Earlier this year we released our ‘Let her be heard’ report, on the experiences of indigenous religious minority women who have suffered because of their religious beliefs. This report is the first of its kind: it was the first time many of the women had been asked to share their experiences. Sharing these stories and taking action to bring change is a powerful way of honouring each woman we met.
Religious minorities in indigenous communities in Mexico experience moderate to severe harassment and discrimination because of their religious beliefs, with indigenous women in particular suffering in ways the world doesn’t see. We’re determined to keep sharing their stories, speaking truth to power and campaigning for change until the hope of freedom becomes a reality. Read the report at csw.org.uk/LetHerBeHeard
Sunday 15 May
Join us in giving thanks for the opportunity we have to tell the stories of indigenous religious minority women, through our report. Pray that the report will be read widely by influential policy-makers, and will inspire them to take decisive action to ensure the rights of these women are protected.
Monday 16 May
We give thanks for the 27 women whom we met; for their bravery and vulnerability sharing their stories. Pray that their stories will pave the way for greater freedom of religion or belief in Mexico.
Tuesday 17 May
Pray today for Angelina Martínez Hernández, for complete healing and restoration. She underwent a hysterectomy after experiencing a uterine prolapse because she was forced to carry heavy containers of water back to her home, after local authorities cut off her water supply. Pray she knows God’s strength, healing and comfort.
Wednesday 18 May
Mexico’s Law of Uses and Customs allows indigenous communities to maintain their own culture and governance, as long as fundamental human rights are upheld. Unfortunately, in practice, freedom of religion or belief is regularly violated in these areas and no action is taken to protect those who experience these violations. Pray that freedom of religion or belief will be at the forefront of policy in every part of Mexico, and individuals and communities of all faiths will be protected.
Thursday 19 May
Pray for the husbands and other male relatives of the women featured in our report; in Mexico men are often targeted because of their cultural position as ‘head of the household’. One woman told us that her husband would go out into their fields to weep, because the illegal fines the religious majority had demanded created an intolerable financial burden for the family.
Friday 20 May
‘For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.’ (Isaiah 61:8-9) Pray this verse over Mexico today.
Saturday 21 May
Lord, we lift Mexico to you today. May your peace that passes all understanding descend on this nation, and may the people of Mexico know your presence and comfort always. We pray especially for the indigenous religious minority women who have suffered for their religious beliefs. Thank you for their courage in sharing their stories, and we pray that you will bring their families justice. Amen.