#RedWednesday will shine a light on Christian persecution – and also highlight the injustices perpetrated against other faith groups. #RedWednesday will raise awareness of those being persecuted or oppressed for their faith around the world, those killed in acts of religious hatred regardless of their faith and show solidarity for millions of people, targeted for their beliefs and living in fear.

There will be a week of events from 19th–26th November with #RedWednesday as the highlight on 22nd November. A number of churches and landmark buildings throughout the UK, including St Chad’s and St Phillip’s (pictured) in the city centre, will be lighting their facades up red – the colour of martyrdom – for those who being persecuted around the world.

Schools are getting involved by wearing red and raising money for Aid to the Church in Need. Schools materials can be downloaded here

The event is being organised by Aid to the Church in Need, following the launch of its new Persecuted and Forgotten? report. Persecuted and Forgotten? concluded that the persecution of Christians reached a high water mark in 2015-17 – with growing attacks on the faithful by Daesh (ISIS), Boko Haram, and other fundamentalist groups.

On the evening of #RedWednesday there will be a solidarity prayer service for persecuted Christians outside Westminster Cathedral at 6pm, to which all are welcome. Parishes are also being invited to organise their own prayer vigils. Wednesday 22nd November is the memoria of the martyr St Cecilia in the liturgical calendar, and the liturgical colour for the day is red.

Pic: Christophe Finot.