World Refugee Day
Events to mark World Refugee Day 2026 at Berlin Cathedral. A public commemoration for the victims of the flight to Europe.
Since 1993, over 72,000 people have lost their lives whilst fleeing to Europe. To mark World Refugee Day, Berlin Cathedral is once again sending a powerful public message of remembrance and solidarity with the campaign ‘Naming Them by Name’.
The campaign commemorates those who have died on their way to Europe. Their names, the date of their death and the circumstances of their flight – where known – are written on narrow fabric ribbons and then attached to the outer railings of the Berlin Cathedral’s arcades. The ribbons form a visible symbol of suffering that is all too often ignored – right in the heart of the city.
In addition, this year a cross almost 5 metres high, made from 30 life jackets, is drawing attention to the campaign outside, above the main portal of Berlin Cathedral. This installation has been made possible in cooperation with the sea rescue organisation Sea-Watch e.V. The cross can be seen from afar across the Lustgarten into the cityscape. As a symbol of hope, it will glow in the evening, just as the life jackets do on the dark, vast sea. This unusual cross stands for charity, humanity and the courage to stand up for the most vulnerable, just as Jesus did.
Writing station at the Predigtkirche from June, 2nd till June 16th.
Daily from 10 am to 6 pm, an open writing station will be available in the Predigtkirche. Parishioners, Berliners and visitors to the city are invited to take part and record names and dates. Every handwritten entry makes the invisible suffering visible.
Service to mark World Refugee Day on Saturday, 20 June 2026, 6–7 pm
On 20 June, World Refugee Day, the names and stories of the deceased will be read out in the Predigtkirche from 10 am to 5 pm, accompanied by musical interludes and highlights. The event will conclude with an evening service at 6 pm led by Cathedral Preacher Stefan Scholpp and the Berlin State and Cathedral Choir, conducted by Kai-Uwe Jirka.
Numerous towns and cities in Switzerland and Germany are taking part in the ‘Naming Them by Name’ campaign. You can find all the events hier.