Silent no More: A North Korean Testimony

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) host a North Korean defector in Scotland next month to share his story of Christian persecution.

Timothy Cho is a North Korean human rights activist and two-time defector, who has found refuge in the UK and now advocates for religious freedom around the world.

Silent No More: A North Korean Testimony will see Timothy share his remarkable journey, discussing how faith has shaped his path and what life is like for Christians in North Korea. The evening at St Joseph’s Clarkston will shine a light on a subject which rarely makes the news agenda in this country.

It is even rarer for a Christian from North Korea to be able to share their gripping story first-hand, making this an event like no other for those in Scotland.

Timothy was born during the 1980s and endured the infamous Great Famine, which resulted in 3.5 million deaths across the nation.

Cho managed to flee to China when he was a teenager; however, he was soon deported back and was immediately sent to a detention centre, where there was extreme overcrowding.

Incredibly, Cho was sent to the Philippines rather than North Korea. Many would see such an event as an act of God. From there, Cho eventually made it to the United Kingdom.

Timothy attributes his survival to God and since arriving in the UK he has deepened his Christian faith, advocating for persecuted Christians around the world.

Now, in a one-off event hosted by ACN Scotland, you will have the chance to hear Timothy’s powerful witness in Christ.

William More, Manager of Operations in Scotland, said: "In one of the most closed and oppressive regimes in the world, simply believing in God can cost you everything. Join us for an extraordinary evening as a North Korean dissident shares his powerful personal story of faith, suffering and survival under a regime that demands total allegiance to its supreme leader.

"In a land where Christianity is outlawed and the faithful are driven underground, Timothy’s testimony offers a rare glimpse into the courage of those who risk their lives to hold onto their belief in Christ. This is a one-off event – it is a witness to truth, a call to solidarity and a reminder of the price of faith in places where freedom is just a dream.

"Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a voice that was never meant to be heard."

Silent No More takes place at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarkston on 10th September from 7pm to 9pm. Reserve your free ticket now at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FDYV. For more information, please contact the ACN Scotland office at scotland@acnuk.org by calling 01698 337 470. This event organised by ACN Scotland

Catholic Conversations for Women

Women who are recent converts, those considering Catholicism, and those desirous of faith-focused discussion all warmly welcome to this event.

It takes place at St Andrew’s Parish rooms, 77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS, on Saturday 30 August, 3:45pm-4:45pm.

Optional Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm with the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

National Youth Pilgrimage to Perth

This annual event takes place in Perth on Saturday 20 September, meeting at South Inch Park.

A full day of activities includes historic site visits, talks, and Holy Mass with Archbishop Cushley.

Schedule

12:30pm: Meet at South Inch Park (PH2 8AN), just behind Perth bus and train stations. There is parking available and public toilets nearby.

1:00pm: Opening prayer.

2:00pm: Walk to St John’s Kirk, commemorate 1750 anniversary Nicean Creed.

3:00pm: Walk to North Inch, Liturgy of Baptism.

4:00pm: Holy Mass with Archbishop Leo Cushley and Bishop Andrew McKenzie (Dunkeld Diocese) at St John's Church, Melville Street. Refreshments after Mass in hurch hall.

If you wish to join fellow pilgrims (18+) from the Archdiocese travelling by train to Perth from Stirling, Falkirk and Edinburgh please contact Sr Isabelle Dufaux FSO at youth.office@staned.org.uk

Faith & Reason talk series

The Faith & Reason series is for those who are thinking about becoming Catholic and also for any Catholic to come along and do a bit of a refresher about their faith.

The presentations will be given by the priests (Fr Scott Deeley and Fr Joshua Moir) and will use slides of famous religious works of art to explain the different aspects of our faith.

The series takes place on Fridays at 6:30pm in St Patrick’s Church Hall, Low Craigends, Kilsyth. Begins 12 September 2025.

To register email priest.stpatrickskilsyth@staned.org.uk