Reflexões de um "Baby Bishop"

80 anos de voto feminino. E a dignidade? Como anda?

2012-02-24T11:31:00.001-02:00

Hoje se comemora 80 anos da emancipação política das mulheres brasileiras através do acesso ao voto. Foi uma luta ferrenha contra o preconceito e que custou tanto às muitas corajosas mulheres que, na década de 30 ousaram enfrentar a cultura de predominância machista, lideradas por uma nordestina chamada Celina Guimarães Viana que pediu autorização judicial para votar e assim foi autorizada com base na Constituição Federal. Daí se espalhou um movimento que culminou com a inclusão do direito de voto às mulheres em 1932.
O Brasil acaba de viver a experiência de ter uma mulher como sua Presidenta (com o perdão aqui aos linguistas...). Dilma representou um importante passo na superação das discriminações contra a mulher e é, sem sombra de dúvidas, uma grande conquista para a sociedade brasileira.
Mas a minha pergunta é: até quando o que as mulheres tem conseguido no plano legal será efetivo em todas as esferas da vida social? Fico estarrecido com as estatísticas de violência contra as mulheres em nosso país. Mesmo com o advento da Lei Maria da Penha - outra conquista de veio legal - continuamos a assistir uma escalada assustadora de assassinatos de mulheres. Nesta semana, só na Paraíba - a título de exemplo - tivemos 4 assassinatos violentos de mulheres com requintes de perversidade. Não posso ficar calado diante de fatos que revelam uma doença social que precisa ser enfrentada com rigor pelo Poder Público. Nenhuma pessoa de bom senso pode se acomodar diante dessa barbárie que parece fazer parte de um cotidiano macabro de uma sociedade que se diz emergente dentro do cenário internacional.
Se por um lado celebramos o advento da igualdade política das mulheres na história do Brasil, por outro, deveríamos sentir vergonha de ainda sermos um país que parece encarar a violência contra as mulheres como ingrediente normal de nosso cotidiano.
Eu sonho com um país que se orgulhe de dizer que seus cidadãos e cidadãs tem a garantia de seus direitos mais fundamentais. Eu sonho com um país em que nossas mulheres não precisem mendigar a igualdade dos direitos, não em termos de lei positiva, mas em eficácia.
A Igreja tem uma responsabilidade enorme na formação de seus fiéis e deve assumir publicamente a defesa de uma sociedade em que os direitos não venham ser mediados desigualmente por questões de gênero. Enquanto neste país ainda se matar mulheres violentamente e se permanecer impune por ineficiência do poder público, não me sentirei parte de uma sociedade emergente. Uma sociedade economicamente bem sucedida será vergonhosamente pobre quando suas mulheres não forem respeitadas no Direito e na Vida!

Lent Message

2012-02-17T14:11:00.001-02:00

Dear brothers and sisters

"and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him". Mark 1,13

Next week we'll be starting our journey as Church trough the liturgical season of Lent.
This is a special time for all of us, people and clergy, in understanding what God has revealed to us through the life and ministry of his son Jesus Christ. The text of Mark 1: 9-13 ends with the description of Jesus ' experience in the desert. The Church needs to live with more authenticity your own desert. But what it is like to live the desert? Some feel that the desert represents only negative things: aridity, dangers, isolation. Usually we don't like deserts. I had an experience 13 years ago, during the course of Palestine of Jesus, in Israel. We were led by a professor to have our experience of prayer in the desert. We went early in the morning, before the sun come out and stayed there until the rays of the sun becomes strong enough to look at that landscape and pray a little. Was something unforgettable for me. There I was alone (although with the sense of security by others who were also praying there) in the middle of an immense desert and a sky with no end in a singular physical combination. I prayed to God and I feel very well.
The desert calls us to reflection. The desert impels us to within ourselves. And it is in this most internal experience we find what most extraordinary exists: God as the inner fundamental of our being. In our deepest interior occurs the more hostile battles toward – see the temptations of Jesus. He won because he heard the voice of God even deeper into your being. He rejected live transient glory of eccentricity. He rejected try to depends from immediacy of materiality. He rejected the easy submission . The Church in our days has been tempted to be submissive to the powers that enslave humanity. It also has been attempted to be referred to the immediacy of a system who seduces people to become just consumers. It also has been attempted to be a stage for captivating audiences eccentricities, but without personal commitment to Jesus Christ. If by giving in to these temptations we are inclined to not being relevant to the world. Incidentally, there is no shortage of voices proclaiming that the Church will end. We need to imitate Christ. We must not wane. Let's take this Lent to pray more. To reflect more about the mission that God has entrusted to us. Let's leave that in the deepest of our being God's voice is heard clearly and make us endure temptations. Do the desert an opportunity of meeting with deep is the ground of our being. The desert is an opportunity to renew and make us walk with Jesus by proclaiming the good news, even if they conflict with the powers of this world. And that our whole proclamation is: heart, mind, feet and hands. Let's get people to renew their confidence in God and can live the modernity with justice, respect and care with the world and with their neighbors. Let us recall that the Church (as well as people) who lives for itself is acting as the servant who has buried his talent. A blessed Lent for all!
+ Francisco, Southwestern Brazil

Mensagem de Quaresma

2012-02-17T12:11:00.002-02:00

Queridos irmãos e queridas irmãs

E ali esteve no deserto quarenta dias, tentado por Satanás. E vivia entre as feras, e os anjos o serviam.
Marcos 1:13

Semana que vem estaremos iniciando nossa jornada litúrgica como Igreja pela quadra da Quaresma. Este é um tempo especial para todos nós, povo e clero, na compreensão daquilo que Deus tem revelado a nós através de seu filho Jesus Cristo. O texto de Marcos 1:9-13 termina com a descrição da experiência de deserto de Jesus. A Igreja precisa viver com mais autenticidade o seu próprio deserto. Mas o que é viver o deserto? Alguns acham que deserto representa apenas coisas negativas: aridez, perigos, isolamento. Não costumamos gostar de desertos. Tive uma experiência há 13 anos atrás, durante o Curso Palestina de Jesus, em Israel, na qual fomos conduzidos pelo nosso professsor a uma experiência de oração no deserto. Fomos pela manhã cedo, antes do sol sair e ali ficamos até os raios de sol ficarem fortes o suficiente para olharmos aquela paisagem e orarmos um pouco. Foi algo inesquecível para mim. Ali estava eu sozinho (embora com a sensação de segurança pelos outros que estavam também nesta experiência) um imenso deserto e um céu por cobertura numa conjugação física singular. Orei a Deus e pude sentir como nós somos relaxados em nossa vida devocional como Igreja.
O deserto nos chama para a reflexão. O deserto nos impele para dentro de nós mesmos. E é neste mergulho que podemos encontrar o que de mais extraordinário existe: Deus mesmo como fundamento mais básico do nosso existir. No nosso interior mais profundo é que se travam as batalhas mais ferrenhas – vejam as tentações de Jesus. Ele as venceu, pois ouviu a voz mais profunda de Deus mesmo em seu ser. Ele rejeitou viver a glória passageira da excentricidade. Ele rejeitou o imediatismo da materialidade. Ele rejeitou a submissão fácil.
A Igreja em nosso dias tem sido tentada a ser submissa aos poderes que escravizam a humanidade. Igualmente tem sido tentada a se submeter ao imediatismo materialista de um sistema que seduz as pessoas a só consumir. Igualmente tem sido tentada a ser um palco para excentricidades cativando audiências, mas sem comprometimento pessoal com Jesus Cristo.
Se sucumbirmos a estas tentações estaremos inclinados a não sermos relevantes para o mundo. Aliás, não faltam vozes a proclamar que a Igreja vai acabar.
Precisamos imitar o Cristo. Não podemos esmorecer. Vamos aproveitar esta Quaresma para orarmos mais. Para refletirmos mais sobre a missão que Deus nos confiou. Vamos deixar que no mais profundo do nosso ser a voz de Deus seja ouvida com clareza e nos faça resistir às tentações. Façamos do deserto uma oportunidade de encontro profundo com Aquele que é o fundamento do nosso ser. Que o deserto nos renove e nos faça caminhar com Jesus proclamando as Boas Novas, ainda que em conflito com os poderes deste mundo. E que nossa proclamação seja inteira: coração, mente, pés e mãos. Vamos fazer com que as pessoas renovem a sua confiança em Deus e possam viver a modernidade com justiça, respeito e cuidado com o mundo e com seus semelhantes. Lembremos que a Igreja (assim como as pessoas) que vive para si mesma faz como o servo que enterrou seu talento.
Uma abençoada Quaresma a todo(a)s!

Tributo a Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T12:06:00.003-02:00

Whitney Houston deixou o mundo mais pobre em termos de voz. E mais uma vez um artista sucumbe diante do arquétipo de uma fama com a qual, por mais que buscasse, não soube conviver. A voz de Whitney encantava a todos. Eu mesmo fui fã de carteirinha dessa musa pop que embalava nosso romantismo nos anos 80 e 90.
A beleza de sua voz e a beleza de seu rosto logo foram expostos à mídia que a projetou para ser a mais premiada cantora do mundo. No rol de suas conquistas estão nada mais nada menos do que 450 prêmios.
Nas veias um sangue de artistas famosos. Tinha tudo ao alcance para uma longa e bem sucedida carreira. No meio do caminho, no entanto, encontrou a desventura das drogas. E com elas começou sua jornada de descenso. Um descenso que só foi superado aos poucos pela ajuda de pessoas que a amavam e que a viam para além da pop star. A viam como ser humano, sujeita a erros mas profundamente preocupada com os temas que sempre cantou: amor, paixão, liberdade!
Estava vivendo uma clara recuperação de sua imagem e em 2010 lançou o seu último álbum para celebrar 25 anos de carreira. Em um álbum anterior, de 2009, quando retomava a carreira depois de um longo período de desintoxicação, Whitney cantou a música Looking to you. Essa música é uma autêntica oração de uma pessoa que buscava a paz que o mundo não pode lhe dar. O mundo e a mídia só sugaram o seu talento, mas nunca a encararam como pessoa com necessidades afetivas. Agora ela encontra a paz que tanto desejou e quem vai dar essa paz é Deus! Descanse em paz menina!!

Bispos: uma experiência em Canterbury

2012-02-09T16:58:00.004-02:00

"O papel primordial de um bispo é fazer com que as pessoas confiem em Deus" (Arcebispo Rowan Williams)

A frase acima, dita em uma reunião privada entre o Arcebispo Rowan Williams e os 27 bispos que fizeram o curso para novos bispos, deu o tom do que foi uma experiência memorável para mim.
O curso para novos bispos é oferecido anualmente pelo Instituto da Catedral de Cantuária e tem por finalidade capacitar bispos no início de seus ministérios.
Uma experiência inesquecível que nos proporciona viver a espiritualidade anglicana nas raízes de nossa Igreja. Uma intensa vida devocional, com Eucaristia diária e a participação nos ofícios matutinos e vespertinos da Catedral. Além disso, os encontros propiciam ferramentas importantes para aquelas pessoas que foram chamadas a exercer o ministério do episcopado, com todas as suas responsabilidades e desafios. De cânones comparados à liturgia, de vida pessoal e familiar à relação com suas Catedrais e de vida pública à relação com seu clero, vamos estudando e ouvindo a experiência de outras pessoas, construindo assim uma base para que possamos atender com humildade este especial chamado para sermos sinais de unidade em nossas dioceses.
Visita aos escritórios da Comunhão Anglicana e ao Palácio de Lambeth nos dão a visão da riqueza e diversidade de nossa Igreja. A convivência com colegas de distintas culturas e jeitos nos enriquece a cada momento, criando laços de afeto, respeito e reverência de uns para com os outros. É uma relação que cultiva o sentimento de interdependência e de colegialidade que transcende nossas fronteiras diocesanas e provinciais e cria um verdadeiro sentimento de corpo.
Para mim, e tenho sempre dito que um bispo não se forja apenas na sua eleição e sagração - pelo contrário, continua aprendendo cada dia a ser um bispo de Deus para o povo de Deus - a experiência do curso me mostrou que o poder de um bispo é tanto maior na medida em que leva o seu povo e a sociedade que o cerca a confiar em Deus, como bem disse o Arcebispo. É Deus que deve estar no centro de nossa vida e ministério. Qualquer tentativa de ocuparmos o lugar de Deus - ou nos tornarmos seu exclusivo representante - levará nosso ministério ao fracasso.
Uma das coisas que me impressionou foi a acolhida da Catedral. O Deão Robert Willis e o Coordenador do curso, Rev. Cônego Edward Condry, foram de uma atenção primorosa para todos nós. Mesmo em meio à beleza e solenidade da vida e da liturgia da Catedral, revelaram uma simplicidade e uma capacidade de servir, tornando ainda mais autêntica a capacitação de nós bispos de sermos pessoas servas ao invés de pessoas servidas.
Isso me faz refletir sobre o papel de nossas igrejas locais como comunidades de acolhimento - e precisamos aperfeiçoar isso em nossa própria Província e dioceses.
As pessoas que se aproximam de nossas igrejas locais precisam realmente aumentarem a sua confiança em Deus, especialmente em uma cultura de individualismo, glamour falso e competição.
Que possamos bispo, clero e povo em nossa diocese servir mais, acolher mais e deixar que Deus manifeste com mais vigor o seu amor por todas as pessoas!

Confeclero: partilha e senso de família diocesana

2012-01-09T00:17:00.003-02:00

Estimado Clero e lideranças leigas da DSO

Graça e Paz!

Vivemos uma rica Confeclero nos dias 04 e 05 passados. Ali, mesmo sem a presença de todos os colegas do clero - alguns por razões justificáveis - pudemos nos reunir, celebrar, cantar e conviver juntos. Alguns de nós levou consigo a família e vivemos e gastamos tempo interagindo como membros de uma família diocesana. Como bispo, me senti livre para expressar sentimentos e sonhos sobre o futuro de uma diocese que está sob meu cuidado pastoral por nove meses e pouco. Me senti acolhido e considerado respeitosamente por todos. Tivemos reuniões paralelas do Secretariado Diocesano para tratar de assuntos administrativos e o fizemos com absoluta transparência de dados, de propostas que, ao fim, foram aprovadas por consenso. Tivemos reunião do Conselho Diocesano, para também aprovar a política salarial da diocese e o orçamento para o corrente ano, acolhendo assim, de forma unânime a recomendação do Secretariado. Cada Secretário(a) e cada conselheiro se expressou com absoluta liberdade e a busca de consenso foi a tônica que prevaleceu, ensinando-nos que os projetos e açoes administrativas e pastorais da nossa querida diocese estão sendo construidos dentro dos princípios anglicanos onde bispo, clero e povo buscam o bem comum.

Na reunião do clero pude perceber o clima de liberdade e de respeito de uns para com os outros, onde a transparência foi apoiada pelo respeito e consideração.

Me sinto feliz com o resultado e afirmo a necessidade de continuarmos nesse caminho de partilha que nos levará a enfrentar os desafios pastorais, administrativos e de missão com muito mais força coletiva e unidade de propósitos.

Pretendo elaborar dois subsídios para ajudar nossas lideranças no trabalho de motivação do povo para o cumprimento de nossos sonhos como diocese conforme estabelecemos em nosso Plano Pastoral Diocesano:

"Ser uma Igreja ousada na promoção da vida, na proclamação do Evangelho, na formação de lideranças, na expansão, e motivadora do ecumenismo: servindo a Deus num compromisso ativo, incluindo as pessoas numa comunhão fraterna de alegria, testemunho, entreajuda, estando alerta e preparada para os avanços da sociedade."

Lembremos que o sucesso de nossa empreitada não depende apenas da vontade do Bispo, mas da conjugação das vontades de todas as instâncias diocesanas. Solidariedade e cumplicidade são requisitos essenciais para alcançarmos as ousadas metas que nos propomos - enquanto Concílio - para o nosso futuro. O quadro diocesano começa a dar os sinais de que nossa diocese não é pobre nem carente de recursos - conforme nosso querido irmão e membro do grupo gestor Leodoro tem enfatizado - mas uma diocese que tem um alto nível de viabilidade. Precisamos apenas nos focar para usar com racionalidade e muito amor a Deus os nossos recursos e em pouco tempo poderemos ter os recursos humanos e financeiros para implementar missão e serviço (irmãs siamesas do ser da Igreja).

Agradeço a todos os que atenderam a convocação para o Enclero e vamos fazer desse evento um momento de renovação e conversa (um autêntico indaba) e nos sentiremos como uma autêntica família diocesana!

Que o Deus da Paz envolva nossos corações e mentes e nos torne sempre humildes na busca de discernir qual é a sua vontade para a nossa diocese!

Com carinho e benção,

+Francisco

O que podemos fazer para um 2012 melhor?

2011-12-29T10:40:00.000-02:00

Por estes dias, entre as tantas mensagens que trocamos através das redes sociais, li uma mensagem de uma amiga que me chamou a atenção e logo tratei de usar o recurso do compartilhamento. Sintetizando, a mensagem dizia que ao invés de pedirmos que o ano novo viesse cheio de coisas boas pra nós que pudéssemos ser pessoas melhores no ano novo. Um bom principio pra se refletir, pois normalmente a nossa atitude é esperar que o tempo nos traga tudo que desejamos, como se fossemos tão especiais e o tempo e a natureza conspirasse sempre a nosso favor. A conspiração até existe mas é de mão dupla!
Vivemos ligados a uma cadeia de eventos que nem sempre controlamos e com a qual precisamos interagir para mudar alguns direcionamentos.
Vamos tomar um exemplo para mostrar o quanto é importante mudar algumas atitudes. Geralmente desejamos que o Ano Novo nos traga Paz - talvez o mais atávico desejo da espécie humana - mas não deixamos de ser pessoas eternamente beligerantes. Normalmente esperamos que as pessoas se tornem gentis, pacíficas, generosas e tudo aquilo que nosso inconsciente projeta e define como padrão ideal. Mas nossas atitudes não mudam. Assim fica difícil pro tal do Ano Novo nos trazer Paz!
O Ano Novo começa em nós e através de nós. Ainda temos algumas horas para refletirmos sobre aquilo que queremos mudar para 2012. Sobre o diferencial que queremos fazer pro ano que está chegando. Que valores importantes vamos cultivar na nossa relação com Deus, com nossos semelhantes e com a Criação?
Precisamos mais do que nunca compreender o senso dessa interdependência. Todas as atitudes que alguém toma em determinado contexto tem consequências que não somos capazes de avaliar. Cada gesto de amor que uma pessoa pratica causa um efeito que foge do seu controle e gera uma onda que pode alcançar alguém que sequer conhecemos. Assim também, cada gesto de beligerância também gerará uma cadeia de reações que pode atingir outras pessoas e a Criação.
E não precisamos, neste contexto de Ano Novo, nos impor grandes desafios para mudar o Mundo! Pequenas coisas que conseguirmos mudar já serão muito importantes. Vamos ter atitudes de cuidado e carinho, por exemplo, com nossa cidade e nossa gente. Parar na faixa de pedestres, dar a preferência no trânsito, não jogar lixo na rua, respeitar fila, ouvir mais e falar menos, sorrir mais para as pessoas, cumprimentar desconhecidos, olhar as pessoas em seus olhos, coisas pequenas assim podem ter um efeito extraordinário.
Evidente que alguns leitores podem até pensar que o bispo está requentando manuais de auto-ajuda...e dizendo coisas que são muito corriqueiras. Talvez esperassem uma análise de conjuntura prospectiva com indicações pastorais, etc. Não. Estou convencido de que são as pequenas coisas que nos podem fazer mudar conjunturas. Gestos de amor - ainda que pequenos - são muito poderosos! Eu sempre me lembro de como Jesus qualificou a oferta da pobre viúva citada na parábola: ela deu apenas moedinhas, mas valeu muito mais do que a oferta de todos os outros.
Desejo a todos os santamarienses um Ano Novo que comece dentro de seus corações de uma forma muito especial. Afinal, nossa cidade é chamada de coração do Rio Grande! Como um novo cidadão desta querida comunidade, desejo que este coração pulse bem forte com a energia do amor. Vamos cada um adotar uma nova postura - que pode ser pequenita - mas que pode transformar para melhor a vida de nossa cidade em 2012. Ai, sim, a tal da conspiração vai funcionar!

How to be a gift from God this Christmas?

2011-12-24T11:03:00.002-02:00

First, seeing the world through the eyes of God and finding in it the beauty of Creation. From this look, we will be ready to avoid that the profit and selfishness lead the world to be destroyed.
second, loving the world with God's heart, preventing people disregard their neighbors and to cultivate a culture of exclusion and poverty.
third, caring each other with kindness, preventing that people ignore the needs of others, violating rights and cultivating a culture in which the strong and powerful will always have primacy
finally, living the humility of the divine child, who assumed our humanity avoiding ourselves consider more than we are at the center of our being.
So, with pure eyes, heart, love, kindness and humility we will ready to build a new society where everyone can live the fullness of life.
To buid another possible world is at hand. It depends only from our ability to learn what God tells us through Christmas!

Um Feliz Natal!

2011-12-20T09:42:00.004-02:00

Queridos irmãos e queridas irmãs!

Neste Natal experimente ir um pouco na direção contrária da massa... Da agitação das compras e do consumismo pare para contemplar o céu: lá está a estrela que nos convida a um novo caminho.

Neste Natal, ao invés de querer dar presentes, quem sabe não seja a hora de ser um presente.

Desejo a todo o povo de Deus, nesta querida diocese, em cada comunidade local, em nossa Provincia e no meio de todos os nossos irmãos e irmãs de caminhada ecumênica um Feliz Natal. E lembrando os áureos tempos dos gibis ( lembram? ) recebam esta singela mensagem anexa!

Dom Francisco de Assis da Silva

Mensagem de Advento

2011-12-01T15:57:00.003-02:00

Ao clero e povo da Diocese Sul Ocidental

Porque Deus não nos deu o espírito de temor, mas de fortaleza, e de amor, e de moderação.
2 Tim 1:7

Irmãos e Irmãs!

Vivemos um recomeço do ciclo nos convida a buscar com humildade o que Deus espera que façamos por palavras, atos e pensamentos. Toda a Criação se renova e ansiosamente deseja a plena comunhão com Aquele que é a razão e o fundamento de todas as coisas visíveis e invisíveis.

E que sentimentos povoam nossos corações neste Advento? Certamente o primeiro deles é o de gratidão. A graça de Deus não nos abandonou em nenhum momento neste ano que vai terminar. Mesmo em meio a tantos desafios que cada um de nós enfrentou, Deus jamais nos abandona.

Nossa diocese tem diante de si um caminho aberto para se fortalecer e cumprir com sua missão. Mas para que isso aconteça precisamos reconhecer que nem sempre temos sido fiéis ao chamado de Deus de nos entregarmos inteiramente à sua vontade. Temos falhado na qualidade do serviço e temos nos contentado em fazer apenas aquilo que podemos fazer. Só que nosso Deus não se cansa de fazer muito mais do que merecemos ou almejamos. E, a exemplo da parábola dos talentos, temos agido como aquele servo que guardou o talento porque teve medo.

Os grandes desafios estão à nossa frente. Sustentabilidade, Expansão, Juventude, Formação e Capacitação se encontram entre as prioridades que temos elegido dentro do Plano Pastoral de Ação. Precisamos por o coração nestas coisas. E para além do coração, precisamos colocar nossos dons materiais para garantir que nossa diocese cresça na direta proporção daquilo que precisamos fazer como Igreja.

Que neste Advento possamos construir um claro compromisso com Deus que se manifesta na plenitude e simplicidade de uma criança. Que neste Advento deixemos de nos contentar com a `normalidade` e criemos coragem para avançar na missão.

Que neste Advento deixemos de lado a conformação paralisante que nos faz sempre dizer que as coisas são assim mesmo. Que nossa Igreja não tem jovens. Que nossa Igreja é pobre e não tem recursos. Que nossa Igreja só pode fazer mais se tiver projetos apoiados por recursos que vem de fora (vejam a crise que afeta a Europa e Estados Unidos). Em suma, cada vez que este tipo de discurso ocupa as nossas mentes, afirmamos para nós mesmos que nada é possível fazer. E ai o nosso Senhor nos dirá a terrível palavra que disse ao servo medroso!

