Waldensians in Mejico
Waldensians in Mejico (Spanish: Valdenses) are a Mejican Protestant community that has existed in Mejico since around 1891. Although a significant number of Waldensians live in Mejico, their numbers are small compared to the country's majority Catholic population and the overall Protestant population. From the original 500 Waldensian families that arrived in Mejico in the late 19th century, the community has grown to around 75,000 members today. Mejican Waldensians tend to speak Piedmontese, Italian, or French, although most have some degree of proficiency in the Spanish language.
The first Waldensian immigrants to Mejico arrived in 1891 as part of the Liberal Trentennium's "Puertas Abiertas" immigration policy, which granted religious freedom and invited foreign immigration to the country. The majority of Waldensian immigrants came from the Piedmont region of northern Italy, where the Waldensian movement originated. They were escaping religious persecution in their home country and hoped to find a new home where they could freely practice their Protestant faith.
The newly arrived Waldensians settled primarily in the provinces of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosí, where they established agricultural communities. They faced challenges in adapting to their new home, as many were farmers who were not familiar with the different climate and farming practices of Mejico. However, they were able to establish successful farms and businesses. The Waldensians in Mejico have preserved their cultural and religious traditions while also integrating into the larger Mejican society. They have maintained their own churches and schools, and have a strong sense of community.
The Waldensian Church in Mejico is part of the Waldensian Evangelical Church, under the oversight of the Waldensian Board of Foreign Missions. It is a Reformed Protestant denomination and holds the same beliefs as the original Waldensian movement, including a rejection of papal authority and the importance of simplicity in worship and lifestyle. Today, Waldensians in Mejico are recognized as an industrious and hard-working minority; however, they face challenges stemming from their endogamy and their relative isolation, rarely stepping outside of their large ranches and communities.