A set of new resources has been launched to support churches and individuals in responding to the global challenge of religious persecution.
The initiative, developed by the Church of England, stems from a General Synod motion passed in July 2024 calling for a national focus on prayer and action for the persecuted Church. It also encourages ecumenical collaboration in standing together against religious repression.
The newly launched resources aim to help parishes and individuals from various Christian traditions understand the realities of religious persecution globally and join together in prayer and advocacy. These include prayers, reflection guides, and suggestions for practical actions such as participating in Red Wednesday (20 November), an initiative instigated by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which involves lighting up church buildings and signing an open letter to the UK government. Christians are also encouraged to participate in other notable days throughout the year, including Contemporary Martyrs Day (15 February) and the UN International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (22 August).
The resources put particular emphasis on Red Wednesday, a day of global prayer and action to highlight Christian persecution and stand in solidarity with people of all faiths facing repression. As part of the Church’s commitment, key buildings such as Lambeth Palace and Westminster Abbey will be lit up in red alongside numerous churches from different denominations.
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, said: “Religious persecution remains one of the gravest issues of our time, affecting millions of people around the world. Through prayer and advocacy, we can stand alongside those suffering for their beliefs, working together for freedom of religion or belief for all.
We hope these resources will stand as an invitation for parishes and ecumenical partners to join in this important effort, raising their voices and hearts in prayer and action.”
Dr Caroline Hull, the National Director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK), said: “We are delighted that this year the Church of England is getting behind ACN’s #RedWednesday initiative which we started in 2016 to shine a light on the need to help persecuted Christians and all those who suffer for their peacefully held religious beliefs.
“It is vital that action is taken to stand up and support countless people who suffer so much for their religious faith – including sexual violence, physical and mental torture, detention without charge and even murder. #RedWednesday gives them a voice and calls on all of us to unite behind them.”
