News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

colombia-flag-main_article_image.jpg
World News

Christian girls forced into marriage in Colombia's indigenous communities so they reject faith

by Cara Bentley

Indigenous communities make up around 3.4 per cent of Colombia's population and do not tend to prescribe to Catholicism or the other main religions. They are more detached, more tribal and often have their own versions of religion and Christians are seen as traitors to their traditional beliefs and their community.

The Christian anti-persecution charity Open Doors says Christian girls are regularly forced to marry men from their community to prevent them meeting with their Christian family or receiving teaching, and to ensure their children are not Christian.

Indigenous communities have had more autonomy and independence since the 1990s, when laws were passed to let them create their own policies, something Open Doors says has legally allowed violent and discriminatory behaviour towards their Christian members.

In particular, women are seen as an economic burden so married-off young and Christian women are even more vulnerable with their faith being a reason for isolation, early marriage, imprisonment, the confiscation of property and abuse. They may also be denied access to education and health care.

According to Open Doors, one 17 year old girl is being held by her community in the mountains, isolated and unable to communicate after she was summoned several years ago to a hearing in front of her local authorities who tried to coerce her to renounce her Christian faith in public.

Colombia is number 47 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the countries where it is hardest to live as a Christian.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate