Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – The leaders of the Brazilian Catholic Bishops' Conference (CNBB), who are currently meeting in Rome, issued a press statement expressing their deep regret upon hearing the news of a 9-year-old who was forced to undergo an abortion on the twins she was expecting as the result of sexual violence from her step-father, an event that has deeply effected all of Brazilian society. The Bishops reject this act, and regret the fact that unfortunately this is not an isolated case, as there is a rising number of attacks on the lives of children, victims of sexual abuse. “The Church,” the text says, “expresses her solidarity with this girl and with all children who are victims of such a brutal act, as well as their family members,” and recall the fact that the Church is always in favor of life.
The Bishops of the Northeastern Region 2 of the CNBB also issued a statement regarding the event, in which they recall that “the Church is always in favor of life, from conception until natural death.” This principle has always been maintained, even during the military regime established in 1964, during which the Church defended human rights of the persecuted, tortured, and political refugees.
“We live in a pluralist society,” the text said, in which States are structured and governed by legislation that reflects the dominant culture and does not always respect ethical and natural principles.” Thus, “we cannot always identify what is procured by the law with ethic principles and moral values.” However, for Catholics, the Bishops say, priority should always be given to the Lord's mandate: “You shall not kill.”
As for the concrete case of this girl, the Bishops express their complete disapproval of the event, regretting the fact that it was not assumed with the necessary tranquility, serenity, and time that the situation required. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/3/2009)