Desafio nossos queridos irmãos e irmãs a darem o salto de fé e de obediência - relembrem nossa Carta Pastoral ao Concílio - e ajam como Maria: Lucas 1:38: “Aqui está a serva do Senhor; faça-se comigo conforme a tua palavra”.

Bispo, clero e laicato está em nossas mãos deixar que o Advento nos prepare para um ano de muita fé e esperança e muito trabalho. Agrademos ao Senhor e louvemos o seu nome por seu imenso amor para conosco. Mas que seja um louvor verdadeiramente encarnado, de palavra e ação!

Santa Maria, 01 de dezembro de 2011

+Francisco, Santa Maria

Juventude: extermínio e descaso das autoridades

2011-11-28T22:48:00.002-02:00

Assim como na Amazônia, em cada rincão brasileiro estamos assistindo o descaso das políticas públicas que protejam e dignifiquem a nossa juventude. A carta denúncia abaixo é apenas uma faceta do que acontece diariamente, encarado por muitos como eventos normais. É hora de se dizer: basta!

CARTA DENÚNCIA

“Será que ninguém vê
O caos em que vivemos?
Os jovens são tão jovens
E fica tudo por isso mesmo
A juventude é rica, a juventude é pobre
A juventude sofre e ninguém parece perceber...”

(Trecho da Música Aloha, Legião Urbana)

A Rede Ecumênica pela Promoção e Direitos da Juventude- REJU Amazônia, vem a
público manifestar sua indignação com a crescente onda de extermínio de jovens na
Região Metropolitana de Belém.

Belém vive um momento de profunda comoção e reflexão diante dos fatos ocorridos
no último fim de semana (19/11) no distrito de Icoaraci, com a execução de seis
adolescentes. Um crime brutal e desumano. Infelizmente essa chacina não foi a
primeira e não será a última a ser registrada nos jornais de nossa cidade, pois todos
os dias o que a mídia revela (quando revela), são adolescentes e jovens, vitimas do
tráfico, da polícia, de violência, manifestações de ódio, racismo, homofobia e
discriminação pelas condições de pobreza em que vivem, a verdadeira
espetacularização da violência.

A violência urbana subverte e desvirtua determinadas funções das cidades, retira
recursos públicos já escassos, acaba com vidas, especialmente as dos jovens e dos
mais pobres, e dilacera famílias. De potenciais cidadãos, passamos a ser consumidos
pelo medo, pois o mercado que mais cresce é o de materiais e equipamentos de
segurança. É o processo de acumulação do capital em busca de novos nichos de
mercado, atingindo outros segmentos, na procura voraz de cada vez alcançar níveis
mais elevados de lucro.

A violência é compreendida apenas em seus aspectos de segurança e repressão, não
sendo considerados aspectos como da pobreza, considerada a mais trágica das
formas de violência, que, contraditoriamente, não é combatida, tampouco observa-se
a intenção de eliminá-la.

A insegurança causa reações adversas como a sensação de descontrole; pequenos
atos são motivos para ações violentas, a qual vem estimulando a ação de um Estado
penal, através de encarceramento e fortalecimento de mecanismos de controle
repressivos e punitivos. Logo, a ausência do Estado, através de garantia de direitos e

aplicação de políticas sociais, proporciona o descontrole que se alastra, sendo
enfrentado por um controle estatal repressivo.

A impunidade e inoperância do estado deixam nossa população refém do medo e do
silêncio. Nossa juventude quer viver! Quer ser feliz! Quer ser tratada como gente! É
vergonhoso o que estamos oferecendo aos nossos jovens: Policiais matando jovens,
escolas abandonadas, sistemas públicos de saúde e de educação que não atendem a
ninguém, muito menos a população de baixa renda! Segundo o observatório da
violência de 2011 o numero de homicídios no Pará quadruplicou em dez anos, a
Região Norte carrega o peso de mais de 4.856 casos de homicídios e Belém, a capital
que mais mata jovens na região, com 61,7%. Reforma política já!

A Rede Ecumênica pela Promoção e Direitos da Juventude na Amazônia, se solidariza
com as famílias dos adolescentes assassinados e se une a varias manifestações de
organizações populares, exigindo agilidade na apuração dos casos.

Basta de ver todos os dias nossos jovens serem eliminados pelo tráfico e pela polícia
no Brasil.

Belém, Pará, 24 de novembro de 2011

Rede Ecumênica pela Promoção e Direitos da Juventude- REJU AMAZÔNIA.

Compõe a REJU AMAZÔNIA

Paróquia Evangélica de Confissão Luterana de Belém- PECLB

Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil- Diocese da Amazônia- IEAB

I Igreja Presbiteriana Independente de Belém- IPI

Pastoral da Juventude da Arquidiocese de Belém- ICAR

Igreja Metodista- Núcleo de Missão de Belo Horizonte em Belém

Instituto Universidade Popular- UNIPOP

www.redeecumenicadajuventude.org.br

Carta Pastoral do Advento 2011

2011-11-25T10:57:00.003-02:00

Câmara dos Bispos da Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil

Queridos irmãos e irmãs, nós bispos e pastores da Igreja, queremos trazer à Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil, uma mensagem de esperança neste novo tempo que se avizinha no Calendário Cristão. O Advento tem um caráter preparatório, apontando e nos preparando para celebrar o mistério da encarnação, em Cristo Jesus. Os eventos resgatados neste período nos falam de um Deus que acompanha bem de perto a jornada da humanidade, “Deus conosco” (Mateus 1:23).
Apresentando essa mesma perspectiva, uma narrativa do Êxodo nos conta que Deus disse: “Eu tenho visto como o meu povo está sendo maltratado no Egito; tenho ouvido o seu pedido de socorro por causa de seu feitores. Sei que estão sofrendo. Por isso desci para libertá-los do poder dos egípcios e para levá-los do Egito para uma terra grande e boa” (Êxodo 3:7-8). Esse trecho das Escrituras nos mostra um Deus sensível, comovido com o sofrimento humano, que está disposto a descer das alturas das montanhas para cuidar da sua criação.
Essa imagem deveria guiar sempre a atuação daqueles e daquelas que se dedicam ao pastoreio do povo de Deus. Olhos atentos ao contexto no qual estamos inseridos, ouvidos sensíveis para escuta do clamor das pessoas que sofrem, dispostas a experimentar o desafio da alteridade, se colocando no lugar do outro, movidas pela compaixão, reviradas nas entranhas. Nesse diálogo com o outro a pastoral vai adquirindo sentido. Apesar dos limites humanos, como bispos da Igreja temos procurado refletir essa prática em nossas vidas, por isso tantas vezes temos nos lançado na defesa de grupos e pessoas injustiçadas e marginalizadas pela sociedade, os “pequeninos” mencionados por Jesus de Nazaré (Mateus 10:42; 25:40; Lucas 10:21). Por causa dos desafios assumidos, acolhendo demandas que nenhuma outra ousou encampar, por causa da mudança de alguns paradigmas éticos, sabemos que a nossa Igreja tem pago um alto preço.
Na condição de pastores precisamos estar atentos ao consenso de fé dos fiéis, sensus fidelium, pois a Igreja não é apenas uma instituição social, mas uma comunhão de discípulos e discípulas de Jesus Cristo. Dentro dessa comunhão existe uma pluralidade de opiniões, valores, comportamentos, que precisam ser considerados e respeitados com o propósito de “que todos sejam um” (João 17:21). Temos consciência de que existe uma série de assuntos em debate na comunhão anglicana que precisam ser considerados com muita seriedade, todavia precisamos evitar o voluntarismo dos vanguardismos e procurar caminhar juntos, a narrativa dos discípulos na estrada de Emaús é a certeza do Cristo que “segue ao lado” (Lucas 24:13-31). Precisamos seguir em frente na nossa jornada com paciência e suportando-nos uns ao outros em amor, como ensina o apóstolo Paulo (Efésios 4:2).
LEMA da IEAB para 2011: Fortalecendo nossa Espiritualidade e Missão a Serviço da Transformação da Vida!

Um jogo sem graça: o que é afinal segurança pública?

2011-11-12T14:47:00.001-02:00

Na operação policial que culminou com a prisão do traficante Nem, chamou a minha atenção uma frase de um policial gritando aos microfones da TV: E aí jogador! Perdeu!! Eu até fiquei esperando aparecer na tela a famosa frase de quem joga vídeo games em computador: você venceu!
Nada mais natural numa operação dessa ordem se ouvir palavras de ordens dos policiais caracterizando uma catarse pelo sucesso de sua ação.
No entanto, e para a nossa reflexão, caberia uma análise do conteúdo da expressão. A Segurança Pública não pode ser um jogo, onde se possa ter ganhadores de um lado e perdedores do outro.
E aqui levanto algumas questões que julgo relevantes na discussão:
A Segurança Pública é para garantir a manutenção de um jogo midiático entre bandidos e sociedade? Cada lado exibindo sua força que captura a atenção do público? Caracteriza-se ela por ações dignas de seriados policiais criados para divertir o público e levá-lo à sensação de que o bem sempre triunfa sobre o mal?
Certamente que as respostas para as perguntas acima - se refletidas à luz de um projeto de sociedade democrática e civilizada - são negativas. Ninguém ganha neste pseudo-jogo. Segurança Pública não pode se restringir somente à ação repressiva do aparelho de Estado contra o crime. Ela tem que ser um conjunto maior de ações integradas que sirvam para garantir que a sociedade não se sinta ameaçada na garantia de seus direitos fundamentais. Ela precisa contemplar ações preventivas que sempre devem estar articuladas com outras políticas públicas.
Quando Segurança Pública precisa se expressar apenas por seu aparato policial militar, com ações repressivas para conter a prática de crimes, é sinal de que o Estado está ausente em outras áreas. É sinal evidente da fragilidade de um Estado que não consegue cumprir o seu papel de promotor da qualidade de vida da sociedade.
Já se sabe que o tráfico de drogas constrói seu domínio através de duas frentes: uma é o consumo - maiormente pago pelas classes mais abastadas - e a outra é a fidelização das comunidades pobres mediante garantia de alguns dos seus direitos básicos e arregimentação de quadros, substituindo a presença do Estado.
Portanto, o problema é mais estrutural e menos do que uma leitura maniqueísta entre jogadores do bem e do mal. A frase do referido policial é apenas um sintoma de como alguns agentes públicos encaram o que seja realmente Segurança Pública!
Seria muito bom, que para além das prisões de chefes do tráfico, se pudesse retirar deste mesmo tráfico o poder de manipular comunidades. E como se faz isso? Com políticas de fomento à qualidade de vida do povo. Enquanto existir o abismo social e econômico entre Rocinha e Gávea, existirá a fabricação desse jogo entre Estado e tráfico. Haverão outras operações militares e outros jogadores travarão uma batalha que ajudará somente numa coisa: elevar os índices de audiência da tv. Mas aos Josés e Marias da Rocinha e de outras favelas restarão fugir dos tiros e dos confrontos entre bandidos e policiais. E torcer para que estas balas não atinjam seus filhos e filhas! Um verdadeiro jogo sem graça.

A Economia precisa se revestir de Humanidade

2011-10-11T22:12:00.000-03:00

A presente crise econômica que tem causado apreensão nos mercados e nos governos da Europa, Ásia e Estados Unidos se constitui numa oportunidade única para os líderes mundiais repensarem o modelo capitalista que ainda é hegemônico no mundo.

O que mais me chama a atenção - e tenho dito isso em todas as audiências para as quais tenho tido a oportunidade de falar - é a submissão absoluta de Estados aos executivos e gerentes financeiros. Quando digo isso me refiro claramente aos magnatas e investidores que se arrogam no direito de decretar, como nos circus romanus, a vida e a morte de bilhões de pessoas. Ao invés de indicadores para cima ou para baixo - gesto dos imperadores para salvar ou não a vida dos derrotados nas arenas - a arma mais temida hoje é o teclado de lap tops que determinam a mobilidade incontrolada de capitais ao redor das mesas de apostas - bolsas - pelo mundo.

Recordo que na crise de 2008, cantada e decantada como a maior da história recente do capitalismo, os governos e bancos centrais fizeram circular cerca de USD 3 trilhões para salvar empresas financeiras e salvar a cara do modelo. Agora a dose se repete e, segundo alguns, já se evaporou cerca de USD 1 trilhão com socorro a bancos e instituições financeiras.

Um a um, vão se sucedendo as crises dos sistemas financeiros da Europa e nos Estados Unidos e na China. E qual a solução? Claro, os sapienciais magnatas, vão dobrando os joelhos de governos e de povos definindo operações de salvamento de instituições financeiras. A conta? Bem, essa é debitada na sociedade de trabalhadoras e trabalhadores que vem seus direitos sociais confiscados em nome de uma tal estabilidade e/ou governabilidade.

A coisa está tão feia que até nos Estados Unidos está se vivendo um movimento que lembra a luta pelos direitos civis na década de sessenta. A Grécia está a mais de mês sob intensa pressão de movimentos da sociedade que expõe a sua insatisfação com um governo que assinou um cheque em branco para evitar o tal default.

Mas onde começa a crise? Com toda a vênia aos meus amigos especialistas em Economia, afirmo que a crise tem sua causa na fragilização do Estado e da Política em favor de um liberalismo econômico que transferiu ao invisível mercado o poder de regrar a vida das sociedades.

Este filme, por incrivel que pareça já passou algumas vezes na História e o final não é nada feliz.

Não se pode deixar o galinheiro ser regido por raposas. Não sobrará nenhuma galinha. Ou se mudam os fundamentos políticos da sociedade, priorizando o trabalho - que afinal é o que produz riqueza - ou o capital destruirá de vez a possibilidade de se construir uma nova sociedade.

Relembro aqui as palavras do Filho de Deus: Não podeis servir a dois senhores! Ou servis a Deus ou às riquezas! Aliás, para nós brasileiros, muito recentemente refletimos sobre isso na Campanha da Fraternidade Ecumênica do ano passado.

Mais uma vez a Igreja está diante de um grande desafio: ao invés de discutirmos e pelearmos por questões ligadas à moral e a costumes, devemos enfrentar a falácia daqueles que pensam só na prosperidade e na perfeição de um mercado que se compõe apenas de papéis e gráficos reluzentes nas telas das bolsas de valores (cassinos?) do mundo. A Economia precisa se revestir de humanidade!

Tributo a Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T10:54:00.000-03:00

Steve Jobs concluiu sua jornada na História e certamente deixa marcas que são inesquecíveis não somente para seus fãs dos tantos "Is" que criou, mas para todos nós.

Ousadia - uma das marcas do grande inventor foi sua capacidade de ousar. A criatividade era seu estilo e não tinha limites e para alcançar a perfeição. Conta-se que tinha o costume de exigir dos seus funcionários dedicação absoluta à marca e para tal, quando havia um lançamento de um novo produto, cuidava pessoalmente de garantir absoluto sigilo ainda que fosse necessário impedir o contato de sua equipe com o mundo exterior à empresa. Era capaz de deixar os fãs de sua marca com a respiração suspensa até o lançamento de suas invenções.

Inovação - Não se pode esquecer que Jobs foi um diferencial dentro da história da tecnologia. Detestava copiar o lugar comum. Dotado de grande visão, imaginava em como seus produtos podiam trazer satisfação ao seus consumidores. Conforto e eficiência estavam no centro de suas preocupações. Apesar de trabalhar com tecnologia e com aparelhos, a dimensão do prazer era componente obrigatório das suas invenções. Mal lançava um produto e já começava a pensar em como superá-lo, numa inquietude sem limites.

Estética - Normalmente se busca conciliar estética e tecnologia. Esse é um esforço que os inventores sempre fazem e Jobs tinha esse dom especial de conseguir fazer com que máquinas despertassem satisfação estética. Os clientes da Apple expressavam este orgulho estético na relação com a marca e acabavam contagiando outras pessoas pelo seu encanto. A relação entre clientes e produtos fazia adultos se sentirem crianças, manipulando suas engenhocas e se deliciando com as funcionalidades.

Para além de qualquer coisa, não se trata aqui de atribuir a Steve Jobs um selo de semi-divindade. Até mesmo porque sua consciência espiritual - regada pelos princípios budistas que assumiu com intensidade - sempre o fazia viver e falar como alguém que não tinha pretensão de eternidade e nem buscava exprimir materialmente o glamour de uma celebridade com exageros consumistas - o que acontece commumente com celebridades. Trata-se de honrar uma pessoa que fez a diferença na vida das pessoas do mundo inteiro.

E digo com toda tranquilidade que o mundo seria bem melhor se em todos os campos do conhecimento - inclusive no religioso - houvessem mais pessoas assim, capazes de viver a sua vida com tamanha intensidade. Precisamos de mais pessoas ousadas, inovadoras e que sejam capazes de agregar a beleza nas coisas que fazem. Na Política, na Economia, na Religião e em qualquer lugar do imenso campo de possibilidades do pensamento e da ação humanas, precisamos de gente que seja capaz de unir avanço tecnológico, beleza e satisfação.

Obrigado Steve Jobs por seu exemplo. Descanse em Paz!

Quantidade ou qualidade?

2011-09-16T10:37:00.000-03:00

A discussão sobre a ampliação - ou não - do número de vereadores na cidade de Santa Maria deve ir para além do simples fato de aumento do número de "representantes" da população no legislativo municipal. De cara se percebe que não se pode confundir aumento de cadeiras na Câmara e ampliação de representatividade popular. Todos sabemos os limites em termos de capacidade legiferante que os legislativos municipais tem na direção de realmente transformar a realidade dos municípios. Outro aspecto a se considerar é o custo e impacto no que seria um aumento de 50% da estrutura da Câmara. Em tempos que se precisa primar por se suprimir desperdícios - comuns na estrutura administrativa brasileira - aumentar gastos com parlamentares, assessorias e infraestrutura deve ser repensado.
A Câmara Municipal de Santa Maria poderia servir de exemplo ao País se, ao invés de ampliar sua estrutura, criasse um mecanismo político mais eficiente para que seus 14 vereadores pudessem realmente auscultar o povo e criar um mecanismo de presença e participação direta do povo no seu labor legislativo. Traduzindo isso em termos práticos, criariamos um Fórum municipal permanente diretamente ligado à Câmara que contemplasse a participação da sociedade civil e alimentasse a própria Câmara com demandas legítimas da população e junto com os vereadores pudesse transformar essas demandas em projetos e ações concretas para a municipalidade. A composição desse Fórum seria nos moldes de temas (Educação, Saúde, Segurança, Juventude,.....) com representação da sociedade civil organizada (sem vínculo formal com o serviço público) que funcionaria com uma estrutura logística mínima. O Brasil tem avançado muito nessa forma de organização da sociedade e muitos dos avanços nas políticas públicas se deve a esse aperfeiçoamento.
Se ganharia muito em termos de modernização de mecanismos de consulta popular e Santa Maria poderia dar um grande exemplo ao País, demonstrando que ao invés de investir em estruturas estanques - complexas e de geração de centro de despesas para a municipalidade - investiria em uma estrutura mais simples, menos custosa e mais dinâmica. Outro ganho seria aproximar mais o poder legislativo da sua real fonte de legitimação: o povo. Hoje essa relação se dá através de ações às vezes corporativistas e voltados para segmentos que tenham mais poder de influência sobre os vereadores.
Estejamos certos de que o número de edis não garante maior ou menor representação política do povo. Os mecanismos de locução e audição entre os representantes e a sociedade é que garantem maior ou menor eficiência nessa representação.

Monopólio de Comunicação e Democracia

2011-09-06T23:27:00.001-03:00

A recente recomendação do Congresso Nacional do PT sobre um marco regulatório para os meios de comunicação causou alvoroços no ninho das grandes corporações de mídia no Brasil. A leitura imediata que se propagou foi a de que podemos ter o retorno da censura. Evidente que propalar essa versão tem a clara intenção de manipular a opinião pública sobre a realidade perversa que se vive hoje no país, onde as grandes corporações definem o que e como é informada a sociedade.

Senão vejamos: quais meios de comunicação tem dado cobertura ao processo de apuração das suspeitas que recaem sobre o Presidente da CBF? Óbvio que não interessa aos conglomerados midiáticos colocar em risco contratos milionários com patrocinadores e cartolas do futebol. São estes patrocínios que sustentam hoje os orçamentos das TVs tanto abertas quanto à cabo. Não tenho visto ninguém levantar o tapete que esconde o processo quase "secreto" dos milionários projetos de preparação para a Copa de 2014, os quais tem na filha de Ricardo Teixeira uma espécie de musa coordenadora. Em recentes embates com setores da imprensa, Teixeira não tem medido esforços de ironizar alguns movimentos populares que querem monitorar o processo. Chegou a dizer: "só me preocupo se começar a sair (notícias de desmandos) no Jornal Nacional. O que isso quer dizer? Significa atribuir um poder à poderosa Globo maior do que aos órgãos estatais de investigação.

Um outro fato que tem me chamado a atenção é a sutil insinuação de que as redes sociais são incitadoras de crimes. Nesta semana ouvi diversas vezes a afirmação de que os confrontos entre gangues de skinheads e punks foram agendados através de redes sociais. O problema não está na verdade da afirmação. Mas está naquilo que não é dito: ou seja, que as redes sociais tem se convertido em importante instrumento de crítica e de fiscalização das pautas definidas pelos grandes consórcios de comunicação do país. Por ser um meio livre e fora de controle político, as redes sociais são uma ameaça ao monopólio da comunicação. Por isso, setores conservadores e ligados aos interesses da grande mídia querem criar uma regulação da internet no Brasil. Para isso vale criar instrumentos regulatórios. Mas para os meios de comunicação social, não.

O Brasil precisa sim de um marco regulatório da comunicação. Isso não significa controle político, ou ideológico. Significa controle social. Possuir meios de comunicação em larga escala - como inclusive alguns políticos de fama duvidosa têm - é um grande risco à liberdade! Não é de hoje que os filtros de pautas definem o que os grandes grupos permitem ao povo ouvir e ver. A criminalização de movimentos sociais, por exemplo, tem sido a tônica dos grandes grupos de comunicação, financiados exatamente por aqueles que se contrariam com um controle social mais eficaz ou por políticas públicas que reduzam seus privilégios.

O recente episódio em torno da violação de domicílio de José Dirceu é apenas uma pequena mostra de como não existe sequer regulação ética do direito de praticar o que se chama de jornalismo investigativo. Não me refiro aqui ao José Dirceu como personagem da história recente do Brasil. Não se trata de um libelo à prática política dele. Mas o vejo como cidadão, com direito à privacidade e de se reunir com qualquer autoridade do país sem ser violado em sua privacidade. O jornalismo investigativo posto em prática por certos grupos visam apenas alguns grupos. Não há jornalismo investigativo para apurar a prática de trabalho escravo, por exemplo. Não há jornalismo investigativo para apurar, por exemplo, a ação de grupos ligados ao agronegócio no desmatamento da Amazônia. Enfim, a sociedade brasileira merece uma mídia mais ética e menos manipulativa. Democracia e monopólio são palavras antônimas!

Meio Ambiente: quebra de braço entre lucro imediato e um futuro sustentável

2011-08-25T19:18:00.000-03:00

A senadora Katia Abreu (DEM-TO) declarou hoje perante Comissões que analisam o novo Código Florestal que os ambientalistas tomaram conta dos órgãos que regulam a política de meio ambiente no Brasil. Para além de uma frase que pareceria redundante, a senadora confessa seus mais íntimos desejos de que os órgãos de regulação do meio ambiente deveriam estar em outras mãos: de preferência dos ruralistas, é claro.

Neste longo debate entre ruralistas e ambientalistas, deveria ficar claro alguns parâmetros, a meu ver. O país muito deve aos que tornaram a agricultura brasileira uma das mais competitivas do mundo. A própria senadora é presidente da Confederação de Agricultura e Pecuária do Brasil e tem se destacado por defender com unhas e dentes - às vezes muito bem com os dentes - os interesses desse segmento. O problema reside em como ela defende estes interesses em detrimento de interesses maiores da sociedade brasileira.

