On Red Wednesday, 19 November, the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN UK) helps us to remember all those Christians who are being persecuted. They share in the suffering of Christ, and I ask you to hold them in your prayers.
It is a sad reality that, in this day and age, so many Christians are persecuted for their faith. Attacks on Christians, including murder, rape, kidnapping and forced displacement have become common place and discrimination by governments is on the rise. Stories from Nigeria, Myanmar and Pakistan, are only some of examples of persecution today. We are all part of One Body as brothers and sisters in Christ and so the testimony of those who are persecuted should give us the strength to live and share our faith here in England and Wales.
The Catholic Church urges religious freedom for all people, and we also hold in prayer members of other religious groups who are persecuted.
The Church teaches that “the right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself.” (Dignitatis Humanae). This right, the document continues, must be reflected in the law of all countries. Our social nature means that all people should be able to give external expression to their religious beliefs without discrimination.
On Red Wednesday, I ask all Catholics in England and Wales to consider supporting this initiative organised by Aid to the Church in Need. Please hold the plight of all Christians who are persecuted in your prayers and consider including the work of those who fight for freedom of religion and belief as intentions in your parish intercessions.
Saint Sebastian pray for us, Saint Margaret Clitherow pray for us.
Bishop James Curry
Lead Bishop for Freedom of Religion and Belief
Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster
If you feel you can, you can support the work of Aid to the Church in Need with a secure online donation. The #RedWednesday campaign supports projects such as trauma centres where widows and orphans receive help, material support to repair churches after they’ve come under violent attack, and also to fund seminarians, who can be a point of contact for all those who are suffering.
Here is a gallery of images giving you a flavour of the #RedWednesday Mass that took place at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark. You can find more on our Flickr channel.
