Colombia

Where Persecution Comes From

Colombia is severely affected by corruption, with the main agents of persecution being leaders of criminal groups like drug cartels and dissident guerrillas. Indigenous leaders also persecute Christians under suspicion of trying to impose their worldview for territorial advantage. The spread of a secularist ideology in the country has led to increased pressure to eliminate Christian involvement in social and political discourse, while the government highly favors the Roman Catholic Church for funding and granting registrations.

How Christians are Suffering

Violent Christian persecution is commonplace in this South American country, both at the hands of criminal and indigenous groups. Guerrilla groups force Christians to pay a “protection tax” as a sort of insurance against assault or murder. They issue death threats to Christians involved in evangelism, fearing that believers will continue to stand in opposition to the reign of terror these groups use to maintain power. In indigenous communities, violence is employed to deter Christians whom they see as a threat to ethnic customs and worldviews. In all of these situations, Christians are prevented from freely congregating and sharing their faith, and are at risk of violent attack from those who hold power locally.

Examples

In May 2017, a Catholic priest received death threats for denouncing criminal activity in his region. Two months later, another priest was found murdered.

In June and July 2017, many Christians in indigenous communities were denied access to basic services in an attempt to get them to renounce their faith.