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Padre Marcelo, of indigenous Tzotzil origins, was assassinated on Sunday 20 October in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. He was shot by two masked men on a motorcycle, while he was in his car driving to mass.
Since his early years of service, Padre Marcelo defended the human rights of the people of Chiapas, accompanying processes in defense of land, territory and life, forcibly displaced communities, as well as people deprived of their freedom. He facilitated mediation processes between victims of violence and human rights violations and the State, contributing to the reduction of violence in these areas and advocating for dialogue for the construction of peace. However, for his work for justice he received numerous death threats, and was himself the victim of intimidation and violence.
Padre Marcelo’s commitment to peace, human rights and justice in Chiapas was recognized locally and globally. We echo Pope Francis acknowledgement of Padre Marcelo as “a zealous servant of the Gospel and God’s faithful people” and we recognize, together with the Latin American Episcopal Council, his “commitment to the Gospel and his total dedication to Christ present among those who suffer the most”.
The WCC is deeply concerned about the threats and violence that many human rights and environmental defenders face in Mexico. Among these courageous and committed individuals are numerous religious leaders like Padre Marcelo who face great risks for their defense of peace and justice, in Mexico and elsewhere in the Latin American region.
We urge the Mexican authorities to ensure that those responsible for Padre Marcelo’s murder are brought to justice, and that more is done to protect threatened human rights defenders in southern Mexico so that they can carry out their essential work without threats to their safety.
The WCC reiterates our solidarity and support for all local religious leaders who work to overcome social injustices and inequalities, and to promote dialogue, peace and reconciliation.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
