37Mexico

Although the majority of Mexico’s population is Christian, many believers live in danger of persecution, particularly from criminal gangs, drug cartels and indigenous groups.

In many parts of the country, the presence of criminal groups is growing. Christians who bravely speak out against their activities, or who are involved in community work or evangelism (especially with youth, drug addicts and migrants) are deemed a threat – and that makes them a target. The authorities have been unable to stem the growing influence of these criminal groups, making believers even more exposed to attack.

In some indigenous communities, those who decide to abandon ancestral and traditional beliefs to follow Jesus, face ostracism, fines, incarceration and forced displacement. Given that indigenous leaders are those who administer justice in such areas, believers have no one to turn to investigate wrongdoing and protect their religious freedom.

Mexico is a strictly secular state, and hostility toward Christian faith and values has increased in general, while public expressions of Christianity face increasingly strong legal scrutiny.

Meet Florence

“I didn’t know where to start, but the Lord gave me wisdom. Seven months after my husband died, my baby was born. The first year I was depressed and hurt. I was about to give up; I had no strength. But slowly, God lifted me.”

Florence, whose husband was killed for his faith.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Mexico with biblical training, legal support, trauma care and socio-economic aid.