Pastor Plinio Rafael Salcedo was shot multiple times and found dead at his home Saturday.

Salcedo was the leader of a church within the Movimiento Misionero Mundial churches, an evangelical pastor. He was assassinated in Antioquia, Columbia in the La Caucana village, reports Premier.

It remains unknown at this time as to why the pastor was targeted. Some have speculated that the incident may be related to peace protests that occurred two days before the deadly event. 1000 individuals gathered to take place in the protests, which took place to seek peace for the Columbian region. Both Catholic and Protestant Christians participated.

The protests come in response to over 50 years of conflict which has plagued the country, with guerillas, the government, and military forces all seeking to take power. As a result, hundreds of church leaders have come under fire and faced threats to their lives from all sides.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas offered heartfelt condolences to Salcedo's family following his death.

"We call on the Colombian government to conduct a full investigation into the murder of the pastor and to bring those responsible to justice," Thomas said. "We also urge the government to work with civil society organisations and churches to ensure lasting peace to Colombia."

He lamented the few changes that have been made in response to communities that have faced violence from armed groups involved in the conflict.