ACN Break the Silence

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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/