Na discussão sobre o Código Florestal, a senadora tem esposado opiniões que refletem a diferença entre políticas ambientais que gerarão um futuro sustentável para a sociedade brasileira como um todo e políticas que somente interessam aos que querem um futuro lucrativo e imediato. Para a sociedade brasileira e os ambientalistas, está claro que o novo Código Florestal carrega consigo dispositivos que representam um verdadeiro cheque em branco para o desmatamento e o comprometimento futuro de nossa biodiversidade.

A bancada ruralista no Congresso tem sido responsável pelo enfrentamento ostensivo das políticas ambientais construídas nos anos recentes e que reduziram drasticamente o desmatamento no Brasil. Sob a bandeira dos interesses exclusivos de grandes produtores, os segmentos que tratam de preservar a biodiversidade são alvos de manobras e pressões que já causaram a mudança de ministros do meio ambiente e a flexibilização de legislações, incluído ai o Código Florestal - em detrimento de outros setores da sociedade.

Chega de qualificar os ambientalistas como defensores do atraso. Chega de ignorar a devastação de áreas naturais tão importantes para se evitar as catástrofes climáticas que cada vez mais tem afetado a vida de milhões de brasileiros. Chega de desconsiderar as políticas de proteção aos povos nativos das florestas. Chega de aproveitar a indefinição sobre o novo código florestal para ampliar o desmatamento contando com a impunidade que a nova legislação propõe. Chega de criminalizar os movimentos sociais que reivindicam justiça agrária neste país.

É hora de as elites agrárias do Brasil pensarem junto com a sociedade um projeto de desenvolvimento que não troque o imediatismo dos lucros pelo futuro sustentável que interessa às futuras gerações.

Pais: construam um mundo que acredita no amor!

2011-08-12T23:19:00.001-03:00

Nestes tempos de mudança de padrões de comportamento, me dirijo aos pais espalhados por este mundo afora. Normalmente se aplicava aos pais a tarefa de serem os mantenedores da familia e uma espécie de "última instância" no cumprimento de um papel quase sempre ligado à disciplina.

As novas gerações de pais, especialmente após o advento da emancipação feminina, tem abandonado este padrão e cada vez mais experimentado a alegria de estarem mais próximos de seus filhos.

Neste processo de transformação, muitos tem tido a alegria de assumirem o cuidado dos filhos e se permitido a alegria da intimidade, da ternura e do se redescobrirem no afeto.

Mas mesmos aquele que já não estão mais conosco e que fizeram parte das gerações dos durões, sempre encontravam uma oportunidade de trocar um afeto - às vezes tímido - com seus filhos libertando-os do medo e fazendo eles descobrirem que para além da máscara de seriedade havia um grande coração. Sou imensamente agradecido a Deus pelo meu durão que só foi se sentir à vontade para exprimir seus sentimentos e chorar lágrimas de despedidas quando a velhice lhe chegou tão furtivamente. Sou agradecido a ele por ter ralado até à exaustão para me permitir viver e colher os frutos de sua semeadura.

Aos pais de ontem elevo minhas preces de que estejam se deliciando da comunhão com aquele que Pai de todas as coisas.

Me dirigindo aos pais de hoje digo com todas as letras: vivam a alegria de partilharem o afeto sem medo. Despertem nos seus filhos a capacidade de amar que anda tão ausente no meio de nossa sociedade. Sorrisos, choros, abraços e beijos podem ser temperos muito saudáveis para uma relação tão especial.

Acima de tudo peçam a Deus que os inspirem a imitá-lo na capacidade de sempre acreditar que o amor pode tudo. Aos pais de hoje fica o recado: aproveitem cada minuto e construam uma relação que será fundamental para a formação de uma geração que acredite que é possível viver a plenitude do amor!

Parabéns a todos os queridos pais!

Política e Polícia: uma equação a se resolver

2011-08-11T17:56:00.002-03:00

Inglaterra, 2011. Ruas ocupadas por uma massa dominada pelo ódio desafiando a polícia, depredando bens, casas e destruindo tudo o que vê pela frente.

Isso podia muito bem ser uma cena de filme de ficção sobre algum vírus alienígena dominando as pessoas, como uma ação arquitetada por alienígenas de inteligência superior, desejosos de dominar a Terra.

Infelizmente a ficção não é mais ficção: é a pura realidade! Parece uma repetição dos distúrbios de rua que sacudiram Paris há um tempo atrás ou então a Atenas de até agora há pouco, com uma multidão na rua desafiando a ordem. Para além da constatação dos fatos, tenho visto diferentes percepções do fenômeno que me chamam a atenção. A quase totalidade deles justifica a explosão de violência como uma ação arquitetada por grupos criminosos que se aproveitaram de um fato isolado e até certo ponto rotineiro no dia a dia da capital inglesa: a abordagem policial infeliz a um imigrante.

O governo, pego de surpresa, buscou agir dentro da estratégia de conter a revolta pela via da segurança e, nesse sentido, agiu corretamente. Preservar a paz e garantir a integridade física das pessoas e das propriedades. Multiplicou a força de segurança nas ruas e prendeu milhares de suspeitos. Em suma, está trazendo de volta a ordem pública.

Normalmente, movimentos dessa ordem - coletiva - necessitam apenas de um evento que sirva como estopim para uma reação em cadeia, capturando sentimentos de revolta e geralmente se destinando a agredir o status quo.

Não faltaram expressões na mídia atribuindo a responsabilidade a gangues criminosas, a drogados e desocupados e, sutilmente insinuações racistas contra os imigrantes.

Talvez este seja o caminho mais fácil de enfrentar a equação. O mais difícil, no entanto, não perguntar quem é o responsável por estas manifestações agressivas. O mais importante é perguntar o porquê.

E aqui estão talvez algumas razões. O desemprego entre jovens é o mais alto em vinte anos. A política de segurança social no Reino Unido tem sofrido cortes e mais cortes dentro da política conservadora que tem acompanhado indiscriminadamente os governos trabalhistas e conservadores, como se não existisse real diferença entre eles.

Não é de hoje que se joga sobre os imigrantes - seja no Reino Unido como na Europa como um todo - a culpa pelo empobrecimento dos países do Norte. Muito mais perverso do que a Guerra Fria dos anos 70, hoje temos um tipo de conflito que expõe com todas as cores um certo xenofobismo político e religioso. O episódio das torres gêmeas passou a justificar o preconceito contra tudo que pareça estrangeiro.

Enquanto o Reino Unido se aliou à saga bushiana de gastar bilhões de dólares para caçar um homem, gastando ele mesmo bilhões de libras para manter tropas nos fronts de conflito a milhares de quilômetros de suas fronteiras, os cidadãos mais pobres e os imigrantes sofreram as consequências de uma política de redução de garantias sociais e uma crise econômica na qual ainda patinam.

O conformismo - mesmo em uma sociedade baseada em valores bem rígidos de educação e diplomacia - tem limites. Evidente que não podemos compactuar com atos de vandalismo e o estado de direito e as garantias individuais devem ser preservados. No entanto, a forma de enfrentá-los pode ser bem mais inteligente se se entender que direitos individuais e coletivos são também resultado de um modelo econômico que não crie desemprego, falta de perspectiva e queda de autoestima da juventude.

A coisa não é tão glamorosa assim.....

2011-08-03T10:48:00.000-03:00

Li um artigo no conceituado Financial Times no qual se lia que o Brasil está de forma privilegiada assistindo à crise econômica que afeta o mundo. Em outras palavras, a economia brasileira vive uma tranquila situação, comparada com o frenesi que vivem economias como as dos EUA, Grécia, Itália e Espanha.

Para mim, no entanto, essa aparente euforia merece alguns cuidados. Sem dúvida, as políticas de estabilização econômica e inclusão social vividas nos governos FHC e Lula elevaram o Brasil a uma situação privilegiada. No entanto, essa euforia pode carregar consigo o germe de um colapso que pode se revelar incontrolável.

O crescimento do consumo, se por um lado aumenta a qualidade de vida de milhões de pessoas, pode se tornar um perigoso vírus se não for controlado rigorosamente por fundamentos econômicos que resistam a um desmedido consumo e/ou uso do crédito. A prova disso começa a ser vivida com um esgotamento da produção industrial que pode ser estrangulada pela falta de uma infra-estrutura que permita a circulação dos bens com baixo custo. Não é de hoje que nossa infra-estrutura nunca foi planejada com antecipação, seguindo sempre atrás da velocidade da demanda e agravada pelos custos da corrupção especialmente danosos ao erário público. Qualquer pessoa de bom senso sabe que nossos portos, estradas e aeroportos estão sucateados e nem mesmo uma Copa do Mundo à vista tem apressado os órgãos públicos e o capital privado se entenderem sobre prazos e custos de obras. Os recentes escândalos no Ministério dos Transportes apontam para um problema para além do político: implicam em desperdício e atrasos nos cronogramas de projetos que poderiam ajudar a melhorar a infra-estrutura do país.

Indo para outro preocupante campo, temos a questão do crédito. Montado num cenário de crescimento da renda da população, o governo ampliou o crédito consignado e facilitou a vida de milhões de pessoas ampliando a oferta de capital para financiamento do consumo. Por si só, esta medida seria apenas um estímulo benfazejo. Só que a espiral de consumo se expandiu de tal forma que começou a voltar a inflação. Isso apesar de os índices chamados oficiais não retratarem exatamente o custo dos alimentos nem dos serviços. O balanço de pagamentos começou a preocupar as autoridades monetárias porque o crescimento dos gastos de brasileiros no exterior começou a inverter o desempenho das contas. A conjuntura internacional tem forçado o governo a tomar medidas de proteção à industria e à exportação, além de restringir o crédito ao consumidor. O real se valorizou e todos os esforços para manter a moeda em níveis aceitáveis para o mercado interno tem se mostrado pouco eficazes. Resultado: aumento de juros com uma restrição fiscal ao crédito que tem aumentado em espiral preocupante o endividamento das famílias.

Esta situação é parecida com a que antecedeu a crise econômica que abalou os mercados a partir do estouro da bolha nos EUA. Os brasileiros, de modo geral, tem hoje um elevado endividamento e o crescimento da carga tributária e o aumento de juros pode gerar uma crise sem precedentes, A classe média brasileira hoje tem praticamente metade de sua renda comprometida com o pagamento de dívidas que vão desde o cartão de crédito, passando pelo financiamento de automóveis até o uso do cheque especial.
Na medida em que o governo aumenta os encargos para refrear o consumo, quem paga a conta é o consumidor que vê suas dívidas crescerem astronomicamente. Ou seja, de olho no crescimento econômico do PIB o governo criou uma bolha de crédito que se não for controlada adequadamente levará a um estouro da bolha com conseqüências imprevisíveis. Como sair dessa sinuca? Seria bom as autoridades econômicas brasileiras se apressarem a resolver essa equação. Corremos seriamente o risco de vermos o país mergulhar em uma recessão que não interessa a ninguém. Mais que nunca, é preciso se desenvolver uma cultura de consumo responsável.

Flores para calar a violência

2011-07-28T08:03:00.000-03:00

A tragédia que se abateu sobre a Noruega nos deixa pasmos diante de uma realidade inexplicável. A despeito de todas as tentativas de análise sob diversos ângulos, o que fica em nossas mentes e corações é um profundo sentimento catatônico. Uma sociedade com um dos perfis mais pacifistas do mundo foi atingida em sua psiquê coletiva por um golpe covarde e inesperado de um indivíduo dominado por um ódio desmensurado. Uma pessoa que. sem dúvidas, poderiamos dizer completamente dominada pelo que se pode chamar de sombra da morte.

Um inimigo declarado da tolerância e da civilidade. Um aprisionado de uma ideologia quase inconcebível para os novos tempos. Um típico caso de transtorno de personalidade que, segundo algumas estatísticas psiquiatricas atinge de 0,5 a 3,0% da populaçao em geral. São pessoas que geralmente não despertam nenhuma suspeita e que podem estar convivendo conosco em circunstâncias absolutamente normais. Para acionarem o seu potencial violento e destrutivo necessitam apenas ser capturados pela sua sombra psicológica que tem no ódio o combustível que vai se alicerçando até sua manifestação final.

Para além do que se pode explicar pelos resursos da ciência psicológica, o que fica porém é a dor de um povo que chora seus mortos inocentes. Entre eles muitos jovens que estavam participando de um acampamento na ilha de Utoya. E o que estes jovens estavam fazendo? Era nada mais nada menos do que uma preparação para o exercíco de uma cidadania responsável. Buscavam assim se capacitar para a construção de uma sociedade inclusiva, baseada no respeito à vida, aos direitos individuais e coletivos e na superação da discriminação das populações imigrantes. Um tema que tem distinguido na Europa e nos Estados Unidos os segmentos da direita e da esquerda.

Chama a atenção a forma como o povo norueguês reagiu ao terrível massacre. A comoção traduzida num gesto de tristeza, mas cheio de um corajoso não à violência injustificada. A marcha das flores ensina-nos que a violência deve ser combatida com maturidade e serenidade. Um exemplo de unidade que transformou a dor de uma nação inteira em um grande jardim de esperança. Uma grande familia que, a despeito de seus filhos mortos, preferiu reafirmar seu compromisso com a paz.

Que Deus acolha as vítimas inocentes e que fortaleça cada vez mais a sociedade norueguesa a continuar o seu compromisso na luta contra o mal. Nossa fé no Deus da vida proclama que as forças do mal não prevalecerão contra nós. Nossa solidariedade ao povo da Noruega e o desejo de que cenas dessa magnitude não se repitam e que a dor seja substituída pela esperança na qual as armas sejam substituídas pelas flores!

Amy e a perversão da mídia

2011-07-26T10:41:00.006-03:00

A morte de Amy Winehouse certamente levanta algumas questões sobre como se trata os artistas e as celebridades no mundo. A jovem estrela britânica certamente sucumbiu ao peso da fama e hoje os que quase canonizam a pop star foram os mesmos que não tiveram nenhuma misericórdia com seus contínuos tropeços por causa da fuga que ela encontrava na dependência química.

Minha crítica à mídia não se dá no campo da censura ao direito de informar ou retratar a realidade. Se dá no campo da ética e do respeito à dignidade humana. Amy sempre pediu socorro ao mundo através de suas músicas. Mas ninguém foi capaz de ouvir seu clamor. Pelo contrário, usufruíram da sua genialidade e a fizeram chegar num pedestal onde tinha que se sentir estrela e não uma mulher comum, com seus sonhos, suas paixões e suas depressões.

Quando a pulsação de sua baixa estima se tornava incontrolável, explodia incontrolavelmente em aparições públicas que a jogavam ainda mais para o fundo do poço. Nestes infelizes momentos, a mídia a explorou como pode. Perde-se a conta de quantas vezes a imagem de uma jovem mulher bêbada e agressiva foi capa de jornais e imagem pública de televisões. E isso deu dinheiro. Agora, como expressão de culpa, a mídia comete a desfaçatez de expor a dor de sua família - antes ninguém fazia isso - para afirmar que ela era uma boa menina, de coração puro e tantos outros atributos que não importavam antes.

Essa é apenas mais uma faceta que se repete em torno de pop stars. Assim foi com Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Kurt Cobain, entre tantos outros...

Tenho absoluta certeza de que Amy afirmaria o que Kurt Cobain certa vez disse: '' ... Se meus olhos mostrassem a minha alma, todos, ao me verem sorrir, chorariam comigo ... '' Aqui no Brasil, quem não se lembra de Cássia Eler? Talvez ela tenha sido a nossa Amy Winehouse. Sua arte era um grito de socorro, profundo e cheio de uma vontade de viver e amar.

Infelizmente a mídia trabalha com categorias muito diferentes: imagem, glamour e lucro. E o faz na fama ou na desgraça desde que o lucro continue.

Meus profundos sentimentos por Amy, cuja vida e linguagem só foi entendida por quem estava próximo dela ou quem conseguia ler os seus olhos. Que Deus a acolha nos seus braços misericordiosos e que ela encontre a paz que sempre buscou mas que o mundo não pode lhe dar. Amy, encante os céus com seus dons. Lá onde ninguém vai explorar a sua imagem. Rest in Peace Amy!

No caminho da obediência ao chamado de Deus

2011-07-25T13:03:00.001-03:00

Com muita alegria vivemos a experiência do Concílio Diocesano da Diocese Sul Ocidental neste fim de semana. Uma acolhida calorosa da Paróquia de Jesus Cristo, em Erechim, foi o começo de uma rica reunião conciliar. Clero e povo da diocese se reuniu para celebrar, avaliar passos e olhar para o futuro. O lema nos chamou a todos e todas para a obediência ao chamado de Deus para a Missão.

Na carta pastoral dirigida aos conciliares, destaquei a necessidade de passarmos do ouvir para o obedecer de acordo com o texto da pesca maravilhosa. Na Eucaristia de abertura, nosso irmão D. Miguel Tamayo, bispo da diocese companheira do Uruguai, nos lembrou o comportamento de Pedro. Um comportamento de obediência mesmo contra todas as evidências. Não é fácil sairmos de nossa racionalidade e dar lugar à uma fé que nos faz lançar as redes quando tudo aponta para uma pesca infrutífera.

Sair do conforto de que tudo está bem é uma tarefa que exige coragem.

No caso de nossa diocese, pudemos ver alguns relatórios que apontam para a necessidade de mudanças em nosso comportamento para que possamos cumprir com alegria e ousadia a vontade de Deus. Constatamos que os desafios administrativos e missionários podem ser superados se somos capazes de construir uma unidade de propósitos.

Aprovamos um Plano Pastoral para a diocese e assumimos o compromisso de contribuir para a sua implementação.

Em nossas celebrações durante o Concílio, confessamos a nossa desobediência em cumprir fielmente o mandado de Jesus e pedimos que Ele nos capacite a ouvir a sua voz e obedecer prontamente ao seu chamado.

Embora presidindo meu primeiro concílio - não podendo assim fazer comparações - percebi que os delegados e delegadas viveram um belo momento de comunhão. As discussões foram vividas num clima de profundo respeito e as divergências que foram expostas em alguns momentos o foram por princípios e não por questões pessoais. As votações foram tranquilas e as decisões consensuais.

Na celebração de encerramento cada um dos delegados compartilhou através de um peixinho de papel o seu sentimento e o seu compromisso para os próximos dois anos. E responderam generosamente à oferta de ação de graças sugerida pelo bispo.

Retorno da reunião conciliar confortado pelo carinho do povo e do clero. Como falei na abertura da primeira sessão, estou aprendendo a ser um bispo. E o povo e o clero interagiu de forma extraordinária. A Presidência do Concílio, ao contrário de seu um ônus, foi um rico aprendizado de respeito, colaboração e sentimento de unidade. Estamos todos e todas de parabéns e que Cristo seja louvado em nossas vidas!

Copa 2014: qual o limite entre o público e o privado?

2011-06-30T11:27:00.000-03:00

Assistimos recentemente à uma discussão política sobre a questão do sigilo e das licitações relacionadas à próxima Copa do Mundo no Brasil.
Diversos posicionamentos à direita e à esquerda trataram de argumentar sobre questões de urgência, de cronograma e de transparência no trato de projetos que envolverão bilhões de reais e trarão inevitavelmente impactos na economia brasileira.
Mas o mais preocupante de tudo foi a possibilidade de se garantir que a execução das obras pudesse ser isenta do monitoramento da sociedade, criando-se assim um estado de exceção favorecedor de desperdício de recursos públicos.
Ninguém deseja, é claro, que o Brasil passe a vergonha de sediar uma Copa do Mundo sem oferecer as devidas condições de infraestrutura. Principalmente quando o país ocupa hoje um especial lugar de nação que tem ampliado sua potencialidade econômica e avançado no respeito que hoje lhe é creditado como economia emergente.
No entanto, essa corrida contra o relógio para cumprir um cronograma para a Copa é apenas mais um sintoma de que temos sido descuidados com nossa própria infraestrutura que deveria estar em processo de modernização sem que para isso fosse necessária uma Copa para apressá-la.
Um outro aspecto que deve ser considerado é a distinção entre investimentos em infraestrutura - que deverão servir à sociedade - e os investimentos em projetos que dizem respeito a interesses privados. Tomo aqui o exemplo do que foi aprovado ontem na Câmara Municipal de São Paulo: um pacote de incentivos fiscais de mais de R$ 400 milhões para a construção do estádio do Corinthians. E aqui cabe a pergunta: o povo de São Paulo realmente prefere sacrifício fiscal desse tamanho ao invés de aplicar receita tributária em serviços públicos?
Parece-me que este tipo de compreensão de que recursos públicos possam ser utilizados para obras que não trarão beneficio direto à sociedade está ganhando força. E, como um todo, começa a ser defendido por segmentos políticos associados a interesses empresariais privados.
É muito importante se ter a discriminação clara entre o que é investimento público - para a sociedade como um todo - e investimento que só trará benefícios para um restrito segmento da sociedade.
Eu tenho afirmado a amigos que essa pressão para impedir cada vez mais o controle social sobre os investimentos para a Copa de 2014 é uma estratégia que se podia esperar. E ainda é hora de a sociedade brasileira tomar o pulso da situação. Porque se não criarmos mecanismos claros de controle, estamos contribuído para uma apropriação indébita de recursos públicos por parte de setor privado e aí o ganho será duplo: o Estado brasileiro constrói o parque e o setor privado ainda fica como lucro da festa!
Devemos abrir o olho e separar as coisas para que a Copa possa deixar de herança pelo menos um bom resultado para a sociedade brasileira.

Pelo resgate da Verdade Histórica

2011-06-14T10:00:00.000-03:00

Ninguém tem o direito de apagar a memória política do país, especialmente quando se tem em conta as atrocidades cometidas contra cidadãos e cidadãs em nome de uma ideologia ou governo.
Hoje, em São Paulo, haverá a repatriação de importantes documentos que retratam os lamentáveis episódios dos chamados anos de chumbo. Documentos que expõem a vergonha de uma Nação que tem como primado de sua gente a liberdade. Atrocidades cometidas nos porões dos órgãos de segurança sob a benção dos intendentes de plantão. Dominados pelo medo e doutrinados pela ideologia da segurança nacional, agentes do Estado cometeram crimes que precisam ser expostos para que a sociedade brasileira conheça as bases de um regime que desconhecia o valor do Estado de Direito e determinava subjetivamente quem tinha ou não o direito de ter suas inalienáveis garantias constitucionais respeitadas.
Alguns dirão que não se precisa mais remexer no passado. Outros dirão que a anistia de 1979 foi um momento de reconciliação nacional e, assim, torturadores e torturados rasgaram uma página da História.
Discordo desse ponto de vista e penso que o Brasil precisa conhecer os autores dos crimes sórdidos cometidos contra pessoas indefesas, já sob a tutela do Estado, que deveriam ter sua integridade física e psicológica preservadas. A prisão transforma o prisioneiro em um cidadão sob a responsabilidade do Estado e ao qual deverá ser assegurado o pleno direito à defesa. No caso dos supostos crimes cometidos pelas vítimas da ditadura, tratavam-se de crimes de natureza política e aí entra um campo de discussão sobre a natureza do que seja um crime político, as circunstâncias do mesmo e sobre os limites do poder discricionário de um Estado nestes casos.
Em todas estas variáveis, os agentes do Estado cometeram abuso. Se arrogaram no direito absoluto de ferirem o que de mais fundamental alguém pode merecer: o respeito a sua dignidade. Por essa razão, os crimes de tortura são qualificados como hediondos e para tanto imprescritíveis.
Que em nosso país nunca mais se cometa tais horrores. E é bom que a sociedade brasileira discuta com profundidade a necessidade de um amplo resgate das responsabilidades dos agentes públicos durante o período da ditadura militar. A motivação para tal resgate não deve ser nunca a de vingança ou revanche, mas o direito à verdade histórica.
Isso está sendo feito em outras sociedades que experimentaram os horrores de um autoritarismo sem escrúpulos e que tratou cidadãos e cidadãs como párias. Submeteu essas pessoas às mais vis condições de degradação física e psicológica, isto sem falar nas execuções sumárias que tiraram a vida de muitos e ainda mais sepultaram corpos com indigentes, para apagar os vestígios da barbárie.
Os documentos que serão entregues hoje representam provas consideráveis de algumas barbáries cometidas por brasileiros contra brasileiros e devem servir para nós como um exemplo que nunca mais deve ser seguido. Que este acervo sirva como uma memória triste, é verdade, mas que sejam um testemunho da verdade histórica que este país precisa conhecer a fundo e emitir sobre ele o juízo necessário. Tortura Nuca Mais!

