Observing Red Wednesday

You've seen the videos, the tears in their eyes before they were murdered; you've read the articles about the genocide in Nigeria, the state-controlled persecution in Pakistan, the silent ethnic-religious cleansing in Syria, the abductions of girls in Egypt, the massacres in Congo, and the horrifying atrocities in Indonesia — and so many other countries. But that is only if you are connected to a certain algorithm, because the silence is deafening. Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. Yet most world leaders and mainstream media stay silent.

Today is Red Wednesday, 19 November — churches, landmarks, monuments, and communities around the world will be illuminated in red to highlight the ongoing persecution of Christians and the violation of religious freedom.

What is Red Wednesday? Red Wednesday is an international awareness campaign created by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The colour red symbolizes the blood of martyrs and the suffering of millions who face violence, discrimination, and displacement simply because of their faith.

Today, buildings in dozens of countries will shine in red. Cathedrals, parliaments, ministries, historical monuments, and town squares illuminate in red as a call to conscience — urging the world not to ignore the increasing dangers faced by Christians and other religious minorities.

Why does it matter? Because the reality is stark: Christians remain one of the most persecuted groups on earth. Entire communities continue to be attacked, silenced, or forced from their homes. Red Wednesday gives a voice to those who have none, and participation helps ensure their stories are not forgotten. Awareness leads to advocacy, and advocacy can lead to protection and change.

At ADFA, we are proud to stand with persecuted and repressed Christians worldwide. For over a decade, ADFA has documented abuses, supported threatened families, and raised international awareness about the suffering of Christian communities in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. During Red Wednesday, we join millions of others in declaring: persecution must not be ignored — and our solidarity must not be silent.