AMERICA/BRAZIL - “The slavery of money and injustice have their origins in the heart of man.” Papal Message read at opening of Brotherhood Campaign

Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) – The President of the National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil (CONIC), Pastor Carlos Möller, presided over the ecumenical celebration held for the opening of Ecumenical Brotherhood Campaign (CFE), on the evening of Wednesday, February 17, at the Don Bosco Shrine in Brasilia. Archbishop João Braz de Aviz of Brasilia, read the message from Pope Benedict XVI and the President of the Lutheran Church read a message from the World Council of Churches, of which he is the moderator.
In his message, Pope Benedict XVI wishes every success to the Churches and Ecclesial Communities in Brazil, "that this year have decided to unite their efforts to reconcile people with God, helping them to free themselves from the slavery of money...I remind everyone that the slavery of money and injustice have their origins in the heart of man, where the seeds of a mysterious co-existence with evil are also found," said the Holy Father.
Speaking on the campaign, the economy, and life, Pastor Carlos Möller criticized the global economic system and, citing data about the international economy and that of Brazil, reported a rise in the number of those suffering from hunger in the world. "We must have the courage to say that the current economic system is immoral and inadequate," said Carlos Möller. "The Brotherhood Campaign should give us the courage to examine the economic concepts that prevail in the world and in our country," he said, condemning, for example, high interest rates and illegitimate profits of bankers. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 18/02/2010)