‘On 28 July 2019 my family and I were expelled from the village... since then I’ve been prohibited from accessing the community.’ - Uriel Badillo Lara.
Religious minorities in Mexico face severe discrimination for not conforming to the majority religion. Uriel is just one of many.
Under Mexican law, indigenous communities have the right to protect their culture and maintain traditional governing structures – as long as fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, are respected.
However, many local authorities lack an adequate understanding of these legal protections, and the state consistently fails to intervene in cases relating to religious freedom. As a result, the right to freedom of religion or belief continues to be regularly violated and the perpetrators benefit from a culture of impunity. Find out more at csw.org.uk/mexico
Sunday 25 April
Pray for six Protestant families from El Encanto village in Chiapas who’ve had their electricity supply cut off, because they refused to sign an agreement which would require them to participate in religious activities of the majority religion.
Monday 26 April
Today, pray for ten Protestant families from El Mesón Zapote community in Guerrero who have been threatened with forced displacement for refusing to contribute towards the construction of a new Catholic church. The group have also seen their rights as members of the community restricted, including access to social benefit programmes and the right to vote.
Tuesday 27 April
In January 2020 two Protestant families from La Mesa Limantitla village in Hidalgo were forced to sign an illegal agreement in which they renounced their right to hold religious services in order to have their access to water and other essential services reinstated. They risk these services being cut off again if they cannot pay the remainder of a fine that was levied as part of the agreement. Pray for them today.
Wednesday 28 April
Mexican law guarantees the right to freedom of religion or belief, but local leaders often fail to understand the legal protections, and the government is often reluctant to intervene in religious disputes. Pray for greater understanding and a willingness to follow the laws laid down by the constitution – at both a local and national level.
Thursday 29 April
Pray the following verse over those who wish to impose a particular faith on others: ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.’ (Philippians 2:3)
Friday 30 April
Today is Children’s Day in Mexico. Pray for Kevin and Alma, whose stories we highlighted as part of our Faith and a Future campaign, and for all who are prevented from accessing education as a result of their religious beliefs.
Saturday 1 May
Heavenly Father, we lift up to you the nation of Mexico today. Where there is division and discord, sow seeds of love and unity, we pray. May all Mexicans be granted the freedoms that their constitution guarantees – the freedoms that you will for them. Amen.