Mexican Evangelicals Face Arrests and Possible Expulsion

Ever since 1997 when the Fountain of Heaven Church was started in Cuateceometl, Hidalgo, Mexico, members of the church have spent short periods in jail because local authorities who are opposed to the presence of any non-Catholic church.  According to Compass Direct, the pressure against the Fountain of Heaven Church recently increased as the town council decided to rid the area of all non-Catholics.  Pastor Francisco Sanchez Gonzalez reports that the council imposed a fine of 1000 pesos (approximately $115 CDN) on every member of the church and informed them that they must renounce their evangelical faith.  If they do not comply by the end of May, their homes and church building will be destroyed.  On May 15, police arrived at the church and arrested Pastor Gonzalez and another church member, Raul Bautista.  Pastor Gonzalez was released that evening but Bautista was not released until the 1000 peso fine was paid for by a relative.

Government authorities have said they will intervene before May 31.  Pray that this intervention will happen and that these believers will be free to worship in peace.  Pray for the continued outreach of this church in Cuateceometl, the only non-Catholic congregation in the region.

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in areas of Mexico, click here.

  • 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 Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (2018)

    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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