Religious Leader Killed in Colombia Amid Ongoing Violence and Threats to Faith Communities

Mr Ortiz Joya was not merely a resident of a rural area; he was a well-known preacher and an active member of a Christian community. His murder occurred against a national backdrop in which other religious leaders have been killed, kidnapped, forcibly disappeared, threatened or displaced. While the IPUC’s national leadership has not issued an official statement regarding the circumstances of his death, religious leaders in the region expressed their belief that the incident was linked to his work preaching to young people, encouraging them to choose peace over armed conflict, and that members of the extreme left guerrilla illegal armed group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), were responsible.

Vijagual lies a little over 70 kilometres southwest of the region of Catatumbo in neighbouring Norte de Santander Department. The area has a significant presence of illegal armed and criminal groups, with the ELN battling for territory and influence with organised criminal groups as well as breakaway factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), another guerilla group which signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016. Catatumbo has long been notorious for the presence of illegal armed groups and illicit activities and, over the past two years, it has been characterised by extreme violence.

There has been a direct impact on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). These include restrictions on holding religious services, forced closures of churches, threats, the forced displacement of pastors and priests, and economic pressure. Religious leaders have been held against their will, including 62-year-old Pablo Helí Rizo Jiménez, a minister with the World Missionary Movement who was kidnapped by armed men in a rural part of Ocaña, Norte de Santander on 18 October 2025. Rizo Jiménez was held for over a month before being released.

In the municipalities of El Tarra, Teorama and Tibú – all in Catatumbo – religious leaders have been intimidated by illegal armed and criminal groups. The situation highlights the vulnerability of religious leaders in regions affected by armed conflict and the need for greater protection. The Colombian government has faced criticism for not providing adequate safeguards for those engaged in religious ministry, especially in areas where violence is prevalent.

The case of Mr Ortiz Joya raises important questions about the legal and security frameworks in place to protect individuals who serve in religious roles. While Colombia has laws that safeguard freedom of religion, the practical implementation of these protections remains inconsistent, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The lack of clear accountability for those responsible for attacks on religious leaders underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of those who preach and minister in such environments.

The broader implications of these incidents extend beyond individual cases, reflecting a systemic issue in the protection of religious freedom in Colombia. As the country continues to grapple with the legacy of conflict and the presence of illegal armed groups, the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and reconciliation remains crucial. Their safety is not only a matter of personal security but also a reflection of the broader struggle for justice and human dignity.

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