ACN Break the Silence

#20 - Fr Francis Ikhianosime: Seminarians in Nigeria

Fr Francis Ikhianosime is one of many priests whose studies have been funded by ACN. He describes what it's like to be a seminarian in Nigeria and discusses the various challenges facing the Church in the country, such as the increase in Islamist extremism.

#19 - John Pontifex: The 10th anniversary of Akash Bashir's martyrdom

Akash Bashir sacrificed himself when he blocked a suicide bomber from entering a church in Lahore, Pakistan on 15th March 2015, saving up to a thousand lives. His final words were: “I will die but I will not let you go in.” John Pontifex, Head of Press & Public Affairs at ACN (UK), reflects on the 10th anniversary of Akash's martyrdom and recalls meeting the young man's family and friends months after his death.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is an international Catholic charity supporting persecuted and other suffering Christians in 140 countries around the world.

#18 - Dr Gavin Ashenden: Keeping the Faith in a post-Christian society

In the 1980s, Gavin Ashenden helped to smuggle Bibles and theology books to Czechoslovakia and the USSR. He shares many fascinating personal stories and reflects on the ongoing persecution of Christians around the world.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is an international Catholic charity supporting persecuted and other suffering Christians in 140 countries around the world. 

#17 - Bishop Habila Daboh of Zaria: The Church in Northern Nigeria

Vocations in Nigeria are booming, even in the northern states where Christians are frequently targeted by extremists. Bishop Habila Daboh of Zaria Diocese gives a first-hand account of the persecution that seminarians, priests and other Christians face. He also explains how ACN's help is giving hope to the Church in Nigeria.

#16 - Fr Bonnie Mendes: Christian persecution in Pakistan

Fr Bonnie Mendes has been a priest in Faisalabad Diocese for over 60 years, witnessing the impact of anti-Christian persecution first-hand. He has many stories to share about both suffering and hope. He also highlights the importance of ACN’s work in Pakistan in this interview recorded before #RedWednesday in November 2024. 

#15 - Fr Stephen Ojapah: Surviving 33 days in jihadist captivity

Fr Stephen Ojapah MSP describes the horrors he endured over 33 days of jihadist captivity in Nigeria and recounts his journey to working with trauma survivors.

#14 - Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil: The future for young Christians in Iraq

Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil describes his vision for the future of the Church in Iraq and how the Catholic University in Erbil will help ensure a continued Christian presence in the region.

#13 - John Pontifex & Dr John Newton: Christian persecution on the rise

ACN's Dr John Newton and John Pontifex discuss the key findings and case studies in the 2024 ‘Persecuted and Forgotten?’ report, demonstrating that anti-Christian persecution has been worsening globally.
Order or download your free copy of the 'Persecuted and Forgotten' report: https://acnuk.org/pf-edition-2024/
Sign the ACN UK Open Letter to the Foreign Secretary: https://acnuk.org/our-campaigns/red-wednesday-advocacy-letter/

#12 - Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark: Standing with persecuted Christians

Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark talks to ACN's John Pontifex about the importance of the charity's work and what Christians in the West can learn from our persecuted brothers and sisters. 

#11 - Fr Garry Jenkins: Serving the Church in Liberia for 50 years

Fr Garry Jenkins has served the suffering Church in Liberia as a missionary priest for half a century. He tells ACN's John Pontifex about his memories of the civil war and other moving experiences in the “forgotten” country.