| Country rank | 43 | |
| Last year’s rank | 37 | |
| Region | Latin America | |
| Population | 135 384 000 | |
| Christians | 129 627 000 (95.7%) | |
| Main Religion | Christianity |
43Mexico
In Mexico, criminal groups struggle for territorial control. Christians are perceived (and rightly so) to be against criminal operations and violence, and are, therefore, at constant risk of being targeted for elimination.
In rural indigenous communities, anyone who turns from traditional religious beliefs can face rejection and punishment in the form of fines, imprisonment, and forced displacement. As Christians hold fast to traditional, biblical views on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, parental rights, and religious liberty, they become less tolerated in the public square. Non-discrimination laws mean that any links between Christian faith and politics are placed under very strict legal scrutiny.
What changed this year? Mexican criminals were able to take advantage of the socio-political instability surrounding the Covid-19 crisis to reinforce and increase their territorial dominance, generating greater vulnerability (and increased violence) for Christians. The Covid-19 context also encouraged the indigenous community authorities to act more harshly against those Christians refusing to adhere to traditional customs. Additionally, it’s becoming more difficult for Christians to find a chance to express their viewpoints in the public square.
Meet Pastor Imeldo
When Pastor Imeldo returned from a few years living in the U.S., he was welcomed by his home village. He created a Bible study that grew to need a church building, which he built on family land. But when Christians came into town to meet at the church, officials closed it down and arrested Pastor Imeldo.
After two days, the town’s assembly ordered him to leave. He recalls someone telling him that day: “Imeldo, you have to understand that we want to preserve our customs, we don’t want what you bring because then our traditions will disappear.”
Pray for Mexico
- Pray for believers who face difficult choices when confronted with organised violence in their communities. Ask God to give them wisdom and courage to confront it in a Christ-honouring way.
- Lift up those who come to faith in Christ in indigenous communities and find themselves ostracised as a result. Pray for their positive influence to turn the tide of this persecution.
- Pray for open minds in Mexico when Christian voices speak out about social issues. Pray that people would listen and move toward God.
What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Mexico?
Open Doors is engaged in research and communication to raise awareness about the persecuted Church in Mexico and to help the Church cope with persecution. We also encourage advocacy to help address root causes of persecution at the local, federal and regional levels, as well as raise prayer support from the worldwide Church for persecuted believers. Finally, we develop training to help the Mexican Church be aware of and respond biblically to persecution.