Bishop Calls For End of Violence Against Evangelicals

Earlier this month, the Catholic bishop of San Christobal de las Casas in Mexico's southernmost state of Chiapas called on "traditionalist" Catholics to end their persecution of evangelical Christians. According to a report from Open Doors, Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel asked that there be no more "destruction nor house-burnings, nor skirmishes, nor the shedding of blood due to religious, political, cultural or economic differences."

For many years, evangelical Christians in Chiapas have faced severe opposition. Despite this pressure, evangelical Christianity has continued to rapidly grow, now reaching thirty-five percent of the state's population.

Pray that the words of the bishop will be heeded and that the persecution of evangelicals will cease. Pray for the continued spread of the Gospel in this troubled region of Mexico.

  • Country Information

    Population
    129,875,529 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) (62), Predominantly Amerindian (21), Amerindian (7), other (10)

    Religion (%)
    Roman Catholic/Syncretism (78) Evangelical (11.2) unaffiliated (10.6)

    Leader
    President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (2024)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Mexico

    Pray that the Christians residing within these regions will exemplify the grace of God toward those who oppose them. May these believers be further strengthened and encouraged to continue faithfully sharing the Gospel and demonstrating the love of Jesus. Ask the Lord to abundantly bless and multiply their efforts, resulting in a great harvest of lasting spiritual fruit in the lives of those within their communities and beyond – impacting the nation of Mexico as a whole.

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Mexico News

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    Photo: VOMC

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    Photo: CSW
     

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    A church building in Hidalgo.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)

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    A white church building is surrounded by trees with a hillside in the background.
    A church building in Hidalgo.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)

    For several years, community leaders in the villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo, which are both located within the state of Hidalgo, have been inciting trouble for members of the Great Commission Baptist Church – pressuring them to participate in festivals that go against their beliefs. In December 2022, one of the non-compliant members was admitted to hospital after being tied to a tree and beaten. Additionally, since 2018, the children of church members in these villages have been banned from attending school.

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