Where Christians Face the Most Persecution in Latin America

Persecution on this Caribbean Island has increased in recent years. In Open Doors’ 2020 report, Cuba ranked 61st. By 2021, it had climbed to 51st and by January of this year, it ranked 37th.

“New churches are often denied registration … forcing many churches to operate illegally. This leads to the imposition of penalties such as large fines, confiscation of property or even the demolition or closure of churches, including house churches,” the report states.

Mexico

Mexico is part of the WWL for two reasons. For decades criminal groups have been fighting for territorial control in the country, and the instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation.

Christians are often perceived as enemies of criminal operations, and because they also oppose the use of violence, drugs and alcohol, they have become a target of persecution by the criminal organizations.

Christian faith and morals are a threat to the interests of drug cartels, who forcefully recruit young men to indoctrinate them into these groups. Those who resist face threats and even death.

Rural indigenous communities constitute another hub of persecution of Christians. Similar to what happens in Colombia, anyone who deviates from traditional indigenous religious beliefs can face attacks, punishment, fines, imprisonment and even forced displacement.

Also, Christian girls and young women may be forced to marry non-Christian indigenous men in an attempt to pressure them to renounce their faith.