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In Red, We Remember the Persecuted

By Poline Julia Cusi & Jeunne Sunga | November 24, 2021

Red conjures images of passion, violence, and the blood of martyrs. It is also a symbolic commemoration of Red Wednesday. This day is intended as a reminder that even in 2021, numerous people around the world are still hindered and deprived of their right to faith. This also commemorates and remembers those who were discriminated against and persecuted for practicing their faith. The purpose of this observance is to provide support to Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity dedicated to the support of suffering and persecuted Christians, founded Red Wednesday. During this day, throughout the world, churches, cathedrals, and public buildings are illuminated in red to show support and solidarity for our Christian brothers and sisters. In 2017, the Philippines joined the campaign, which was launched in the UK in 2016.

The ACN chose the theme for 2021 to be: “Red without fear: A Church journeying as one.” Especially during this global pandemic, Christians face more persecution than at any other point in history, increasing in both scope and severity. It is fairly common for Christians to face hostility and persecution in the form of bombings, mutilations, and even murder. The Lord Himself and the apostles were persecuted, while 90 percent of the early Christians were martyred.

In spite of the fact that the Red Wednesday Campaign is a Catholic initiative, it does not solely focus on persecuted Catholics, but rather on all of those believing in the Christian faith. In a broader sense, the call also extends to those who are persecuted because of their religious beliefs, whatever they may be. Religious Freedom must remain a right, not a privilege.

Red Wednesday gives us the space to remember and honor all those who have given their lives for the gospel. Aside from prayer, remembering is one of the most powerful things we can do for them, a reassurance that their sacrifice was not in vain. They lived their lives not as passersby, but as people who truly changed the world. Each person they interacted with has been given hope, an opportunity for a life that is free. This November 24, 2021, wear Red, and take a moment to honor those who lived without fear, inspiring all Christians to give it all for the One who has given it all for them.

References:

Aid to the Church in Need Philippines (2020, May 18). Martyrs. ACN International. https://acninternational.org/martyrs/

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (2020, January 25). CBCP Makes ‘Red Wednesday’ Official Church Event | CBCPNews. CBCPNews. https://cbcpto news.net/cbcpnews/cbcp-makes-red-wednesday-official-church-event/.