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

Portraits of Courage to highlight persecution

A powerful photo exhibition depicting breathtaking images of inspiring Christians from all over the world takes place next week.

Portraits of Courage will shine a light on the stories of persecuted and suffering Christians from around the world.

It is hosted by Aid to the Church in Need Scotland (ACN) and takes place on Thursday 19 June from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at ACN's Scottish office at Dalziel Building, 7 Scott Street, Motherwell.

Register here.

William More, Operations Manager for ACN Scotland, said: "Portraits of Courage offers a window into the lives and communities we serve at Aid to the Church in Need.

"This exhibition is more than just a display of photographs — it’s an opportunity for us to come together as ACN Scotland with friends, supporters and benefactors, and to connect with the stories that inspire our work every day.

“We extend a warm invitation to all who wish to become more aware and engaged with the story of Christian persecution.”

Fresh from the success of their sold out Scottish Catholic conference in March, Portraits of Courage will provide a further opportunity to engage with the charity but this time in their offices.

There will also be a chance to purchase handmade items from the ACN trading department and light refreshments and nibbles will be provided.

Benefactors can obtain free tickets for the event by calling 01698 337 470 or by visiting the Office.

Portraits of Courage Thursday 19 June, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, ACN, Dalziel Building, 7 Scott Street, Motherwell. Register here.

Courage to be Catholic Conference

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has launched tickets for one of the biggest national events for Catholics in Scotland this year on Saturday 29 March – The Courage to be Catholic Conference.

It features:

ACN’s focus for the conference is to foster a spirit of collaboration amongst different Church organisations, agencies and charities.

It also wants the conference to provide a platform for the laity to live their faith more boldly in today’s world and support one another in their faith journey as the Church celebrates a Jubilee Year of Hope.

William More, Manager of Operations for ACN Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the laity and Church to come together and we believe it to be the first of its kind for the Church here.

“We want our conference to be a platform for the Church community to build a stronger, more vibrant Catholic faithful and we want to reach out the hand of friendship to those who might feel isolated or downbeat about the Church getting smaller in our country.

“But it’s also a chance to for us to share some of our great work around the world which brings spiritual and practical help to Christians – especially those who are persecuted for their beliefs.”

Tickets can be purchased via TryBooking early bird offer until Monday 10 February: £25 Concession and £30 Adult. Thereafter, £30 Concession and £35 Adult. Group rate for parishes - contact the ACN Scotland office on  01698 337 470.

Aid to the Church in Need is a Pontifical Foundation of the Catholic Church, supporting the Catholic faithful and other Christians where they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN operates 5,000 projects in more than 140 countries and has a Scottish office in Motherwell.