Mensagem de Pentecostes

2011-06-10T22:33:00.001-03:00

Completai o meu gozo, para que sintais o mesmo, tendo o mesmo amor, o mesmo ânimo, sentindo uma mesma coisa. Filipenses 2:2

Estou ainda ouvindo as risadas de nossos clérigos no último encontro do clero na diocese, realizado no fim de semana passado. Um momento de reflexão, partilha e de construção de uma base para o caminhar na direção de nosso concílio que se avizinha.
Refletimos sobre o silêncio como instrumento de introspecção e busca de orientação para cumprirmos o nosso papel como pastores de nosso povo. A presença de nosso irmão Renato, bispo da diocese companheira de Pelotas, atestou o potencial que nossas dioceses tem de ampliar seu comum comprometimento batismal.
Certamente que foram momentos de eternidade, parafraseando aqui uma frequente expressão de nosso Primaz. Esta semana pudemos viver a dádiva de celebrar os caminhos do ecumenismo, partilhando com outras Igrejas o sonho da unidade.
Todas estas constatações nos motivam para uma rica celebração de Pentecostes, na qual lembramos o evento que representa o nascimento da Igreja como anunciadora destemida da ressurreição do Senhor.
Espero firmemente que nossa diocese viva com intensidade esta festa litúrgica. E que a celebre como um momento de recomeço! Não no sentido de desconsiderar o passado, mas um recomeço na dimensão da renovação de seu comprometimento com um mundo transformado pelo amor de Deus. Essa transformação não se dá por nossos próprios méritos. Ela se dá quando nos esvaziamos de nossa pretensa auto-suficiência e assumimos os nossos medos e incertezas - da mesma forma que os discípulos estavam quando recolhidos e amedrontados, com a temporária ausência do que fora assunto aos céus.
No lugar do medo e da insegurança em como comunicar ao mundo as maravilhas de Deus, surge a ousadia e a fluência de expor por palavras a atos o poder transformador de Deus. Nossa diocese precisa ser sacudida por esta força que impele cada um de nós de dar passos para a frente. Tenho visto por onde ando o potencial de nosso povo. E tenho absoluta convicção de que se nos abrirmos à ação do Espírito, experimentaremos com profundidade a paixão para o cumprimento da missão.
A alegria que estamos vivendo nestes dias de convivência com o clero é um aperitivo do que podemos viver se nossos corações se unirem em um só sentimento. Um abençoado Pentecostes para todos, clérigos e clérigas e nossa querida família diocesana.

Memória histórica: sem subjetivismos

2011-06-01T08:26:00.000-03:00

A recente exposição sobre a história do Senado levada a efeito pela Casa causou uma reação nos meios políticos pela sutil omissão do impeachment do Presidente Collor.
Mais grave no entanto que esta amnésia histórica foi a justificativa do Presidente do Senado, Senador José Sarney, sobre a razão da mesma: irrelevante. Surpreendente a capacidade do senador e ex-Presidente de pautar a memória histórica do Brasil, desconhecendo que esta foi uma página definitiva no processo de redemocratização do país.
E quando o senador ainda acrescentou que este fato histórico não devia ter acontecido, quase me arrepiei.
O impeachment de Collor foi o grande teste da democracia brasileira. Mal se via ao longe os resquícios de obscurantismo que vivemos por vinte anos e já se tinha um dilema histórico para ser resolvido pela recém democracia civil: fortalecer as instituições democráticas ou ser conivente com um modelo de autoritarismo com cara civil.
As instituições democráticas prevaleceram e o clamor das ruas e da sociedade foi ouvido. Não houve ruptura do Estado de Direito e a democracia se consolidou com uma transição legal e legítima de poder.
Não querer destacar este evento na história do Brasil é, no mínimo, uma tentativa de subestimar a luta de milhões de brasileiros e brasileiras pela defesa de instituições democráticas sólidas e de uma consciência de soberania popular.
O senador José Sarney assumiu o risco de receber mais uma vez uma censura política da sociedade brasileira que não se submete mais ao subjetivismo de pessoas que "acham" o que seja relevante ou não para o registro da história política do nosso país.
Ainda bem que a pressão funcionou e o senador foi obrigado a autorizar a inclusão do impeachment de Collor na galeria de fatos e fatos da história do Senado.

IEPC: Como enfrentar as Armas de destruição em massa

2011-05-23T17:18:00.000-03:00

Nesta manhã muitas importantes questões foram levantadas no plenário. Uma delas se relaciona em como lidamos como Igrejas com a política oficial de alguns governos em manterem armas de destruição em massa.
Certamente que esta não é uma questão de simples resolução. Após anos de guerra fria e a nova agenda de combate ao terror, parece que as lideranças das grandes nações do mundo estão como que condicionados a manter seus arsenais sempre prontos a serem usados diante de qualquer ameaça. Venha de onde vier e em que campo for.
O uso de tecnologia militar de destruição em massa tem sido usado não contra militares ou inimigos nacionalmente identificados, mas tem sido usado contra um inimigo que não tem necessariamente uma única Pátria e se move com uma velocidade nada parecida com a da guerra convencional. Assim sendo, o ataque contra esse inimigo móvel tem feito vítimas entre populações civis.
Ouvimos um emocionante testemunho de uma sobrevivente do ataque nuclear americano ao Japão em 1945 e, me parece que testemunhos dessa natureza não conseguem sensibilizar - para além do momento - as Igrejas a tomarem em conta a necessidade de enfrentar politicamente a questão. Primeiro, sabemos que o restrito clube de países que detêm tecnologia militar nuclear é reduzido. Cabe às Igrejas destes países assumirem um papel mais relevante politicamente, pressionando seus governos a interromper a produção de armas de destruição.
Como fazer isso? Criatividade pode ser um caminho. Se as Igrejas forem capazes de organizarem conjuntamente eventos e ações coletivas é possível se criar uma maior consciência dos cidadãos e cidadãs em torno do tema. A pressão política - advocacy - sobre governos, parlamentares e partidos políticos pode ser outra clara estratégia de convencimento para a mudança de políticas de segurança militar, especialmente no chamado Primeiro Mundo.
Talvez o maior desafio para estas estratégias esteja dentro das próprias Igrejas, através de seus membros individuais que já foram dominados pelo medo coletivo alimentado na maioria das vezes pela própria mídia e por seus formadores de opinião. O medo gera dependência e reforça as políticas de segurança adotadas para evitar o inimigo a qualquer hora e em qualquer lugar.
Precisamos enfrentar como lideranças e formadores de opinião essa corrente. Senão, por mais que queiramos, será infrutífera qualquer mudança de mentalidade dos poderosos que usam o instrumento da guerra e de armas massivas para manter o equilíbrio geopolítico de suas forças.

IEPC desafia as Igrejas a assumir seu papel

2011-05-20T18:41:00.000-03:00

Muitos testemunhos de diversos lugares do mundo estão sendo compartilhados na Convocação Ecumênica pela Paz durante estes quatro dias. Sob várias perspectivas, sejam de fé, culturais e de gênero, todos são unânimes em reconhecer que o Planeta está a pedir socorro diante de tantas agressões e usos indevidos dos recursos humanos, financeiros e naturais.

A paz verdadeira só se consegue a partir de um olhar de acolhimento das diferenças. Para tanto se precisa construir uma metodologia de diálogo sincero entre povos, fés e culturas. Paz também pressupões uma inversão de agendas dos poderosos deste mundo, acostumados a estimular o medo e legitimar conflitos armados em nome de interesses que não são necessidades da maioria de seus povos.

As Igrejas e religiões têm um papel preponderante no processo de construção de uma cultura de paz. Todas são desafiadas a construir agendas positivas de reconciliação e diálogo entre elas mesmas. A crítica ao sistema dominante que transforma as pessoas em objetos de interesses econômicos ou ideologias é parte desse processo de construção de uma agenda pacifista.

Na celebração matinal de ontem aqui em Kingston nos mostrou a tristeza da arte infantil com os desmandos da vida moderna tais como a guerra, o desmatamento, o uso egoísta dos recursos naturais e a violência contra as pessoas. Fico imaginando como anda a psiquê dessas crianças do mundo inteiro com imagens tão fortes e tão realistas que nos parece empurrar para o desencantamento com a vida e a beleza.

Vivemos tempos que a realidade parece nos desumanizar e foi isso que vi nos desenhos expostos na celebração. Graças a Deus que na parte final da celebração se fez a antítese desse quadro e os desenhos de outras crianças nos mostravam a esperança da solidariedade, do respeito à vida e a preservação da natureza.

Como Igreja, precisamos ser mais proativos na defesa de uma cultura de paz e de inclusões. Uma Igreja que silencia sobre a violência não é Igreja, como bem afirmou a Dra Margot Kassmann. Uma Igreja que não se esforça em fazer a crítica de um sistema que legitima a guerra através do medo está longe de ser um testemunho vivo do Deus da Paz.

Fiquei emocionado com o testemunho do povo da ilha de Tuvalu. Um povo que vive em 26 quilômetros quadrados de uma terra linda ameaçada de desaparecer por causa do aquecimento global. Eles serão invadidos pelo mar e sua cultura, construída por longas gerações, corre o risco de desaparecer por causa da irresponsabilidade dos poderosos desse mundo.

As Igrejas são desafiadas portanto a abrir os olhos e iniciar uma verdadeira revolução ética que leve os povos do mundo a reconhecer que ferir a Mãe Terra implica em matar seus filhos e filhas. Isso exige um testemunho firme contra os poderes excludentes deste mundo.

Divagações sobre diálogo e conflito: o caso Osama

2011-05-03T22:19:00.003-03:00

O mundo inteiro assistiu ao Presidente Barack Obama anunciar que o terrorista mais procurado da História havia sido morto por forças especiais americanas no Paquistão. Isso sem sombra de dúvidas levanta uma questão que merece nossa atenção sobre a discussão da relação entre diálogo e conflito.
Não se pode questionar o efeito devastador do atentado de 11 de setembro na vida do povo norte-americano e em como esse fato criou o conceito de guerra permanente contra o terror.
No entanto, pode-se questionar sim a estratégia que o governo dos EUA adotou como resposta a esse infame evento da história da humanidade.
O que se viu na sequência foi uma sucessão de ações militares dos Estados Unidos no mundo sempre sob a justificativa de eliminação do terror como objetivo final. Nesta esteira não faltou recursos para custear operações caras e um endividamento público acarretando uma crise econômica que atingiu praticamente todas as economias do mundo, incluindo a própria.
O montante de recursos gastos nestes dez anos seria suficiente para se implementar um programa de desenvolvimento voltado para as economias pobres do mundo, inclusive as do mundo islâmico com as quais os EUA tinham relações amistosas e que poderiam abrir um caminho de diálogo com os radicais islâmicos, sedentos em manter a sua guerra santa.
Ao invés disso, Bush e Obama não foram muito diferentes na condução de suas políticas internacionais. A saída do Iraque não foi uma concessão, mas uma saída "à francesa" para se livrar de uma incômoda invasão.
A morte de Bin Laden não significa uma vitória, mas apenas uma vingança que rapidamente vai ser vista como inócua, pois não acabará com o ódio dos radicais islâmicos e poderá desencadear ainda mais represálias contra cidadãos norte-americanos no mundo inteiro.
Somente o diálogo pode evitar que se assista a novas ações violentas e isso trará consigo o custo de vida de inocentes. Para cada dólar gasto no fomento da diplomacia evita que se gaste 50 vezes mais com ações militares. Além do mais, a mudança de cenário político no norte da África e no Oriente Médio poderá isolar ainda mais os Estados Unidos no cenário internacional, dado que por anos apoiou regimes autoritários e violadores de direitos humanos.
Obama precisa urgentemente praticar o que ele mais defendeu em sua campanha: o diálogo e respeito às diferenças. A aparente espiral de popularidade que ele ganhou com o anúncio da morte de Bin Laden se desfará na direta proporção em que aconteçam represálias aos Estados Unidos.
Além do mais, colocando aqui uma pontinha de Teologia, a estratégia de se aplicar a lei do olho por olho não constitui o mais adequado caminho para uma sociedade que se diz embasada em valores cristãos.

Mensagem de Páscoa

2011-04-23T11:35:00.001-03:00

E, saindo elas pressurosamente do sepulcro, com temor e grande alegria, correram a anunciá-lo aos seus discípulos. Mateus 28:8

Diletos irmãos e irmãs do clero
Dileta família diocesana

Graça e Paz!

Estamos vivendo a Semana Santa e nela nos identificamos com o caminho da cruz de Jesus Cristo, vivendo na liturgia o seu embate com os poderes temporais e religiosos. Certamente uma semana que deixa claro o divórcio entre o projeto de vida e o projeto de morte.

Aparentemente neste conflito, os poderes deste mundo tiveram alguns momentos de sucesso porque condenaram e mataram o nosso Senhor. Mas a palavra final de Deus foi de vida e o túmulo ficou vazio.

Vivemos na vida diocesana um momento de novo ministério que traz consigo toda uma expectativa de cumprirmos como diocese o nosso papel de sermos uma presença sacramental no meio de nosso povo nesta parte do Rio Grande do Sul e no oeste catarinense.

Temos uma tarefa como povo de Deus que é manifestar os sinais de vida, mesmo em meio a sinais de morte. Mas a nossa força não reside somente naquilo que temos e somos. Nossa força reside no poder da Ressurreição que vence a morte e o túmulo.

O poder da cruz não é maior do que o poder daquele que venceu a cruz. Portanto, vamos viver a Páscoa como uma ocasião para renovar nosso compromisso com o Reino da Vida e vamos estar unidos como diocese no cumprimento de nossa tarefa que é revelar o Cristo Ressurreto ao mundo!

Feliz Páscoa a todos e todas!

+ Francisco de Assis da Silva
Bispo Diocesano

D. Cappio e seu testemunho sobre a transposição do S. Francisco

2010-06-11T11:42:00.001-03:00

Ouvi uma profunda reflexão do bispo Luiz Cappio sobre a crise da água.Um homem que fala com autoridade e paixão sobre o tema da água e sua militância política e espiritual contra o maga projeto de transposição do Rio São Francisco.

O processo de destruição do Rio vem a galope. Em 1928 a vazão média do rio era de 3.000 metros cúbicos por segundo. Hoje essa vazão está em 600 metros cúbicos. O represamento ocorrido desde a década de 40 é o grande responsável por essa perda de vitalidade do rio. O projeto de transposição não garante em nenhuma hipótese a qualidade de vida dos ribeirinhos. Os grandes beneficiários serão as minorias e seus conglomerados financeiros, ávidos pelo monopólio da água e das terras da região. Abaixo, algumas das principais assertivas da fala do bispo Cappio:

"É preciso respeitar a natureza. Ela merece o cuidado. Os projetos grandiosos em torno do quais se aglutinam forças excusas enganam o povo e o submetem ainda mais aos interesses de uns poucos em troca da miséria de muitos. Não basta dizer não ao projeto de transposição do Rio São Francisco e a outros projetos como Belo Monte. Precisamos de uma política de desenvolvimento que garanta os recursos naturais e ainda mais o bem mais valioso que temos: a água. Ela é patrimônio de todos os seres vivos e não apenas do gênero humano.

A declaração ecumênica da água é clara na sua afirmação de que a água deve ser um bem universal e cuja gestão seja social.

Precisamos pensar e construir um futuro em que todos tenham pão para comer, água para beber e terra para trabalhar. Este é um grito que vem de um pastor que vive no sertão e que deseja que seu rebanho tenha vida com decência. É preciso espantar os lobos vorazes que buscam vítimas para saciar a sua fome mesquinha.O projeo do governo se constrói sobre falácias e com uma forte propaganda contra a qual é preciso estarmos juntos.

Quand concluimos o primeiro jejum, nos reunimos com o governo e com organizações sociais para buscar alternativas. Unilaterlamente o governo saiu do diálogo. O Atlas do Nordeste - publicação do próprio governo - nos trouxe opçoes de projetos. O projeto de transposição pelo qual o governo optou está orçado em 20 bilhões de reais e está sendo financiado com capital privado de grupos internacionais. Foi por essa indiferença e autoritarismo que optamos pelo segundo jejum.

O planeta é este imenso campo e o povo é um imenso rebanho que precisamos cuidar. Se nada for feito, em trinta anos teremos cerca de 40 países estarão com serios problemas de abastecimento de água, com impactos incalculáveis sobre seus povos".

Foi uma experiência muito impactante ouvir ao vivo e captar a paixão de D Cappio pelo povo ribeirinho e em como ele encarna a mensagem que busca difundir pela defesa da natureza, do rio e da água como um todo.

Fica o desafio para as Igrejas e para a sociedade como um todo de pautar como prioritária a agenda da defesa da sustentabilidade ambiental.

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Fear and exclusion: new challenges for the Communion

2010-06-09T08:28:00.001-03:00

The decision of removing representatives of The Episcopal Church and of the Church of Canada from ecumenical networks represents the most drastic change amidst the theological conflict within the Anglican Communion.

In my point of view the Archbishop of Canterbury moved a piece of high risk and the consequences of such recommendations are what it is not possible to predict. The Pentecost Letter addressed to the Communion was one of the most contradictory documents in our history as Communion.

At the heart of a feast of the unity, we heard a message of discipline and exclusion. Absolutely strange for a moment in which other Christian traditions were celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit giving to the Church power to be in one faith and witness. For us, the Archbishop`s letter showed our fracture and incompetence to stay on the table of dialog, wishing to hear the God`s will.

In our Provincial Synod, we heard from the mouth of our Archbishop Mauricio that in the heart of God hasn`t place for boundaries. Our delegates approved unanimously a motion of solidarity with brothers and sisters from TEC and Canada and a letter to the Communion will be issued about punitive actions gone to Provinces who has been looking to welcome all the persons without barriers and prejudices.

Pentecost - as I wrote in an previous post - means to jump for the newness of life. To surpass the ignorance and to know the language of the love. The disciples were afraid and they were freed to speak, to welcome and to build a new community with persons who were strange for them in everything: language, customs and values.

In the installation of the National Cathedral of the Province of Brazil in Porto Alegre, at the Trinity Sunday, we had a true Pentecost. They were there Buddhist, religions afro, Roman Catholics, Muslims and people of several religious background. An unforgettable demonstration of fraternity. It is for that that purpose the Church exists: to be a sign of reconciliation and welcome.

Regrettably our Communion has not been able to surpass the challenges of the diversity. Now, besides this difficulty, we have the mark of the fear and of the exclusion.

The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil stands in solidarity with our sisters churches in USA and Canada and our hope is that we can reaffirm our commitment in welcome people to live their faith fully and with confidence in the gracious love of God!

Good Friday: Where are we? At the foot of the Cross?

2010-04-02T10:47:00.001-03:00

Certainly in our society dominated by the aesthetic sense of beauty and happiness, the scene of Calvary has no a privileged place. But for us the scene of Calvary Christian requires us feel part of it. There are women and a young disciple. Sharing the suffering of the righteous and offering him the comfort of a farewell. How many of us would have the courage to stand at the cross?

We need to take the pain and the implications of rejection by the powerful of this world for whom the message of the Gospel is foolishness.

They forget that the powerful real power resides in those who are capable of becoming weak.

The cost of the cross is the requirement for the fullness of life, to resurrection. It is a reverse logic that many minds are not able to accept. The empty tomb is not seen without having been a burial. Maybe that's the main point that Christian theology says the baptism: to die for the world and be born again to God.

Many of us can say how James and John said, we can experience the cup and the baptism that Jesus would live. But the moment of truth finds us weak, asleep or running away.

We need to be at the foot of the cross and trust that the last word of God is the fullness of life. Neither Rome nor Jeruslém has the ultimate power over our lives!

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your

Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved mankind: grant that by faith

in him who suffered on the cross, we may triumph in the power

of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

IEAB is in solidarity with Haiti

2010-01-15T17:19:00.001-02:00

A National Campaign was lauched to raise funds to support Haiti after the tragedy we saw tuesday.
Destruction and pain: two words that sum up the tragedy that struck Haiti. The earthquake that struck the country has create a sad picture that must be overcome with the solidarity of the world. Children walking in the streets alone and injured, without direction, because they have lost their families. Bodies are everywhere. Mother in searching some news about missing children. Families marked by mourning. Lack of water, electricity, medical help, no medicines and all of this in the midst of urgency to bury the countless dead. The Haitian people are really in need of our help and every one of us must to offer concrete help.
Restoring hope and a decent future in Haiti is a difficult task, but if we each give our small collaboration will overcome this challenge. Governments, churches and organizations around the world are doing their part. Are contributing to the reconstruction of this beloved people. The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, moved by solidarity, also unites this current and is launching the Campaign Solidarity with Haiti.
All donations will be sent to Episcopal Relief Development for support the work of rebuilding the country.
We are not a wealthy church but we have a rich heart and our prayers are being raised to God for those in Haiti through our thoughts and actions.

The Revd. Canon Francisco de Assis da Silva
Provincial Secretary

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A successful 2010`s conspiracy

2009-12-31T11:34:00.001-02:00

2009 is leaving us with their achievements and challenges experienced in the midst of financial and environmental crisis.

For some the crisis has gone; for others remains the challenge of re-engineering priorities. 2010 is coming with the challenge to look more seriously the environmental agenda. The world is crying the consequences of an economic model irrational and illogical unable to generate quality of life.

I wish the new year becomes a time of metanoia. Changes in attitude of the world leaders in how they treat national interests related to economic or military power. My hope is that the principle of mutuality among nations prevails. That poverty less to be no longer a statistic detail and becomes a priority concern.

I dream of a world where politics and economy could be grounded on an ethics of interdependence. I want a world where we can not feel fear and insecurity caused by ethnic, political or religious rivalries.

I know for some people, all these dreams may seem impossible. However, the reality needs to happen a huge conspiracy of people of good will.

I'm ready to strengthen this subversive movement to create a better world that is possible.

Let us join our hearts and minds in this revolution. God is going ahead. But for him to go forward there must be a nation that follows him faithfully!

A Happy and successful 2010 for all my friends who are near or far!

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Church of Brazil publishes official note on Ugandan Bill

2009-12-16T16:09:00.001-02:00

16 dezembro 2009

“Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves.” (Blaise Pascal)

International society has, throughout its long history, adopted new levels of conscience and freedom and gradually overcome several ways of excluding human beings because of their race, economic status, culture, beliefs and sexuality. We understand this process as a consequence of God’s love for humankind. The Church, as part of this process, has the responsibility of courageously defending the advancement of respect for all peoples, based in the law of love.

The Church itself accepted discrimination in the past, and in many cases helped promote people’s exclusion, revealing its incapacity of responding to its own time’s demands. God’s spirit, however, has challenged the Church to understand that nobody has the right to act, or consent to actions, against any innocent person. This process of gradual spiritual enlightenment has allowed the Church to integrate those who, until very recently, were discriminated because of their ethnicity, opinion, gender and sexuality.

We express, in the light of the Gospel, our deep opposition to legal measures currently being studied in Uganda in order to implement an unacceptable persecution to homosexual people. First of all, such measures take us back to a time of ignorance and barbarity. They are gravely against human rights, and an unacceptable measure in our times. Also, no Christian is allowed to persecute or even threaten other human beings because of the way they live their sexuality. It is acceptable not to agree with someone, but it is an abomination to exert prejudice towards anybody.

An eventual approval of such measures demands a clear and eloquent witness against the imposition of a de facto police state, and for the defense that every person is able to live fully (including their sexual orientation) within the principles of love, mutual respect and commitment to life. In a world where poverty and hunger kill more than wars, governments should be more concerned about fostering a society where there are no excluded people for any reason. Laws that end up promoting discrimination and exclusion, despite being abominable and contrary to human rights, end up masking unsolved problems that Uganda needs to face.

