300 #RedWednesday events worldwide supporting persecuted Christians

St George's Cathedral, Southwark on #RedWednesday 2023. © Marcin Mazur

Source: ACN

Hundreds of activities will be happening in more than 20 countries on 20th November as part of #RedWednesday - Aid to the Church in Need's flagship campaign for those oppressed for their Christian Faith.

The charity is organising awareness raising and fundraising events in hundreds of cities - across all continents except Antarctica - during which churches and other buildings will be lit up red.

In countries from Australia to Slovakia activities such as Masses, talks, livestreams, concerts and parliamentary discussions will be taking place throughout the week of #RedWednesday, beginning Monday 18th November.

The events are intended to shed light on the worsening persecution Christians are suffering in many countries worldwide, as highlighted in ACN's Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2022-24, published last month.

Dr Caroline Hull, national director at ACN (UK) said: "#RedWednesday is the day when we shine a light on the reality of anti-Christian persecution around the globe, emphasising the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

"In the UK this year we are calling for action and advocacy especially for young Christians displaced due to persecution and violent conflict in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere.

Dr Hull added: "In countries where Christians are persecuted for their Faith, Christian children are collateral damage in the overall brutality - and the numbers run to millions. These children desperately need our help."

She concluded: "I would like to encourage everyone to get involved in an activity this month in support of our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.

"You can help make a difference by taking part in an event, attending a school livestream, helping to raise funds, praying or wearing red to raise awareness."

Countries where events will be happening include Australia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, France, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States.

The annual ACN (UK) #RedWednesday Mass will be taking place at 7pm on 20th November at the Brompton Oratory in London.

In the run-up to #RedWednesday ACN (UK) is also asking people to sign an Open Letter calling on Foreign Secretary David Lammy to channel more taxpayer-funded Overseas Development Aid to support Christians and other religious minorities worldwide, recognising their unique vulnerabilities.

Find out more about #RedWednesday at: www.acnuk.org/redwednesday.

With thanks to Filipe d'Avillez and Maria Lozano

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org