Christian persecution to be brought to light on ‘Red Wednesday’ – CBCP

All cathedrals, minor basilicas and national diocesan shrines were invited to illuminate their facades red on Wednesday, in memory of all persecuted Christians who suffered and died for their faith.

The Catholic Bishops of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday said that the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Pontifical charity organization, was launching the "Red Wednesday" campaign to increase awareness among Filipinos of the severity of Christian persecution.

On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., parishes, respective buildings or local monuments would be illuminated in red, as endorsed by the CBCP.

Participants were also asked to wear red.

Among the Catholic universities who pledged to join the observance were the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and Saint Paul University in Manila and Quezon City.

Forty-one Cathedrals, along with 21 Basilicas and national shrines would also be participating.

The campaign aims to inform Christian communities and the general public that Christians were the "most persecuted faith group in the world."

Over 90,000 Christians were murdered in 2016, according to a study from the Center for New Religions.

The ACN also cited a study that concluded that half a billion Christians worldwide were unable to freely express their faith. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News