In response to the refugee crisis occasioned by the war in Ukraine, the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe has received grant support from Episcopal Relief and Development—the humanitarian agency of the Episcopal Church—as well as contributions from a number of generous individuals, parishes, and dioceses in the broader church. These funds have been set aside in a separate account by the Convocation, with a view to providing both the means and the encouragement for strengthening the ability of all Anglican congregations in Europe to understand more deeply, and to respond more resourcefully, to the needs of all refugees in the communities they serve.

While most of our congregations exist in places where public agencies provide considerable support to refugee populations, there is always something the church is uniquely able to contribute as a companion to, and community for, refugees in our midst. The compassion to which we are called as followers of Christ can take many forms—whether it is providing resources for community-building and mutual assistance, offering educational resources such as language teaching or familiarization programs, or simply providing pastoral care to those who have been traumatized, who have lost homes and families, and who often are vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

Grant support is now available for Welcoming and Walking with Refugees via an online process of application and documentation.