JPIC FORWARD, Canoas, Brazil

March 13, 2018

Brazil is experiencing socio-political turmoil. Scandals of corruption, an institutional crisis, and the undoing and withdrawal of rights previously granted to citizens are contributing to a state of poverty, unemployment, and increased violence.

Aware of this situation, the members of the National JPIC Committee of the Brazilian Religious Conference (CRB) and the Justice and Peace Committees of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) met to study and better understand the situation in Brazil. The criteria for their discussions were the Brazilian biomes, the Encyclical Laudato Sì, and the mission of lay Christians in the church and society today.

During the gathering, many lay people as well as men and women religious and priests, all committed to the JPIC cause, shared the challenges they are facing in the various regions of Brazil. Among these challenges is the struggle to bring about the Kingdom of God and to generate life, and that life to the full, as well as to identify ways by which to help Brazilians brighten their currently dark and uncertain path.

With confidence in our common strength and a hope which springs from our faith rooted in Jesus Christ, who came to transform death into life, we are encouraged to strive for justice, peace, and the care of all creation in a consolidated Brazilian Justice and Peace network.

Sister Giulliane Maria

Our Lady Aparecida Province

Canoas, RS