To mark World Refugee Day on 20 June 2024, the Conference of European Churches (CEC) joins a call from the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) to commemorate refugees who lost their lives on our European borders. Churches in Europe and beyond are invited to observe.
“In this period between the two Easters and Pentecost, filled with hope and light intended for all humankind, we continue to be deeply saddened that the suffering, hopelessness and death continuing for thousands of our brothers and sisters on the outer borders of the European Union and wider Europe,” read the joint call signed by CEC President H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, and CCME General Secretary Dr Torsten Moritz.
Considering this reality, and continuing with tradition from past years, they appealed to the churches across Europe to commemorate World Refugee Day by remembering the persons who lost their lives on the different borders – may it be the Eastern borders, in the (English) Channel, the Mediterranean or elsewhere. Special resources are made available by CCME.
They encouraged churches to hold dedicated services, prayers and vigils on 23 June 2024.