Canterbury Cathedral
Refugee Week 2026
Courage
Monday 15 - Sunday 21 June
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 marks 75 years since the Refugee Convention – a landmark agreement affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity, and hope.
At Canterbury Cathedral, we will be marking this Week with hourly prayers for refugees, a designated Chapel in the Cathedral, and two special services of Eucharist.
Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, The Social Justice Network and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).
See all special services and events Register for the Sanctuary & Racial Justice Conference
Special Services and Events
Eucharist of Sanctuary and Hope
Wednesday 16 June, 12:30
Eucharist to Mark World Refugee Day †
with special preacher and prayers
Sunday 21 June, 11:00
† Livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
Courageous Communities: Sanctuary & Racial Justice Conference
Friday 19 June, 10:00-16:00
Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, the Social Justice Network & KRAN, Courageous Communities: Sanctuary & Racial Justice Conference, has a Christian character and is open to all, churches, organisations, and to those wishing to engage with refugee inclusion and racial justice.
Hear stories of sanctuary, explore the Afghan Welcome Project, and join the Sanctuary & Racial Justice launch. Leave with next steps and deeper understanding and resources to own.
*REGISTRATION OPEN NOW*
Free to attend, but ticket essential.
Refugee Week Events at the Huguenot Chapel
Between Monday 15 - Sunday 21 June
All are welcome to visit the Huguenot Chapel (French Protestant Church of Canterbury), for a series of special events in Refugee Week.
The entrance to the Huguenot Chapel is signposted on the lawn 10 yards from the door on the south side of the Cathedral, opposite the Cathedral Lodge hotel; with wheelchair access through the North door of the Crypt.
Refugee Week Events at the Huguenot Chapel
CHAPEL OPEN DAILY Monday 15 - Sunday 21 June
All are welcome to visit the Huguenot Chapel (French Protestant Church of Canterbury), for a series of special events in Refugee Week.
On Sunday 21 June, the 15:00 service will be entitled: Petit bateau Plus Grand mer. Avec Communion en Commun. (Small boat, Great big seas. With communion in Common.)
The entrance to the Huguenot Chapel is signposted on the lawn 10 yards from the door on the south side of the Cathedral, opposite the Cathedral Lodge hotel; with wheelchair access through the North door of the Crypt.
The Huguenots: Refugees saving Canterbury from economic decline – An illustrated talk
DAILY 11:15-12:00
Free event; with donations gratefully accepted to support local refugee charities.
Small boat, Great big seas. Walloons and Huguenots, 16th Century Refugees
DAILY 20-minute presentation - Two showings per hour, between 13:00 -16.00
Free event; with donations gratefully accepted to support local refugee charities.
SAVE THE DATE
FULL DETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOON
Thursday 18 June
Experience an evening of music and song, featuring locally-based artists, including the Marsh family, who have performed at the Cathedral in previous years.