Global buildings glow red for persecuted Christians worldwide

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On November 20, buildings worldwide glowed crimson as part of Red Wednesday, an annual commemoration supporting Christians facing persecution globally.

The illuminated structures encompassed numerous cathedrals and churches, alongside landmark buildings like the Westminster Parliament and Hungarian Presidential Palace.

Today is Red Wednesday when we remember persecuted Christians and others who suffer for their beliefs.@ACN_uk's recent report shows that persecution is increasing.

The PM should re-appoint a Special Envoy for FoRB so we in the UK do our bit to defend the persecuted worldwide. pic.twitter.com/bmqEVgY6Tp

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— Sir Edward Leigh MP (@EdwardLeighGB) November 20, 2024

Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) established this initiative in 2016 to spotlight anti-Christian persecution worldwide and champion religious freedom as a basic human right.

The color red was chosen for its traditional association with martyrdom through blood sacrifice.

More than 300 events marked Red Week across over 20 nations, including major participants like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and several European and Latin American countries.

This year’s focus highlighted Christian youth and children displaced by religious persecution and conflict, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

ACN’s latest “Persecuted and Forgotten?” report indicates worsening Christian persecution between 2022 and 2024.

The report identifies Africa as the new epicenter of Islamist violence, with Christians facing targeted attacks in regions like Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

Burkina Faso’s ongoing Islamist insurgency has forced over two million residents – approximately 10% of its population – to flee their homes.

Nigeria, ranked eighth in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, witnessed 5,000 Christian deaths due to faith-based persecution last year. Fulani militants regularly attack Christian communities in the Middle Belt, while government response remains inadequate.

These militants strategically time their attacks during Christian holidays, exemplified by the Christmas Eve 2023 assault on Plateau State villages and the Easter Monday 2024 attack claiming 10 Christian lives.

Eritrea currently holds 400 Christians in prison without trial solely for their religious beliefs.

Authoritarian governments, including China, Eritrea, India, and Iran, have intensified persecution of Christians through increased state suppression.

India reported 720 anti-Christian incidents in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s 599 cases.

The report highlights how both government and non-government entities increasingly use legislation to oppress Christian and other religious minorities.

Today is #RedWednesday, an annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the persecution of Christians around the world. We invite you to join us in #prayer for all Christians who are persecuted because of their faith. pic.twitter.com/QhvTqQyK1o

— Caritas Westminster (@CaritasWestm) November 20, 2024

Recent trends show rising threats against Christian children, particularly girls, who face abduction, sexual abuse, forced marriages, and religious conversion.

Nicaragua appears in the report for the first time, following Daniel Ortega’s regime’s severe measures against Christians, including mass clergy arrests and deportations.