The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is encouraging churches, schools, families and Christian communities to participate in its forthcoming Red Week campaign, an international initiative highlighting the persecution of Christians and the importance of religious freedom. In a report published on 11 November, UCA News highlighted the campaign’s preparations ahead of its scheduled observance from 15 to 22 November. The initiative is designed to bring greater attention to believers who experience discrimination, violence, imprisonment and restrictions because of their faith.
The campaign comes following the release of ACN’s latest report, Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians Oppressed for Their Faith 2024–26. The research examined conditions in 18 countries and found that the situation had deteriorated in 55 per cent of the countries studied. According to ACN, religious freedom is seriously violated in 62 of the world’s 196 countries, with approximately 220 million Christians directly exposed to persecution. These figures highlight the continuing difficulties facing Christian communities in several parts of the world.
Through Red Week, participating communities are encouraged to organise prayer gatherings, awareness programmes and other activities that draw attention to religious persecution. Red-themed church lighting and special prayer services are among the ways communities can demonstrate solidarity with persecuted believers. The campaign also provides an opportunity for Christians to learn about the experiences of those who cannot freely practise their faith and to support efforts to defend freedom of religion around the world.
