Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aparecida (Agenzia Fides) - From 6 - 10 February the archdiocese of Aparecida, Brazil, will host the country's 1st International Pro-Life Conference with the goal of intensifying the Catholic activity to counter proposed laws which threaten the family and human life, said Conference general co-ordinator Prof. Hermes Rodrigues Nery, who added “Brazil has various pro-life initiatives. We intend to unite them and draft a common plan for more effective activity to counter about 50 proposed laws about to be sent to National Congress, and which represent a serious threat to the family and to human life”.
The opening of the Conference on Ash Wednesday 6 February will coincide with the launching of the annual fund raising Fraternity Campaign promoted by the Brazilian Bishops, of which this year's theme is Fraternity and Life with the slogan "Take a stand for Life”. Prof. Rodrigues says participants are expected from all over the country as well as Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, USA, Portugal and Uruguay. On Sunday 10 February the Conference will come to a close with the presentation of Aparecida Pro-Life Declaration.
The Conference organised by the Bishops of Brazil is sponsored by CELAM, (Council of Latin American Bishops' Conferences), the archdioceses of Aparecida and Brasilia, the National Pro-life and Pro-family associations, the Paulist Federation of Pro-Life Movements, the National Pro-Life Association of Women, the Parliamentary Front against the Legalisation of Abortion. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 4/2/2008; righe 18, parole 243)
