ACN Break the Silence

#25 - Marielle Boutros: The Maronite Church in Lebanon

The Church in Lebanon is thriving, despite the ongoing crisis. ACN's Marielle Boutros coordinates emergency and pastoral aid programmes to help keep the faith alive in the heartland of Middle Eastern Christianity. Amy Balog of ACN UK chats to Marielle about her recent visit to Lebanon and the situation for Christians in the country.

#24 - Fr Remigius Ihyula: Displaced Christians in Nigeria

Fr Remi spends much of his time visiting Christian communities displaced as a result of violent persecution in Makurdi Diocese, Nigeria. ACN is helping the diocese provide emergency aid, pastoral support and quality education to families in need.

#22 - Bishop Wilfred Anagbe: The persecuted Church in Nigeria

Benue State is one of Nigeria’s most conflict-ridden regions, and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi is on a mission to tell the world about what is happening. Despite regular attacks on Christian communities, vocations are booming, and the bishop also has messages of hope to share.

#21 - Tammy Peterson: Faith, hope and Christian persecution

Tammy Peterson reflects on faith, suffering and prayer as we discuss various stories about persecuted Christians from around the world. She also talks candidly about her journey to the Catholic Church and what the Rosary means to her. 
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is a Catholic charity supporting persecuted and other suffering Christians globally. 

#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.