They were displaced for 5 months.
Over 150 Protestant Christians in Hidalgo State, Mexico, have returned to their homes after being forcibly displaced for five months due to religious tensions. This resolution was achieved through negotiations facilitated by local and state authorities. The conflict erupted on April 26 when village leaders, predominantly Roman Catholic, severed electricity supplies, vandalized a Protestant church, and obstructed access to the homes of the Protestant community in the towns of Rancho Nuevo and Coamila.
During their time away from home, those affected endured challenging living conditions, first residing in a municipal building and then in a sports facility, relying on local churches for food and using river water for sanitation. This situation contributed to a surge of illnesses among the displaced individuals. The newly elected municipal government played a pivotal role in addressing the conflict, with key officials helping to broker a solution.
As part of the agreement reached, essential services, including electricity and water, were restored to the homes of the displaced families. Additionally, the Protestant community committed to resuming contributions to local community funds that had been suspended since 2015. The government also decided to dismiss the criminal investigation against those involved in the initial displacement, allowing the victims to assess their properties and access state-sponsored assistance.
Pablo Vargas from Impulso18 expressed contentment with the resolution, viewing it as a noteworthy accomplishment for the returning families. Anna Lee Stangl from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) emphasized that the agreement highlights the potential for safeguarding religious freedom when there is political commitment and resolve from the authorities.
Religious intolerance in these areas is often shaped by the Law of Uses and Customs, which permits indigenous communities to self-govern in ways that can clash with human rights standards. Although the Mexican Constitution guarantees religious freedom, its enforcement has been uneven, leading to recurrent conflicts. The return of the Protestant community, which includes many children, represents a significant move toward addressing the ongoing challenges related to religious freedom in Mexico.