General Secretary Dr Torsten Moritz urged churches to hold services, prayers, and vigils on 22 June 2025. “Let us remember the documented, as well as the undocumented, who died at the European borders; let us share our sorrow in prayer,” the letter states.

The appeal comes at a time of growing concern over restrictive migration policies and the criminalisation of humanitarian support. “Recently adopted or proposed legislation… continues the logic of closing borders and denying legal access to Europe for many in need of protection – a development we see with great concern,” the letter notes.

The joint statement also acknowledges the ongoing war in Ukraine and commends the reception of Ukrainian refugees as an example of humane and supportive responses to forced displacement. “The facilitated entry of Ukrainians into the EU and other European countries has shown that borders do not have to be deadly for those who are fleeing.”

To support commemorations, churches are invited to use a newly updated collection of prayers, liturgies, and reflections available in multiple languages. The 142-page resource, developed with input from churches across Europe, can be downloaded from the CCME website.

CEC encourages churches to respond to this call in unity and compassion. “As churches’ organisations and Christians, our calling is to be witnesses and servants of the Resurrection, as well as to be promoters of new life in justice and peace for all.”

Churches are welcome to share their plans and resources with CCME at info@ccme.be.