Protesting Evangelicals in Oaxaca stand against religious aggression and enforced relocation
Protests Erupt in Mexico Over Religious Persecution
In a troubling turn of events, protests have erupted across Mexico, with the Interdenominational Christian Church (ICIAR) leading the charge in front of the National Palace. The protests are in response to acts of violence against evangelicals in the Southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, particularly in Cerro Cajón.
The displaced evangelicals from Cerro Cajón have denounced the poor attention given by the Secretary of the State Government (SEGO) and the ongoing persecution by the authorities of the Christian community since November of 2023. Pastor Hernández García stated that there has been persecution of the Christian community in Cerro Cajón since this time, with incidents including the burning of an evangelical church, the theft of land, cattle, and the destruction of homes of 13 Christians.
The most recent incidents of violence occurred in Cerro Cajón in the municipality of San Isidro El Arenal, San Juan Lalana. Lorenzo Antonio Hernández, a displaced evangelical Christian from Cerro Cajón, was expelled from his community on November 21, 2023, and has been suffering persecution because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Hernández García reported that he and another pastor were stripped naked, had their mobile phones taken, and were threatened with being burned alive when they went to support their Christian brothers and sisters in the municipality.
Three women are currently missing in Cerro Cajón, and their relatives came to Oaxaca, but their homes were destroyed, and there is no access or action taken so far. The name of the pastor who reported the disappearance of these women to the regional attorney general of the Papaloapan basin two weeks ago is not publicly available.
The conflicts of religious intolerance are worsening in the Southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, with the slogan most often heard during the protest being "Freedom, Freedom". The Mexican constitution establishes freedom of religion and belief, but in some indigenous communities, it is forbidden to profess any religion other than Roman Catholicism.
In the neighbouring state of Chiapas, evangelicals are also attacked by traditionalist Roman Catholics, and persecution goes on for many years. The Confraternity of Pastors of Oaxaca has denounced the poor attention given by the SEGO.
During the protest, members of the ICIAR could not hold back their tears as they prayed for the welfare of Christians in the region. Some protesters prayed for the welfare of Christians in the region and held banners that read: "No to communities that burn temples", "Stop persecution against the Christians of Cerro de Cajón", "No to religious intolerance", and "We expect a prompt response from our government". The protesters' fervent pleas for justice and freedom echoed through the streets of Mexico City, as they demanded respect for freedom of worship.
