It’s been 50 days without a resolution.
Over 150 Baptist Protestants in Mexico’s Hidalgo State, belonging to the Great Commission Fundamental Baptist Church in Huejutla de Reyes, including many children, were forcibly displaced from their homes on April 26. Local Catholic community leaders initiated this eviction, which involved cutting off electricity, vandalizing the church, and blocking home access—a culmination of ongoing religious freedom violations spanning a decade.
Despite guarantees of religious freedom under Mexican law, authorities have reportedly ignored the situation. Initially sheltered in a municipal building, the displaced families were later relocated to a sports complex, underscoring the temporary nature of their accommodations and the lack of a permanent solution.
Local government officials have shown little initiative, allegedly advising the displaced to comply with demands from Catholic leaders, including fines amounting to 750,000 MXN ($40,000) based on their Protestant faith’s duration. Margarita Cabrera Román, Hidalgo State’s new Director of Religious Affairs, returned from attempts to mediate in Pachuca, dismissing the issue as a mere neighborhood dispute and neglecting its religious implications.
The outgoing municipal administration in Huejutla de Reyes has displayed disinterest in resolving the conflict, anticipating a transition in October. This inaction contrasts starkly with the absence of municipal efforts over the past two decades to address religious freedom violations, despite repeated incidents.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has criticized both local and state governments for their passivity and denial of religious discrimination. CSW’s Head of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, called for federal intervention to ensure accountability through the justice system, urging incoming leadership to prioritize safeguarding religious freedoms.
In Rancho Nuevo and Coamila villages, where the displaced reside, traditional “Uses and Customs” govern predominantly Nahuatl-speaking indigenous communities. However, enforcement of these customs often falls short in protecting religious minorities, leading to frequent violations of freedom of religion or belief.
Incidents of persecution against the Protestant minority include severe cases such as hospitalizations due to beatings, arbitrary detentions, denial of medical care, job dismissals, burial site access restrictions, and land seizures. The situation underscores the urgent need for federal intervention to address impunity and ensure that all individuals can practice their chosen religion or belief without fear of reprisal or discrimination.