London: #RedWednesday - Standing up for Faith

Nov 23rd, 2017

Bishop Angaelos, Westminster Cathedral - image: Weenson Oo

Source: John Newton/ICN

On 22 November - #RedWednesday - many churches and public buildings across the UK and around the world were floodlit in red as a sign of solidarity with people of all faiths suffering persecution. In London, Aid to the Church in Need partnered with Christian Solidarity Worldwide and others, for a day of prayer, solidarity and action. Faith leaders and campaigners boarded the 'faith & freedom' bus at Westminster Cathedral, for a tour of churches and landmarks across the capital, passing All Soul's Langham Place, All Saints in Margaret Street, St Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Methodist Central Hall.

At the same time, 20 MPs also made their way to a special photo opportunity in the Houses of Parliament to show their support for #RedWednesday.

Some passengers on the bus got out at Westminster Bridge as night fell and the House of Parliament were illuminated in red. They gathered for a procession carrying a cross and banners down Victoria Street, for a prayer service on the steps on Westminster Cathedral. The piazza echoed with music from Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir as the prayer service began.

Bishop Angaelos, the newly-appointed Coptic Orthodox Bishop of London said that Red Wednesday is a sign to those who suffer for their faith around the world that they are not forgotten. Pointing to the busy streets of London, Bishop Angaelos said: "In the midst of all of this, it is unfathomable to think that there are still hundreds of millions potentially who suffer for their faith today.

"As Christians, of course, we focus on the plight of our brothers and sisters. But as Christians we also recognise the absolute right to us all made in God's image and likeness whether Christian or another faith or of no faith at all, to have that freedom to choose. And today we stand together for that."

Bishop Angaelos said: "It is essential that we stand together, not only tonight, not only when our buildings are lit red, as is our cathedral, to signify not only the blood of the martyrs but the continued struggle of those who have faith during these days."

He added: "We come here and we think that this is just us standing here in the midst of London, but I assure you that your sisters and brothers around the world - Christians and otherwise - are moved by your witness. It strengthens them, it inspires them, it assures them that they are not forgotten."

Bishop Angaelos reported that there were now 13 million Christians in Egypt - where the Coptic Orthodox Church began - and that today they represent around 80 percent of all Christians in the Middle East. He said: "In neighbouring countries our brothers and sisters have either left or more tragically lost their lives."

Among the speakers at the service were Jim Shannon MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Athanasius Toma, Westminster's Auxiliary Bishop Nicholas Hudson and Ahsan Ahmedi, Regional President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.

Teenager Hannah Chowdhry, a volunteer with the British Pakistani Christian Association, described the situation of Christians in Pakistan, saying: "700 Christian Girls are kidnapped, raped and forced into Islamic marriage every year - yet the world stays silent. The average age of those abducted is 13. To help you gain some perspective I am also 13."

Neville Kyrke-Smith, National Director, of Aid to the Church in Need (UK), said: "Surely in this day and age, it is unacceptable that someone should be denied work, housing, liberty or even lose their life because of their religious belief? Yet this is what is happening in so many parts of the world. So I am delighted that so many are supporting our campaign at Aid to the Church in Need with Christian Solidarity Worldwide and others, to stand up for the rights of everyone to follow their faith without coercion, reprisals or persecution."

Mr Kyrke-Smith noted that numerous churches were going red not only across the UK but also in Ireland, Malta, Gibraltar, the Philippines, and parts of the USA. More than 200 people attended a vigil ceremony for #RedWednesday at Armagh Cathedral. Waterford, Sligo, Galway and Thurles Cathedrals also lit up red. In the Philippines, 47 cathedrals, 29 basilicas and shrines took part in the red floodlighting campaign.

The service in Westminster Cathedral Piazza concluded with a striking moment of prayer as many attendees knelt with their arms outstretched in the form of a cross, to remember all those who are being persecuted because of their faith.

(See more pictures from the day on ICN's Facebook page.)

Read more about Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org