Churches and cathedrals across the UK will be illuminated in red in solidarity with persecuted and suffering Christians around the world this month.
Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is marking the 10th anniversary of #Red Wednesday, its annual campaign raising awareness of religious persecution and supporting Christians facing discrimination, oppression and violence because of their faith.
The main event in London will take place at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, featuring red illuminations, light displays and live music, culminating in a Mass celebrated for persecuted Christians.
The Mass will be celebrated by Father Firas Lutfi OFM, whose ministry in Syria has accompanied communities through years of conflict, loss and rebuilding.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of ACN’s Courage to be Christian Award to Sister Annie Demerjian, the Syrian religious sister who ministered in Aleppo during the country’s brutal civil war, supporting families affected by violence, displacement and poverty.
Long-time ACN project partner Sister Annie will share first-hand testimony of the realities facing the people she serves and the resilience of Christian communities living amid conflict.
The award, established by ACN (UK), recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, faith and witness in the face of persecution or adversity.
This year’s event will also celebrate the efforts of hundreds of fundraisers who have supported #RedWednesday throughout its anniversary year.
Among them is Andrew Foote, a 32-year-old gardener from Brent, who set out from Westminster Cathedral on 15th August on a pilgrimage by bicycle to Jerusalem.
He hopes to reach the Holy City in time for #RedWednesday after raising funds and awareness for persecuted Christians along the way.
Since the start of the year, parishes, schools and supporters have taken part in a wide range of fundraising initiatives, including half marathons, a yarnathon, bake sales and school challenges.
Beginning on November 15, cathedrals and churches across England, Wales and Scotland will take part in #RedWednesday activities.
Participating cathedrals include the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, Arundel, Cathedral of St Mary and St Helen, Brentwood, Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Clifton, Bristol, St Peter and St Peter's Cathedral, Lancaster, Leeds Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle, the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas, Nottingham, the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Thomas, Northampton, St John the Baptist Cathedral, Norwich, while St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, will welcome hundreds of pupils and staff for a special service.
In Wales, St David’s Cathedral, Cardiff, will shine a light, while in Scotland cathedrals in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Motherwell, Glasgow, Paisley and Ayr will take part.
Nathalie Raffray
Aid to the Church in Need
