Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Itaci (Fides Service) - In a statement issued at the end of the 45th plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Brazil, the Bishops voice solidarity with the people, especially the poor and the suffering and they express the Church's concern to enlighten consciences at a crucial time in the country, and also in view of the presence of Pope Benedict XVI.
The Bishops denounce "serious moral and political disorder in public life in Latin America" and in Brazil where there are many urgent necessities to guarantee development and decent living conditions above all for social groups victims of discrimination, Afro-Americans, children, the sick, immigrants and refugees. The Bishops launch a strong appeal to protect life at this time where there is a move to legalise abortion in Brazil. "The lack of respect for human dignity and the moral criteria of the Gospel are the root of a disregard for life and growing violence in our country" the Bishops affirm. Once again they condemn "any attempt to legalise abortion and the manipulation of human embryos for therapeutic ends. Life must be defended from conception to natural end" they reaffirm encouraging Christians and all men and women of good will to commit themselves to promoting respect for life.
They express concern for spreading corruption and stress the urgent need for "political reforms to strengthen direct and participated democracy to guarantee more transparency in the judicial power". They consider it fundamental to "reinvigorate democracy through moral demands, in the political, economic and social field ".
The plenary elected a new council: president Bishop Geraldo Lyrio Rocha, vice president Bishop Luiz Soares Vieira, secretary general Bishop Dimas Lara Barbosa. Bishop Geraldo Lyrio said he saw "his call to service as an expression of God's will", and he expressed "obedience and loyalty to the Successor of Peter” and promised to “work always in profound communion with the Apostolic See and the universal College of Bishops”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 11/5/2007; righe 31, parole 406)
