Churches in Mexico

Churches in Mexico have always played a critical role in the religious life of the Mexicans. The history of Mexican churches is closely related to the political scenario of the country. Till the dawn of the 19th century, the Mexicans were only allowed to follow the Roman Catholic Church. In the rural areas, people were seen practising a combination of indigenous faith and Catholicism.

The religious scenario began to change with freedom from Spain. In the year 1857, the Mexicans were allowed to practice religion of their choice. The following period witnessed the mission work of Reformist churches in Mexico. This led to the emergence of some Presbyterian Mexico churches. National Conservative Presbyterian Church of Mexico, Independent Presbyterian Church IPIM, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Mexico, National Presbyterian Church in Mexico are some of the well known Presbyterian churches of the country.

It has been estimated that the number of churches in Mexico range from five thousand to seven thousand, majority of which are Catholic churches. There are some Protestant churches in Mexico as well. There are also Anglican churches in Mexico. Some renowned Anglican churches are San Matias in Colima, St Andrew's Church, San Jorge Church, Cristo Rey Church, San Marcos in Mexico City, La Santa Fe in Nopala and San Pablo Apostol in Zopapan. The Dioceses of the Mexican Anglican Church include Diocese of Western Mexico, Diocese of Northern Mexico, Diocese of Cuernavaca, Diocese of Southeastern Mexico and Diocese of Mexico. Some other important churches are Capital City Baptist Church, Christ Anglican Episcopal Church, Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Santa Sofia, St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

United Mexican States of 1917 has laid down in details the functions of the churches in Mexico. The Constitution requires the segregation of the State from the church. Furthermore, the Constitution also states that public education should not influenced by any religious philosophies. Restrictions of various other kinds were also imposed on the Catholic Church in Mexico. They were barred from possessing land.