Notes from Yukiko’s Desk
Kia Ora koutou,
In the Lectionary the first Sunday in July is designated as Refugee Sunday. Each year, the Anglican Church marks it as a time to remember, pray for, and stand in solidarity with refugees and displaced people around the world. It is an opportunity for us as a faith community to reflect on God’s call to show compassion, hospitality, and justice to those seeking safety and a new beginning. Since I touched on the theme of welcoming in my reflection at Holy Cross last Sunday, we are not particularly focusing on the theme of Refugee Sunday in the worship this Sunday. However, I am inviting you all to reflect on the plight of those displaced.
According to the recent statistics,
- By the end of 2026, an estimated 136 million people worldwide are expected to be forcibly displaced or stateless.
- 1 out of 70 people on Earth has been forced to flee
- 68.7 million people are internally displaced
Imagine, how we would cope if we were forced to start our lives all over again. Starting from scratch in a foreign country, far away from friends and family, from familiar surroundings – and all in a language we can’t read or speak. That said, I want to stress that it is not just about recognizing the struggles of refugees but also celebrating their resilience and contributions to society. And real change begins when we move beyond awareness and take action. By standing together, we can create a world where every refugee is welcomed, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive. Every blessing,
Yukiko
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