Prayers Of Solidarity For Refugees
In connection with World Refugee Day (June 20th), World Mission Partnership and MCI’s Council on Social Responsibility (CSR) are calling on Irish Methodists to pray for refugees around the world.
Today, more than 117 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, including refugees, asylum seekers, and those internally displaced within their own countries. Scripture calls us clearly to welcome the stranger and protect the oppressed, and so today we join with believers everywhere to pray for those who have been forced to leave their homes.
Across the world, our church family is supporting refugees in powerful ways. We think of Namibia, and our brothers and sisters in Osire Refugee Camp: their church building is more than just a place of worship, but a vital community resource which houses a pre-school and community centre. In Myanmar, where more than 3.6 million people have been displaced and 1.5 million driven out of the country entirely, the Methodist Church is both a beacon of hope and a source of practical support. And in Ukraine, where more than 10 million people have been displaced by the Russian invasion, Methodists are delivering aid to communities in need and ministering to those who are suffering from the traumatic effects of the war.
Through your giving to World Mission Partnership, you are supporting all of this vital work. But support for refugees is not limited to countries far away: here in Ireland, we are also called to support those who have been forced to leave their homes, jobs, and families in search of sanctuary on this island.
We pray that our church communities will be a safe harbour for refugees and asylum seekers. We pray that each individual, with their unique skills, abilities, and dreams will be welcomed into community, supported and loved as they rebuild their lives. For those who have become part of our local church communities, we are glad you are with us! We thank God for you, and pray that you will feel a sense of welcome and belonging.
In the face of rising tensions across the island, we call out all hate and racism directed at those who are seeking refuge in Ireland. We reject the false narrative of “invasion”, and campaigns designed to dehumanise those who were made in God’s own image. Instead, we pray for our political leaders to enact fair, wise, and compassionate policies that allow us to share what God has given us and for all people on this island to thrive.
May God help us to welcome others as Christ has welcomed us.
Download our Prayer of Solidarity here: