Persecution Sunday

Persecution Sunday 2026

On Sunday, 31 May join with Christians across Africa to pray for our persecuted family around the world.

ABOUT PERSECUTION SUNDAY 2026

Matthew 22:39 calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves.

In a time where division, suffering, loneliness and misunderstanding are all too common, loving our neighbour isn’t just a moral ideal — it’s a spiritual mandate. It is the evidence of a life rooted in God’s love.

This isn’t passive, but active, as beautifully portrayed in Romans 12:9–21, a passage that lays out what love in action truly looks like.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love.

Romans 12:9-10

Registered churches

People Praying

To love our neighbour is to

Be devoted to them

Honour them above ourselves

Share with those in need

Practise hospitality

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Mourn with those who mourn

Live in harmony with one another

Bless even those who hurt us

This Persecution Sunday we want to create a space for that kind of love. A place where we pray not only for our persecuted family but also for and with each other.

Join us as we come together to

Stand

in the gap for those in the Body who can’t gather and worship freely.

Encourage

one another in the Body, lifting each other’s burdens.

Ask

God to renew our hearts as the Body, so we may live out his mandate of loving our neighbour graciously and truthfully.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:35

If you registered for Persecution Sunday in the past, you will need to sign up for this year’s event here. If you have already registered for 2026, please login to view the resources.

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What is Persecution Sunday?

Persecution Sunday (PS) is a prayer movement that brings together churches across the region in a unified time of prayer, reflection and action for our persecuted family.

Each year, the event aims to raise awareness and prayer about the plight of persecuted Christians, whether in a specific region or worldwide.

How to Participate?

Get permission: Ask your church leadership or small group leader if you can host a Persecution Sunday event.
Register: You’ll become the PS organiser for your church.
Access resources: You’ll get access to the resource page with materials like a theme PowerPoint, videos, prayer cards, and resources for children.

Why on this date?

The date changes each year because it falls on the Sunday after Pentecost.

This timing is symbolic: In Acts 4, shortly after the Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost, Peter and John are arrested, marking the beginning of Christian persecution. That moment is often symbolically seen as the “beginning” of the Persecuted Church.

Help us spread the word!

Share this event with your friends and family on social media and invite others to join Persecution Sunday.

The more people who sign up for this event, the more prayers we can lift up for our persecuted family!

Frequently asked questions

How can I participate in Persecution Sunday?

To participate in PS, it is necessary to have the approval of your church leadership. If you already have this, REGISTER as a PS organiser. You will then be in contact with you via email on next steps and give you access to our resource page so you can run PS in your church or small group.

How do I register my church for Persecution Sunday?

Just fill out the REGISTRATION form. Your information, as the organiser, will be required, as well as that of the church where you intend to hold PS. Check that the information is correct and up to date and complete your registration.

Until when will I be able to register my church for Persecution Sunday?

You can register your church at any time up to the week before Persecution Sunday. That is Monday, 25 May.

Will the organiser receive some support material for the event?

All PS organisers will receive an email with a link to access our resources page. From March 2025, you’ll be able to access all the digital material you need to plan and run Persecution Sunday at your church or in your small group.