Persecution Sunday

Persecution Sunday 2026

Save the date | Persecution Sunday 2027: 23 May 2027.

HOW PERSECUTION SUNDAY 2026 WENT

On 31 May 2026, Christians gathered with one purpose: To love their neighbours by standing with the persecuted Church.

Across South Africa and parts of Africa, churches came together to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution, uncertainty and suffering because they choose to follow Jesus.

The response was deeply encouraging. Around 8 000 people gathered in person to pray on the day, while more than 50 volunteers stepped forward to speak at churches or lead prayer in their own congregations. Hundreds of people also registered their interest in taking part, showing the desire of Christians to find ways to stand with the persecuted Church.

We’re grateful to everyone who prayed, shared, spoke, invited others to take part and helped make this movement possible.

Thank you for choosing to love your neighbour by standing with the persecuted Church!

People Praying

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

Romans 12:9-10

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.