Red Wednesday 2021

Red Wednesday is a day to gather to draw attention to the plight of those who are persecuted and oppressed for their religious beliefs. Cathedrals, churches and public buildings around the world will light up in red to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Red Wednesday is an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity dedicated to the support of suffering and persecuted Christians. In Australia, Red Wednesday will take place on 24 November 2021, however, some places will host Red Wednesday events throughout the week.

It is clear that the persecution of Christians is worse today than at any time in history. In terms of the number of people involved, the gravity of the acts committed, and their impact, not only are Christians more persecuted than any other faith group, but ever-increasing numbers are experiencing the worst forms of persecution.  

The purpose of Red Wednesday is to join together and raise a strong voice in support of the persecuted who are unable to speak freely, and who look to us - their brothers and sisters in Christ - to speak on their behalf.

This year ACN also released its Religious Freedom in the World report which is produced every two years. The ACN report is the only Catholic, and European-based, global report addressing religious freedom for all the major religious traditions in 196 countries.

The website with more about this report can be accessed here. 

The 2021 Religious Freedom in the World report can be viewed here. 

How can I get involved with Red Wednesday? 

Events:  Many churches and Cathedrals in Australia, and throughout the world, will be lighting up in red and holding an event to commemorate Red Wednesday.

Dress: Wear something red, or a red ribbon, on Wednesday 24 November to raise awareness of those persecuted for their faith. Take a photo of yourself wearing red and share it on social media with the hashtag #RedWednesday 

Pray: Prayer is the bond that unites us in love and solidarity with our brothers and sisters who suffer and are persecuted for their love of Jesus. Join us in praying throughout November for persecuted Christians. You may also want to offer a Mass for suffering Christians 100% of Mass offerings are sent to poor priests who will celebrate Mass for your prayer intentions.

Awareness: The persecution of Christians if too often ignored. You can change this by knowing the stories of those who suffer and making those stories known. Join our mailing list to receive our regular newsletter (via post or email), follow us on social media and share our content. #RedWednesday. 

Donate: By making a donation to Aid to the Church in Need you are helping us to fund projects that support Christians that are being persecuted, oppressed or are suffering. Each year we receive 7500 requests from around the world but we can only help with about 5000 requests due to a lack of funds. If you would prefer to make a donation over the phone you can call: 1800 101 201 during business hours. To donate to ACN use the donation form below. 

Fundraise: From morning teas to marathons to garage sales to movie nights to raffles to bake sales. There is no shortage of creative ways one can raise support and raise funds for Christians in need. What can you come up with?

Red Boxes: You can request to receive a church shaped 'poor box' to use in your parish or school which can be distributed to encourage spiritual and material offerings across the month of November.

To help ACN in our mission to keep the Faith alive and help persecuted Christians please support us in this Red Wednesday initiative. 

Please note: Aid to the Church in Need is running a prayer campaign 'One Million Children Praying the Rosary' to pray for unity and world peace. To join the campaign and learn more click here.