Pastor Shot and Killed During Sunday Service in Mexico

Amidst a violent climate towards faith leaders, a Mexican pastor was shot and killed during a church service on Sunday.

Pastor Alfrery Líctor Cruz Canseco, who preached at the Fraternidad Cristiana church in the town of Tlalixtac de Cabrera in the Oaxaca state, died when a gunman shot him point-blank, according to the Christian Post.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and congregation of Pastor Cruz Canseco,” international watchdog group Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Chief Executive Merwyn Thomas said. “The fact that he was targeted while in the pulpit is particularly shocking.”

The assailant did not attempt to shoot anyone else and congregants were able to prevent his escape, leading to his arrest. Canseco died on the way to the hospital after the attack, who leaves behind a wife and children.

Canseco’s passing comes in the wake of several attacks on faith leaders in the region. Pastor Aarón Méndez Ruiz, who ran a shelter for Cuban immigrants, was kidnapped earlier this month.

“We also remain concerned for the wellbeing of Pastor Méndez Ruiz and urge the Mexican government to spare no effort in ensuring his safe return, investigating all of these crimes and prosecuting those responsible,” Thomas also said.

CSW believes criminal groups are largely behind the attacks, though the motives are unknown. “Even though no wars are being fought…