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Imagine having your electricity and water cut off, just because you follow a different faith to that of your neighbours. That’s the reality for countless families in Mexico, where communities band together to exclude members of other religions – even forcing them to leave their homes.

Pray for the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants – a total of 64 men, women and children – who were forcibly displaced from the community of Tuxpan de Bolaños in Jalisco State, in December 2017. Pray that they would be able to return home in safety, and pray especially for the young children who are still suffering from the trauma of being displaced.

Today, please pray for the protection of the congregation of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in San Miguel Chiptic, Altamirano, Chiapas. Local authorities have been harassing them in an attempt to displace them. Two men from the church were arrested for ‘preaching the gospel’, but later released – give thanks for their release.

The Mexican presidential elections were held just a few months ago. As we go to print we don’t know the outcome, but please join us in praying that whoever is elected will strengthen the rule of law and end the impunity that often follows violations of religious freedom.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Catholic priest. As we go to print, five priests have been murdered so far in 2018. Pray that the government would ensure the safety and protection of religious leaders.

Pray for Mexico’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review, a United Nations peer review of human rights (see week 2, 22-28 July). Pray that other UN countries would make strong recommendations to protect freedom of religion or belief, and that Mexico would accept these recommendations.

Mexico has laws that protect freedom of religion or belief, even though they’re not always enforced. Pray that local, state and federal government would uphold these laws by publicly recognising violations and seeking justice.

Heavenly Father, we ask you to watch over families in Mexico who have been forced out of their homes and communities because of their faith. Please give them protection and somewhere safe to stay and, we pray, the ability to ultimately return to their homes. Amen.