Across Nigeria launches green-light campaign for persecuted Christians

Across Nigeria founder and CEO Brad Brandon is urging homes, churches and businesses to light exterior fixtures green on Nov. 1, 2026, to mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The campaign is meant to show solidarity with Christians in northern Nigeria, where violence against believers continues and Nigeria accounted for most Christians killed for their faith worldwide in Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026.

Why it matters: - The campaign is meant to give persecuted Christians in northern Nigeria a visible sign of support from U.S. Christians. - Across Nigeria says the effort can also raise awareness, prompt prayer and honor victims of religious violence. - The timing aligns with the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.

What happened: - Across Nigeria founder and CEO Brad Brandon announced “Operation Light-It-Up Green” in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14, 2026. - The campaign asks homes, churches and businesses to place a green light bulb in at least one exterior fixture on Nov. 1. - Participants are asked to post photos on social media using #EndTheGenocide. - Supporters are also encouraged to keep their lights green for the day, the full week or throughout November.

The details: - The campaign uses green because it is the national color of Nigeria and, Brandon said, a symbol of God’s provision in the Bible. - Across Nigeria says it will collect and share campaign photos with persecuted Christian communities in northern Nigeria. - The organization says the photos are intended to remind believers there that fellow Christians are standing with them, praying for them and remembering their suffering. - Brandon said, “This year, we are asking every Across Nigeria supporter, church, and friend to Light It Up Green as a visible show of support for persecuted Christians in northern Nigeria.” - Brandon said Christians in northern Nigeria are facing “unimaginable violence and persecution.” - Brandon also said many describe the violence as a “silent genocide.” - Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026 reported that Nigeria accounted for 3,490 of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period.

Between the lines: - The campaign turns a simple visual gesture into a public organizing tool, making persecution harder to ignore in local communities. - The emphasis on photo sharing and a common hashtag suggests the effort is designed to spread beyond church networks and into broader social media visibility. - The release frames the campaign as both advocacy and pastoral care, pairing awareness-building with direct encouragement for affected communities.

What's next: - Across Nigeria will promote the Nov. 1 light-up action and gather participation photos throughout the month. - The group is urging supporters to pray for persecuted Christians and to use the campaign to keep attention on violence in northern Nigeria. - More information about Across Nigeria is available at the organization’s website.