Parishes and households across the Archdiocese are invited to stand in solidarity on 24 November and to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering violence, persecution and death simply for professing their religious beliefs.

Red Wednesday is a global initiative of Aid to the Church in Need to highlight the plight of those who are persecuted for their religious beliefs. Even during a pandemic, oppression of religious minorities continues. In particular, girls and women from Christian and other faith minority backgrounds suffer abduction, forced marriage, forced conversion and sexual violence.

Did you know 62 countries out of a total of 196 face very severe violations of religious freedom? Two thirds of the world’s population live in these countries. To find out more, read the Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom in the World Report 2021.