WORLD WATCH LIST

Colombia

#34

Christians in Colombia face intimidation and assault from criminal groups.

“Christians must meet in hiding…without singing, without making any noise. This place changes constantly, to avoid being discovered."

– David, indigenous believer

Country
Profile

Region: Latin America
Sources of persecution: Organised Corruption and Crime
Population: 51,673,000
Christian population: 49,079,000
Religions: Christianity
Leader: President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego
Score: 68

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What’s Life Like For Christians?

Church leaders continue to be harassed, extorted, and murdered due to the violence around control of territories between armed guerillas, drug gangs, and other armed groups, despite President Gustavo’s campaign for “total peace.”

Christians in these areas who dare to speak publicly about corruption and violence face attacks for their bold witness. Any action that a group views as defiant or that opposes their illegal activities is enough to lead to violent attacks or immense pressure.

In some indigenous communities, there can be significant opposition toward Christian missionaries and anyone who has converted from traditional practices to follow Jesus. As a result, these believers can face threats, imprisonment, physical abuse, and lose access to basic needs like water, electricity, education, sanitation, and even their land. This hostility creates a reality that can leave Christians ostracised from their community and vulnerable to the violence engulfing many rural areas in Colombia.

The growing intolerance toward Christian views in the public sphere, especially about issues concerning life, family, marriage, and religious liberty has led to Christians being accused of hate speech and intolerance.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Christians living in places controlled by armed groups are the most likely to face violence for any kind of public witness. Outspoken Christian women often face sexual assault from gangs. Christian men and boys are also exposed to abduction, forced recruitment and violence by criminal armed groups, while pastors may be extorted for financial gain.

Some believers who abandon their indigenous spiritual traditions also may experience pressure and abuse from their own family and community.

PRAY FOR COLOMBIA

– That God will protect church leaders despite imminent danger.

– For indigenous believers to find community after rejection from their own culture.

– That God would bring the guerillas and gang members to know Him as their King

What Does Open Doors Do To Help?

Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Colombia through Bible distribution, training, trauma care, community development projects, and emergency relief aid.