Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Uruguayana (Agenzia Fides) - About eighty people, bishops, priests, religious, social pastoral workers and experts gathered in Uruguayana (Brazil), from 29 to 31 May for the “21st Meeting of Frontier Dioceses" from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay to reflect on the theme: “Neighbours meet to listen, share and reflect on paths for dialogue in social-environment conflict among our people”. Dioceses present include: Concordia, Goya, Gualeguaychú in Argentina; Bagé, Chapecó, Foz do Iguacu, Frederico Westphalen, Santo Angelo, Uruguaiana in Brazil; Melo, Mercedes, Minas, Salto, Tacuarembó and Cáritas Uruguay in Uruguay.
During the meeting reports were given on situations of recent social-environment conflict in Fray Bentos (Uruguay) and Gualeguaychú (Argentina). Discussion groups identified important points necessary to solve conflict such as searching for truth and having respect for persons; sincere dialogue to reach agreement; the perception that every conflict is an opportunity to learn and also to live the Gospel; witness and protection of the life of the ecosystem; a more humanist and less economist vision; the need to strive to create gestures of brotherhood at times of conflict; the presence and action of the Church in social matters. The next such meeting will be held 18 - 20 June 2007 in the diocese of Santo Ángelo, Brazil. The suggested theme was "Water". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/6/2006; righe 17, parole 230)
