Iraqi Christian residents of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya), visit the heavily damaged Church of the Immaculate Conception on April 9, 2017, as Christians celebrate the first Palm Sunday event in the town since Iraqi forces recaptured it from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists - AFP
ishtartv.com - en.radiovaticana.va
06/11/2017
Catholic
schools and churches across the United Kingdom will be floodlit red to
highlight the plight of persecuted Christians across the world.
At
least ten cathedrals will take part in the #RedWednesday initiative organised
by the Aid to the Church in Need charity on November 22 which aims to promote
faith and tolerance in society, stand in solidarity with victims of
persecution, and oppose violence and oppression carried out in the name of
religion.
Organisers
– who chose red to symbolise martyrdom and suffering – are appealing for public
buildings to be floodlit on the day. Among the schools and churches that have
already pledged to take part are England’s National Shrine of Our Lady,
Walsingham, Cardinal Newman High School, Bellshill, St Columba’s Church,
Inverness, and St Joseph’s, Pontefract.
Patricia
Hatton from ACN said: “#RedWednesday is a unique opportunity to stand up for
faith and freedom in this country and around the world and to shine a light on
the persecution of Christians and other faith groups today.
“Together
let’s make a stand for faith and freedom and help Christians and others –
especially in the Middle East – who urgently need our support this Christmas.”
The
charity is inviting people to a prayer service in Westminster Cathedral Piazza
on November 22 at 6pm, which will be preceded by music, film and personal
testimonies. They ask for those attending to wear something red.
For
more information, visit acnuk.org/campaign/redwednesday
(Richard
Paul Marsden)
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