A preacher survived after a gunman's attack during a church service in Brazil by jumping behind an altar with 'Jesus' written on it.

Weslei Souza, 30, opened fire inside the Temple of Angels church in Mogi das Cruzes, in the state of Sao Paulo, on Sunday evening, authorities said, as the service was being broadcast live on social media.

Souza can be seen calmly striding to the front of the full church while aiming his weapon directly at the pastor, Adilio Carloto da Silva, who was seated behind the altar.

Dozens of horrified viewers witnessed the the terrified pastor attempt to dodge the bullets fired in his direction.

The dramatic video shows his assailant appeared to stalk him, firing shot after shot.

But Da Silva miraculously survived the onslaught despite being hit twice by bullets and after undergoing emergency surgery. He is reported to be in a serious condition, but out of danger.

Souza reportedly claimed he entered the building to rob the church.

But police dismissed this motive as 'unconvincing' because he appears to deliberately target the pastor in the video.

Despite the gunman operating at close range, the majority of the bullets missed the people on the platform as they dived for cover. Only the pastor was injured in the attack.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6383695/Preacher-survives-gunmans-attack-service-Brazil.html