Pastor dies of COVID-19 amid Chile church service controversy

[Judi Lynn]

Issued on: 15/04/2020 - 21:42
Modified: 15/04/2020 - 21:42

Santiago (AFP)

An evangelical bishop has died of COVID-19 in Chile after presiding over a service attended by hundreds of people, as criticism mounts against those keeping churches open.

Mario Salfate, 67, died late Tuesday in a Santiago hospital after being admitted on March 23 "when he tested positive for COVID-19," hospital officials said.

A week earlier the pastor had presided over a service that drew around 300 people to his church in Paine, outside Santiago.

Three other evangelical pastors who participated in the service later tested positive for the coronavirus.

Salfate's death comes amid growing controversy in the South American country over insistent calls from evangelical pastors to maintain religious gatherings in defiance of coronavirus-related restrictions.

More:
https://www.france24.com/en/20200415-pastor-dies-of-covid-19-amid-chile-church-service-controversy



Derp in Peace

[riversedge]

1. sickening. He is responsible for others under his charge.