I. Introduction: Faith in a Time of Instability
Peru’s political instability has not only eroded democratic institutions but also deepened the struggles faced by religious minorities. While the Catholic Church remains dominant in Peruvian society, minority faiths—including Protestants, Evangelicals, Muslims, Jews, and indigenous spiritual traditions—often encounter discrimination and exclusion. Amid political turmoil, these groups are further marginalised, with their freedoms threatened by both state neglect and societal hostility. As a result, many members of religious minorities are compelled to migrate, seeking safety, recognition, and dignity abroad.
II. Historical Religious Dominance
The Catholic Church has historically held a privileged position in Peru, shaping politics, education, and social norms. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, minority faiths face structural disadvantages. This imbalance manifests in limited access to resources, unequal representation, and subtle forms of discrimination.
III. Political Turmoil and Rising Intolerance
Political crises and authoritarian tendencies have exacerbated religious tensions. Minority groups often become scapegoats during times of upheaval, accused of undermining national identity or promoting foreign influence. This climate of intolerance leaves them vulnerable to harassment and exclusion.
IV. Discrimination Against Evangelical and Protestant Communities
Evangelical and Protestant churches, which play a growing role in providing social services, often face suspicion from authorities and hostility from dominant religious institutions. Their independence and activism in marginalised communities make them both influential and targeted, leading to harassment and, in some cases, violence.
V. Indigenous Spiritual Traditions Under Threat
Indigenous communities face systematic efforts to suppress their spiritual traditions. Extractive industries destroy sacred sites, while government policies prioritise economic growth over cultural preservation. These violations undermine indigenous identity and contribute to displacement and migration.
VI. Marginalisation of Muslim and Jewish Communities
Though small in number, Muslim and Jewish communities face prejudice and stereotyping, particularly in times of political unrest. They are often perceived as outsiders, and their institutions occasionally face vandalism or hostility. This marginalisation contributes to their sense of insecurity within Peruvian society.
VII. State Neglect and Unequal Protections
The Peruvian state has failed to provide equal protections for all faiths. Legal frameworks often privilege Catholic institutions, leaving minority groups with fewer rights and limited recognition. This institutional bias reinforces systemic inequality and erodes faith in state protections.
VIII. Harassment of Religious Leaders
Leaders of minority faiths are frequently harassed for advocating on behalf of their communities. Those who speak out against corruption, environmental destruction, or human rights abuses face intimidation and threats, forcing many into silence or exile.
IX. Gendered Dimensions of Religious Discrimination
Women from minority faiths face unique challenges, including gender-based violence, exclusion from leadership, and limited access to justice. Their struggles highlight the intersection of gender, faith, and political repression, adding another layer to their vulnerability.
X. Migration as a Response to Marginalisation
For many members of religious minorities, migration becomes the only way to secure their freedoms. Asylum claims from Peru often cite discrimination, harassment, and lack of state protection for minority faiths as key reasons for fleeing. Their departure underscores how political turmoil exacerbates religious inequality.
XI. Diaspora Advocacy and International Solidarity
Peruvian religious minorities in exile have formed diaspora networks to advocate for equal rights and protections. They amplify the voices of marginalised communities back home, pressuring international bodies to hold Peru accountable for its human rights obligations.
XII. Conclusion: Freedom of Faith at Risk
Political turmoil in Peru has deepened the struggles of religious minorities, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination, violence, and neglect. Until Peru strengthens protections for religious freedom and ensures equality for all faiths, migration will remain the only viable option for many believers seeking dignity and safety abroad.