Violence Against Christians Reaches Terrifying Peak
A recent report has highlighted the disturbing rise in violence against Christians in Mexico, especially targeting religious leaders, with an alarming increase in killings and assaults over the past six years. The Catholic Multimedia Centre (CCM) revealed that between 2018 and 2024, nearly 900 members of the Catholic Church experienced extortion or threats. Additionally, 26 religious buildings were attacked. The report, shared by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, pointed out the vulnerability of religious leaders during this period, noting that 10 Catholic priests and one seminary student were killed under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration.
The violence continued under the current leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum, with another priest’s murder reported since she assumed office. The CCM described the violence as unprecedented, severely destabilizing various aspects of life, particularly in certain regions of Mexico. The report’s findings suggest that attacks on religious leaders have remained high throughout three presidential terms, with no substantial improvement in protection measures.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide expressed deep concern over the findings. Anna Lee Stangl, the organization’s Director of Advocacy, called for action to address factors such as impunity, corruption, and the growth of violent criminal organizations that contribute to the violence. She emphasized that Mexico has become one of the most dangerous countries for Catholic clergy, stressing the importance of international collaboration to tackle these issues.
Pablo Vargas, a human rights advocate, remarked that religious leaders, especially those advocating for human rights and speaking out against corruption, are often targeted by criminal groups. He called on President Sheinbaum to work alongside state governments to combat impunity and establish stronger protections for religious leaders. The assassination of Fr. Marcelo Pérez Pérez, a human rights activist, was singled out as a direct attack on his advocacy work, rather than an isolated incident.
The report also noted that crimes against religious women, particularly those involved in social activism, are underreported due to a culture of fear and ineffective law enforcement. While there is no specific record of violence against these women, the report suggests that they too face significant risks. Additionally, the persecution of evangelical Christians has also been reported, with over 150 Protestant Christians forcibly displaced in Hidalgo state, highlighting the widespread religious persecution in Mexico.