AMERICA/BRAZIL - Bishops indignant for the threats that seek to “silence the Church's voice in the constant battle in defense of life”

Para (Agenzia Fides) – The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil of the northern regions (CNBB N2) publicly denounced the threats that were made to Sister Marie Henriqueta Cavalcante, coordinator of the Justice and Peace Commission in the region, in regards to the recent investigations on abuse cases and sexual exploitation of minors. A note signed by Orlanda Rodrigues Alves, Executive Secretary of the CNBB N2, says that “Sister Henriqueta Cavalcante, head of the JPC, and the members of the social and pastoral ministries in this region have been carrying out an important role in the process of denouncing and accompanying the investigations of sexual abuse and exploitation against minors in Para. These are cases that, unfortunately, have involved the participation of influential members of our society.”
On account of this situation, last week a threat was made over the telephone to the coordinator. This occurrence has not stopped the sister, “who continues working untiringly in the accompaniment of the Parliamentary Commission for the Investigation of Pedophilia, created by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Para.” This threat has been an attempt “not only to stop the coordinator of the JPC, but also a manner of silencing the Church's voice in the constant battle in defense of life.”
However, the note observes, the social and pastoral groups that form a part of the Brazilian Bishops' Conference will – with the entire support of the Bishops - “always support the legitimate fight to defend human rights,” and recalls that the Church is faithful to the teachings of Christ. “She carries out a prophetic role in the defense and promotion of life, denouncing every form of injustice, especially when it is practiced by those who should be fighting for justice.”
The statement concludes: “The North Region of the Bishops' Conference reaffirms its position in favor of the poor, defending the cause of those most in need of justice in our society. This is something that coincides with the response to the call of the Aparecida Conference, which has demonstrated that “the faces of the poor who suffer is the face of Christ who suffers.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 31/3/2009)