Mark Your Calendar: World Refugee Sunday 2025
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I was in Prison φυλακῇ
This year, for World Refugee Sunday, we invite you to think about Jesus’ call: “I was in prison, and you came to visit me,” focusing on those in immigration detention. World Refugee Sunday is a chance to join churches everywhere in praying for refugees and asylum seekers held in detention.
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, PRISONS were not used to punish people for long. Instead, they were places where people stayed while waiting for their trial or execution. Guards were there to make sure they didn’t escape. When Jesus said, “I was in prison,” or when the Bible talks about prison, it usually means someone was held by the authorities until their trial.
Today, prisons are used for people who have been convicted of crimes, while detention centres are for those waiting for decisions or hearings. The phrase "I was in prison" could also mean "I was in detention" or "I was under guard."
Around the world, thousands of men, women, and children are held in detention every day because of their immigration status. This includes asylum seekers, refugees, victims of trafficking, and others looking for safety and freedom. Jesus’ words remind us to show kindness and care to those who are detained.
Fill out your contact details, and we’ll send you an email with resources to use at your church or school for World Refugee Sunday 2025.