Open Doors, 29 June 2018
The persecution of Rutilio began in 2008, when he met Jesus through a group of missionaries.
Although Colombian law promotes religious freedom, Christianity is penalised in many indigenous communities since it is seen as an attack on the ancestral and shamanic principles that govern these communities.
Rutilio was forced to attend a trial where they tried to make him renounce his faith. After he refused to do so, he was made to do forced labour for the entire community.
Rutilio still lives in that indigenous community, continues to resist persecution, and is an example of peace and God’s love. He has now won the respect of his community and leads a group of faithful indigenous Christians, resisting those who see Christ as a threat.