Global Conversations
Refugee and Migration Crisis
Global Conversations connect faith with the world’s most pressing challenges. Across the Anglican Communion, we are giving voice to our faith – amplifying diverse perspectives, challenging injustice and transforming our world through prayer and practical action.
Advocating for change
The global migration and refugee crisis represents one of the most significant humanitarian challenges of our time.
Around the world, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes due to circumstances beyond their control.
Refugees are individuals fleeing persecution, war, or violence, while migrants may leave their countries for various reasons, including economic hardship, climate change, or the search for better opportunities for their families.
Each person carries inherent dignity as someone created in the image of God. The Anglican Communion is committed to advocacy for the rights of people on the move.
Join with other Anglicans around the world in advocating for change.
The global migration and refugee crisis represents one of the most significant humanitarian challenges of our time
Figures from the UNHCR Global Trends Report share that as of the end of 2025:
2026 marks 75 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention
In 2026, the UNHCR is marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. It is a milestone moment to reaffirm the right to seek asylum and the values underpinning the international refugee protection system.
For 75 years, the convention has helped save lives, protect rights and provide a framework through which millions of refugees have found safety, rebuilt their lives and contributed to the communities that welcomed them.
At a time of record displacement, shrinking protection space and mounting pressure on asylum systems, the 1951 Convention remains the most practical and comprehensive framework for refugee protection – but its promise is too often experienced as fragmented. Refugees find safety without legal certainty, recognition without effective access to rights, inclusion without a credible path forward.
The Anglican Communion has representation on the UNHCR. Throughout 2026, a series of national, regional and global dialogues will ask a fundamental question: how can the international protection system respond more effectively to the realities of displacement today?
Anglican Communion calls for resistance to divisive narratives about refugees
The Anglican Communion has shared a statement resisting divisive political narratives as global displacement nears 136 million. It invites ‘people of goodwill to stand alongside refugees in prayer, advocacy, friendship and action.’
The statement was written by the Most Revd Maimbo Mndolwa, Archbishop of Tanzania and the Rt Revd Mark Edington of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, who are representatives of the Anglican Communion on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Multi-Religious Council of Leaders.
People On The Move’ resource for churches responding to migration crises
‘People on the Move’ is designed to equip churches to welcome and support migrants, refugees and internally displaced people in their communities.
Recognising the huge role churches often play in humanitarian aid and advocacy, ‘People on the Move’ brings together practical guidance for churches and church leaders, covering areas including mental health, legal considerations, communication, theology of migration, pastoral and spiritual care, safeguarding against exploitation, child-specific support and advocacy.
Anglicans and Lutherans affirm their commitment to refugees
A joint statement by the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran World Federation, reaffirms their commitment to work and respond to the growing refugee crisis.
Both traditions recognise the need to reform multilateral systems and are advocating for ‘effective global cooperation’ and ‘sufficient resourcing’ for one of the most vulnerable groups in our societies, remembering that Jesus was once a refugee.
Together, they are calling for ‘increased dialogue between governments, international organisations, and faith actors’ and affirming ‘the need for a multilateral approach, where the countries of the world come together to address the root causes of displacement, including violent conflicts and climate change.’
Responding to Humanitarian Crisis
In responding to the refugee crisis, it’s vital that organisations work together to protect people, aid those seeking asylum, promote stability, and address the root causes of displacement. At the UN, the Anglican Communion Office advocates for action on the root causes that mean people have to leave (conflict, economic injustice and climate disasters) and for fairer systems to provide for people along their journeys. This includes supporting Anglican churches who provide shelter, education and compassion in their own contexts.
Committed to hospitality amidst displacement, Anglicans are raising their voices globally and locally for justice and dignity.
Resources and theology
Anglican Action
News & Advocacy
Amplifying the voices of the vulnerable at the United Nations and beyond.
As a recognised voice in global diplomacy, our permanent UN team advocates for vulnerable people at risk of displacement. We ensure those most affected by the crisis have a seat at the decision-making table.
- Anglican–Old Catholic Council discusses refugee support, creation care and ecumenical cooperation17 Jul 2026
- World Refugee Day: Anglicans speak up for refugees to mark 75 years of the Refugee Convention19 Jun 2026
- Anglican Communion calls for resistance to divisive narratives about refugees16 Jun 2026
- Diocese of Kajo-Keji shares hope about cross-border refugee ministry1 May 2026
- People on the move: Anglican Alliance launches new resource to aid churches respond to refugee crisis31 Mar 2026
- Christ calls us to welcome refugees as they face a cycle of violence9 Mar 2026
