The Vienna Hofburg illuminated in red as a symbol against the persecution of Christians

In order to draw attention to the fate of millions of persecuted and threatened Christians, numerous buildings in Austria are shining blood red today, including the parliamentary alternative ward in Vienna’s Hofburg, Kathpress reported. The “Red Wednesday” campaign is organized by the international aid organization “Church in Need”. Thousands of cathedrals, churches and public buildings around the world are participating in the campaign.

The lighting of the Hofburg on this occasion, which takes place for the first time this year, is a contribution “to raising awareness in the fight against the persecution of Christians,” said the president of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP), according to a broadcast of the ÖVP parliamentary club. “Millions of Christians around the world face threats, discrimination and persecution. It is absolutely unacceptable for people to be victims of violence and oppression because of their faith.”

The parliament’s participation was initiated by the ÖVP human rights spokesperson, Gudrun Kugler, who was delighted by the strong sign of solidarity with persecuted Christians: “In total, more than 50 churches and buildings in Austria are involved in the ‘Red Wednesday’ That’s good. Because despite the dramatic situation in many countries, European elites are looking the other way. “

A service originally planned for Wednesday at Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral for persecuted Christians with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn had to be canceled due to the new framework for Episcopal Conference services due to the closing of the crown, announced “Church in Not “Austria on your website. The archbishop of Vienna will hold a service on this matter in a small group at 12 noon and it will be broadcast live on Radio Klassik Stephansdom, he said.

With “Red Wednesday”, the international Catholic aid organization “Church in Need” wants to draw attention to the fate of millions of persecuted, oppressed and threatened Christians around the world. More than 260 million Christians around the world are currently affected by persecution, discrimination and violence based on their beliefs. In 60 countries people are hampered in their religious practice and in 14 of them there are serious violations of religious freedom. In 2019 alone, 4,136 Christians around the world were killed because of their belief.

“Red Wednesday” has been around since 2015. Numerous countries on four continents, from Brazil to Canada to Australia, will unite this year based on the broadcast and make many of their churches or buildings glow red. The statue of Christ over Rio de Janeiro or the castle of the Slovak capital, Bratislava, are also illuminated in red.