Although Colombia is a democracy where religious freedom is enshrined in law, large areas of the country are still controlled by criminal organisations, drug cartels and paramilitary groups, even after the peace deal with the FARC. Christians are seen as a threat to these groups, as they represent an alternative way to behave in society. Church services are monitored and Christians who speak out against these groups are targeted. In indigenous communities, conversion from traditional beliefs is not tolerated and Christians are excluded from basic social services or even expelled from their communities.
