Churches and other buildings in Ireland and beyond will be lit up in red this Wednesday to draw attention to the persecution of Christians all around the world. In addition, Aid to the Church in Need in Ireland will host a series of events, including an interview with John Paul II biographer, George Weigel on Wednesday night and Lord David Alton on Friday night. (The list of events can be found here.)

Aid to the Church in Need says that 80% of all acts of religious persecution are perpetrated against Christians and the “Week of Witness” marks those who were killed or injured for their faith.

The charity points out that some 245 million Christians are facing extreme persecution for their faith, with the charity supporting some 5,300 projects aimed at assisting those living in hardship.

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore has called on “all churches, businesses and public buildings” to take part in the initiative.

“Red is the Christian colour of martyrdom. Christians are the most persecuted group in today’s world and Red Wednesday will honour all Christians who suffer and die for their faithfulness to Christ’s message of peace and love.”

He added that the day also highlights injustices against other faith groups, and the campaign “calls for respect and tolerance for people of faith and between different faith traditions”.