Why We’re Called to #Pray4Refugees
We live in a time when an unprecedented 68.5 million people are displaced around the world, including more than 25 million refugees – the highest number in recorded history. With global need at its highest, troubling news articles have revealed that the administration is planning to further dismantle the refugee resettlement program. Reports indicate the administration could set the refugee admissions ceiling for Fiscal Year 2019 at a new low of 25,000 refugees or even less. This reduction would follow this year’s already historically low ceiling of 45,000, of which we have only resettled 18,907 to date.

Beginning Sunday, August 26th, Episcopal Migration Ministries will join faith communities across the country to pray for refugees as the Administration plans to continue drastic cuts to refugee resettlement. We invite you to join us in this act of solidarity and welcome for our refugee brothers and sisters. Pray, then act. Visit @theeppn and advocacy.episcopalchurch.org to take action and demand that your elected officials support a robust refugee resettlement program.

Ways to join:

  • Post written prayers for refugees on social media, faith-based blogs, newsletters, bulletins,and websites — including the hashtags #Pray4Refugees, #RefugeesWelcome #Welcome75k. We invite you to share the prayers we will post on our social media each day across your platforms.
  • Offer prayers in honor and support of refugees in your weekly church service.
  • Invite a refugee to speak at a worship service, vigil, or special event.

  • Post a personal video on social media stating why your faith community is praying for refugees and why the administration and Congress should #Welcome75K. Invite refugees to be part of the video to tell their stories.

  • Hold prayer services in public spaces or in your place of worship to honor the contributions of refugees in your community, and pray for those who are stuck waiting in refugee camps without durable solutions. In selecting a public space, a place that has special meaning, such as outside a resettlement office, a refugee-owned business, or outside a government building or office to pray for decision makers. Download our Refugee Sunday Toolkit.