Refugees and Forced Migration

The number of refugees making their way to Europe has inspired increased UK interest in refugees and forced migration.

Forced migration is, however, not a new phenomenon. Simply looking at Scripture shows this: over the thousands of years it covers, there are many references to people’s being forced to flee their homes to find safety. Indeed, Jesus and his family were themselves refugees in Egypt.

The Bible also talks about care for those who enter communities as foreigners, especially when those who have entered are in need. It’s part of our Christian calling to love our neighbour, the person we encounter along the way.

So how do we live out this calling in today’s world? How can we respond to refugees and the questions around forced migration? Use the resources below – or contact our Churches Refugee Networking Officer, Joanna Schüder – to find out more about refugees and forced migration, what groups locally are doing to support refugees and asylum seekers, and how you can get involved in prayer and action.

General Resources and Information

Some basic facts and figures
What’s the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker? How many refugees are there worldwide? How many in the UK? Our Some basic facts and figures page sets out some introductory facts and figures.
Online sources of information on refugees and forced migration
Looking to find out more? Our guide to sources of online information can help you to dig deeper …
Our latest newsletter
CCOW’s Churches Refugee Networking Officer puts out a newsletter with information on what’s happening locally and more widely. Read the latest one.

Resources for Prayer and Study

CCOW guide to online worship resources: refugees and forced migration
Would you like to do some Bible study around questions of refugees and forced migration? Hold a service focusing on refugees? Include refugees in your prayers? Here’s a listing of full services, prayers, Bible studies, videos and material for preaching: CCOW Guide to Online Worship Resources – UPDATED April 2020.
Church statements on migration, refugees and asylum
Links to key statements and documents from UK and other churches
Materials for a prayer service
With the kind permission of the Reverend Ben Kautzer, we have materials for a prayer service, including prayer stations, a liturgy, reflections, and more.

Refugee Support Newsletters – News, resources and events

How are people responding locally?

Within the Thames Valley, many local groups are offering support to refugees and asylum seekers. The map below shows groups by location: click on the markers to get contact details for each group.