Christian leaders and Indigenous believers in Colombia are continuing to face growing threats from armed criminal groups, according to reports shared during a recent visit by religious freedom advocates.
Representatives from the Christian advocacy organisation Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) travelled to remote areas of Colombia to meet pastors, church leaders and Indigenous Christian communities affected by violence and intimidation.
In the south-western region of Cauca, members of the Nasa Indigenous Evangelical Church gathered for the presentation of a book documenting years of persecution experienced by Christian families in the area. The publication, titled Persecuted but not Destroyed, contains testimonies from believers who have suffered threats, attacks and discrimination because of their faith.
Originally, organisers had planned to launch the book publicly in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, with church representatives attending a parliamentary event. However, security concerns reportedly forced a change of plans after fears emerged that some contributors could face serious danger if publicly identified.
Instead, CSW representatives travelled directly to the Indigenous communities to meet church leaders privately.
During the gathering, Christians spoke openly about the difficulties they have faced over the past two decades, including violence, forced displacement, assaults and killings linked to armed groups operating in the region.
Several church members described the publication of the book as an important moment for their community, saying it allowed their experiences to finally be recognised and recorded.
Concerns over violence are not limited to Cauca. In the northern department of Magdalena, Indigenous Christian leaders also reported increasing pressure from criminal organisations.
One Indigenous Kogi Christian leader explained that armed groups have recently begun demanding money and control over local resources. He also said sacred sites belonging to Indigenous communities had been damaged or desecrated.
Elsewhere in the city of Santa Marta, another pastor and his family were left homeless after their church building was reportedly destroyed by a local criminal gang. According to reports, the attack happened after the pastor publicly preached from the Bible during a church service.
CSW representatives also visited Pastor Karen, whose husband Ivan was killed last year after refusing to allow paramilitary groups to use their church property for storing weapons and illegal drugs.
Karen continues to care for her family while living in an area heavily affected by violence. Despite the dangers, local Christians continue leading churches and supporting their communities.
Human rights advocates say many religious leaders remain vulnerable because of weak legal protection and widespread impunity. Concerns have also been raised after special government protection measures for religious leaders were reportedly withdrawn in 2023.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has urged Colombian authorities to strengthen protection for faith leaders and take stronger action against armed criminal groups targeting religious communities.
The organisation said many pastors and Christian leaders continue serving courageously despite ongoing threats and insecurity across parts of the country.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Christian Today UK.
