ACN’s global petition for religious freedom surpasses 20,000 signatures
Billions of people live in countries where religious freedom is not respected, according to the latest edition of the Religious Freedom in the World Report.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) continues to collect signatures for its international petition in defence of religious freedom and the full implementation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Launched in October 2025 during the presentation of the Religious Freedom in the World Report, the initiative has already gathered more than 20,000 signatures through ACN’s national offices and international outreach.
The petition is being promoted worldwide through ACN’s national offices and is accessible globally via the ACN International website.
Signatures will continue to be collected until November 2026, with the campaign culminating during ACN’s Red Week — the annual initiative in which churches, public buildings and monuments around the world are illuminated in red to raise awareness about persecuted Christians and violations of religious freedom. The petition will then be presented to international political and institutional leaders.
This initiative represents a concrete response to the alarming trends documented in ACN’s Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, which shows that billions of people live in countries where religious freedom is violated, restricted, or threatened.
During a visit to ACN’s international headquarters in Königstein, ACN President, Cardinal Kurt Koch, reiterated that freedom of religion is a “cornerstone of human dignity and social justice,” echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV. The cardinal encouraged people everywhere to support the initiative and to uphold the fundamental right to believe.
Addressed to international institutions, democratic governments, and diplomatic representatives, the petition calls for religious freedom to be made a priority in foreign policy, for protection of at-risk communities, and for emergency and legal assistance for individuals suffering persecution.
Drawing on the findings of the Religious Freedom in the World Report, the campaign aims to raise global awareness and mobilise civil society in defence of a fundamental human right. It also underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to protect this right.
ACN invites people of all faiths and beliefs — as well as all those committed to human dignity — to stand together in defence of religious freedom.
