AMERICA/BRAZIL - Catholic Bishops express concern for violence in various regions of the country

Monday, 3 July 2006

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Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) -In a statement entitled ‘Justice and Peace will Kiss’, the Catholic Bishops of Brazil have voiced concern for increasing violence in various regions of the vast country. At their 44th general assembly in May the Bishops condemned acts of brutal violence and organised crime. "We deplore the fact that in this situation the human rights of many people are not respected" the Bishops say in the statement referring in particular to episodes in a São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Sacro and Baia, Pará and Maranhão. They note that the situation is aggravated by "the lack of adequate government policies and adequate attention ".
"Repeated acts of calumny and death threats against bishops, priests, religious, leader of popular movement in the regions of Altamira, Santarém and others are creating a climate di tension and fear among our peaceful and laborious people ".
In this situation the Bishops urge the competent authorities to take opportune measures and guarantee respect for the rights of all. "As disciples of the Lord who comes that all may have life and in abundance(cf. Jn 10,10) we condemn death threats and violence - the Bishops conclude -. We sympathise with our threatened brothers and sisters and all who give courageous witness to the Gospel every day and we are certain that truth, justice and love are stronger that doubt and lies". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/7/2006, righe 19, parole 279)