Colombian pastors under threat from re-armed paramilitary groups

Colombian pastors under threat from re-armed paramilitary groups
Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 14:37 (BST)

At least 10 Protestant pastors living in the northern Córdoba region of Colombia have come under threat from re-armed paramilitary groups over the past six months, reports Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

In some of the cases, attacks and threats have led to the forced displacement of the church leaders and their families.

In each case, men claiming to represent the Black Eagles, a paramilitary organisation with a heavy presence in the area, have contacted church leaders to demand the collaboration of the pastors and their churches. When the pastors refused to cooperate, they were told they would be considered legitimate military targets.

In some cases, the threats have been acted upon. One pastor reported that he was kidnapped and beaten and another had a live grenade thrown at his home while he and his family were sleeping inside.

More:
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/colombian.pastors.under.threat.from.rearmed.paramilitary.groups/23624.htm