Friday, March 20, 2026

Pastor José.

 

Fri 20 Mar at 08:03

Pastor José

Hi,

You would have liked Pastor José if you’d met him. Everyone did.

He was a genuine man of God – one of those great Christian leaders who serves wholeheartedly. ‘A beloved pastor,’ said members of his church.

But on New Year’s Eve, while he was getting ready to welcome in 2026 with his family, the 54-year-old father was shot multiple times by armed men in front of his wife and children. Pastor José died on the way to the emergency clinic.

If you’re lost for words reading this, you are not alone. But the reality is, religious leaders are under attack in parts of Colombia – and you and I must stand up for them.

Will you give a gift this Easter to bring hope and freedom to religious leaders facing violence?

You may be shocked by how much pressure and fear many church leaders are under in parts of Colombia. Violent illegal armed and criminal groups have some areas of the country in their grip. They are threatened by those who promote peace – like Pastor José.

Tragically, his murder was not a one-off…

  • Pastor Marlon, his wife and their adult children were killed while eating lunch after a Sunday service.

  • Less than two weeks later, two men on a motorbike fired at Pastor Iván while he walked home from church. His wife said her husband ‘died loving the church. […] If someone needed something, Iván was always ready to help.’ He was 28.

  • And eight people vanished in April 2025 – seven of them Christian leaders. Months later, their bodies were found in a mass grave.

This brutal pattern of violence can’t go on. It’s up to you and me, people who believe in freedom of religion or belief, to stand up for those under attack for their faith.

Donate now to bring hope this Easter.

Your support today can speak truth to power – and when we do, people in authority listen.

CSW works to shine a light on religious freedom violations around the world, and demand action at the highest levels. In Colombia, for example, we are calling for religious leaders to have access to state protections and have provided trauma support to victim-survivors of attacks and abuses.

The Easter story reminds us that, in the darkest times, there is hope. Even when fear is everywhere and the threat of death is very real, we believe change is possible. Because Jesus could not be held by death… He is risen and alive.

So will you stand up for religious leaders who need you right now? Your act of generosity could be a beautiful way to remember them this Easter. Thank you.

With every blessing,

Scot Bower

Scot Bower

CEO

P.S. People suffering for their beliefs need you right now. This Easter, please send a gift to bring hope and freedom. Thank you.

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