Nicaragua’s Religious Persecution: Clergy and Faithful Speak Out

The situation for Catholic clergy and faithful in Nicaragua has deteriorated significantly in 2024, as the crackdown by President Daniel Ortega's government on the Catholic Church and evangelicals continues to spread fear and silence criticism of the authoritarian regime.

Fear and Silence in Nicaragua

The fear of persecution has become pervasive, leading to a culture of silence and fear among the clergy and the faithful in Nicaragua. Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer who escaped to the United States, has been recording hundreds of instances of church persecution. Her work recently earned her an International Religious Freedom Award from the U.S. State Department. Molina reported 30 church desecrations in the past year, only a few of which were reported to authorities.

Impact of Crackdown

The fear and surveillance have led to self-censorship among the clergy and laypeople, with many choosing to remain silent out of fear of reprisals against their communities. The ongoing crackdown has resulted in the exiling of critical voices, including religious leaders, journalists, and artists, leading to a "total censorship plan," according to Alicia Quiñones, who leads the freedom of expression organization PEN International in the Americas.

Impact on Society

The pressure has become unbearable for many priests, who have noticed unfamiliar faces at Mass and fear they are there to report any opposition to the government. The repression has deeply impacted the country's Christian population, affecting not only clergy and religious orders but also college students, minority groups, and small businesses in rural towns. The government's actions have also led to the closure of thousands of nongovernmental organizations, creating a significant gap in social services, particularly in rural areas.

International Response

While some senior leaders of the Catholic Church have been released from prison and sent overseas in negotiations with the Vatican, the repression continues, with the government confiscating assets and shuttering organizations, including the prestigious University of Central America. The Holy See has offered little public comment on the situation, and there are concerns that the remaining church representatives in Nicaragua will be coerced into accommodating the Ortega government without stronger protests from the Vatican and foreign governments.

Call for Action

Many exiles argue that while negotiating the release of priests and political prisoners is a step forward, sending them into exile should not be normalized. Dolly Mora, an activist who was forced to flee to the United States, believes that without stronger protests, the dictatorship in Nicaragua will continue to target the Catholic faith. The hope remains that continued documentation and protests will eventually lead to justice in Nicaragua.