The situation facing refugees and migrants continues to be a matter of huge global concern, and we see the impact of it across Europe in our chaplaincies and our communities.

While the issues are many and complex, the Diocese in Europe is committed to showing compassion to those forced to flee their countries as well as the communities they join.

As Christians, we believe in human dignity rooted in the creation of each person in God’s image, and that everyone possesses innate human rights. Jesus identifies with the refugee and the oppressed and calls on us to similarly identify compassionately with the vulnerable. We believe our calling as Christians and churches compels us to welcome the stranger as our response to Jesus himself. When recognising Christ in the face of the stranger, we begin to transform the situation of ‘us’ and ‘them’ into a new relationship of ‘we’, there is blessing in the encounter and we become human together.

Many of our chaplaincies work to support refugees in their communities with projects ranging from food banks to community kitchens, educational support and family hosting.

Resources for Chaplaincies

Latest News from Calais

Calais resident Bradon Muilenberg works with refugees in Northern France in his role as the Anglican Refugee Support Lead.  The role is the outcome of a joint partnership between the Diocese in Europe, the Diocese of Canterbury and the Anglican mission agency, USPG. It’s a response to the growing numbers of migrants around the Channel ports in Northern France.

He records regular updates from the front line there, with reflections and practical suggestions of ways we can all help. You can view these on our YouTube channel:  Diocese in Europe/Updates from Calais

The following video was produced in partnership with USPG.  It was filmed in Canterbury Cathedral in 2025 during the installation there of the powerful Victims of the Border memorial.  In it, Bradon refers to advocacy, which he explains more about in one of his monthly reports.  Watch the video and we ask that you consider donating.

Supporting Ukraine