Brazil: 152 bishops sign letter critical of government

Burning rainforest - image Christian Aid

Source: Fides

A group of 152 bishops from Brazil, about a third of the total members of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference, has published a 'Letter to the People of God', in which serious criticisms are made of President Jair Bolsonaro for the way he has handled the Covid-19 pandemic, and also the government's political orientation.

"Brazil is going through one of the most difficult periods in its history, comparable to a 'perfect storm' which, painfully, cannot be postponed. The cause of this storm is the combination of an unprecedented health crisis, with an overwhelming collapse of the economy and the tension that befell the foundations of the republic, caused in large measure by the president of the republic and other sectors of society, resulting in a profound political and governance crisis", says the document.

The Bishops said that the draft was going to be presented to the executive committee of the bishops' conference in a scheduled meeting on 5 August, but it was leaked to the media July 26.

"We are bishops of the Catholic Church, from various regions of Brazil, in profound communion with Pope Francis and his magisterium and in full communion with the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, which in the exercise of its evangelizing mission, always places itself at the defense of children, justice and peace", reads the letter.

"It is within this horizon that we position ourselves in relation to the current reality in Brazil. We have no political, party, economic, ideological or other interests. Our only interest is the Kingdom of God, present in our history, as we move forward in building a structurally just, fraternal and supportive society, like a civilization of love."

"This scenario of dangerous deadlocks, which test our country, requires much more dialogue from its institutions, leaders and civil organizations than closed ideological speeches."

The bishops say: "the current government system does not focus on the human person and the good of all, but on the uncompromising defence of the interests of an "economy that kills."

The document adds that "religion is also used to manipulate feelings and beliefs, provoke divisions, spread hatred, create tensions among churches and their leaders", warning that "any association between religion and power in the secular state is harmful, especially the association between fundamentalist religious groups and the maintenance of authoritarian power."

According to the signatories, the contempt shown by the government of President Jair Bolsonaro for the sectors of education, culture, health and diplomacy is "appalling".

On 30 July, more than 1,500 priests released an open letter supporting the bishops' letter. The priests said government officials have a duty to act in favour of the entire population, especially of the most vulnerable, but that "this has not been the project of the current government."