The Aid to the Church in Need Philippines has appealed to those who will participate in the Red Wednesday observance on November 26 not to use the occasion for any other cause or motive.
"While the National Section of our foundation in the Philippines understands that the country and its citizens are in a crucial time of political decisions and affiliations, we would like to underline that the upcoming Catholic celebration, Red Wednesday, is an interreligious cause dedicated for the stand for religious freedom against our persecuted brothers and sisters," ACN said in a Facebook post.
"We hope and pray that this day of dedication will not be misrepresented and used for any other cause or motive," it further read.
Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, meantime, asked priests in his diocese to offer their Masses on the said day for the special intentions of Christians and all those undergoing persecution in manifold ways.
He also said that wearing or displaying the color red shall be left to the discretion of the individual, "avoiding as we must any misconceptions of affiliations with any political party or group."
Earlier this month, ACN invited parishes to join the Red Wednesday observance by lighting the facade of their respective churches in red from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Red Wednesday is a church event to support Christians persecuted for their faith around the world.