Red for the martyr: Styria shows solidarity on the Red Wednesday

Red for the martyr: Styria shows solidarity on the Red Wednesday

On November 20, 2023, the Red Wednesday is celebrated worldwide, an opportunity to put the persecution and discrimination against Christians into the light of the public. On this day, churches, cathedrals and public buildings will shine in bright red. This action should not only point out the regrettable conditions, but also raise awareness of the challenges that many believers have to encounter. The red stands symbolically for the blood and suffering of martyrs who were pursued because of their faith.

More and more people receive a voice from the Catholic aid organization "Church in Need" through this initiative. It is particularly alarming that, according to the world tracking index, around 365 million Christians were suppressed or threatened in 78 countries in 2023. This is the highest value that has ever been documented. In 50 of these countries, the risk is extremely high, especially in many Islamic states.

The background of the action

The persecution of Christians goes far back and is not a new phenomenon in history. They existed in the times of the Romans and also during the rule of the National Socialists. The differences between persecution and discrimination are crucial. While the persecution can often lead to physical attacks and even "annihilation", discrimination primarily means social exclusion. Since its introduction in 2015, the Red Wednesday has developed into a comprehensive series of events that include prayer guards, conferences and exhibitions.

Tobias Pechmann, National Director of "Church in Need" Austria, emphasizes how important these expressions of solidarity are. "The Red Wednesday gives the many Christians a voice that suffers from discrimination and persecution and which often nobody thinks," he explains and speaks of a terrifying state of religious freedom worldwide. Father Karl Wallner, National Director of the Pontifical Missions', also warns: "Looking away is dangerous and can be fatal to the persecuted sisters and brothers."

participating churches in Styria

In Austria, over 220 churches, monasteries and other public buildings take part in the red lighting, including 36 in Styria. The participating churches include the Benedictine Abbey Admont, the Dompfarre Graz and the parish of All Saints at Wildon and many others.

The choice of November as an action month is important because it is traditionally dedicated to memory of the deceased. Due to the visual representation, the red coloring of these buildings, people should be reminded that many had to live their lives for faith. The upcoming events and the participation of many communities underline the need to inform the situation of Christian communities in the world. Further details on this multifaceted initiative can be found in a detailed report .