Displaced Christians Pressured to Accept Agreement

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

More than 100 members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in Hidalgo State were recently forced from their homes because they refused to participate in their villages' religious festivals. The Christians took refuge in a government building in Huejutla de los Reyes, where they called upon municipal and state authorities to intervene. For more details on this situation, see this page.

On May 15th, Pastor Rogelio Hernández Baltazar and another church leader held a press conference, outlining the efforts that have been made by the municipal government. The church is being asked to accept an agreement in which the village leaders would fine the victims 150,000 pesos (over $12,000 CAD). The proposal also seeks to ban three of the Christian families from returning to their homes, stating that those who return will be met with the same severe restrictions they had been subjected to over the years. The church leaders expressed that they do not want to accept the proposal, despite being pressured by the government to do so.

Those seeking refuge have since moved out of the municipal building to another location in the city, where they are completely dependent on humanitarian aid from local churches. The number of displaced church members has grown to include over 150 people, as individuals who had been working outside their villages at the time of the displacement were refused entry when they tried to return home.

During this time of uncertainty, may God's peace, comfort and courage rest on these displaced believers. While continuing to meet their daily needs through the provision of local churches, may the Lord also miraculously transform the hearts of the opposing village leaders so that a reasonable resolution will soon be achieved. Additionally, pray that the governing municipal and state authorities would also realize the injustice of the situation and take necessary action to prevent this vulnerable Christian community from encountering further harassment and abuse.

  • 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

  • Christians Displaced Again After Negotiating Agreement
    People are walking uphill, surrounded by trees.
    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

    Members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the Mexican villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo have frequently encountered opposition from community leaders for refusing to participate in festivals that go against their Christian beliefs. In March 2024, these difficulties came to a head when Pastor Rogelio Hernández Baltazar was arbitrarily detained, along with other church leaders, for 48 hours. Eventually, 151 believers were forced to leave their homes and find refuge in the nearby city of Huejutla de los Reyes.

    Read more...

  • Displaced Christians Allowed to Return Home
    A congregation in Mexico is standing together.
    A church service in Mexico.
    Photo: VOMC

    On April 26th, 151 members of the Great Commission Baptist Church from two villages in Hidalgo State were forced from their homes because of their belief in Christianity. These believers have experienced years of tension because of their refusal to participate in local religious festivals involving their villages' ancient tribal rituals, drunkenness and debauchery. Prior to the forced displacement, hostile community members physically attacked several of the believers, turned off the power to their homes, banned their Christian children from attending school, and committed many other incidents of intimidation and harassment. (Learn more.)

    Read more...

  • Christians Face Expulsion and Extensive Property Loss
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    Evangelicals protesting in Oaxaca.
    Photo: CSW
     

    In November 2023, community leaders of San Isidro Arenal, a town located within Oaxaca State, mandated that Roman Catholicism will be the only religion permitted in their community. Following this decision, 13 evangelical families began to experience threats and violence from those opposing them. A month later, three of the families were forcibly expelled and took refuge in the Playa Vicente Municipality of Veracruz State.

    Read more...

  • Displaced Christians Pressured to Accept Agreement
    A white church building is surrounded by trees with a hillside in the background.
    A church building in Hidalgo.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)

    More than 100 members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in Hidalgo State were recently forced from their homes because they refused to participate in their villages' religious festivals. The Christians took refuge in a government building in Huejutla de los Reyes, where they called upon municipal and state authorities to intervene. For more details on this situation, see this page.

    Read more...

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