Trend of Missing Christian Leaders Emerges in Colombia

7/25/2025 Colombia (International Christian Concern) — Father Carlos Saúl Jaimes Guerrero of Our Lady of Grace of the Order of Saint Augustine is the latest church leader reported missing in Colombia.
On the day of his disappearance, June 17, he was reportedly leaving Hacienda Casacoima for an appointment but never returned. His car was later found abandoned with the engine running near La Unión. Jaimes Guerrero’s reported disappearance comes after the bodies of several Evangelical Christians were found in a mass grave. Those believers were reported missing more than two months before the grisly discovery.
Many Colombians are urging their government to increase protection for religious leaders because they are receiving little protection from armed guerrillas. Furthermore, religious leaders’ statuses were changed in the National Protection System, created to protect Colombian citizens from violence.
Armed groups target pastors and priests because of the influence they have against the guerrillas and paramilitary fighters.
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