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The fragile peace between the government and guerrilla groups in Colombia has had limited impact. Although the violence has receded, guerrilla groups, often linked to drug gangs, have grown more powerful and control more territory. These groups often target Christians for attack, especially if they perceive that believers are opposing the ‘business’ of the cartels or gangs. Church leaders are particularly at risk because they are seen as competing for influence over the young people who make up much of the guerrilla groups' ranks.
Further, in some communities, Christian preachers and indigenous converts can face hostility because they are seen as traitors who have betrayed their tribe or community. These believers live at risk of expulsion from the community, imprisonment, ostracism and other punishments.
And finally, there are signs that Colombia's public sector is less committed to true pluralism. Christians speaking in public about their beliefs are sometimes targeted for supposedly being discriminatory or promoters of hate-speech. For this reason, some choose to self-censor.
Christians who live in areas controlled by guerrilla groups or drug gangs (sometimes the same thing) are often pressured or targeted because their faith goes against the aims of the cartels. Church leaders are particularly targeted if they are seen as opposing the drug trade.
Believers who come from an indigenous faith background may also face pressure in some communities, where they may be singled out because of their conversion.
"I'm not close to my brother, nor to my sister, and I'm estranged from my brother-in-law. Because you preach the gospel, you are no longer considered part of the family. And because you preach, you also lose the right to work in the community. I no longer have the right to work because, as a Christian, I have lost their trust."
David*, an indigenous believer in Colombia.
Colombia fell 12 places on the World Watch List, but this should not be taken as a sign that all is well. The success of the peace plan between the government and rebel groups has been spotty: some blame the government's peace with rebel groups for the rise in cartel and gang violence. Whatever happens to the peace process, Christians remain at risk if they live in areas dominated by these guerrilla groups, especially if they are seen as advocating for lifestyle values other than the cartels’ goals. The political instability makes the future uncertain.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Colombia through Bible distribution, training, trauma care, community development projects, emergency relief aid and assistance in legal proceedings.
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for Christians who risk so much to follow You in Colombia – especially those who live in areas controlled by rebel groups or cartels. We ask You to give them courage but also wisdom; that they would know when and how to speak, and how they can best serve You. Please, work through Your people! In Jesus' name, Amen.