As a final word, we remember that God’s main wish is that we live in love. Our faith tells us that “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Gl 3:28). The Law was already fulfilled by Jesus and we are entitled to manifest the Divine Grace in the world by ardently and compassionately loving all human beings.

“He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 33:5)

—

The Most Rev. Mauricio Andrade
Primate of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil

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Christmas message from a friend who feel as part of a large and multicultural family

2009-12-14T21:33:00.001-02:00

My dear brothers and sisters

Receive an affectionate greeting from our church in Brazil and wishes of a blessed Christmas to renew our baptismal commitment to the service of the world.

May our lives be an instrument to announce good news to everyone!

I hope this simple message can carry with it the beauty of God's love revealed trough a fragile child.

Francisco

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The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil responds to the Anglican Covenant

2009-11-24T17:21:00.001-02:00

The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil announced today its official position on the consultation sent by the Anglican Consultative Council about the proposed Anglican Covenant.

A deep and long process of discernment was leaded by the Primate`s Special Commission in consultation with bishops and lay leaders around the Province.

The Brazilian representative at the Anglican Consultative Council, Prof. Dr. Joanildo Burity raised before the Special Commission the subsidies of the discussions held in Jamaica on the proposed Covenant.

The document released today by the IEAB stated that the first three sessions of the Covenant meet what are historically the understanding that Anglicans have about their faith and the nature of the Church. Are already mentioned in the major theological documents that the church built over his existence.

In relation to section four, the IEAB expressed its concern about some unclear concepts and a juridical style unusual in the history of Anglicanism. While all provinces have achieved a consensus on what we would call the values of our theological tradition expressed in the first three sections, the fourth has certain contradictions between what is affirmed and what is expected to meet, creating mechanisms for control, absolutely new to our tradition.

The document can be read on the following links in Portuguese (http://www.ieab.org.br/documentos/Pacto%20Anglicanorevisadofinal.pdf) and English (http://www.ieab.org.br/documentos/Pacto-IEAB-Efinal.pdf)

Is very appropriate to note that the position of the Church in Brazil has evolved toward consensus with the majority of the Communion as its first official position, taken in 2008. In that occasion the House of Bishops published an statement denying the need of a Covenant. The process of developing and understanding that other provinces also evolved in this direction lead to the conclusion that IEAB accept that the first three sections of the Covenant can be subscribed without reservation. Remains, however the restriction to section four for his obvious inadequacies in the tradition of our Communion. The IEAB understands that communions needs bonds of affection more than juridical covenants.

The Revd. Canon Francisco de Assis da Silva

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Statement from Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil on the Vatican`s Provision

2009-11-19T01:49:00.001-02:00

The Vatican's announcement on 20 October of the enactment of a special Apostolic Constitution to take in Anglicans discontented by the ordination of women and homosexual persons certainly represents a new and unexpected level in the relations between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.

For the past 40 years, both churches have maintained a frank and productive dialogue that began with the initiative of Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey to break centuries of silence between both sides. Such were the winds of the Second Vatican Council, in an era of advancement of dialogue and overcoming indifferences. This process continued in the past few decades with the production of documents and the creation, on the provincial level (including in the province of Brazil), of national committees for dialogue between Anglicans and Roman Catholics.

We give thanks to God for all the work put forth amid much difficulty, but also mutual respect. This was achieved through our capacity to see each other as brothers who confess the same Christ and creedal faith in a constant search to build a common understanding around their theological identities. In this spirit the documents Church Authority I (1976), Church Authority II (1981), Ecclesial Communion (1990), Life in Christ: Morals, Communion, and the Church (1993), The Gift of Authority (1998), Maria: Grace and Hope in Christ (2004) and Growing Together in Unity And Mission (2007) were published.

All these declarations and the joint actions that ensued have steered us onto a path that has increasingly brought us nearer to the ideal of the unity that Christ so desired. Today we are part of numerous ecumenical organizations and acknowledge each other in baptism, according to a joint declaration signed in Brazil in 2007.

In stating that the Vatican's initiative represents a new and unexpected level in bilateral dialogue, we mean that it is not directly related to the process that has been ongoing for the past 40 years, as related above, but rather a unilateral initiative that will certainly require deeper analysis. Below are just two elements that merit close attention:

The most recent official documents of the Roman Catholic Church have successively reaffirmed not only its identity as a universal church but its singularity as the true and original sign of the presence of Christ among peoples. This implies a self-understanding of ecclesiological and organizational exclusivity that hinders the advancement of dialogue between both our churches.
The theological underpinnings for the Vatican's initiative are based on the understanding that the unity of the Church is grounded in the claim of Petrine ministry. This postulate must be seen through the lens of its theological dimension and the historical reality of the See of Rome and to this day has not been satisfactorily resolved in Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue.

Clearly, these issues must be faced with honesty and open dialogue, to which we have always been committed in a respectful manner. We express our concern over the initiative unleashed by Rome, considering the way in which it took place and its content.

It is unfortunate that no official instance of the Anglican Communion participated in the process of drafting the Constitution announced by the Vatican. To the surprise of many, not even the Congregation for Christian Unity participated in the internal process in Rome or the announcement of the initiative.

A matter conducted in such a way, privately and under the coordination of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith – that is to say, specifically on a doctrinal level and without any regard for its ecumenical dimension – , would at least merit the transparency expected between two churches in ecumenical dialogue.

If the Constitution were aimed at persons who had already left the Anglican Communion for reasons of differing theological opinion, this would certainly be viewed as pastoral attention to those who are no longer under our pastoral care. But to the extent that it is aimed at persons and communities still within the Communion, even if in dissent, the Constitution creates an ethical problem of interference in the internal affairs of a sister church.

We honestly hope that this interference does not become an obstacle to the future of our dialogue and that, in time, we will be able to become familiar with all aspects of such Constitution – which have been made public recently – and to apply, inasmuch as possible, the principle of respect for the internal autonomy of our churches. The forthcoming conversation between the Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Benedict XVI in the coming days in Rome may provide a clearer outline of this initiative. We await this conversation, which will be the first face-to-face dialogue between the supreme leaders of our two churches.

In the Brazilian context, we have received and welcomed clergy from the Roman Catholic Church and have cared for these people like brothers who wish to respond to their call to mission, which comes from God. The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil has a specific canon for this and we recognize the sacred orders of each person, without a new ordination process.

We hope that this matter is discussed with sincerity on the international and local levels of dialogue of both our churches and that the progress already made may be restored in the quest to overcome our misunderstandings and resume the path to unity aspired after by Christ and dreamt of by all of us!

Brasília, 6th November 2009

William Temple (1881-1944)

D. Mauricio Andrade

Primate of Brazil

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Ecumenical Solidarity is helping landless people to find ways to overcome eviction in Ariquemes, Brazil

2009-10-16T12:32:00.001-03:00

Dear brothers and sisters,

We are going through a time of renewed hope with the work carried out by the leaders of the community of the agricultural workers at the Urupena farm in Ariquemes, in the state of Rondônia.

After an appeal for solidarity by the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil (IEAB), through our Bishop Primate and General Secretary in the name of almost 250 people from this Farm, we have received ample and unrestricted solidarity from our own church, from ecumenical movements and organizations, from the organized civil society and from individuals in Brazil and abroad.

The online petition has so far attracted 185 signatures. And this instrument has reached government bodies opening doors to finding a political and institutional solution for the serious problem caused by a judicial decision of eviction signed by a judge from Ariquemes.

FEBRASIL (The Brazilian Spiritist Foundation) and FESUD (The South American Ecumenical Forum)showed their solidarity contributing towards the cost of the flights of two representatives of the community in Ariquemes to Brasilia.

USPG (The United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) showed solidarity with the cause of the agricultural workers and publicized their plight widely on their website and also supported the online petition.

Political support from Senator Marina Silva, from advisors of the Ministry of Justice and from human rights militants have been fundamental for us to gain contacts with the Agrarian Ombudsman and with INCRA (National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform). We managed to get a hearing with the President of INCRA at which were present the Primate Bishop of the IEAB, Dom Maurício, the Revd. Hugo Sanches (Anglican Priest in Ariquemes) and Mr. Derli Cavalheira (representing the people of the settlement.)

Concretely we have convinced INCRA to take on the negotiations between those involved to try to reach an agreement that brings a solution to the problem without needing to evict the families. Next week there will be a meeting between both parts involved to negotiate the possibility of disappropriation of the farm allowing for the families, who have been there for 13 years, to remain on the land.

According to the representatives themselves, after the hearing with Dr. Rolf Hackbart, "we are only a small step away from reaching a solution".

We continue in prayer so that these families may receive the Good News of not being evicted from their homes and finally receiving the definitive ownership of the farm.

In my name and the name of our Bishop Primate, as well as our brothers and sisters in the Urupema farm, I would like to say thank you for all the support and solidarity shown towards us, whether through works or concrete actions.

We ask you to continue to publicize the online petition and we will kep you all informed of the next decisive steps.

We must not disperse, but keep supporting this cause.

Rev. Francisco de Assis da Silva

General Secretary of the IEAB

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Serious threat to landless people in Missionary District - Brazil

2009-10-08T14:29:00.002-03:00

Dear brothers and sisters,

Grace and Peace!!

As Provincial Secretary of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil I would like to make public an appeal for the prayers and support of all the Church in relation to a tragic event that will affect about 250 people in “linha 50”, in Ariquemes. Above some pictures from my last visit to them in July.

It is a matter of a court decision of eviction of the settlers in the Urupema farm. After an occupation of over 13 years and the mediation of the INCRA (National Institution of Colonization and Agrarian Reform) in settling these families, the judge Deisy Cristian de Oliveira Ferraz decided to vote for the eviction of the 30 or so families and now the eviction order is in the hands of the Military Police.

We are doing what we can together with political authorities and are looking for support for arranging a meeting between the leaders of the community and INCRA in Brasília, hoping to reach a solution.Our Primate Bishop is in London on an engagement with the Trustees of USPG (United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) and demonstrates his solidarity in this difficult time. I appeal to the Church that we may intercede with God to reach a pacific and just solution to this situation.

The community – affectionately known as the people from linha 50 (line 50) – is accompanied by our Church and within the settlement we have the Anglican Mission of St. Peter and St. Paul. The community consists of agricultural workers with small plantations of bananas, coca and coffee among other subsistence products. With the ecumenical movement, which involves Anglicans Roman Catholics and the Assembly of God Church, a school was built that attends 40 children in primary school education.

In 2007 the association ASPROJO was constituted, and in 2008 and 2009 received support from the government to the value of 300.000 reals, receiving a milk cooling tank to store the milk produced by the community. In our visit to the area in July I was able to see the progress and joy of the families because of this achievement.

This is all now under threat of being destroyed by a legal decision that was cold and indifferent in the face of the extremely serious social problem that this eviction would create. The Military Police have today already done an inspection of the property and are now keen to evict He families.

The town of Ariquemes does not have the infrastructure to take in 250 people and their belongings. We cannot watch this social catastrophe happen wih our arms folded. Children, women and families are being condemned to misfortune and we need to use all possible resources to avoid this.

We are contacting people who are linked to the Ministry of Justice so that they may support us in initiatives that could at least lead to a dialogue with the judicial Power in Rondonia in order to avoid the eviction.

We need put the ecumenical community into action to avoid the worst.We need to receive support from our fellows brothers and sisters from Anglican Communion in stand before the powers of this world and defend those who are suffering injustices.

If you like to send a message of soldarity to our brothers and sisters in the Missionary District please do that trough our email (xicoasilva@gmail.com) and I`ll forward to them.

If you like to offer a personal support to this advocacy initiative please sign the petition on line at: http://www.petitiononline.com/08102009/petition.html

If someone think is possible to offer some financial support to our Province related to this questions please contact me about procedures ahead.

May God have mercy on us!

Rev. Francisco de Assis da Silva

General Secretary

Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil

xicoasilva@gmail.com

Honduras: a civil war on the way?

2009-09-27T19:40:00.001-03:00

The recent political crisis in Honduras has increased to a dangerous level and could cause a irreversible civil war. Affected for years of power of economical oligarchies that never managed to implement changes in the social pyramid of one of the most poor countries of the continent, Honduras assists the tentative of its elites to legitimize interests with a violent coup d'etat.

Despite an unanimous condemnation of the coup from the international society the usurpers are not considering any alternative to negotiate the returning of deposed Manuel Zelaya, the legitimately elected President.

Isolated and supported only by lying arguments and untenable justifications the President de facto try to remain in the power at the expense of violations of the human rights, imposing suspention of constitutional rights and repressing with violence the popular demonstrations.

The brazilian governement now is at the center of the crisis because the deposed President is refuged inside the Brazil's Embassy since last monday. According international law, Brazil is acting in right way beacause is offering refuge for Zelaya.

The life of the deposed Presdident is under risk and he has the right to ask for safeguard of his life on account of the political situation of his country. The despair of the usurpers is the fact that now Zelaya is inside the territory of Honduras, contradicting so all the efforts of maintaining him out of the country.

The Brazilian politics related to international affairs has a tradition of not interference in the internal life of foreign nations but what is taking place in Honduras is a clear violation of the international laws. It is a break of a constitutional order by violence and a political and military intimidation against its diplomatic representation.

The most recent challenge launched by the usurpers against the Brazilian government is the ultimatum to resolve the political situation of the deposed President Zelaya. The Brazilian Embassy has ten days to decide the status of Zelaya. If not, the usurpers will take measures to result the situation.

The nature of this declaration constitutes a serious threat and must be assumed in all his consequences. The UN's Council of Security manifested itself already on the inviolability of the Brazilian embassy and this threat is only one more sign of what the government de facto is falling in despair.

The President Lula issued a statement saying that do not accept threats from an ilegitimate government and if some illegal action is taken against the Embassy, Honduras is violating all international laws. If the army loyal to the usurpers act against the integrity of the Embassy, this action could be interpreted as a declaration of war.

It seems to me that Michelletti is making most difficult the situation and wants a confrontation that will not be good at all for the Honduran people. This can lead to an end with a bloody conflict and an uncertain result for both sides: supporters of Zelaya and supporters of usurpers.

My prayers for Honduras and for the restoration of the democratic order under the leadership of his legitimate President.

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A novidade para a sucessão em 2010

2009-09-24T17:44:00.001-03:00

As recentes pesquisas sobre preferência do eleitorado para a sucessão presidencial em 2010 revelam novos e interessantes aspectos que precisam ser considerados.

O primeiro ponto é a inesperada superação do caráter plebiscitário entre o PT e o PSDB materializado nas candidaturas de Serra e Dilma. Até um mês atrás, mais ou menos, o cenário se apresentava como uma eleição pela aprovação ou rejeição do fenômeno Lula, através de sua candidata, contra a oposição liderada pelo PSDB.

As demais candidaturas continuariam reunindo forças minoritárias dentro do espectro político sem ameaçar a polaridade entre as candidaturas de Serra e Dilma. Mesmo com a possibilidade de mudanças "por dentro" na aliança oposicionista do tipo Serra ou Aécio, o cenário tinha uma variável pouco considerável. Fora desse contexto, a oposição mais à esquerda não apresentava nenhuma possibilidade de avanço significativo.

A saída de Marina Silva do PT e a possibilidade de sua candidatura pelo PV é o fato novo que certamente trará um componente desafiador para aqueles que pensavam que não haveria mudanças consideráveis nas estratégias políticas das duas frentes que já se preparavam para um embate entre a continuidade e o retorno. Um embate de oito anos (FHC) contra outros oito anos (Lula).

Com certeza assitiremos a uma reconfiguração da disputa política. A senadora do PV está - desde que seu nome passou a constar da lista de consultas de opinião - surgindo consistentemente como um novo vetor estatístico em ascendente trajetória. Pelo menos em três pesquisas recentes ela só apresentou variação para cima - entre 3 e 6% de votação espontânea.

Paralelamente a esse novo fator Marina, está surgindo um declínio pequeno nas preferências eleitorais pelo governador de São Paulo e pela Ministra da Casa Civil. Apesar de não se poder dizer que haja direta transferência matemática para Marina das perdas de Serra e de Dilma - até porque transitam em faixas ideológicas distintas - é importante destacar que se essa tendência se mantiver Marina tem fôlego para embolar a disputa.

O maior trunfo de Marina Silva é a sua agenda ambiental. Até o momento a questão ambiental sempre foi um item secundário na pauta política do Estado brasileiro. Toda a euforia desenvolvimentista que se assiste no país nos últimos 15 anos está fundada na estabilidade econômica gerada pelo Real e na ampliação da agenda social realizada nos últimos sete anos da era Lula. Tanto numa como noutra a questão ambiental não se afirmou como transversalidade. Esse pode ser o novo componente que não pode ser desprezado por quem deseja legitimar-se perante a opinião pública.

Marina tem a seu favor a coerência de uma vida ligada ao tema e mesmo sua participação no governo Lula foi um atestado de que pautas ambientais ainda são cosméticas na política econômica. A sua saída do governo por contrariar obviamente interesses triunfalistas dos defensores do desenvolvimentismo lhe dá credenciais muito legítimas. Ela saiu como ministra e se credencia a pleitear um retorno como Presidenta.

Temos um longo caminho pela frente até as eleições. Mas com certeza o debate político deixará de ser um simples embate entre triunfalistas do desenvolvimentismo e triunfalistas do financismo. A ambos Marina Silva pode dirigir um questionamento embaraçoso: aonde vamos com esses dois modelos? Que tipo de mundo queremos garantir no próximo século?

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Discerniment and courage to decide!

2009-07-11T03:01:00.001-03:00

As a guest of the PB I'm participating for the first time in a General Convention.
My feeling is of joy by the warm welcome I received and the constant and efficient work of volunteers who have had a very important role in this GC. My gratitude for the gesture of welcoming to many brothers and sisters from around the world revealing the true meaning which is written on the banner in front of the Convention Center.
I have seen with much appreciation the excellent level of discussions among delegates. Even on controversial subjects I can see a commitment to each other with the truth and with respect. And here I say that this convention will be historic because it can mean a breakthrough in the way of how the TEC believes that it should take its part in the mission of God's people.

For some groups, this GC is almost a character of a referendum in which the TEC will decide whether to continue or not in the Anglican Communion. For these people maintenance of unity is a submission of a member as a evidence of goodwill. It seems to me that people still do not understand what the Archbishop of Canterbury has said continually about the need to rescue the truth as the founding basis of fidelity to the Gospel. This GC received with great affection the Archbishop, giving to him respect for his honest statements on the life of the Communion. It was a gesture of diplomacy, but also a sincere fraternal welcome. At the panel on the economic crisis a a passionate ovation was given to him recognizing his wise words. We saw a complete agreement between him and the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts on the way they understand the causes and the complexity in how the crisis could be faced.

When, in the other hand, it comes to discussing the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the full life of the Church necessarily they are not requirede to say the same words. Those who are not commited with the diversity see this agenda as an irreconcilable dispute that finally will break the unity within the Anglican Communion.

I have heard arguments that we must have patience, wait, show good will and many other adjectives that are unilaterally placed on the shoulders of the TEC. Here perhaps lies the question: why should only some be patients? You can not say that the unity of the Anglican Communion is based only on submission. You can not make the connection between equity and capitulation. Capitulate means losing a war and recognize a winner. You can not compare the Communion with a huge battlefield where some try to raise their flag as final winner.

Resolution B033 is being discussed. With high level of respect for diversity of opinions. I did not see any delegation condemning their opposites for think in a different perpspective. Each defends its belief with deep personal commitment to be understood. There is no hurry to close the question, but a deep searching process of discerniment.
Certainly there will be a decision to revoke or not the resolution B033, taken in the last Convention. I'd like to say to the sisters and brothers of TEC is: do not be afraid to do what you consider to be done. Raise your hearts to God and feel what He wants you to do. You will never be alone on the road.

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post everywhere

2009-07-01T13:33:00.001-03:00

An idol made of flesh

Michael Jackson's death made us think about how humankind is capable of feeling orphaned when one idol fights life's naked frailty. My adolescence's soundtrack was filled by this man's geniality. Like me, other generations were enchanted with his creativity and glamour. All of us imagined ourselves mimicking his unusual dance steps. Joy and magic were part of his performance. The whole world bowed to his talent, and his fans could be found anywhere. But, like other idols, Michael also could not resist the weight of his image and fame. This fragile man could not stand the pressure upon him and suffered awful consequences in his private life, which was exposed by the same media that at times sanctified him and at times took him to hell. Once, I heard a very creative sentence on TV, which expresses very well who Michael Jackson was: "a child who was obliged to work as a man and a man who also tried to be a child!"
Michael, follow your way in peace to the beautiful garden where all God's children certainly play and where life is an authentic childhood. Thank you for your gifts and for making us happy with your music. You did your best. Your beautiful songs are going to be engraved in stone, but your failures will be carried away by mercy's winds.

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IEAB mourns the death of Jaci Maraschin

2009-06-30T18:24:00.002-03:00

Jaci Corréia Maraschin (1929-2009): priest, poet, and theologian.
The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil (IEAB) is greatly saddened to announce the passing of one of its most illustrious members. Ardent defender of liberty, inclusiveness, the ordination of women, and creativity in hymns and liturgy, Rev. Maraschin was born in Bagé, State of Rio Grande do Sul, where from an early age he began to put his talents to work for the church.
He was a youth leader at his home parish, Matriz do Crucificado, and a leader of the monthly publication Flámula ("Flame") for young people in the
church. He entered seminary in Porto Alegre in 1951 and was made a deacon in 1953 at Igreja da Ascensão in Porto Alegre. The year thereafter he was
ordained a priest and went to study at General Theological Seminary in New York. As soon as he returned to Brazil, in 1956, he was put in charge of
coordinating Christian education and began to teach at the Theological Seminary of Brazil, ambitiously modernizing religious education and seeking
to incorporate the diversity and richness of Brazilian culture. His next experience abroad was in 1964, when he traveled to Strasburg, France to do his doctoral studies in Religious Science. With his thesis on Frederick
Denison Maurice, he graduated Magna Cum Lauda, the first Brazilian Episcopalian/Anglican to earn such distinction in Europe. Back in Brazil, he continued to teach at the Seminary and began to represent the Brazilian Church in denominational and ecumenical forums in Brazil and in other countries. Rev. Maraschin was one of the founders of the Association of
Evangelical Theological Seminaries (ASTE) and served as its executive secretary for many years.

In 1976, he was elected member of the Commission
on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches and in 1981 was chosen by the Archbishop of Canterbury to represent Brazil at the Anglican
Consultative Council in 1990, where he helped to draft guidelines for the Provinces of the Communion. The Archbishop of Canterbury chose Rev. Maraschin to serve on a few international commissions, including the
Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), within which he helped construct the famous document Gift of Authority, signed by both
churches. Rev. Maraschin's contribution to liturgical music, as author, composer, and translator, is a valuable legacy not only for the IEAB but also many other churches in Brazil and beyond. His latest project was to coordinate a revision of the IEAB's hymnal.
It would be difficult to think of a priest, theology student, or lay leader in the IEAB who was not profoundly influenced by Rev. Maraschin, whose motto
was "life goes only as far as liberty does". He is survived by his spouse, Ana Dulce and daughters Ana Isabela and Rosa Maria and four grandchildren.

R.I. P. dear friend!

drops of rain no Flickr – Compartilhamento de fotos!

2009-06-15T23:52:00.001-03:00

via flickr.com

A green leaf and drops of rain I want to represent the hope of the Iranian people against violence and tyranny of state. Green for hope and drops of water representing the life that insists on being successful.
The language of force can intimidate but never beat the power of people!

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flower to those in pain!

2009-06-01T18:18:00.001-03:00

via s336.photobucket.com

My deepest thoughts to those who are in pain related to the AF 447 tragedy.

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Pentecost: from boxes to outside!

