Sanctuary Sunday and Refugee Week 2026, 15th – 21st Jun 2026
Challenging hostility with hospitality
Resources are available for Sanctuary Sunday, which is marked at the end of Refugee Week.
https://ctbi.org.uk/.../sanctuary-sunday-and-refugee.../
Challenging hostility with hospitality
Sanctuary Sunday is marked at the end of Refugee Week and aims to promote the Church of Sanctuary programme, building cultures of welcome, hospitality and safety in our churches.
If you plan to hold, or are looking for an event, to mark Sanctuary Sunday or Refugee Week please register or search for an event on the Refugee Week or Refugee Week Ireland websites.
Overview
On 21st June churches across Britain and Ireland will mark Sanctuary Sunday at the conclusion of Refugee Week. The theme for Refugee Week this year is courage. It is an opportunity to celebrate the courage of all those who are standing in solidarity with people who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety, especially at a time when people seeking asylum are being targeted in acts of violence and hatred.
The continued growth of the Church of Sanctuary movement is a clear indication of the truth that those who value diversity in our communities and recognise the need to include and support the participation of everyone for the common good greatly outnumber those who would seek to divide and marginalise people. Marking Sanctuary Sunday is a way for us to have the courage to share the real stories about how our communities are enriched by the diversity of gifts and experiences that people of different backgrounds and experiences can bring.
In preparation for this year’s Sanctuary Sunday we have been listening to the experience of those who have become churches of sanctuary or incorporated some of these resources into the life of their church. The work of Sanctuary has benefitted churches in a range of ways including:
- Deepening relationships between churches through collaborative action that is underpinned by a strong sense of vision and purpose.
- Development of wider community relationships beyond the church context.
- Development of new forms of outreach as a result of better understanding of community needs.
- Experiences of growth and renewal through new relationships, new volunteers and new shared experiences.
There is a lot to celebrate and we invite you to take this opportunity to get involved if you have not already done so. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, in partnership with City of Sanctuary UK and Places of Sanctuary Ireland, offers resources to support you and networks where you can experience learning exchange and encouragement.