Syncretist Mexican Catholics Persecute Evangelicals

SYNCRETIST MEXICAN CATHOLICS. 95% of Mexicans say they are Christians. Yet Open Doors ranks Mexico as the 37^th country on its list of worst persecutors of Christians. Almost all the persecution against Christians comes from syncretist Catholics who worship saints, according to Jaime Castro, the evangelical president of Universidad Cristiana de Mexico.

Syncretism began in places where converts to Catholicism worshipped Aztec gods in the guise of saints. In fact, they gave animal sacrifices and other offerings to saints expecting favors and protection in return.

This tradition continues in much of central and southern Mexico, especially during Catholic festivals. Also, drug cartel members make offerings to saints known for granting success to both good and evil actions. Of course, the Catholic Church condemns devotions to cartel “death saints” like Santa Muerte.

When evangelicals refuse to support Catholic festivals, they face persecution. For example, local authorities may deny them access to public schools or other resources. Or cartel members may threaten or even kill those who become too vocal in their faith.

Moreover, door-to-door evangelists often see stickers on doors saying, “This home is Catholic. We do not accept propaganda from other religions,” according to Castro.

Yet evangelicalism has grown by 49% since 2010. Now 11% now identify as evangelicals. And similar trends are occurring throughout mostly Catholic Latin America. So let’s pray that these trends turn into irresistible waves of Holy Spirit power.