Press Release – For Immediate Release
Montreal, May 14, 2026– As part of its annual tradition, the Canadian office of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) invites you to mark your calendars for the eighth edition of Red Wednesday, which will take place on Wednesday, November 18. (Banner photo: participants in Saint John XXIII Parish, Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, Québec.)
As in previous years, but especially this year, the invitation is extended to everyone: religious institutions, civil institutions, individuals, community groups, and more. “You don’t have to be a believer to take part. It’s a human right like any other, guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” says Marie-Claude Lalonde, National Director of Aid to the Church in Need Canada. “This year, in connection with our theme, Who stands with persecuted Christians?, we are inviting people to sign the petition calling for respect of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
This is the first time in its history that Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has launched a petition. “The release of the latest report on religious freedom last October leaves no room for doubt: freedom of thought, conscience, and belief is in sharp decline worldwide. What’s worse is that religious freedom is increasingly being treated as a secondary right,” explains Ms. Lalonde.
“I urge people to sign the petition today and to share the link within their communities: parishes, religious congregations, and so on. Online signatures are ideal, but if anyone would prefer a paper copy, they can contact the Canadian office directly and we will gladly provide one. They can then send the signed copy directly to the international office or through our office.”
To sign the petition: https://acn-canada.org/rfr/.
To contact the Canadian office: info@acn-canada.org or 1-800-585-6333, ext. 228.
“In Canada, we hope to deliver the petition in person to all relevant government authorities. For its part, ACN International plans to submit it to various international organizations, including the UN,” explains Ms. Lalonde.
Red Wednesday: Improved Website
Meanwhile, preparations for Red Wednesday are in full swing, and the event’s website will see certain improvements. “We ask for the patience of our online visitors,” explains Valérie Vulcain, Red Wednesday coordinator. “Among the improvements, we want to provide a better experience for those who register to participate, whether it be an institution or an individual.” The site’s address has also changed: https://acn-canada.org/red-wednesday/ (under construction). In the meantime, people can email me directly at vv@acn-canada.org if they want to stay informed or become volunteers. I’m hoping for a huge turnout again this year!”
