By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - United States officials have questioned Mexico's government regarding reports of widespread discrimination and displacement of Protestant Christian communities in Chiapas and other Mexican states.
According to International Christian Concern, human rights groups have already raised American's awareness about the plight of religious minorities in rural areas of Mexico. Last month, ICC initiated a petition calling for an end to violence against and displacement of religious minorities in Mexico.
ICC estimates that more than 70 open cases of religious persecution against minority Christian communities currently exist in Chiapas, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla and Guerrero states. The 70 cases -- which deal with the denial of access to public schools and cemeteries, the destruction of property and even physical assault -- have been ongoing for decades.
"It is time that the Mexican government provides justice and protection for victims of religious persecution while dealing with local and state officials that are part of the problem," said ICC President Jeff King. "A free society cannot flourish when religious persecution exists and this issue has gone on for far too long while the world has looked the other way.
"Every citizen of Mexico has a right to practice their faith without the fear of being driven from their homes simply because of what they believe."