Across Mexico, but especially in rural regions, basic services of water and electricity to members of minority religions are being cut off, in an attempt to force them to convert to the majority religion. Meanwhile, children are excluded from school – denying them their right to an education – if they or their parents belong to a minority faith. Elsewhere children are forced to participate in religious activities at school against their will, under the guise of ‘cultural education’.

Sunday 10 March

One of the most difficult days in the school year for religious minority children is the Day of the Dead, which falls on 2 November and is thought to have roots in Aztec goddess worship. Many parents protest their children being encouraged to build shrines to deceased family members. Pray today for an end to the practice of forcing children to participate in religious activities at school against their will.

Monday 11 March

Mexico’s new government took office in December. Pray that the newly elected officials would act with integrity and wisdom to uphold the country’s secular constitution, and to ensure justice for all citizens regardless of their religion or belief.

Tuesday 12 March

The last time Mexico underwent its peer review of human rights at the UN, in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Member States made several recommendations for Mexico to improve its human rights situation. Pray today that the government would act on these recommendations.

Wednesday 13 March

Many religious minority families have had their water and electricity cut off, as the members of the majority faith attempt to force them to convert. Pray that these basic services would be restored to everyone who has been denied them, and that God would move in the hearts of the perpetrators to cease this practice.

Thursday 14 March

Village authorities in Ranchera Yocnajab in Chiapas State blocked local Protestants from burying one of their dead in the village cemetery last September, in response to their refusal to contribute to a Catholic festival. The 17 Protestant families were forced to bury Mrs Consuelo Méndez Hernández in the municipal capital. Pray that burial rights will be protected for everyone, regardless of their religion or belief.

Friday 15 March

Mexico remains the most dangerous country in the world to be a Catholic priest, with four murdered in 2017 and seven in 2018 (accurate at press time). They are killed often because they refuse to cooperate with criminal groups or because of their social work. Ask God to bless, honour and protect everyone who decides to follow this calling, despite the very real dangers.

Saturday 16 March

Heavenly Father, you are the father and creator of all who live on earth. Bless the children of Mexico, whatever their religion or belief. We ask that they would all be able to attend school in safety and freedom, enjoying their right to learn. In Jesus’ name. Amen.