Cathedrals and churches across Australia and New Zealand were illuminated for Red Wednesday, a global initiative to remember and pray for persecuted Christians. Source: ACN.
Red Wednesday is the focal point of Red November, a global movement led by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to shine a spotlight on Christian persecution and advocate for religious freedom.
The colour red, symbolising the blood of martyrs, serves as a visual reminder of the suffering endured by millions for their faith.
In Australia and New Zealand, 15 cathedrals and churches joined more than 600 churches, embassies, and monuments lit in red in over 20 countries worldwide, including in Rome, London, Paris, Mexico City, Toronto, and Dublin, in a unified stand for religious freedom.
Across Australia and New Zealand, a record 30 dioceses and eparchies are commemorating Red November. More than 55 parishes, schools and diocesan groups are holding events throughout the month, from Masses and liturgies to Rosaries, school assemblies, pilgrimages and candle-lit processions.
Participation in Australia and New Zealand has more than doubled in the past two years, showing a growing awareness and concern for the plight of persecuted believers.
“Red Wednesday is a powerful reminder that millions of Christians today still suffer violence, discrimination and oppression because of their faith in Jesus Christ,” Bernard Toutounji, national director of ACN Australia and New Zealand, said.
“I am deeply moved by the commitment of the Church in Australia and New Zealand and the grassroots efforts of her faithful. Lighting our cathedrals in red is a powerful public statement.
“But what truly makes a difference is when everyday people take action – when they stop to pray, when they give to practically support the suffering Church, when they commit sharing the stories of persecuted Christians with others,” Mr Toutounji said.
ACN’s latest Religious Freedom in the World Report found that 413 million Christians today live in countries where religious freedom is severely violated, with 220 million of these facing direct persecution.
ACN is urging all Australians and New Zealanders to watch the official Red November video and share it with family, friends, parish groups and online.
“The mainstream media may ignore the plight of Christians, but together we are breaking the silence on their persecution. We will make sure they are not forgotten,” Mr Toutounji said.
To watch and share the video, visit the Red November website.
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Cathedrals light red in global campaign for persecuted Christians (Aid to the Church in Need)
