Tito and Esther are a married couple. They live in the village of Montenegro, Oaxaca State.
On 20 July, the pair were arbitrarily detained by community leaders who claimed that Tito had failed to fulfil his community responsibilities. Our sources explained that the allegation is simply untrue; he has fulfilled many obligations in the past.
In reality, the couple’s detention arose because they had filed a complaint about the violations of freedom of religion or belief that they had experienced; they are Protestant Christians in a village where the majority religion is Roman Catholic.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/mexico
Sunday 13 October
Pray for Tito Mariano Méndez and Esther Abigail Pérez Ramírez. While we give thanks that the couple were released three days later, they should never have been detained in the first place.
Monday 14 October
This is not the first time that Tito and Esther have been targeted. In 2020, their house was destroyed in an arson attack shortly after they were threatened by community leaders. Pray that their complaint will be heard by the Oaxaca State Ombudsman’s Office, and that action would be taken to stop further attacks.
Tuesday 15 October
Pray a special blessing over Tito and Esther’s children today. Last year, the couple pulled their children out of the local school due to the severe mistreatment and discrimination they were experiencing on account of their faith.
Wednesday 16 October
Tito and Esther’s case is sadly not unique. In the nearby community of San Isidro Arenal, Protestant Christians have been subjected to discrimination, violence, and arbitrary detention since last year, and are now facing imminent forced displacement from their homes. Ask the God of peace to intervene.
Thursday 17 October
The volatile situation in San Isidro Arenal, Oaxaca State escalated after Protestant families were dispossessed of their lands and livestock on 6 August. Their church was also set on fire. Pray that concrete steps will be taken to protect this religious minority community, and to hold those responsible to account.
Friday 18 October
Mass demonstrations took place on 22 August to protest the serious violations in San Isidro Arenal, Oaxaca. Give thanks for people across Mexico who raise their voices in support of freedom of religion or belief for all. Pray that the Mexican government will hear their voices and take action to uphold the law..
Saturday 19 October
Holy Lord, your word tells us to ‘make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy’ (Hebrews 12:14a). We pray that this would become reality in Mexico, and especially in Oaxaca State, that everyone will be able to peacefully follow their religion or belief. Amen.