Pastor Shot Dead at Sunday Church Service
A pastor in Mexico was shot dead while leaving his church on Sunday.
Pastor Alfrery Lictor Cruz Canseco was shot while in his car after church service at Fraternidad Cristiana Church in Tlalixtac de Cabrera, according to Newsweek.
Cruz Canseco died on the way to a local hospital.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a local human rights group, says the motives for the shooting are not clear, but the incident comes after a “series of attacks on religious leaders in Mexico, including the enforced disappearance of Pastor Aaron Mendez Ruiz on 3 August.”
Fraternidad Cristiana posted a statement on Facebook mourning the loss of their pastor:
When the Spanish post is translated to English, it says: “We regret the departure of Alfrery Lictor Cruz Canseco, friend and brother in Christ, very loved by our congregation.”
Fernando Hernandez Nava—singer-songwriter with the worship label Grupo Mexico 80—posted a video on Facebook offering his condolences to the grieving church and showing admiration for their late pastor:
Translated, the post says: “My heart and that of my companions of the group Mexico 80 are with all those who know our brother Alfrery Lictor Cruz Canseco, pastor of the Fraternidad Cristiana Church of Oaxaca, and with all those that loved him dearly. There are no words sufficient to comfort them, but may they know that our heart is with them and we are deeply sorry for his unexpected departure this Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, after his final sermon. May this video go on to recognize the appreciation that our brother had in life for our ministry.”
Please pray for Pastor Cruz Canseco’s family and church as they grieve his loss.
