Thousands of evangelical Christians march for peace in Chiapas

On Sunday 3 December, thousands of evangelical Christians from various municipalities in Chiapas (Mexico) joined in a march for peace in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

Organised by the church Jesus is the Way, the public gathering was a testimony of thanksgiving to God for peace in Chiapas and a petition for divine guidance for government leaders.

Pastor Josué Pérez Pardo highlighted the importance of this activity as a sign of gratitude for the peace that has prevailed in Chiapas. The participants also prayed for the good of the state government and the deputies, asking that they be guided by justice and seek social welfare and development.

The march was attended by evangelicals from various ethnic groups, including Tzotzil, Chol, Tojolabal and Tzeltal. They expressed their faith in Christ and hope through song and praise in their mother tongues.

Pastor Pérez Pardo noted that the march was a response to recent events in Chiapas, including violence in the highlands and traffic accidents. He lamented the persistence of violence, especially in the Northern part of the state.

Chiapas has experienced many episodes of religious intolerance towards evangelical Christians. Believers have been expelled from their towns and their homes destroyed, for not contributing to the Roman Catholic festivities.

The Jesus is the Way church has organised similar events in the past, including motorised prayer caravans in response to high COVID-19 mortality. These events are a testimony to the resilience and faith of the evangelical community in Chiapas.