‘When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.’
Matthew 2:13-14
Matthew 2:13-14
Refugees are welcome
As the number of Syrian refugees passes 5million (2017), we are now more aware of displaced people more than ever. And with growing calls to increase the refugee quota here, the church has a great opportunity to extend grace, manaakitanga and love to refugees arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Why do people become refugees?
They are forced to flee—from war and violence; from natural disasters; from religious persecution, political oppression, and ethnic injustice; from food crisis, drought, and famine. They have no choice but to leave behind their land, their homes, their belongings, and their sense of identity. They run in fear for their lives, either within their own country (internally displaced people) or to another country entirely (refugees). And the heaviest toll is felt by the children.
- World Vision
They are forced to flee—from war and violence; from natural disasters; from religious persecution, political oppression, and ethnic injustice; from food crisis, drought, and famine. They have no choice but to leave behind their land, their homes, their belongings, and their sense of identity. They run in fear for their lives, either within their own country (internally displaced people) or to another country entirely (refugees). And the heaviest toll is felt by the children.
- World Vision
Resources
The 2nd of July is marked as Refugee Sunday in the Anglican Church and is a time to celebrate the contributions that refugees make, pray for their safety and offer our support. We have gathered some resources to help you learn, pray and serve your community
Refugees in New Zealand
Children and Young People
Prayer Resources
Church Resources
Refugees in New Zealand
- New Zealand refugee strategy
- Bishop Justin Duckworth's article on New Zealand's response to the refugee crisis
- Up to date information from Red Cross NZ about refugees
- Volunteer with the Red Cross NZ to help resettle refugees in New Zealand
Children and Young People
- World Vision is seeking to provide 'Child Friendly Spaces' for Syrian children, through their 40hour famine campaign and other fundraising.
- RefugeeHighway.net Sunday church resource pack - including great ideas for a children's programme
- Little Voices are Loud including a Kid's Guide to writing a letter to their representative (is an American resource, but the letter page is a great resource and can be used anywhere). It says "Dear... My name is... and I am ... years old. I'm writing a letter today to tell you, I want our country to be caring and loving to people of all faiths, nationalities and skin colour. Please speak up for those that do not have a voice. Our country is depending on you. We do not want to close our borders to refugees and immigrants, they need us. Your hopeful friend..."
Prayer Resources
- A Franciscan Prayer, from Krish Khandiah, which you can download.
- We Welcome Refugees
- Refugeehighway.net, including 24-7 Prayer resources for a week of prayer
Church Resources
- A video from We Welcome Refugees encouraging the church to respond
- What the Bible says about refugees
- 'We're only human' — a song for Refugee Sunday
- World Vision have some great ideas for a Refugee Sunday service, with Photos and images to use, refugee children profile cards, small group resources, background information for speakers.
- Christian World Service has prepared worship resources entitled “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me” specifically for the Anglican Church, and you will find links enclosed for videos and reflections that you may find useful.
- ForRefugees — a video about how the churches in Greece are responding to the crisis