2009-05-31T10:31:00.002-03:00

Among the many approaches we can take to understand the meaning of Pentecost, one of them caught my attention. It is the passage from ignorance to freedom of intuition. The passage from fear to courage. Think and live in Spirit is to acquire the capacity to see beyond the simple reality. In other words is to learn to read with the divine intelligence. Take the apostolic community model: feeling unsafe despite so many evidences of divine power manifested through the Resurrection. But still lacked the ability to understand with more certainty the God's message to the world.
The result after the Pentecost manifestation was the courageous announcement of the God's love to the world. The ability of Peter to say what might be called as the first synthesis of the historical process of God's revelation is surprisingly to us all. An illiterate fisherman was able to speak with authority, eloquence and his message fully understood by so diverse audience. Only the Holy Spirit could do that. The numinous picture of God translated trough the witness from a simple person. Pure freedom to believe and speak what is believed.
This is the biggest challenge for us today. Leave the box of fear and insecurity for a powerful announcement of the message of God to the world. We live captives in theological, cultural and ideological boxes as hostages of fear. We need open our hearts and minds and let the Holy Spirit comforts us and release the passion and insight for the courage to speak and live according to the values the Gospel tells us.
The Spirit pushes us out of the box. Leads us to the freshness and to the active intuition. Instead of fear the Holy Spirit tells us that we should not worry about what to talk or to do.
Let us pray as a NZPB collect lead us:
Almighty God,
you kindled this day the light of your Spirit
in the hearts of your faithful people;
may we by the same Spirit
have a right judgment in all things,
and evermore rejoice in your love and power;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Amen.

ACC 14: an invitation to continue walk

2009-05-14T10:39:00.001-03:00

Many of the delegates present at the ACC's meeting expressed their feeling of hope at the end of the journey in which was spent ten days. Such encounters often creates strong links between people. Cultural and theological diversity always challenges us to understand and value the importance of what things are common between us. While working hard for long time is inevitable feel communion with other people for the simple fact that others are seeking to live their faith in a broader perspective . Even if we are on opposite sides on certain issues, it is possible to establish a bond of affection which is the main mark of a true communion.
An overview of the entire event is possible to say that he successful followed the same spirit of the recent worldwide meeting of the instruments of unity. There are no winners or losers. But there is an effort to seek consensus. The fact that the Covenant has been accepted and submitted for further review on section 4 means a challenge for those seeking to maintain the Communion together. In some moments, such as the resolution on the Middle East, the consensus is result of balance of arguments and a good exercise of dialogue with passion and reason. Sometimes is not sufficient have the right idea. It demands also to be suitable for some specific situation.
A word from the Archbishop could well summarize the importance of this ACC meeting. He himself took some positions that were not supported by the majority of the House. The same was also with those who wanted a more Orthodox Communion. Or with others who wanted to leave Kingston with the feeling of victory.
Or perhaps, others wanted a definitive answer on sexuality and marriage. The great danger of authoritarianism is to want simple answers to complex questions. Therefore, the challenge is to continue. Talk, listen, disagree, pray and thank the difference of others. Not to leave but stay at the table.
Advances in the fields of development and health issues, justice and reconciliation processes were achieved with a high degree of consensus. Our Communion is discovering that we need to show commitment with the world. Any orthodoxy or definite answers could guarantee that we will welcomed by our Almighty God. Being Church is not thinking about herself.
Questions remain. And they have to be faced on the road. All of us are invited to walk and to see around and live for our neighbor.
Our gratitude to Prof. Dr. Joanildo Burity for his collaborative and dedicated work representing our Province.

Do not look the clock!

2009-05-08T11:02:00.001-03:00

In these days the attention from around the Anglican Communion are devoted to the
deliberations of the ACC 14. Among many decisions and hard agenda, the ACC will deliberate about the future of the Anglican Covenant.
Reading and listening comments on the process of discussion in Kingston on discussions around the table on the proposed last draft of the Covenant I saw with some concern statements made by some parties.
Deny the process of conversation around the Pact seems now a minority position within the Communion. But, in the other side, try to impose it with statements as "now or never" is not acceptable and wise way.
Even the Church of Brazil has had an attitude of dialogue, evolving from a position of rejection to a compromise. Earlier versions of the Pact seemed to us very contrary to Anglican tradition. The attempt to create a curia or a structure that regulates the thought and life of the autonomous Provinces was seen as unacceptable.
The latest version has a more light shape, exploring more deeply the sense of communion and basic standards of our tradition. It is result of the hearing process held at the Lambeth Conference and the Primates Meeting. Still, there remain problems and contradictions in the Section 4 of the new version. This section needs to be more largely discussed within Provinces.
Personally, I have been a critic of the proposed Covenant. I do not think necessary. But I'm open to admit - if it helps to keep the communion alive - to seek a minimum consensus. If some common agreement is possible we will advance to overcome irreparable break.
The main challenge of the Anglican Communion today is the restoration of trust between people. This trust goes shaken by the simple fact that some who are fighting for the Covenant they themselves continue to cross borders and cause divisions
They ask for moratorium but they are violating moratorium. There isn't sincerity in these people because they are always acting behind scenes. They want the pact and are the first to violate it.
Many people want to impose the Covenant are concerned with time. This symptom is alarming. Time is something that is not measured when is related to the mission of God. The timing of God is not the same time we see the clock.
Time is urgent when we have emergence of famine, of war, calamity.
Anxiety is a symptom of insecurity. A Communion that wants to be be built on feelings of affection may not be looking at the clock. Communion is not required by formularies. Communion is lived in time that is Kairós (God's timing).

The Hades lost the game!

2009-04-11T10:40:00.001-03:00

When the first light of morning on Sunday enter a tomb only will be found linens gently perfumed by the hands of the faithful women.

Who was dead is no longer there. The Hades has no more power over him. Christ is risen.

All Passion is only the price and condition for the manifestation of something new and completely different.

When we look around us we can easily identify with the Passion of our Planet. Nature cries of pain caused by the destruction founded in selfishness and insensitivity.

The poor cries in pain by the shame of living by the charity of others and crumbs that fall down from the table of the rich. Children cries in abandonment and exploitation suffering in a world that fails in develop a sense of responsible fatherhood and motherhood.

Women still suffer discrimination and some of them become victims of fatal male violence seen with complacency by the society. Drugs have killed more than wars and their victims are a signal that our society is losing this fight.

This is the daily Passion of the world. It is difficult to accept this reality naturallly. But we need to remember that this Passion was fully assumed by our Lord. He wanted to take all our pain and the pain of the entire Creation.

He took in his arms our poor, our women, our men, our children, our beloved animals, and the whole nature. He carried the weight of all this with patience and deep love.

And He won. Trough Him everything is possible again. This hope must be the foundation of our lives. Life is the last word of God to us. We need embrace as he did the pain of the world. We must share this Passion everyday with so many brothers and sisters who have the same hope in new life. And never stop believing that tomorrow will be another day!

May the power this Easter bring us the joy of just seeing linens without the body. May we renew our trust in the certainty that life is beautiful and full. The Hades lost the game! Happy Easter!

Pastoral Letter from the House of Bishops to the people of God - The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil (IEAB) Easter of the Lord, 2009

2009-04-08T16:03:00.001-03:00

“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. … They stood still, looking sad.”

(Gospel of Saint Luke 24:13-17)

As someone once said, one day, we too will find ourselves on the road to Emmaus. We have often sung: “In the hour of trial, Jesus... the night will soon fall, night in Emmaus...” . In fact, the “stranger” was recognized but his presence quickly vanished from the sight of the disciples. The gathering, the conversation, and the revelation were blessed, unexpected, touching, and truthful.

One might say that many times over the past few years in our experience as members of the IEAB, as citizens of our country, and not least in remembrance of our own personal and family life… we have been “looking sad.”

As Brazilians we suffer from widespread and almost always unpunished corruption. “Misery exists only because there is corruption” sings [rap singer] “Gabriel o Pensador”. We agonize under the contradictory conditions of a social reality that could be much better, fairer, healthier, and more promising. Millions of Brazilian families suffer the class apartheid that we know all too well. Our youth yearns for opportunities that, unfairly, they may never get. The political reality is increasingly disappointing. In the past few decades, more-than- reproachable professional politicians are not only re-elected but impair the health of a democratic process that we as citizens could harness. Health and education, both of which are required for people’s full dignity, have been giving up space to sleek advertising and official imposture. As Saint Luke says, we are “looking sad.”

In the life of the IEAB and its dioceses and parishes, we have also been perplexed by missteps in our way of being and acting. These adversities are found in other church traditions as well. The scarcity of resources does not seem to be the primary cause of a dramatic problem but it makes it much more difficult to overcome obstacles. In any event, “looking sad”... we find ourselves on the road to Emmaus. In our meeting of the House of Bishops, we heard sorrowful reports but at the same time were heartened by the sharing of much Good News that the Father has bestowed on many dioceses. The people of God of the IEAB have matured in their faith, but they have been through sad times and life-changing events. The Bishops thank God for the voice and wisdom of the laypersons who spoke at the meeting of the House. The road to Emmaus therefore shines, in this time of Resurrection, as the force of life transformation that we so need. Sadness does not need masks, which may be why it knocks us down and reinforces us so, not by our own courage but by the blessed presence of the Risen Lord at our side.

Adversities and suffering are schools that teach us to see and understand things that before we could not fathom. Through the crises, we pray for more mature discernment in the experience of faith. On the way of the cross, captivated by the Crucified One, we are sustained by the communion and by the hope revealed to us as people of God, in view of Christ among us. But the ancient faith inherited from our forefathers must also witness the contemporary situations of indifference, injustice, despair, impoverishment, and a yearning for much more life. The Easter season reminds us that we are not orphans. We are not alone. The Church is not us, but God with us! The real meaning of faith in the Resurrection for us is a full understanding that changes must or could occur. It is through the light of the presence of the Risen One among us that we feel capable of changing and transforming. Rejection and death do not have the last word. The Risen Lord is the source of abundant, courageous, and healing life. It is through the light of the Easter of the Lord that we see our structures more clearly as a church of God. We love many of them. We recognize that they need healing and remodelling. We love the church even more but we do not confuse it with structures that should stay in their own time. Many of these forms no longer speak to our generation and to the way our people live. This is when adoration reappears as the most central fact of life and faith. Without adoration first, not even mission is justified.

We must urgently let go of much of the noise inside us, in fear of silence. Quietly listing to the Father’s wisdom and beginning a life of personal piety, without losing emphasis on liturgy and pastoral practice, we envision, as in Emmaus, the semblance of the Risen One to encourage us. The entire IEAB, beginning with its bishops, all the clergy “and the congregations confided to their care,” in this time of commemoration of the Resurrection face a serious call to seize the opportunity for metanoia, a radically new life of witness in mission. The mystery of the Resurrection of Jesus, which transformed so many generations before us, is now before us, patiently revealing new paths and opportunities. Easter calls us to experience the holy fermentation of renewed life. By participating in holy mysteries of the Bread and the Wine, we receive the gift of forgiveness and making amends. Meeting in Porto Alegre from 30 March to 3 April, the bishops of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil (IEAB), in expectation of the week of the Lord’s Passion, prayed and interceded for our revival as a paschal people that overcomes death, announces hope, and seeds encouragement, and for our personal and ecclesial rediscovery of that which Christ teaches and reveals to us in Emmaus.

“If with sore affliction thou in love chastise; Pour thy benediction on the sacrifice: then upon thine altar freely offered up, though the faith may falter, faith shall drink the cup.” (Hymn 258)

Note: The House of Bishops, meeting in Porto Alegre from 31 March to 3 April, unanimously decided to postpone the Synod and the National Conference of Church Leaders of the IEAB due to the 2010 commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the IEAB (and remembrance of the 200 years of the British Chaplaincy in Brazil). This transfer will not only allow us to better prepare for the events and the celebrations, but it will also give us more time to continue our work of collecting and analyzing information. It is also possible that His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams may be with us on such a special occasion, side by side with other invitees and visitors we are expecting.

Porto Alegre, 03 de abril de 2009

Dom Maurício Andrade, Primaz e Brasília
Dom Almir dos Santos, Oeste
Dom Jubal Pereira Neves, Santa Maria-RS
Dom Orlando Santos de Oliveira, Porto Alegre, RS
Dom Naudal Alves Gomes, Curitiba, PR
Dom Sebastião Armando Gameleira Soares, Recife, PE
Dom Filadelfo de Oliveira Neto, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Dom Saulo Maurício de Barros, Belém, PA
Dom Renato da Cruz Raatz, Pelotas, RS
Dom Roger Bird- São Paulo, SP
Dom Clovis Erly Rodrigues, Emérito
Dom Luiz Osório Pires Prado, Emérito
Dom Glauco Soares de Lima, Emérito

Answers can change the world

2009-03-25T10:22:00.001-03:00

We celebrate today the Feast of the Annunciation. A detailed analysis of this event between an Angel and Maria tells us
something very simple, but essential: an answer.
Many people often prefer to emphasize the supernatural aspects of the epiphanic events within the Bible. And really we have fantastic list of those that are beautiful. It's not every day that someone has
the privilege to see and hear an angel saying something extraordinary.
But the most important is not the elements that constitute the side of the supernatural. The miracle depends from the side of natural: the
response we give to God's call.
Mary was courageous and his Yes was crucial for everything who followed the
plan of God for humankind. All wonderful and all miracle is effective
only when hearts are open and willing to do God's will. This response
of the young Mary changed her life and also the course of history.
Was a response from inside, entire, not only in lips. Answers like that are what God
expects from us: full and precise answers. Answers with integrity: our life, our body, our
soul and all that we are and what we have. Blessed be Mary, for her courage
and for her complete trust in God's call!
The quality of our answers could change the world as Mary did.

Silence and Obedience: Joseph

2009-03-19T10:06:00.001-03:00

One of the most impressive lessons I learned from Joseph, husband of Mary and father of Jesus is on ground as his life was an unquestionable submission to God’s will. And in all this, a point to emphasize: there is no record of any word in the Gospels made by him!

Many thoughts, many intentions many carefully considerations, but always introspective. And the result was always to please God. To follow the divine inspiration and do what was best for Mary and the Child.

The biblical narrators not registered any word from his mouth, but many thoughts and wise decisions. In their hands and heart the Child and Mary always felt safe and loved.

This Lent, perhaps it is time to imitate the Joseph’s example. Many of us used to talk so much, but often we do not act as the same measure of our spoken words. Normally we prefer speak than hear the will of God.

Our true beliefs must be seen in our concrete actions. This season of Lent could be a great opportunity to review our concrete commitment to the church and its mission. Remember that our gestures are more excellent than our words.

Let Joseph inspire us to do with humble spirit obey more than talk. Our prayer could be as the collect of the day tells us: Lord our God, who chose the humble carpenter of Nazareth to be the home where your child Jesus was born, gives us the same willingness to obey your will, governs our families in your love and reverence!.

Could be human rights a criteria for to be part of the Anglican Communion?

2009-03-15T20:01:00.001-03:00

After reading carefully the report on the human rights situation in Nigeria I felt very sad about the silence of the Nigerian Church and its connivance with such violence that is practiced there.
The recent debate about legislative changes in Nigeria strengthen homophobic policies and the support that leaders of the Anglican Church has offered to extend these rules even more has drawn the attention of organizations of human rights worldwide. My feeling of shame increases when I saw the church failing to defend the integrity and the basic rights of people who are criminalized for being homosexuals.
The basic and fundamental question is not to agree or not with the sexual orientation of individuals. The most important in this problem is only related in values that are at the root of the Gospel: the dignity of every person should be respected unconditionally.
In the name of an orthodoxy that has fueled censure and exclusion of other parts of the Anglican Communion for its liberal attitudes, the Church of Nigeria is destroying the whole building in which is based its own logical orthodoxy. If orthodoxy is to do what is the announcement of good news why such good news are not for everyone?

Behave in this way is to do as Pontius Pilate did. His option was uniquely to ensure his status quo. What authority has a church which acts this way? What authority has his self proclaimed orthodoxy?
Where is the obedience to the resolution of Lambeth so widely advocated by orthodox when the same resolution requires an attitude of respect for homosexual persons?
Those who advocate the creation of an Anglican Covenant should perhaps think about consider the respect for human dignity as a pillar of that Covenant. The adherence to the Convenant should include an unrestricted commitment related to the duty to respect the dignity of all people within the the regulatory framework of human rights.

But I think the conservatives would not accept that additon because human rights are not specififcally Christian doctrine. The question that I raise therefore here is: A church that becomes connivant with human rights violations can be part of the Communion?

Amazing Together

2009-02-24T19:05:00.005-03:00

Anglicans from all regions in the Americas are gathering in Costa Rica to share a mutual responsibility in Mission and find ways for more efficient cooperation between Provinces and dioceses.
After a long period of preparation, which includes conference calls, the meeting becomes reality with the presence of leaders representing the provinces such as five of the seven Primates, Provincial Secretaries and others leaders in a diversity of orders and involvement within their Provinces.
Celebration, Bible study and presentation of what each Province is doing under the light of five marks of the Anglican Mission has been shared in the midst of a very attentive and respectful attitude.
In his opening message of the meeting, Archbishop Martin Barahona said that the responsibility of Anglicans in this part of the world is to stand together, united for an effective witness of the Gospel values.
The director of Mission of the Anglican Communion, Reverend John Kafwanka addressed to the plenary a reflection on the nature of the Mission. In his speech he said that the mission is not something that the Church does, but it is something inherent to the nature of the God's people. The purpose of the Mission is welcome, he said, and welcome all humanity in Christ. And in a world that now faces the challenge of an economic crisis, the success of the Mission depends on the sharing of gifts and creativity.
The presentations that each Province has done, show the richness of a work that is done in such different contexts but with the same feeling: the commitment to ministry to the world.
The Province of Brazil feels honored to participate in this historic moment and expressed the hope that we can learn from each other and serve as foundation for a process of practical cooperation between our province in the Americas. The challenges are great but the love of God is greater!

The World Social Forum and the absence of the worldwide Anglican Communion

2009-01-30T23:17:00.003-02:00

These days we are participating in Belém, capital of Pará and the see of the Diocese of Amazon in another edition of World Social Forum. This movement of organized society is completing eight years since it was inaugurated in 2001, in Porto Alegre. Since its beginning, the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil close to ecumenical partners and interreligious groups have supported and marked presence in their editions.

Some people asks about why our church is institutionally involved and so continuously with this movement, which still arouses suspicion in the mass media. Here, some arguments to justify the relevance of such commitment.

1. It is a movement that appears to be the opposite side to the World Economic Forum, who includes the most powerful people in the world and that over time has maintained a model socially unjust and responsible for exclusions of billions of people around the world.

2. It is a movement that has no religious characterization and / or ideological control of their actions.

3. It is a movement of convergence around the deep wish for another world possible.

The first premise is clear that the World Social Forum is composed of individuals, organizations and movements who rebel - in the political sense of the word - against the conformism before the world's economic structure. We live in a world of large corporations and policies that favor capital at the expenses of working people and the sustainability of the environment. Such a model thus can not simply be accepted as true.

The second postulate put in front of us an alternative leadership. Usually we are guiding our lives by religious or ideological paradigms. The Forum, however, does not profess any official ideology or and is conducted by a model of self-management. The common sense of its suporters are the search for alternatives against inequality, oppression and destruction of the environment.

The third postulate show us that the movement is deeper inclusive. The diversity of its social actors interacts the most common goal that is the desire for a culturally plural society and for another form of co-existence and co-responsibility.

It is in this context that our church feels committed to the Forum. As a church who seeks to be inclusive, the Forum is also a school for the improvement of our own character.

The celebration of welcome to members of churches and ecumenical bodies in belém showed us as we can learn from the unity in diversity. Several religious traditions were there alongside the Christians. With joy and trusted mutual commitment they offered their gifts without fear of being excluded by theological or political criteria. We danced together the carimbó, which is typical local dance in a heartful call for participation and integration. Under this sunny light - the symbol of the ecumenical presence in this year is a interreligious Sun figure - europeans, asians, Africans, Latin Americans from various religious and political beliefs joined together to say: we want and we can build another world possible.

My provocation to the Anglican Communion is why such living moviment so closer to our five marks of mission is still ignored. Some individulas anglicans around the world (Brazil, Canadá, USA ) and from different contexts are involved with it. But, differently to the WCC, International Development Agencies and other institutional instances, I don't know any formal commitment from Anglican Communion as worldwide Church. I hope that this serious institutional indiference could be overcomed as soon as possible.

Patience and Good Luck Obama!

2009-01-20T11:48:00.003-02:00

Looking to the crowd gathered in Washington for Barack Obama's Inauguration, I remembered that six years ago a great popular feast in Brasilia as our country celebrated as never before the arrival of a worker to the Presidency.
Joy and almost an explosion of hope were in the minds and hearts of our people.
Today, six years later, our President Lula certainly did not reached everything he promised but certainly changed the image of Brazil.
This is what I see in the faces of the United States' citizens today. An explosion of joy and hope. Obama certainly will not make anything he wants, but the History is putting in his hands the opportunity to change. The dream and the reality will be the train track on which the new President will walk to make possible the change. Not only in the face of the world but also in the face of his own nation.
The most important thing to be done by the new President is to act with patience and wait the results of their work as a gardener wait for the flowers appearance.
Changes require time and mature. The most important thing is want to do. The rest depend on the ability of leadership to make other people and nation to become committed partners of this change.
My prayers for this young president who assumes the country's leadership in a very difficult times. The journey will be difficult, but if his heart is signed in the dream of ancestors will have enough energy to take the steps that need to be done!

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Gene Robinson and the signal of changes!

2009-01-13T12:33:00.002-02:00

The recent news about the invitation of bishop Gene Robinson to take part in the religious celebrations at the President Obama's Inauguration Day is a clear message that the US society is really living a new time.
It is one more evidence that the President Obama seeks to affirm the consistency of his campaign as a statesman.
He has given signs that understands very well the position of to be a head of State in a pluralistic society, multicultural and religiously complex.
When he received criticism for choosing a conservative evangelist to also take part in the celebrations, his reaction was the most patient possible, giving a clear intention that he wants rule not only by the pressure of organized segments of society, but in an inclusive perspective.
The feeling that the President must always keep in heart is to ensure that the ideological and cultural differences must be lived under the rules of the law, preserving the right of free expression and manifestation of all social actors.
It is not an easy task for a statesman. Normally the tendency of politicians is to seek popularity and this has a high price. Try to please everyone is absolutely impossible. Who wants to please everyone probably will not please anyone.
The next President has shown - at least in situations of conflict of interest - that he can wait the waves hit the sand and calm down in reflux.
I think this is a good start for a government that wants to be a real change.
His statement about the conflict in the Middle East is a certificate that for him the most important is the unity of the country.
His addressing about that the U.S. can not have two international policies or two governments was very ethical. From January 20 the USA will have a single government and the hope of many that is really witness a government of change. At least the requirements are placed on table. Among them, the inclusion of people who think differently. Those in US society must wait to have a guarantee that the visibility of their rights and their values will be respected.
Gene Robinson, go with confidence and show that as within the larger society, the church also needs to live the richness of difference and guarantee the freedom and legitimacy of every person.

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Playing with the intelligence and feelings

2009-01-07T17:29:00.001-02:00

Even where the Israeli army will play with our intelligence? Humanitarian ceasefire? Three hours? Honestly speaking the Israeli government could at least be accused of crimes against humanity by deliberately causing more than two hundred deaths of children.
Is absolutely disgusting the indifference to the civilian victims of the invasion of Gaza. I think this is the most stressful military operation of Israel throughout its history. Certainly there will be a big change from the international society against a government that has just approved the intensification of attacks in Gaza.
I hope that these actions do not become an even greater hatred of Islamic radicals against the people of Israel. That would only be worse for the Jewish civilian population.
All the reasons that the targets of military action are the Hamas basis for launching rockets becomes unsustainable by trail of blood and pain that we see every time trough the press.
I am becoming increasingly aware that diplomacy is dying, powerless to stop the hostilities. What our Church leaders can do more against such barbarity? This is the question that is shouting in my heart!

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Peace for Gaza

2009-01-03T09:17:00.002-02:00

We have seen an increase in the last week of the conflict in the Gaza Strip with more than 420 fatalities, and a great majority of innocent civilians, including children.

