Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "The Amazon River, Source of Life" is the title of the 6th Symposium held 13 to 20 July in Brazil as part of the programme "Religion, Science and the Environment" promoted by Ecumenical Patriarch His Holiness Bartholomew I. The aim of the Symposium is to foster awareness of the serious problems which threaten creation, and encourage commitment for to solve them. The Symposium, organised in close connection with the Church in Brazil, is taking place on a ship sailing along the Amazon River.
In a message to Patriarch Bartholomew I, after recalling a Common Declaration signed with Pope John Paul II in 2002, Pope Benedict XVI underlines: “"The task of highlighting an appropriate catechesis of creation - in order to recall the meaning and religious significance of its protection - is intimately connected to our duty as pastors," writes the Pope, "and could have an important impact on the perceived value of life itself and on the adequate solution of ...social problems.".”
The Holy Father expresses the hope that the Amazon symposium "may once again draw the attention of peoples and governments to the problems and urgent needs of an area so sorely tried and so threatened in its ecological balance: its rivers and forests which in their beauty and stateliness speak to us of God and his marvelous works for mankind. This immense region, where water is an source of harmony and riches, is like an open book whose pages reveal the mystery of life. How can we fail to feel called as individuals and as a community to responsible awareness translated into coherent decisions to safeguard an area of such ecological wealth?”
After affirming that the Symposium expresses aver “Christian support for the people of the Amazon regions”, Pope Benedict XVI assures Patriarch Bartholomew his adhesion to the “values of which this Symposium is the bearer”. “I see an example of that collaboration which Orthodox and Catholics must seek constantly in order to respond to the need for a shared testimony… This means that all Christians must cultivate that interior openness of soul which is dictated by charity and has its roots in the faith. In this way, they can together offer the world a credible witness of their sense of responsibility towards the defence of creation… Common points must be found to converge commitment to protect the habitat the Creator has prepared for the human person, on whom He has impressed his image.” The Holy Father concludes assuring those present of his prayers that the Symposium “may mark a step forward in share efforts to protect the world which God created with wisdom and love”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/7/2006 - Righe 35, parole 486)
