Monday 28 February 2011

28/02/2011 - Honduras Pastors Killed; Government Urged To Increase Protection

Honduras Pastors Killed; Government Urged To Increase Protection

Posted on: 2011-02-28 11:08:23
TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS (Worthy News)-- Christian leaders have urged Honduras' governmentto improve protection of Christian workers after Carlos Roberto Marroqun became thesecond prominent pastor to be murdered this year in the Central American nation.

Marroquin, 41, was shot to death Monday, February 21, by two assailants while walking histwo Schnauzer puppies in the northern city of San Pedro Sula, explained Security MinisterOscar Alvarez and witnesses.

Investigators said the gunman opened fire after he refused to hand over the dogs, whoescaped. Schnauzers can reportedly sell for about $500 in Honduras, where the minimum monthlysalary is roughly $311.

Marroqun was the founding pastor of the Pentecostal Church of God in San Pedro Sula,the countrys second-largest city, and a popular presenter on television and radioprograms, Christians said.

EVANGELICAL PASTORS

He was also president-elect of the Association of Evangelical Pastors in San Pedro Sula,the founder and president of the Christian Legal Fellowship and co-founder ofthe Latin American Network of Christian Lawyers.

While police linked the attack to crime, Christian leaders stressed they feared theassassination was part of a project to target devoted Christian workers in Honduras.The Evangelical Fellowship of Honduras said in a statement that the pastor had receivedthreats.

Marroqun was the second pastor to be murdered this year in Honduras, known for its highmurder rates. On January 30 the 43-year-old Pastor Raymundo Fuentes, of the New JerusalemTemple, was killed while leaving the evening service at his church with his wife.

Two days prior the daughter of an evangelical pastor had been killed, though police did notlink the two murders, according to news reports.

Christian leaders said at least six pastors are known to have been killed in recent months. "Every day we do our work [we have to] trust in God and [be] prepared to go with Him," added Pastor Oswaldo Canales, president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Honduras in published remarks.

There were no reports of arrests Saturday, February 26, in the killing of Pastor Marroquin. Local police announced they were looking for the gunman and the person who drove the car.

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