For the first time, every Catholic Archdiocese across Australia and New Zealand is uniting in support of Aid to the Church in Need's (ACN) Red November campaign, marking a historic show of solidarity with millions of Christians worldwide who face persecution because of their faith.

The milestone comes as 32 dioceses across Australia and New Zealand, including every Archdiocese and four of the Eastern Catholic eparchies, have confirmed their participation this year. Diocesan participation has more than tripled since 2023, reflecting the growing resonance of this important cause and a desire to respond through prayer, solidarity and practical action.

Red November is a global initiative of ACN, a pontifical foundation supporting suffering and persecuted Christians worldwide. Each November, the campaign unites Catholics around the world in prayer and solidarity, shining a light on Christian persecution and inspiring practical action to support those suffering for their faith.

For Mykola Cardinal Bychok, ACN's Red November Ambassador, the plight of persecuted Christians is personal. His homeland's Ukrainian Catholic Church suffered more than 40 years of persecution under Soviet rule.

“When one member of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer. May our prayer, our public witness and our practical support remind our persecuted brothers and sisters that they are not alone,” Cardinal Bychok said.

The growing response comes as ACN's recently released Persecuted and Forgotten? 2024-2026 report reveals that around 220 million Christians were directly exposed to persecution in 2023, with oppression worsening in 55 per cent of the countries surveyed.

Lukas Rajnoch, Acting National Director of ACN Australia and New Zealand, said the unprecedented participation was a powerful expression of unity with Christians suffering for their faith.

“To see every Catholic Archdiocese across Australia and New Zealand standing together is a powerful expression of solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters. Whether it is a diocese, a small parish, a family or an individual, every act of prayer and solidarity matters. Together, we remind Christians suffering for their faith that they are not forgotten and do not stand alone,” Mr. Rajnoch said.

“In our encounters with persecuted Christians around the world, they repeatedly ask us to pray for them so they are strengthened in faith, speak up for them so they are not forgotten, and support them so they can survive."

Internationally, the campaign centers on Red Wednesday, 18 November, when churches and iconic buildings are illuminated in red. In Australia and New Zealand, dioceses and parishes can participate on any suitable day throughout November.

ACN invites parishes to celebrate a Red November Mass and encourages individuals and families to participate in three simple ways:

• Pray: Remember persecuted Christians at Mass or by praying the Red Rosary, perhaps lighting a candle as a sign of solidarity.
• Support: Donate to ACN's Red November Appeal to help vulnerable Christian communities suffering persecution.
• Act: Shine a light on Christian persecution by wearing red, sharing stories of persecuted Christians or encouraging others to participate.