Hundreds of activities will be happening in more than 20 countries on 20th November as part of #RedWednesday – a leading Catholic charity’s flagship campaign for those oppressed for their Christian Faith.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is organizing 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, emphasizing 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, recognizing their unique vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, more than half of the dioceses in Australia and New Zealand are participating in Red November this month to show solidarity with persecuted Christians suffering increased violence, persecution and human rights abuses worldwide.

This month, thousands of people will be taking a moment to remember, pray for and support Christians suffering persecution around the world. Twenty-four cathedrals in Australia and New Zealand will be participating, with most lighting up in red, holding Masses, prayer gatherings, and sharing testimonies of the persecuted.

Red November is founded upon the international annual event, Red Wednesday (November 20), begun by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in 2015 in a global movement to shed light on the suffering of Christians and advocate for faith and freedom. 

Participation in Australia and New Zealand has more than doubled since last year, with 15 cathedrals joining for the first time this year. All five Eastern Catholic Eparchies are participating, many of whose communities have been affected by persecution in their traditional homeland. Given the ongoing conflicts, this year’s national focus will be on supporting Christians in the Holy Land.

Bernard Toutounji, National Director of ACN Australia and New Zealand, said the increasing support shows growing awareness and concern for Christian persecution and is an important wake-up call to the West to not take their faith for granted.

“Red November is a time to acknowledge the terrible extent to which martyrdoms, massacres, and the mass exodus of Christians from their homelands is happening today due to worsening Christian persecution worldwide,” Mr. Toutounji said.

“Commemorating Red November is a sign of solidarity – the universality of our Church demands that we do not let our brothers and sisters suffer in silence. The crimson red reminds us of blood-stained martyrs and burned-down churches. Their testimony and witness of faith challenges and inspires us to treasure and live out our own more deeply.”