Red Wednesday 2020
Red Wednesday is a day to gather and 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 the 25 November 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.
How can I get involved with Red Wednesday?
Events: A number of churches and cathedrals in Australia will be lighting up in red and holding an event to commemorate Red Wednesday.
Dress: Wear something red, or a red ribbon, on Wednesday 25 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?
Catholic Students at Sydney University hosted a bake sale raising $810 for Aid to the Church in Need's projects.
From Scotland to the Philippines, from the U.S.A. to Iraq #Redwednesday events took place last year to draw attention to the persecution of Christians and other faith groups because of their religious beliefs.
You can also remember persecuted Christians right across the month by being a part of Red November.