Mexican Pastor Forced into Exile for Refusing to Participate in Catholic Rituals
A Protestant pastor in Oaxaca, Mexico, faced detention and subsequent exile from his community after refusing to participate in a roman Catholic religious observance. Mariano Velásquez Martínez, pastor of Iglesia Camino Nuevo y Vivo, was compelled to step down from his assigned role as mayordomo – a position traditionally held by Catholics responsible for organizing local religious events – after declining to kneel and pray before an image of Saint James the Apostle.
The incident unfolded on January 15th when Pastor Martínez,who initially agreed to provide candles and flowers for the festival,was ordered to perform a ritual conflicting with his Protestant beliefs. His refusal led to a report to local authorities, resulting in a five-day imprisonment. Following his release, he was confronted by approximately 180 community members, including his uncle and cousin, and coerced into signing a document relinquishing his residency in Santiago Malacatepec.
Pastor Martínez, along with his wife and infant child, has since been forced to seek refuge with relatives in Oaxaca City, fearing for their safety shoudl they return. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports this case exemplifies a concerning pattern of religious persecution against evangelical Christians in Mexico,where community uniformity is often prioritized over religious freedom.
Pablo Vargas,CSW’s country director for Mexico,emphasized the precarious situation,stating that returning to Santiago Malacatepec would put Pastor Martínez’s life at risk. Despite the existence of a newly enacted Forced Displacement Law – which criminalizes forced internal displacement with penalties of up to 18 years imprisonment – authorities have yet to intervene significantly.
Porfirio Flores Zúñiga, representing the Fellowship of Pastors, has filed a criminal complaint against local officials, citing arbitrary actions and abuse of authority. While municipal leaders have expressed a willingness to address increasing violence within the community, a resolution for Pastor Martínez remains complex.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle for religious liberty in Mexico and underscores the need for legal protection and community acceptance for those who choose to practice faiths outside the prevailing Catholic tradition.