Mexican Christians to meet with U.S. policymakers about growing Christian persecution in Mexico

Four Mexicans who claim to having been persecuted because they are Christian will take their complaint to Washington, D.C.

The alleged victims of religious persecution will be meeting with U.S. policymakers at an event organized by advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide. According to Premier, one of them is Fidel Lopez Hernandez, who will be speaking of his experience in 2012 when he and 47 other Protestant Christians were forced to leave their village in Chiapas; while Castro Hernandez Hernandez, first held captive in order to force him to renounce his Christian faith, was expelled from his home in Hisalgo state.

"CSW is privileged to facilitate this visit to Washington DC for these four men, who bring valuable first-hand testimonies and research from Mexico about violations of their right to freedom of religion or belief and that of their communities," said CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas, as quoted by Premier. "We trust that their presentations will give US policy makers a clearer picture of the reality for religious minorities in Mexico and inspire them to make representations to the Mexican government about ongoing human rights concerns."

The men's testimonies are part of the agenda prepared by the CSW, which will tackle how Christians are being singled out in Mexico and made to suffer, such as removing their electricity and water services, forcing them to flee their homes, and attempting for forcibly convert them from their Christian faith.

The group claims to have recorded 18 cases in 2016 wherein freedom of religion or belief were violated. On May 12, for instance, 90 families were reportedly forced to flee their village in the state of Chiapas because they refused to contribute money for religious festivals. 

In April, Fox News reported of the increasing persecution of Christians in some states in Mexico, allegedly by syncretists -- people who claim to be Christians but mix the faith with various traditions and beliefs. Charity group International Christian Concern said that people who do not convert are banished from their villages.

"We continue to call on the Mexican government to make systematic changes at both the state and federal levels that will strengthen the rule of law and protect the right freedom of religion and belief for all," Thomas said.