This year, Christians across Nicaragua are celebrating Holy Week under the watchful eye of police and paramilitary forces. The heightened tensions follow the decision of the Sandinista government led by Daniel Ortega and Rosaria Murillo to ban many public celebrations, including processions that are common among Latin American churches.
In Nicaragua, the public religious celebrations have been outlawed for the past two years. Since then, harassment against Christians throughout the country has intensified, resulting in hundreds of religious leaders having been either imprisoned or exiled. In place of the traditionally church-run festivities, some municipalities have organized government-operated events.
One exiled Nicaraguan political leader, Felix Maradiaga, believes that "the model Sandinistas want to implement is very similar to that of China," with its government-operated churches promoting government propaganda under the guise of religious instruction. In February, governing officials stated that they may stop recognizing episcopal appointments from the Vatican and instead begin appointing their own church leaders.
Some Christian leaders have been required to report to the police on a weekly basis for approval of their sermons. Additionally, churches throughout the country are under surveillance from plainclothes officers as well as uniformed officials. It has been reported that around 14,000 governing agents were deployed to monitor churches this week in order to prevent Easter celebrations from taking place. One church member stated that although she enjoys the Holy Week religious activities, she is considering not attending these services for fear of being "marked" by the government. To review other reports addressing the oppression of churches in Nicaragua, click here.
- Pray that the message of Jesus' death and glorious resurrection would be widely proclaimed throughout Nicaragua, despite the restrictions being imposed on the public celebrations of Easter.
- Intercede for the country's political leaders, Daniel Ortega and Rosaria Murillo (along with others who are serving in various levels of governance), praying that they would recognize the Lordship of Christ above all else and, as a result, come to faith in Him.
- As our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in Nicaragua reflect on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross – as well as His victorious resurrection – may they find profound peace, encouragement and joy in the blessed hope that was made possible for all humanity through His atoning blood.
