In the lead up to Refugee Sunday, CWS has prepared worship resources: “I cry aloud to God”you can use for Refugee Sunday 26 June in the Methodist/Presbyterian lectionary and “Peace to this House” for 3 July in the Anglican lectionary.   We have also prepared a slideshow to highlight children’s stories and there are video links available in the resources.

We are encouraging parishes to hold a special collection or organise a fundraising event for Syrian refugees. There is a donation form available.  Our partner Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees in Jordan and Lebanon distributes food and rent assistance, runs free medical days and a variety of education programmes for students and parents, and offers comfort and support to Syrian refugees.   The New Zealand Government is offering to match funds donated by 1 August from its aid budget.

Director of DSPR Lebanon Sylvia Haddad has written in anticipation of your support:
“Fleeing one’s home is not an easy matter and has never been an option. But life is precious and so we fled. Thank you for helping us until we get back to our homes.”

Special thanks to people who have signed on to the challenge of Operation Refugee. They will live on the same rations as a Syrian refugee from 16-20 June and are asking for support. There is enough time to sign up for the challenge – or you can donate to the cause. 

Like Archbishop Philip Richardson we were disappointed in the government’s decision to increase the refugee quota from 750 to 1,000 people in 2018. Given the gravity of the global refugee crisis and the tremendous support given to newly arrived refugees from Syria, we hoped for more.

More than five years has passed since the start of the Syrian crisis but there is no sign of peace on the horizon. The cost of the war is immense. More than 4.8 million Syrians aresheltering in neighbouring countries and over 1 million have sought asylum in Europe. It is more important than ever that we keep the lifeline of hope going for them.

Please join us with your prayers and support for Refugee Sunday.