In the Diocese of Canterbury we will be hosting a Courageous Communities conference to reflect the Refugee Week 2026 theme of 'Courage'.
For refugees around the world, courage is often a daily necessity. It is the courage to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world.
At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community - to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect.
Refugee Week 2026 runs from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June and marks 75 years since the Refugee Convention – a landmark agreement affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity, and hope.
Courageous Communities: Sanctuary & Racial Justice Conference
Friday 19 June, 10:00-16:00
Hear stories of sanctuary, explore the Afghan Welcome Project, and join the Sanctuary & Racial Justice launch
Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, the Diocese of Canterbury Social Justice Network (SJN) and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN). Courageous Communities: Sanctuary & Racial Justice Conference is a Refugee Week event with a Christian character and open to all - churches, organisations, community groups, and people of faith and none. Whether you’re seeking ways to live out the Gospel in today’s world or to engage deeply in refugee inclusion and racial justice, you are warmly invited. Together we’ll hear stories of sanctuary and courage, explore the Afghan Welcome Project as a practical pathway for local action, and join the launch of the Diocesan Sanctuary & Racial Justice strategy, with inspiring music. You’ll leave with clear next steps, resources and partnerships to act locally.
This event is free to attend, however entry is strictly by ticket only, .
Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, and the
Canterbury Cathedral events
A is taking place at Canterbury Cathedral including dedicated Eucharist services, hourly prayers for refugees and events in the Huguenot Chapel recognising the contribution of 16th Century refugees in Canterbury.
Parish events
If your parish is hosting and events for Refugee Week, please let us know and we can include details on this page.