These events have shaken the international public opinion but not yet the Israeli's authorities. Moreover, it is not today that the prevailing discourse in Israel related to the Palestinian people is based on military strategy.

The mainly argument for this violent reaction is the launching of rockets by Islamic militias against the Jewish territory

Nothing more disproportionately than the comparison of forces between the radical Islamic militia and the army of Israel.

I'm raising my voice to of all people of good will that has been engaged in in solidarity with the Palestinian people. A people whose reality is marked by constant threat of violence and exclusion.

Let us pray for the people of the Gaza, and we must create a chain of solidarity to pressure the Israeli government and the militias to stop the hostilities creating conditions to lead a diplomatic agreement. All of us, by our Christian consciousness have commitment to those who suffer the violence of war, specially when the conflict separate and cause pain to people of the same root.

I recently joined an important cause. Is the cause of the Shministim. They are young Jews who are imprisoned for refusing to military service for reasons of conscience. Are men and women between 17 and 20 years old who refused to join the Israeli army called to fight against the enemies of Israel, including the Palestinians.

This movement is gaining strength even within Israel, perhaps signaling that new generations want to overcome the hatred and the creation of a peaceful coexistence between Jews and Palestinians. The movement has a website that can be accessed in http://www.december18th.org/

I hope the internacional leadership and the United Nations take the most urgent measures to ensure that the ceasefire be achieved. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Presiding Bishop of the TEC and other leaders of the Anglican world have called incessantly for that.

May God in His infinite mercy console the victims of yet another aggression against the Palestinian who is trying for many decades to build their own legitimate nation.

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Stop the war!

2008-12-31T19:27:00.003-02:00

Before leaving for share New Year's celebrations, I wish to all my friends from far and near my best wishes for a happy 2009. And I am offering a prayer that this new year could be plenty of hope, reconciliation and promotion of human dignity.
My heart is broken by the recent atrocities seen in Gaza. But I ask the Almighty God to enlighten the hearts of world leaders, the Palestinians and Jews of bona fide to promote peace in that region. We do not want to see more innocent victims from an unjustified war.
Today, I embraced the cause of the Jewish Voice for Peace and the cause of the Shministim. I think gestures of courage and conscience of the value of peace can overcome the permanent war that separate two peoples born of the same root.
It is with this feeling that I carry from this ending year.
My prayer is that this new year could renew the hope that we can live in another world possible.

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What kind of Gift?

2008-12-21T02:11:00.002-02:00

This global crisis could be a great lesson for us all. Many people are discovering new / old ways of living the Christmas's season without the consumption normally expected.
According some polls published by some experts in market tendencies, this year will be the worst in terms of sales in shopping malls in four decades. Such a situation could transform the Christmas celebrations around the world. People must be aware about the meaning of a feast where the most important thing is not necessarily give goods but became a gift to each other. Affection, deep commitment, comfortable messages is much more authentic than simply go to shopping and spend money to buy goods.
Express feelings of brotherhood is perhaps the greatest challenge of our times. And our God expressed it in a marvelous way. The true meaning of Christmas is the God's gift, pure and simple gesture to descends from heaven and meet us face to face. And choose, to our surprise, just a poor family, a humble woman and a silent man to be the earthly family of the divine child.
Today, when I look to the numerous victims of war, the dispute of power and the insensitivity showed by world leaders, I must remind the family of Jesus. They themselves were victims of exclusion and lived in bad times for their people. But, despite all adversities, they accepted to offer themselves as gift to God. And, trough Jesus, a gift to the world.
I would like to ask, as a final provocation in this message: what kind of gift that we are prepared to be this Christmas?

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Brazil: a serious concern on human rights related to prisioners

2008-12-09T22:58:00.005-02:00

A delegation from the Province of Brazil visited a state prison of Goiás last week as part of an overview about diaconal actions from the local community. Joined the visit the Primate, the Provincial Secretary, the local priest, a representative from USPG and a representative from the Roman Catholic Prison Pastoral.

It was a painful experience for all of us. We saw the bad situation of the infrastructure and the terrible conditions in what live the prisioners. Inhospitable conditions, unhealthy state, water infiltration in the building could be found besides other serious violations to the dignity of the prisoners. The visit was in one of the three blocks of the institution. We were recomended do not visit the others areas for safety reasons, acording the superintendent. At the block A we saw the prison overcrowding, with an unacceptable rate for up to six prisoners per individual cell.

The feeling I experienced was to be in a completely parallel world, isolated from the rules of dignity and human respect. The atmosphere was plenty of pain and fear. A permanent state of tension between state agents and prisioners, generating a high emotional stress, ready to explod any time.

We heard several complaints of maltreatment, violence, torture and the non-observance of relative rights to the prisoners. The food served in lunch time we saw in low-quality, cold and in low calorie level. Sometimes itens of the food is served in stale conditons.

The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, trough the local priest Revd. Elias Vergara, is member of a community council created to monitoring the the observance of respect for prisioners' constitutional rights and to guarantee that the appeals from them could be heard by authorities. This serious commitment is not ease to deal, especially in a society that stigmatize people who are in prison.

what we saw in Goiânia is only a small display of what we hear about others prisons around the whole country.

There were many years that I did not go to a penal institution. I went a few times when I was a practicing lawyer. But what I saw in Goiania was like a replay of a horror movie, with only one difference: new faces! The scenario is the same, the sadness is the same!

In this time of Advent the experience marked me deeply and I began to think on the Lord's answer to those who believed themselves as loyal followers: I was imprisoned and you do not visited me!

May God raise in our hearts the love for those who are stigmatized by theirs conditons as prisioners and pardon us for our insensitivity for those who are searching the opportunity for re-discovering the value of the truly freedom.

Wise words

2008-11-05T18:55:00.003-02:00

A Speech as statesman. This is in essence the analysis of the speech of President-elect Barack Obama before his followers last night.

Hope and Dialogue. Things rare in the Bush administration.Probably President Bush will turn to history as a President who chose the most expensive way to do what is expected of a great leader. Hard words and fire arguments. A disastrous combination that increased the antipathy against the United States and caused so much pain to so many people.

It is very important that a leader of state does not consider the owner of the destiny of the world.In the game of power, use it without wise may cause unpredictable consequences.

The era Obama will face major challenges. He certainly is not and will not be a super hero. It is only a man who has courage to take their dreams on. He will need support and wise counselors to overcome the present difficulties. The best way is dialog with other world leaders to find the path for peace and cooperation to overcome inequality and exclusion of 2 / 3 of the inhabitants of the world.
Despite not be an USA citizen, I offer my congratulations to you Obama for your election. My prayers will be with you. May you be full of patience and humility. Look at the world through the eyes of those who have suffered discrimination - as you - but instead of using weapons sowed tears for a better future!

Who is worried about who?

2008-10-23T09:56:00.002-02:00

The recent financial crisis in world markets called my attention to an issue that needs to be considered as one of the greatest weaknesses of our time.
It is what I call the (non) ethic of capitalism. At a time when the world and churches are working in find ways to support the fight against inequalities, is so sad to see leaders around the world find money to save financial institutions with an incredible amount of trillions of dollars. Certainly no one is interested in the break of the financial system with all consequences directly linked with people’s life.

We are not interest in improve the poverty of billions of workers around the world.

However, the basic question is: how is it possible governments have so much money to help the financial machine, exactly when the system affirms that States are becoming so reduced in economic power? Especially, after de breakdown of the socialism, the majority of thinkers affirmed strongly that there would be no more government intervention in the market economy. The actual crisis shows that another myth falls: the market is ruled by itself!

In every place in this world we have two categories of citizens: a little group that own beyond what is necessary and a larger group that has no what is absolutely necessary.

The Church is growing more and more about the need to implement the MDGs. The present crisis and the solutions for it that powerful people is looking for shows how we have a lack of political will to overcome inequalities.

It is a serious mistaken think that this crisis will be solved with spending trillions for banks. Many of those who lost with the crisis will try to recover their investments and will cause further problems such as recession, unemployment and indebtedness. Today is three, tomorrow more one and so on. The Leviathan (remembers Hobbes) is hungry!

A third of that money spent to save the financial system could ensure sanitation for the poor of the Latin American continent who lives in unhealthy areas.

The indaba must go on!

2008-08-04T05:46:00.005-03:00

The Conference arrived at its presential end.

The rain that was falling during the closing Eucharist celebration at Canterbury Cathedral was a signal of the sadness that Kent is experiencing about visitors going out soon.

All the work of Bible studies, the indaba groups , the sessions, must now be painted in a frame that will be the inspiration of the whole Church for the next decade.

Bishops and wives were the artisans of a colorful bedspread. I was located at Darwin College and in my bedroom we have a nice set of bed clothes, with differents colors, giving me a confortable visual sensation. My hope is that people continues to look for the Anglican Communion and feels confortable with its diversity.

From this Conference we'll bring advances and stepbacks. Advance en methodology. It was very effective to put people in the indaba process. Stepback in not consider - in a level as wished - some voices from those who are accused to betrayl the Comunion with their broader biblical and pastoral perspectives.

The final Reflections on Lambeth was result of a patient process of hearings and prayers. It is very honest in recognize that the Communion hasn't yet clear consensus on matters related to same sex issues. It predicts that a way of mutual conversation and respect is needed forward.

No decisions, no winners, no loosers. But a great deal: the indaba must go on!

Soonly, I hope to offer a more deep impressions on the Reflections on Lambeth. Now, I'm just looking trough the window of my bedroom and checking the bus arrriving to collect me!

See you soon!

No winners, no loosers!

2008-07-28T12:15:00.004-03:00

After two weeks of an intense program, the Lambeth Conference is waiting for a final period when all the discussions, plenaries, groups and indabas can point more accurately referrals we can expect will raise for the future of the Communion.
These referrals by multiform models will become its response both to internal and external audiences. As the Archbishop said at the opening address, this audience is so vast and anxious!
My experience these days here assures to me that the result of this Conference will frustrate those who are expecting a complete debacle of the Anglican Communion.
I was so impressed how some media representatives and GAFCON's spokespersons infiltrated at the Conference were working in provoke this terrible result.
The end of the Communion does not benefit anyone.
This Conference invited people to hear more than to talk. And this is the great goal that until now the gathering is achieving. It is so evident in testimonials given by bishops and spouses. Words as trust, deepening hearings, integrity in speeches, and very close sense of kind feelings are so repeatedly spoken and written.
Sometimes people are fast in prejudice without know accurately their enemies! I heard from Archbishop of Sudan an answer to a press media that represents the best example of what I'm saying: I never meet him personally! This was a response to the question: had you meet Gene Robinson before?
This is the mainly reason to some people fight sometimes with their own shadows. They have enemies that never had meet before. When we meet and hear each other we can find ways to not condemn others.
Many things could still happen in this Conference until its end, but surely many hearts were disarmed by frankly and trusty conversations. Those who not came by prejudice or fear loose the opportunity to be heard and listen to others. They preferred to continue struggling with their own shadows. Our hope is that still there is time to approach to the table!

Clouds over Lambeth?

2008-07-18T08:55:00.003-03:00

Since it started, the Conference has been an example of a quiet meeting involving successive sessions of celebration, reflection, sharing and hearing.
The heavy clouds for now are only those of the undecided British summer .
In a press news release, the Archbishop Rowan Williams reaffirmed his sadness with the absence of those who decided to boycott the conference. He expressed that the group who choiced stay away are loosing the opportunity to talk and to hear.
As a witness of the Conference I'm experiencing that beyond clouded sky we have beauty in Kent! Flowers, trees, birds and rabbits are crossing our ways within the campus.
The atmosphere seems that there is a strong communion between the more than 600 bishops who are joining the Conference. This is not guarantee that all are agreeing in everything, but all are agreeing in the indaba method.
Until Sunday the nature of the Conference will be more introspective with the five addresses that the Archbishop will deliver for his colleagues. I heard from a Brazilian bishop that he is so impressed with the atmosphere of communion. In this way, I can see that the previous opinion reveals that hope is surpassing fears.
I think this is a natural consequence of a rude statement that came from GAFCON. If the conservatives are convinced that their statement will cause more confusion, they underestimated the results. We can see more agreement than disagreement here in these days.
Surely the Conference will change for a more rooted discussions in actual thematics - some of them divisives - but certainly people who are here are expecting dialogs and not monologues!

Lambeth at the doors: a place for hear God's voice

2008-07-09T14:46:00.004-03:00

"I'm going with hope and apprehension !"

That phrase was said to me by one of our bishops who are on the way to the Lambeth Conference. It is a summary of the very real feeling of all bishops who will attend the first Conference of the 21st century, whose agenda will be marked by the pursuit of a better equipment for the mission. Every effort was made by the Design Group toward better facilitate the coexistence, the study and sharing of experiences among participants, thereby avoiding the character of plenary discussions and votes on divisive theological disputes.

Of course, present issues such as sexuality, environment, women in the episcopate, bioethics, among others will not be left aside. Facing this agenda is part of the challenge that the Church has to interact within the global society. What we hope in this Conference is a change of method and the spirit in which the reflection and the dialogue will be developed .
Certainly, Canterbury is not a place to find victory or defeat. There is not a place for express power and influence. There will not be a place to see who else occupies the spotlight.
We all, in every Province and every diocese around the world, are praying for our bishops. And wishing some very important attitudes from them: firstly, they must listen to the voice of the Spirit. Secondly, they must listen to the world and their pastoral needs. And thirdly they must listen to their own hearts in the presence of God. None of them is demanded to anticipate what each of them interprets about God's will. Canterbury must be a place for hear God's voice!
Usually, bishops tend to be very fast speakers. The charge demands. Statements, guidelines, opinions about everything are demanded from who have the role of supervision. This is part of episcopal ministry. That pressure, however can lead to a difficulty to hear. And therein lies greatest risk to the Church and for society. The risk to be talking about what is not being asked.
This conference is an opportunity to listen much more than to talk. Our prayers for all bishops who will be seeking the strengthening of their offices. Our hope is that the Anglican Communion do not need to become a map where you can see who is more or less orthodox. Our wish is that the Anglican Communion continues to be a beautiful mosaic of colors, sounds, smells and great humility to listen what God is trying to say us about his unconditional love for the humankind!

Women Bishops: Looking for the future!

2008-07-07T13:11:00.003-03:00

"We want to take hold of our future and we are gripped, paralyzed, by our past"

In his sermon yesterday, before an audience divided and shaken by the last debates at the CofE's General Synod, the Archbishop Rowan Williams told about future and past. I brought the above phrase to reflect about the tension that in this special moment of our Communion is putting bodies in different sides.
Within Church of England the debate is now around women episcopate. One of the most moving moments I lived was in 1994, at Bristol Cathedral, when the first 32 females priests were ordained in the church of England. I told in that time to BBC reporter, outside the Cathedral after the ceremony I was so happy and my comprehension were that Church of England was giving a magnificent step to be authentically inclusive. I was in that time studying at Selly Oak, Birmingham.
Normally debates on the issue of women ministry had been so hard trough times. Brazil was the first South America Church to approve women ordination to all three orders, in 1984. It was a very difficult process. Many people were so scandalized by the idea os a woman preside at the altar. Despite we have not yet a woman bishop - the legal permission exist since 24 years ago - we had candidates that were submitted to diocesan and synodical votes. About 20% of our clergy today is female.
We need to look forward to make advances in a comprehension of equality within the Church. Many people are so linked with a past of consecrated 'culture'. They remember to me as the Lot's wife that lost herself in becoming so bounded to what she left behind.
Many people are making this same way: bounded in a perspective of fear and traditionalism. The Church of England has the opportunity to experience what is still a reality: women are contributing for the people's growth and maturity!
England has historically a very prominent female role: remember Elizabeth I - her role in establish the bases of an inclusive church - and others courageous women who ruled this nation.
I pray for Church of England do not fail the occasion to have them leading the Church. Look for the future!

Confessing or Practicing?

2008-07-02T12:41:00.001-03:00

I remember from my lessons in History of the Church the impact caused in England by the so-called millennial petition movement made by non - conformist in the beginning of James I reign. At that time the non-conformist wanted to reform the church and transform it into an arm of continental Calvinist Protestantism.
The response gave by the king to petitioners at Hampton Court is now in my mind: I know very well you!

The king, of course was referring to those more radical puritans. Later, in his writings on his famous work Basilicon Doron he said that the puritans were sediciosos, who had no respect for authorities.

I see some parallels between contemporary puritans of James I and the movement today called FOCA - Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans. Obviously the first fruit of GAFCON Conference!

They want to build an Anglicanism under a puritan framework and likeness their self understanding of orthodoxy, ignoring our tradition and disrespecting violently all the institutions that historically were built for a effective church's witness. The disrepectful mention on the Archbishop of Canterbury is only a little signal that reveals where they want to go!

They hold the truth of everything and on everything. They are self-called reformers. They feel to be the truly church. All others need to repent and step back to what that are proposing.

At least, they are needing spiritual healing. Nobody self-centered can consider itself as a model of spirituality. Neither Archbishops, bishops, clergy or individuals beings.
Looking at the various statements that are made by the so-called liberals, I see none of them proudly to consider the truth as something they have closed in their hands.

The truth is always a search. There is no port where the truth arrived definitely. The truth is born in the wave of the Spirit that moves always challenging our own convictions. The truth is not an idea: it is fundamentally a praxis. Right confession of right comprehension on metaphysical dogmas is not sufficient to guarantee anything! Remember: The word was made flesh!
At the place of a FOCA I think we can propose another alternative: AWA - Anglicans who act!

The slogan for this group must be: Acting under the God's love to a World loved by Him!

At the head? Jesus only!

2008-06-30T14:16:00.004-03:00

"But emerging from the legacy of colonialism must mean a new co-operation of equals, not a simple reversal of power"

I just received from the Anglican Communion Office a response delivered by the Archbishop Rowan Williams on the GAFCON statement.
The phrase above represents a very appropriate comprehension on the central issue that is causing divisions and pain within the Communion. The affirmation about not reversal of power is so perspicuous. I have no doubt that the basic motivation that allowed people to create alternatives networks accusing others to be not orthodox is specifically a dispute to stay at the head.
As a communion we don't need to demonstrate who has the control. The table where disciples seat is a place for humility and comprehensiveness. The table is not a place for intolerance.
The ABC's response will make those - who has an open vision on the Church's role - feel so comforted.
The true spiritual life is not based only in words or theologies, but in concrete actions and concern with those who are at the periphery.
No one has absolute right to define the truth for others. All of us, together, need to be humble in find the best for us in Jesus' life and will.

God save Zimbabwe

2008-06-25T12:33:00.001-03:00

Is absolutely unacceptable for anyone in healthy conscience to see the escalation of violence that we saw in Zimbabwe. Threats, killings and injuries caused to people indiscriminately are part of a dramatic process of maintenance of a dictatorship leaded by Robert Mugabe.
When I visited that country ten years ago I could perceive the social inequality and exclusion of the vast majority of zimbabwans. For me, to see that poverty and disenchantment raised to me a question: to where was the dream of an Africa free of colonialism?

In that time I was visiting Harare as delegate of the WCC's Assembly. I remember that Mugabe visited us and made a speech marked by an empty populism and he was only concerned about the lights and cameras before him.
The world has witnessed a monstrous process of violence and disrespect of human rights that must be stopped strongly as possible.

My solidarity to all people of Zimbabwe. They can not suffer the consequences of dictator mentally ill.
The international society must do something. It is not enough just words or expressions of opinions. I have heard some statements from politicla leaders about.
We need concrete and legitimate actions to isolate Robert Mugabe. Most of his power comes from economic and militar support offered by allies. We must stop this dictatorship. Mugabe Mugabe must be ejected from power and tried for his infamous crimes against freedom and his people!

Brazilian church is destroyed and clergy is threatened in the diocese of Parana

2008-05-23T13:18:00.001-03:00

In an act of extreme violence, employees of powerful landowners destroyed, among other buildings, the chapel of an Episcopal Church at the Primeiros Passos Camp, located road side of the BR 369, near the city of Cascavel.

The invasion occurred in the early morning hours of May 08, with the participation of tractors, excavators, retro-excavators and weapons of large caliber.

The intimidation occurred in a context of serious tensions between landowners and social organizations. The Episcopal Church and fellow Christian’s churches are firmly defending and supporting the Movement of Landless People in the west of the Paraná state. The Episcopal priest in the area is the Revd. Luiz Carlos Gabas, and he is supporting the families in build a school(also destroyed at the attack) for children and the chapel. The chapel was planned to be dedicated on May 18 and was built with great effort by the whole community.

The destruction of the chapel becomes even more symbolic because it represents a clear message from landowners against the Church.
The Rev. Luiz Carlos Gabas has been suffering intimidation from great landowners as a consequence of his pastoral position in favor of the landless people. settlers camp with which holds a pastoral work recognized by the whole community. A group of 150 families are living in a settlement waiting for legalization of the area. After clear evidences that the Rev. Gabas suffered intimidation the State Commission on Human Rights inserted him into a program of witnesses’s protection.

Today the west of the state of Parana is mapped as one of the regions of greatest tension with regard to conflict of land. The IEAB has been firm in defending the rights and dignity of small rural workers and especially the landless which lives in sub-human conditions along the roads and land occupied.
Bishop D. Naudal Gomes, the diocesan of the Diocese of Curitiba, has offered wide support to his clergy and received from the Provincial House of Bishops strong solidarity through a motion approved and forwarded to the Secretariat of Public Security of Parana.
Our prayers and support are required for our brothers and sisters in that region. The fear of impunity and violence must be faced with solidarity and practical support.

For the people of the settlement and the Diocese of Curitiba is time to rebuild the Mission destroyed and to rebuild the self-confidence of the people.

Contacts and communications could be made with Provincial Secretary (fassis@ieab.org.br) or directly to the bishop Naudal Gomes at naudal@yahoo.com.br

Brazilian Bishops responds to the St Andrews's Draft of the Covenant

2008-04-28T18:54:00.001-03:00

During its last meeting in Curitiba, the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil generated an official response to the Anglican Covenant - St. Andrew's Draft. Such draft was sent to all Anglican Communion provinces, so they would examine it and send suggestions to it.

After a consultation process leaded by the Primatial Advisor group, a letter was presented before the Bishop's House and discussed and unanimously agreed.

Bellow you can read the full text. The original letter also could be found at www.ieab.org.br in the documents section.

Life in Communion and the Communion of Life

At our meeting of the House of Bishops , we, the bishops of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, , wish to say that we are following with great interest the work of the Commission, which is proposing to the Anglican Communion a Covenant whose objective would be to help overcome the current tensions within the church.

We appreciate the effort and sincere concern of this group and we recognize how their work has brought about important reflections on our nature as communion.

However, although acknowledging that commendable effort, we believe that our Communion does not need new instruments of consensus beyond those that historically have been our benchmarks in terms of identity.

We have diligently studied the second draft of the Covenant, known as the St Andrew’s Draft, and despite some new insights shown from the first reactions to the proposal coming from various parts of the Communion, according to our view, the proposition is still problematic.

Sections 05 and 06 in the new proposal focus on elements that we believe are unnecessary and inapplicable to our Communion. In the manner in which they are presented, they constitute a serious setback in the understanding of what is Communion, prioritising the juridical dimension more and less so the ecclesiological and affective dimensions that have been the historical mark of our mutual interdependence.

The Covenant continues to be a mistaken proposal for the resolution of conflicts through the creation of curial instances absolutely alien to our ethos.

We are fully convinced that the time in which we live is marked by symptoms that value highly the building up of networks and other manifestations of communion in a spontaneous way in the various aspects of human life. Insisting on a formal and juridical Covenant, with the logic of discipline and exercise of power, means to move in the opposite direction, thus returning to the days of Modernity, with its Confessions, Covenants, Diets and other rational instruments of theological consensus.

The nature of the Anglican Communion already has sufficient elements that both characterize and nurture it. This is the richness of our cultural and hermeneutical diversity that always creates the challenge of positive tension for us, which experienced in the exercise of dispersed and shared authority. We can not, however, allow it to be replaced by a legal, circumstantial instrument of political control.

