From a humble kitchen table volunteer effort to a charity raising $7 million each year, Aid to the Church in Need Australia and New Zealand (ACN) has marked 60 years of standing in solidarity with persecuted and suffering Christians around the world.
ACN traces its origins to post–World War II Europe, founded in 1947 as the Iron Curtain Relief Fund to assist Christians persecuted and displaced by communist regimes. Its Australian arm was established in Sydney in 1965 by Father Coenen and early fundraising efforts were modest, and largely volunteer-led.
Over six decades, the organisation has grown into a respected national charity supporting pastoral projects worldwide, contributing to more than 5,000 initiatives. These include subsistence assistance for clergy and religious, seminarian formation, church construction, pastoral transport and emergency aid for Christian refugees in regions affected by conflict, poverty and persecution.
To mark the milestone, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, celebrated Mass for ACN staff, acknowledging their work and encouraging their mission as “a bridge of love between Australian Catholics and persecuted Christians worldwide”.
Reflecting on the season of Advent, Bishop Vincent said, “Advent is a season of hope, a hope that is grounded in God’s unshakeable love.”
“It reminds us that while things might seem hopeless, God is directing history to its fulfilment. In Jesus, who conquered sin and death, He already set in motion the final victory over the forces of evil and darkness. Therefore, no matter what kind of setback we experience, in big and small matters, we journey with a sense of purpose and confidence. This is why we pray at every Mass ‘as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ’.”
Bishop Vincent went on to highlight the particular role played by ACN staff and supporters in the life of the global Church.
“Today, we pause to remember our fellow Christians who are persecuted for their faith,” he said.
“Aid to the Church in Need has long been described as a school of love,” he added.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, celebrates Mass for the 60th anniversary of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Australia and New Zealand. Image: ACN/Supplied
“Countless people have discovered and learned the essence of Christianity as they make spiritual and material offerings to help build a bridge enabling the suffering and persecuted Church to live and witness their own faith.”
He reminded the faithful of the “sad reality” in many countries around the world where Christians face unjust laws, harassment, persecution, imprisonment and even death.
“Our communion with them through prayers, acts of solidarity and advocacy is a lifeline and a source of encouragement in their darkest hour.”
ACN President Paul Woods reflected on the generosity of Australian Catholics over six decades.
“Since the establishment of our national office in Australia, ACN has grown to the point where around 15,000 Australian benefactors donate approximately $7 million annually,” Paul said.
“On behalf of the current board of trustees of ACN Australia & New Zealand, I thank the donors who support ACN’s fundraising work for their generosity and prayers.”
Ann Collignon, who served as voluntary director from 1976 to 1990, shared her family’s long connection to ACN, saying, “It is so important to know that it is continuing on to support the persecuted church in so many parts of our world.”
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Australia and New Zealand current Director Bernard Toutounji and former directors Anne Collignon and Phillip Collignon. Image: ACN/Supplied
Current National Director Bernard Toutounji reaffirmed the organisation’s mission.
“As we celebrate 60 years of ACN in Australia and New Zealand, we recommit ourselves to the mission: to stand with the suffering Church, and to ensure the Gospel can continue to be lived and proclaimed even in the most difficult places.
“In all we do, we seek to serve the Church by helping bring Christ more fully into lives, families and communities.”
Sixty years on, ACN continues to be a bridge of love, prayer and solidarity, ensuring that faith and hope endure even in the darkest circumstances.
This milestone aligns with our Diocesan mission of being a Church that reaches to the margins, as well as our priority of Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
