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Although the majority of Mexico's population is Christian, many believers live in danger of persecution, particularly from criminal gangs, drug cartels and indigenous groups. In many parts of the country, the presence of criminal groups is growing. Christians who bravely speak out against their activities, or who are involved in community work or evangelism (especially with youth, drug addicts and migrants) are deemed a threat. That makes them a target. In some cases, Christian children or the children of church leaders are singled out.
In some Indigenous communities, those who decide to leave ancestral and traditional beliefs to follow Jesus face ostracism, fines, incarceration and forced displacement. Given that indigenous leaders are those who administer justice in such areas, believers have no one to turn to to investigate wrongdoing and protect their religious freedom. These families can also face harassment from the community, such as property damage, restriction of access to schools for their children, and threats.
Mexico is a strictly secular state, and hostility toward Christian faith and values has increased in general, while public expressions of Christianity face increasingly strong legal scrutiny.
There are believed to be around 150 active criminal groups throughout Mexico, with at least one operating in each state. 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.
My suffering started when I accepted Lord Jesus. The authorities in my community first tried to take away my land title. They took away my certificate so that I could not work my land, they imprisoned me and my wife for 24 hours, and finally, they took away our drinking water and public services
Mauricio, a Mexican believer.
Mexico elected its first female and Jewish president in June, but increasing levels of corruption and crime made the run-up to the elections the most violent in its democratic history. There have also been increasing reports of Christian leaders being extorted and churches being displaced after they were targeted for criminal violence. These developments contributed to Mexico's rise of six positions on the 2025 World Watch List.
Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Mexico with biblical training, legal support, trauma care and socio-economic aid.
Heavenly Father, thank You for our brothers and sisters in Mexico, and for their courage in standing up to the violence and crime that is so rife in the country. Strengthen them and fill them with Your Holy Spirit; give them the right words to say as they continue to stand against injustice. Protect believers from being recruited by criminal gangs and bring an end to the hold that these groups have over the nation. Help believers from indigenous backgrounds to find safe places to meet and worship – may their testimonies shine Your light in dark places, Amen.
