Landmarks in countries around the world including Brazil, Philippines, and Australia are being bathed in red light this month to highlight the persecution of faith groups for their “peacefully-held beliefs”.
The idea of illuminating iconic buildings in red was initiated by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as a public symbol of protest against religious discrimination. Red Wednesday is now established in many places, in initiatives that cover the last two weeks of November. ACN explains: “Red is the Christian colour of martyrdom and Red Wednesday shines a light on Christian persecution but also highlight the injustices perpetrated against other faith groups”.
Venice was already illuminated in red on 21 November, highlighting the case of Asia Bibi in particular. As the Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute was among eight historic Venetian buildings lit up, young people from the Archdiocese of Venice walked in procession through the city to raise awareness of the plight of persecuted Christians. In Barcelona, the iconic Sagrada Familia church is being illuminated in red, as is the Sacré Coeur Basilica in Paris. In Ireland, Armagh, Galway, Waterford and Cobh, cathedrals are taking part, as well as Knock Basilica.
The Philippines is having more than 1300 churches and 30 schools turn red. Also turning red are the Christ Redeemer Statue in Brazil’s Rio de Janerio, and in Australia St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney and St Patrick’s Cathedral in Perth. In the United States, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington is taking part.
The 2018 Religious Freedom in the World Report by ACN was released to coincide with these events. It found the situation for minority faith groups has deteriorated in 18 of the 38 countries found to have significant religious freedom violations. Especially serious decline was noted in China and India. In many others – including North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Eritrea – the situation is already serious.
London will this week witness talks in Parliament Square on Wednesday, followed by a red-lit candlelit procession to Westminster Cathedral. A service will be conducted in the piazza and a live link to Aleppo in Syria with an interview with a persecuted Christian. St. Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham will also turn red. Bishop John Arnold of Salford is due to celebrate a special Mass in Manchester. ACN is also due to host an event in the Scottish Parliament. Members of many religious groups will wear red for the day and march of protest with banners: "Make a stand for faith and religious freedom".