Red Wednesday 2021

Thanks to all those who participated in Red Wednesday events around the country to remember and pray for persecuted Christians.  Let us continue to pray for all those who suffer for their faith.  

Here are some photos from events around the country and the world.

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.

Bi-annually ACN International releases its Religious Freedom in the World report which reports on the state of religious freedom around the world.  Click here to view the 2021 Report.  

Red Wednesday – Resources 

This Red Wednesday – 24 November - join with Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools and church groups all over the world as we pray and take action for those who are persecuted for their faith.  Hold a prayer vigil,  gather for a Holy Hour, participate in a 50 km challenge event, ‘go to mass for someone who can’t’   … there are so many ways to get involved.  

Red Wednesday brochure – For a general overview and a wide range of activities to choose from for your Red Wednesday plan, please check out our Red Wednesday brochure.

Schools Red Wednesday Resource Kit – This year we have a number of school resources and activities to help animate your Red Wednesday plans.  They include assembly presentation; classroom activities; prayer and liturgy gatherings – for both primary and secondary. To receive the Schools Red Wednesday Resource kit please email schools@aidtochurch.org and include your school’s details. 

'#gotomass for someone who can’t' -  This year we are launching a new initiative year, that invites us to choose to go to a Mass for someone who cannot do so because of religious persecution. Join in this global initiative by attending an additional Mass and prayerfully remembering those who are persecuted for their faith.  You may choose to download a prayer card with the name of a person or community you will be praying for. Some examples are below.  (primary school and secondary/adult versions).  

Email schools@aidtochurch.org for downloadable files. 

#go2mass – use this hashtag to post about your participation

Red Wednesday - Ways to get involved

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.

To watch the Red Wednesday Mass live-streamed at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney at 5:30 pm on Wednesday 24 November please use this link: https://youtu.be/zNML1KIntzE

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.