MEXICO: MORE THAN 57 INCIDENTS AGAINST CHRISTIANS FROM CRIMINAL GANGS ALREADY THIS YEAR

Forced displacement, death threats, and torture are some of the consequences that Christians in Mexico face when they live in areas dominated by drug cartels in the country.

In just five months, Open Doors recorded 57 incidents related to organised crime affecting members of the persecuted church in the country.

CHILDREN CONSIDERED TO BE HUMAN RESOURCE FOR CARTELS 

The violence in Mexico has spread throughout the country. From north to south, the news is filled with reports of kidnappings, shootings and violence. In such hostile cartel-controlled regions, evangelical Christians have found it particularly difficult to live out their faith. 

According to the research department of Open Doors Mexico, there have already been 57 incidents against Christians this year that have been linked to organised crime, highlighting the vulnerability believers face amidst this growing wave of violence. These incidents range from intimidation and extortion to direct attacks on churches and their leaders.

Marcos Lara*, a missionary working with children in the Jalisco region, shares: 

“We are being watched because the children we serve are considered a possible human resource for the cartels, so they may see the teaching group as a threat to their interests.” 

“This is a problem for us as missionaries, because we have to think of strategies that allow us to fulfill the Great Commission and at the same time take care of our physical integrity and the integrity of our families,” Marcos adds.

GHOST TOWNS

 Another common scenario for evangelical Christians is displacement, as the level of violence forces them to leave their homes and ministries to protect their lives. 

In Chiapas state, more than 3,000 people have left their homes because of the constant clashes between criminal groups fighting for territory, including Christians. The same situation has caused more than 100 evangelical churches to close their doors to protect the safety of pastors and believers.

Jorge Jiménez*, Open Doors’ researcher, believes that this situation could worsen in the coming months. “It is expected that the number of incidents will increase significantly due to the increase in violence in the country caused by territorial disputes between cartels and the 2024 presidential elections”.

*Names changed for security reasons