Refugee Week, 16 - 22 June, is a unique opportunity to take time to learn about the experiences of people who have sought refuge and asylum, to celebrate the valuable contributions made by refugees to the world and our communities, and consider how we can take action together for justice.
Refugee Week 2024 is falling at a time of great grief and uncertainty around escalating global conflicts, including the heartbreaking crisis in Gaza. Ongoing and new conflicts, political oppression and insecurity, has led to the world facing the worst displacement of people crisis in its history, with more than 100 million people across the planet having been forced to flee their homes because they are in fear of being persecuted. We continue to pray and call for peace.
The Refugee Week theme for 2024 recognises the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience, with a focus on the importance of family in providing solace, support, and a sense of belonging on the journey towards finding freedom.
It is our deep hope and prayer that the resources below will help you and your community go deeper in learning more and taking action this Refugee Week, moving you closer towards God’s heart for justice, as we work towards the day when those who come to our shores for safety will be welcomed with kindness and compassion.
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In 2014, Nguyễn Hữu Trí, a Vietnamese refugee, walked from Melbourne to Canberra on a ‘Pilgrimage of Gratitude’ to express his thanks to Australia for the gift of refuge and raise awareness for justice for people seeking asylum. Ten years on Rev Nguyễn Hữu Trí reflects on his journey and heart for justice with the Common Grace movement.
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Join us for a conversation reflecting on the global asylum seeker and refugee crisis
As followers of Jesus, we hold that distinctions of ethnicity and nationality fade in the light of our shared humanity and the recognition that we are all bearers of God’s image. This understanding deepens our sorrow as we witness the horrors of conflict and the scale of the global displacement crisis. We lament that the systems and nations of our world fail to prioritise peace and adequately extend compassion, care and welcome to those seeking asylum and safety. As we witness the devastation caused by conflicts around the world, such as the crisis in Gaza, we see these failures being acutely played out before us.
To help us reflect and consider how our faith communities can be acting in love, compassion and welcome in this moment, Common Grace will be hosting a webinar with our National Director, Gershon Nimbalker, in conversation with Suzan Wahhab, the President of Palestinian Christians in Australia; Jarrod McKenna, co-founder of the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage; and NAYBA, the initiators of the Welcome Home Project.
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One of the most important things we can do to contribute to a country which shows compassion and welcome to those seeking refuge is to learn more and encourage our church or faith community to go deeper in listening to the voices of people seeking asylum and considering how we can take action together. Explore resources to spark conversations with your faith community below:
Gershon Nimbalker, National Director of Common Grace, reflects on Australia's historic response to those seeking refuge on our shores, and our call as Christians to embody the values of justice, love, compassion and welcome.
This four-part Refugee Week Bible Study series shares powerful, personal stories from Common Grace’s 2022 Refugee Week series. Each study includes a story from someone with lived experience of seeking asylum, a bible passage, and a series of discussion questions that will inspire, challenge and encourage you to reflect on the role and opportunity that each of us has in creating communities that love and seek justice for our refugee neighbours.
Christian Leaders Raising their voice for Justice
Book Review, Refugee Reimagined
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Refugee Week offers a wonderful opportunity to engage and connect with our communities in celebration, support and welcome for our brothers and sisters seeking asylum in Australia. You can find a range of events happening throughout Refugee Week at the Refugee Week webpage here.
The Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) is also planning to hold an Online Ecumenical Service for Refugee Week on Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm AEST, 7pm ACST and 5.30pm AWST. Further details available here.
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Join in prayer for refugees and people seeking asylum around the world, led by Janet Dickson and her prayer for Refugee Week 2024, for a world where all people experience safety, comfort, freedom and welcome.
Explore further prayer resources for Justice for People Seeking Asylum here.
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We invite you to be generous this Refugee Week by supporting the work of Common Grace. Your faithful generosity helps inspire and mobilise followers of Jesus to take collective actions that seek to make Australia more just. With your support the Common Grace movement can continue raising a loving, gracious voice in national conversations for justice for people seeking asylum. Your gift helps fuel this movement to pursue an Australia where those who come to our shores seeking safety and protection are welcomed with compassion. Please give today.
James Harris reflects on his journey walking along communities seeking asylum and his hope in taking action with the Common Grace movement towards a vision of flourishing and welcome in Australia.
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As we live through the biggest global displacement crisis in history, and conflict and starvation ravage Gaza, we ask ‘What would it look like for Australia to respond in love and compassion?’ Join us in advocating for safety, welcome and freedom.
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Sign up to access Common Grace's special four-part Bible Study Series exploring justice for people seeking asylum.
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