First Posted: May 09, 2021 10:33 PM EDT
An Oregon pastor declined to close his church following a COVID outbreak that occurred in the said congregation. The decision of senior pastor Scott Erickson was announced during his Mother s Day sermon, ABC News reported.
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Pastor Erickson announced his decision to keep the doors of his church open to those who attended the service and those who are watching the church s live stream online broadcast. Erickson noted that voices in their community and region want to close the place of worship. Not us, not here, not now. That s not what we re doing, said Erickson in his sermon. Erickson also argued that his decision is anchored on his opinion and is not an act of defiance.
Josué Avendaño, Leonardo s brother, said the Mexican priest was accused of murder, treason, premeditation, and torture.
Josué noted that about 54 pieces of evidence were presented during the April 6 hearing, Milenio reported. He (Ávalos) was responsible for the murder and it was also presented that there were a betrayal and premeditation on his part, Josué said in the report. He added that he felt great peace when he heard that the court ruled that Ávalos was guilty.
Leonardo disappeared on June 11, 2019 and he was found dead in his truck on June 13 with signs of torture and strangulation.
Security camera footage and mobile phone showed the Mexican priest s connection on the day the deacon was killed. Hours before the murder of Leonardo, Ávalos was captured by the video surveillance cameras with the victim.