Red Wednesday 2022 includes prayer and Divine Liturgy, followed by refreshments.
In talks held after the service, Bishop Jude Arogundade will highlight the growing wave of terrorism targeting Christians and other minorities – kidnappings, killings of priests and lay people, land-grabs and attacks on churches packed with faithful.
There will also be a presentation on ACN’s Persecuted and Forgotten: A Report on Christians Oppressed for their Faith 2020-22, due to be launched in Parliament on Wednesday November 16.
The report provides an overview of the situation facing persecuted Christians, focusing on 24 countries including China, Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), much of the Middle East and parts of Africa such as Nigeria, which have been hit hard by Islamist violence.
All proceeds from Red Wednesday 2022 will go towards ACN’s Ukraine Appeal, which supports the ongoing work of the Church in Ukraine.
Bishop Jude said: “I say a genocide is now taking place. There is a concerted effort to drive Christians out of their lands by various means, including the kidnapping and killing of lay people and priests, stealing land belonging to Christians and attacking churches during services.
“The Christians are pushing back. We need to stand up for what we believe.”
ACN UK national director Caroline Hull, said: “Red Wednesday should be in everyone’s calendar, when we here in the UK take a stance against violations of religious freedom around the world, we give those without a voice a chance to be heard.
“I’m standing up for Christians and other religious minorities who are discriminated against or persecuted simply for living out their faith. Red Wednesday is a call to action for people of all faiths and none. Please join us to support all those who suffer for their religious beliefs.”
Aid to the Church in Need is a pontifical foundation of the Catholic Church, supporting the Catholic faithful and other Christians where they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need.