World Refugee Day – June 20th
Video Message from
ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson &
CLWR Executive Director Karin Achtelstetter
In photo from left to right: National Bishop Susan Johnson (ELCIC) and Karin Achtelstetter (CLWR) join together in a video message for World Refugee Day.
World Refugee Day, commemorated every year on June 20th, is an occasion to honour forcibly displaced people around the globe, celebrate their strength, courage and resilience and build empathy and understanding of their plight. Please join us in praying for those who have had to flee their homes, and in working for justice and peace for refugees and displaced families around the world.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25: 35
A Prayer from the Rev. Susan Johnson
God of the oppressed,
We know You have a heart for refugees as Your own Son, Jesus, was a refugee in Egypt with His family.
Hear our prayer to alleviate the suffering of over 100 million refugees and displaced persons.
Move the hearts of governments to provide adequate resources to care for refugees.
Move our hearts to welcome refugees and displaced persons into our communities.
Bring an end to war and to climate change which brings more and more natural disasters.
All these things we pray in Your holy name. Amen.
Additional Information
The Canadian Lutheran World Relief website includes a variety of additional resources.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations. This page on the United Nations website provides information about the different types of forcibly displaced persons and the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.