WORLD WATCH LIST

Mexico

#37

Christians face intimidation and abuse from gangs and drug cartels.

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"After my husband died, my baby was born. The first year I was depressed and hurt.. But slowly, God lifted me."

– Florence, whose husband was killed for his faith

Country
Profile

Region: Latin America
Sources of persecution: Organised Corruption and Crime
Population: 132,834,000
Christian population: 126,876,000
Religions: Christianity
Leader: President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
Score: 68

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What’s Life Like For Christians?

Despite Mexico’s predominantly Christian population, believers live in fear of persecution particularly from criminal gangs and drug cartels. Christian leaders who speak out against gang activities or who are involved in community work, especially youth work, are seen as a threat, making them a target, leaving them and their families are at high risk of violence, recruitment, sexual harassment, abduction, and forced displacement, and other forms of abuse. Meanwhile, the presence of drug cartels and gangs is growing.

Christians are facing growing pressure in their private lives, and personal expressions of faith such as owning a Bible in some indigenous communities, or sharing faith online, are becoming increasingly risky.

In June 2023, however, the translation of the Law on Religious Associations and Public Worship into Tzotzil, one of the most widely spoken and important indigenous languages in the state of Chiapas was completed and published, with support from Open Doors. This will enable believers to have a better understanding of their rights when practicing their faith in communities that are hostile towards them.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

There are believed to be around 150 active criminal groups throughout Mexico, with at least one operating in each state. The capital, Mexico City, is among the areas strongly influenced by cartels. Persecution is a real risk for any Christian living in these areas who is deemed a threat to cartel activity.

In the south of Mexico, Christians who leave traditional indigenous beliefs for Christianity are especially at risk of hostility and displacement.