As a call to stand up for religious freedom, Calvary Church will light its outside façade in red from December 20-24, 2017. The church is the first in New York City to join the #RedWednesday Campaign.

This symbolic gesture will commence with a worship service on Wednesday, December 20th at 6 PM at Calvary Church, 277 Park Avenue South. 

Started in 2016, the Red Wednesday Campaign began as a United Kingdom initiative, then spread to other parts of Europe and Brazil. Facades that have been illuminated in red include Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, Houses of Parliament and Oxford University, all in England. Also lit up have been the Fontana de Trevi in Italy, Sacred Heart Basilica in France and Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. 

Last year, 215 million Christians experienced high or extreme levels of persecution in the 50 countries where it’s most difficult to openly follow Jesus Christ. These Christians often face beatings, abductions, rape, torture, forced marriages and death. 

“Most people don’t realize that Christians continue to be the most persecuted faith group in the world. We invite all New Yorkers to join us and take a stand for religious freedom,” stated the Rev. Jacob Smith, Rector of Calvary-St. George’s Parish. “And what better color to use than the color red, the Christian color of martyrdom.” 

 

[constantcontactapi formid=”2″]