Alerts Sign-up
For nearly three weeks, Colombian authorities have been searching for Father Carlos Jaimes Guerrero, a 30-year-old Augustinian friar who went missing on June 17. As of now, there are no leads regarding the reasons behind his disappearance.
The concern over his fate has intensified following the discovery of eight Christian missionaries' bodies in a mass grave. These missionaries, who were evangelical and Protestant leaders, vanished in April. The Attorney General's Office confirmed their identities on July 1.
The Evangelical Confederation of Colombia issued a statement asking for prayers and calling on authorities to ensure these crimes do not remain unpunished. "We ask for prayers for peace and we raise a firm voice of cry and demand that the authorities ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished."
These missionaries disappeared in Calamar, Guaviare Department, after attending a meeting organized by guerrilla group members. Relatives suspect dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) may be involved. Authorities suggest the victims were interrogated to prevent another guerrilla group's local cell formation.
Hector Lizarazo from the Conference of Religious of Colombia noted that conflicts between armed groups often impact civilians. “Those who have a prophetic presence are especially targeted,” he stated, highlighting how social leaders and religious organizations sometimes disturb violent agents with their commitments.
Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch Report indicates Christians in Colombia face targeting due to their opposition to drug cartels and guerrilla groups.
Father Jaimes was last seen leaving Casacoima farm near Viotá city — southwest of Bogotá — where he promoted youth and senior citizen activities. He was headed to a scheduled meeting but did not return. His truck was later found abandoned with its engine running.
Local police are collaborating with various government agencies to locate Father Jaimes. The air force is conducting aerial searches while Viotá’s city government offers rewards for information leading to his whereabouts. The Augustinians in Colombia have assured full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Videos featuring Father Jaimes' mother and sister pleading for his release have gained traction on social media platforms across Colombia. Erika Lucia Guerrero described her brother as “a servant of God, a priest.”
In late June, hundreds participated in a nocturnal march in Viotá holding candles and banners bearing Father Jaimes' image; an online novena concluded shortly after through an Augustinian radio station broadcast.
Theologian Heyner Hernández Díaz highlighted ongoing territorial disputes involving guerrillas and drug cartels across regions like Catatumbo—known for disappearances linked to armed groups—including those affecting religious individuals: "Disappearances have always been part of the grave violences carried out by armed groups here."
Eduardo Campos Lima reports this story from São Paulo for OSV News.