Communion is never created and developed by the letter. The true communion is nurtured by the Spirit. The true communion is life. The paschal mystery that we live in this liturgical season is an unmistakable demonstration of what we need to re-affirm. Faith in the Risen Christ does not presuppose text, but rather an open heart and a humble faith. It was the event of the Resurrection and the affective perception of it that generated a Community, a Communion.
Thus, inspired by this liturgical season and aware of the richness of our Communion, we manifest the conviction that the Covenant is not an essential element to maintain or strengthen our Communion; on the contrary, it risks defacing it. Our history and the instruments we have are already sufficient to build unity from the richness of our diversity, in a continuous process of listening and mutual respect.

Curitiba, 04 April 2008.

The Most Revd. Maurício Andrade, Primate and Brasília

The Rt. Revd Almir dos Santos, Oeste

The Rt. Revd. Pereira Neves, Santa Maria-RS

The Rt.Revd. Orlando Santos de Oliveira, Porto Alegre, RS

The Rt. Revd. Celso Franco, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

The Rt. Revd. Naudal Alves Gomes, Curitiba, PR

The Rt. Revd. Sebastião Armando Gameleira Soares, Recife, PE

The Rt. Revd. Filadelfo de Oliveira Neto, Recife, PE

The Rt. Revd. Saulo Maurício de Barros, Belém, PA

The Rt. Revd. Renato da Cruz Raatz, Pelotas, RS

The Rt. Revd. Roger Bird-São Paulo, SP

The Rt. Revd. Clovis Erly Rodrigues, House of Bishop

The Rt. Revd. Luiz Osório Pires Prado, House of Bishop

The Rt. Revd. Glauco Soares de Lima, House of Bishop

Brazilians Bishops protests against Venables violation of Windsor Report

2008-04-09T12:01:00.001-03:00

A statement issued by Brazilian Bishop's House was delivered to all te Anglican Communion on the recent unauthorized visit within the Brazilian Province broking definetively the bounds between the two Provinces:

Bellow the complete statement.

Curitiba, April, 03, 2008.

To His Grace

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable

The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams

And to the Primates, Moderators of the United Churches, Bishops and to all the Faithful of the Anglican Communion

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil gathered in Curitiba unanimously express their strong repudiation of the recent visit by the Archbishop of the Southern Cone to the city of Recife, where he took part in and celebrated at official occasions outside his Province without the knowledge and consent of the Archbishop of the Province of Brazil and this House of Bishops.

This disrespectful and arrogant attitude against the Province of Brazil, is another element of discord caused by the Archbishop of the Province of the Southern Cone since the ecclesiastical court hearing and deposition of Robinson Cavalcanti. As it is known by all the Anglican Communion, Mr Cavalcanti was deposed through a lawful and canonical process due to his breaking of ordination vows.

The action of the Primate of the Southern Cone represents an attack on the pillars of the Anglican tradition, which include respect to Provincial autonomy and collegiality among the Primates of the Communion. Equally, this attitude, unheard of in the Communion, clearly contradicts the Windsor Report and the resolution by the last Primates meeting in Tanzania in February 2007.

The Primate of the Southern Cone has repeatedly violated those boundaries through official acts as he invites, receives and cares pastorally for the dissident clergy, bishops, communities and dioceses from other Provinces. This is also exemplified by what has been happening recently with our sister provinces of the United States and Canada.

What at the beginning of those regrettable events of the schism in Recife was seen as a pastoral care provision for the deposed bishop and those who followed him, has become a formal primatial reception of those deposed. It has also been transformed into unacceptable acts of primatial nature within the jurisdiction of our province.

We appeal to His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Primates of the Anglican Communion to consider this vehement protest by the Province of Brazil in order to avoid a serious rupture with our Anglican tradition.

The consequences of such unilateral and disrespectful gesture of Archbishop Gregory Venables to a sister Province represents a serious breach of the bonds of affection and loyalty, respect and interdependence in the Anglican Communion. Let us remember that arrogance has never been, and will never be, a wise companion for relationships!

Yours ever in Christ

++ Maurício Andrade

Primate

The power of Ressurrection: the only one!

2008-03-19T21:53:00.001-03:00

In this holy week all of us are invited to reflect on this antithesis: Cross and Resurrection, absolutely linked and interdependent.

As the Anglican Communion we have before us a chance to renew our vitality and our richness.
The journey of suffering caused by schisms and conflicts must have an end. The spending of money and words about orthodoxy have not changed the suffering world's face.
The world is still dominated by concentration of wealth, war and the destruction of the environment.
All pretensions of power must be crucified and buried. We must try to experience the uncontrollable force of the Resurrection, where old things are overcome and a new creation is shown in its fullness.
May this holy season and the sign of foot washing inspire us to be servants and not lords. May Jesus' witness teach us that both the certainty of Rome and the orthodoxy of tthe Jerusalem Temple are empty.
Our hearts need to be open to stay in silence awaiting the new creation!

Who will hear us?

2008-02-19T11:02:00.001-03:00

The Primate of Brazil, Most Revd. Mauricio Andrade made a statement addressed to the Anglican Communion on the recent letter from five Primates confirming the boycott to the Lambeth Conference.

In his declaration the Primate points the need to witness the unity of the Communion. As Anglicans we are not a Federation of Churches. If we continues to highlight the conflict between us, who will heara us?

The Archbishop also reaffirms the position of the Brazilian Church to understand that the Covenant is unnecessary because we must seek communion and not domination. In addition to that, our tradition is clearly defined in Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral.

To those who are seeking a more authentic orthodoxy

the Archbishop answers: orthodoxy in fact is nothing more than proclaiming the love of God who reconciles us with life, and abundant life.

He also expressed his recognition that the TEC has been very generous to fulfill everything that were asked by the Primates and other instances of the Communion. Despite this, some Primates are rejecting to stay in communion with it.

The complete text of the statement can be found at the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil at www.ieab.org.br

Two versions (english and portuguese could be find).

Solidarity for people in Illinois

2008-02-15T17:06:00.001-02:00

“God, record our lament, list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?” Psalm 56:8

Certainly there are not rational answers for what happened yesterday in Illinois Campus. We live in difficult times. These tragic events has been repeated so incomprehensible recently.

Only a strong emphasis in a peace culture could be a didactic way to avoid sudden violence against innocent people.

Policies of disarmament are so needed to be adopted by governments.

My heart is going to be with our brothers and sisters in Illinois. I pray for our beloved people at St. Paul's Episcopal Church who are trying to be supportive with families that are crying their pain.

Receive my prayers and solidarity. In such circunstances we can pray together as the psalmist did in the Psalm 56.

Truth, social justice and respect: a truly Trinity for politicians

2008-02-02T19:11:00.001-02:00

I would like to welcome an excellent article written by Richard T. Hughes in Episcopal Life on line dealing about the faith concerns that had been raised at the current presidential campaign in the USA.

This is particularly widespread in countries like United States or Brazil where the historical processes reveal that our societies were built under Christian values.

This reminds me some years ago a campaign led against the current Brazilian President Lula da Silva when he was candidate for first time at the presidential campaign. Some evangelical leaders spread rumours that Lula da Silva as leftist and atheist would close churches and expropriate its properties.

I read today that the candidate Barack Obama warned people about hoax e-mails they may get saying he's secretly a Muslim who might want to destroy the United States. Mitt Romney faces hostility from some evangelicals for being Mórmon. The prejudice against who aparently has no public appearance as a "good christian" is sponsored by conservatives, interfering in an agenda that could be emphasized in real proposals of government that the country needs to know.

The religious affiliation is, as unusual in previous presidential races, an issue raised in high level in the present campaign.

Here in Brazil as anywhere we have many examples of how Orthodox Christians were extremely bad leaders and have implemented policies absolutely contrary to christian values.

We must not forget that the military dictators in Brazil were all good Christians. We must not forget that the conservative moviment in America and Europe in the 80's were supported by reactionaries christians both protestant and roman.

War, lack of humility, the economic exploitation of the poor has been listed examples of nations and leaders who say themselves Christians and good Churchgoers.

A good candidate and potential good government is who has a clear commitment with another kind of Trinity: truth, social justice and respect for all citizens. This is the adequate criteria to evaluate candidates for rule the nation.

Christ to all people and cultures

2008-01-07T23:41:00.001-02:00

"Adorazione dei Magi" (XV sec.) - Domenico Ghirlandaio Spedale degli Innocenti - Firenze.

After a deserved retreat to celebrate Christmas and New Year with friends and away from the routine of Office, I'm returning again inspired by the manifestation of Christ to the world, as we celebrate in this season of the Epiphany.

In it, the presence of the Magi before the boy and his offer of worship is a clear assertion that other people and cultures are welcome to the presence of Christ. God by himself, revealed to these men from the East that the odd phenomenon of the Incarnation occurred.
This is a clear message that the divine revelation does not depend only on us but that is manifested despite us!

The scene of the visit of the Magi is eschatological. Joining hearts and wishes before the incarnate God we find the cosmos, all cultures, all genders, all social classes, and all celestial powers.

Who are we to destroy this harmony? How can we stop or overcome this synchronism?

Our commitment as Christians is proclaim the reconciliation between all people. Our mission is build within the concreteness of history the epiphanic painting.

Behave differently or create more and more gaps between cultures and people is act against the God's will.

Unfortunately while writing this post i saw in a British newspaper an article from bishop Michael Nazir-Ali about Muslims ghettoes in Britain. Many reactions from British Muslim community came out. My question to the bishop is: are you aware that your article would be published in the Sunday of Epiphany?

The risk of Hybris: Anglicans who consider themselves as fully right!

2007-12-18T07:49:00.001-02:00

Many analyses have been made on the current crisis within the Anglican Communion, which increasingly is issuing in schisms in many parts of the Communion.

Generally they refer to theological matters referring to the differences in hermeneutics as the main cause of tensions, especially related to what the Bible says about sexual behavior. That is true.

In the view of others, the central issue is related to power. Power to try and show that the truth is owned by those who define themselves as defenders of the true faith. This is also true.

But I would add a new aspect in these analyses: the inflation of the self or, in Greek, HYBRIS.

People who consider themselves as model of faith sometimes forget completely the community dimension, the collegiality and humility before others.

They often underestimate the weight of institutions, canons, hierarchy, obedience -- everything that might mean a limit to their convictions.

The path that many Anglicans are choosing today is the dangerous path of spiritual pride.

Do you remember the path of Peter? He said that he never would betray the Lord. And we all know what happened. Thank God, there is always the chance of forgiveness, but only after purification of the ego and the destruction of Hybris.

There is an Indian proverb that says the following: when we speak so loud we are distant from our hearts and from our brothers’ heart. This is a way of saying that those who shout are living in a state of Hybris. For them there is no dialogue, but monologues.
But in fact, no one can be considered the true owner of truth. The truth belongs to God.

I hope that those who today are breaking the communion and going out from the table will experience the Peter’s path

For the wellbeing of the Anglican Communion and for the growth of our maturity!

Brazilian Bishop is fasting for River São Francisco

2007-12-07T15:15:00.001-02:00

"Therefore, I restart my fasting and pray. And I only will stop it with the withdrawl of the army from the construction site of the diversion project at the north and the east canals and with the final suspension of the São Francisco River diversion project. There is no other alternative". D. Luiz Cappio in a letter to the President Lula

For second time a roman catholic bishop in Barra, state of BA started a fasting in defense of the river São Francisco. In a midst of a great controversy involving the project for implementation of the river, the bishop start two years ago a fasting. After negotiations with governamental representatives that promised suspend the project and discuss it with social representations, the bishop stopped his first fasting.

Now, with the lack of agreement between government and popular sectors, the work of implementation has started, even with the presence of military troops.

The Archbishop Mauricio Andrade and brazilians anglicans bishops is joining others churches ecumenically for support very strongly the bishop Cappio and are requesting governamental authorities to stop the project and discuss it with environmentalists, little farmers and people alongside the river.

The project in course will cause damage to the environment and will promote and benefit a small part of the population, especially the sectors related to agri-business.

We ask as brazilians anglicans to our fellow brothers and sisters to support this initiative from a fellow christian leader that is resolutely decided to fasting until the government stop the project.

I sent t my fellows Provincial Secretaries a letter stated by the CONIC - National Council of Christian Churches aupporting bishop Cappio initiative.

We must support the gesture of a christian who is identified with the preservation of nature and is offering his own life to ensure that the interests of big companies and their desire for profits did not prevail.

An english version of a letter of support is available at http://www.petitiononline.com/dcappio/petition.html

The Episcopal Anglican Chruch of Brazil is also trough the Provincial Office ready to offer any more clarification on that.

A humble and wise response from Church of Ireland

2007-11-29T15:21:00.001-02:00

On that day you will not be put to shame
       for all the wrongs you have done to me,
       because I will remove from this city
       those who rejoice in their pride.
       Never again will you be haughty
       on my holy hill.

Zephaniah 3:11

I just read a statement from Church of Ireland responding about the proposed Anglican Covenant.

The answer was given by a proposal of a new Covenant, in which appear noticeably some of our more traditional marks as Anglican Communion.
Above all, I enjoyed the reassurance of inclusiviness and the provincial autonomy as values inextricabel linked our history. The document affirms that Scriptures need to be read under the evolution of the human needs. This assertion constitutes a vehement no to those who are attempt to build a narrow doctrinaire Covenant for specific purpose of exercising control over the Church.

This very sensible statement moved me to reflect about the today's biblical text at the morning prayer through the prophet Zephaniah. He affirms that the arrogance will be banished from the Kingdom. Instead of it will take place the humble brotherhood. In Zion there is no place for the those who considers themselves self-confident of its fidelity before God.

The doctrinaire dispute within our Communion - enlarged now by a dispute of ecclesiastical territories - makes me feel very unhappy. What is exactly the aim of the conservatives? It seems to me a representation of that dog's psychology of mark territories as a essence of their social relashionship.

Conquer new followers and define a new anglican geopolitics became a fix idea of the conservatives. The most important for them is show that they are right and they will win.

The Southern Cone Province repeats once again the committed mistake against the Province of Brazil two years ago. The decision to open arms to welcome those discontents and those who are breaking communion with their original Provinces is so much arrogant.
The today's reading from the prophet is an alert that must help us to reflect on our divisions and arrogance. We don't need to live our faith as a continuos battle. There are no battles to be won. If we walk in this path, all of us will lose!

Brazilians Churches agree on mutual recognition of Baptism

2007-11-23T12:37:00.001-02:00

In a very moving celebration at the Mosteiro de São Bento, São Paulo, Brazil, the Roman Catholic Church, The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil, the Presbiterian United Church and the Sirian Orthodox Church signed a document recognizing mutually the administration of the sacrament of Baptism.

This agreement was a result of many years of dialogue and advance of a more closer relashionship between these Churches trough the National Council of Christian Churches (CONIC).

The signature took place at the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the CONIC, last week, precisely at 15th november. More than 400 people witnessed the celebration.

At the document, the churches agree that " the baptism instituted by Christ is fundamentally a free gift of God, linking the baptized with the death and Christ's ressurection for sins pardon and new life".

Also, the Churches "accept the Baptism as basic link of the unity that is given by the faith in the same Lord"

The Documnet affirms that "with this agreement are excluded the possibility of re-baptism in case of a believer change from one church to another fellow church"

This mutual recognition was well received in ecumenical circles, especially within the World Council of Churches. This is the first time that the mutual acceptance of baptism is insituted by a multilateral agreement, including the Roman Catholic Church.

The document was signed by the Right Revd. Geraldo Lyrio (Roman Catholic Church), The Most Revd Mauricio Andrade (Episcopal Angican Church of Brazil), Pastor President Walter Altmann (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil), Pastor Moderator Manoel de Souza Miranda (Presbyterian United Church of Brazil) and Mons. Antônio Nakkoudda (Sirian Orthodox Antioch Church).

Martin Luther: Sorry for that!

2007-11-11T23:33:00.000-02:00

In the last days I saw a variety of declarations delivered by a group of conservative Primates and theologians within the Anglican Communion. In one of these declarations, the Archbishop Akinola compared the current crisis inside the Communion with the context of Reformation. Adding more color on his statement he invoked the image of Luther to say that the conservative group faces the same challenges and needs to embody the same struggle and values defended by the German reformer.
In my opinion, this comparison is absolutely out of context. And surely for Luther's demerit!
I would like to point at least two reasons for justify as it is unhappy this comparison:
1. Luther fought against obscurantism - One of the main postulates of the Reform was exactly overcome the monopoly of the biblical interpretation by Church chiefs. The Bible was, according to Luther, important element to faith enrichment and the Church laymen owed themselves free access to Scriptures. Each believer has the right to exercise – by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - the gift to interpret the Scriptures and applies her in the personal life, sharing it in the community of faith. The Bible for people represented the hermeneutical upgrade that the Reformation caused for overcome official exclusive interpretations. This step was so important to eliminate the maintenance of dogmatism, fear, and the unique thought.
2. Luther fought against authoritarianism - The power vector inside church was concentrated on Rome who ruled every matter in spiritual and secular fields. The conception of the divine power in its association with the infallibility were quite untouchable. There was not at least an idea of local Church in which, some autonomy and cultural particularities could respected. The role of the laity was absolutely disregarded. The Reformation contributes to give a more ecclesial perspective for Church, restoring the common priesthood of all believers.
Contradictions
What we see today trough the ecclesiology defended by the conservative wing of the Communion is exactly the postulates for return to the authoritarianism and obscurantism.
The God’s Word is seen as a habits norm, moralist rule and untouchable. No one can apply other hermeneutic criteria. NO dialogue with Science, History or the life of believers. The Word of God does not talk with us, neither with our needs.
The second contradiction is the concentration of power. For result, I already affirmed previously, the matter belongs to centralization of power. Is the effort to impose a conservative hegemony who defines what it is right and what is wrong. Maintenance of dependence is the best way to manipulate consciences. A faith that can have no doubt.
The conservatives wish not an ecclesia (in the NT sense) but a sect, where the chiefs know the truth, detains the secret of the sacred deposit and imposes such mysteries to his followers.
The Anglican tradition has its roots also in the Reformation Movement. Scriptures as Frederic Maurice said, was not the last Word of God, but a start point that asks us, our life, and our reason to find the freedom. The Reformation was a fresh wave that brought to society a new scope of values, restoring the faith as a lived experience starting from inside, from the personal experience.
In this way, the comparison with Luther that some conservatives tried to do is quite offensive to the Luther’s memory. Sorry for that!

Dearborn: a nice fellowship!

2007-11-01T02:51:00.000-02:00

One week of rich talks with fellows from around the world and brothers and sisters from TEC. It was an opportunity to share common concerns on our mission as partner’s churches.
The meetings of the Executive Council and the Standing Committee on World Mission were shared at Hyatt Hotel in Dearborn, MI, in a midst of a very hard agenda but at the same time full of hopes and courageous decisions.
Warm welcomes were addressed to the representatives from Philippines, Mexico, Iglesia Episcopal Anglicana de Centro América, Liberia and Brasil. From each of these sisters churches were heard summarized reports on their emancipations processes, their commitment with justice and peace issues and theirs actual challenges. Every address was heard with heartfelt attitude.
After 25 years of the decennial plan for autonomy, it was the first time that a Primate from Brazil and the Provincial Secretary were invited to attend the TEC’s Executive Council Meeting. This invitation, as the Archbishop Mauricio Andrade pointed, is a clear signal of maturity and a historical moment between both churches.
The common understanding that IEAB and ECUSA has the same commitment with Baptismal Covenant and could exchange gifts and dreams is a solid foundation for look forward.
The Primates of Mexico and IARCA also had the opportunity to reinforce the idea of a coalition of Provinces in America, searching for more close relationships and a more effective presence at this large continent. Poverty, exclusion, natural disasters and many others challenges asks for a Church really concerned and able to respond firmly trough the mandate of the Gospel.
Summarizing these recent events at Dearborn, I can say that we were sitting at a same table, welcoming everyone to share histories and dreams. All of us were strengthened in our awareness of collegiality. All of us shared the sacrament that we are to one another as part of the same body. As I pointed at the SCWM, we need to be more than brothers and sisters. We need become angels to one another.
Many thanks to the Presiding Bishop Katharine Schori for invite our Provinces. Many thanks to the EC and the SCWM for hear us carefully. Many thanks to our brothers from Mexico, Liberia, Philippines and IARCA for their so inspirational reports.
Finally, this gathering could be a solid step for a exciting journey within the Communion!

Lambeth: ecclesial or ecclesiastical?

2007-10-16T18:13:00.000-02:00

I read an interesting post from Bishop Allan Wilson, bishop of Buckingham, Oxford commenting on his intent to go to Lambeth.

In very nice style, his comment could be read by all bishops around the world that are going to the Conference. No one needs to be armed and worried about who will seat in front of or side by side during the meeting.

If each bishop is carrying the diversity of the diocesan church, every one needs to think that - despite theological conflicts within the Communion - all are invited to close their mouths and hear the God’s voice.

Really, Lambeth could be an opportunity to confess and prayer on intolerance as the debate was managed until now. The criterion to be adopted is that every Christian – not only bishops – needs to re-evaluate how is exercising their baptismal vows.

I just came from a meeting with priests, deacons and lay ministers from some dioceses in my Province. There we discussed profoundly the nature and responsibility of ministry. We spent some private time to read the ordinal. And after this very reflexive moment, all of us shared a celebration and a personal witness. The most frequent feeling in the common sharing was: we didn’t realize all vows and we need the continuous love and God’ care to stay stand and do what is required from us.

Power, proud, selfishness, intolerance, ..etc are very hard obstacles to be overcame. We need to hear more our people and their authentic needs. They are searching for care and love and not for pharisaic ethics.

I pray for each bishop that is going to Lambeth to spent time asking to themselves: where my weakness lives? How can I look for help from my fellows to overcome it? Where my strength lives? How I’m ready to help my fellows to find in it a way to overcome their weakness?

I think that if the spirit of Lambeth is strength all bishops to exercise in a most visible way their oversight ministry, the best way to find this aim is arriving there not as powerful ecclesiastical representatives but as humble God’s children. As an ecclesial journey and not an eclesiatical meeting.

Who needs rulers?

2007-09-23T23:29:00.000-03:00

I read with profound gratitude the document released by a group of American bishops entitled The Constitutional Crisis and addressed to the House of Bishops gathered in New Orleans.

This statement written from a constitutional and canonical perspective raises very important issues on the actual debate within the Communion. The struggle from constitutional reformers is establish a kind of international rule for the whole communion guarantying a superlative legal instance that defines what is or not is Anglican in essence.

Many of those who defend the Covenant – a body of principles as a standard of faith and legal compromise between provinces – are inspired by a willingness to overcome theological differences. The Covenant as proposed until now is raising many reactions from around the worldwide Communion as a threat to its inclusiveness built trough centuries.

As the Archbishop of Wales told recently: ‘The indications now are that many see it as a contract, a means of ensuring a uniform view on human sexuality enforceable by the threat of exclusion from the Communion if one does not conform. I certainly do not want to sign up to that kind of Covenant.’

We need only a kind of Covenant. Each Christian is sealed in Baptismal liturgy to be a signal of love, peace and justice, continuing the ministry of Jesus. Each Christian is demanded to share body and blood to transform the world in a place where all humankind feel the presence of God. Each Christian is invited to promote the inclusion of all excluded to the great Lord’s banquet.

Trough the times, Anglicanism built a very solid non written constitution as the Bishops’ Document affirms. The Anglican Communion evolution traced quite parallel process of decolonization and creation of political autonomy within international society. The establishment of Provinces with their own canonical laws and self determination transform the Anglican Church in a very spread body o f people living in faith and respecting all the cultural diversities where they are placed. This complex mosaic remaining in communion with no need to have anyone or any instance to rule vertically theirs steps. Differences were managed with comprehensiveness and dialogue.

The instruments of unity gradually established: Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Conference, Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates’ Meeting never were seen as canonical rulers with authority to exclude anyone. The links were more heartfelt that legal. Collegiality and the shared authority were a common and truly accepted spirit of communion.

The crisis raised in our current context because some Anglicans lost their sense of collegiality. This sense will never be surpassed for any kind of proposed covenant. Thus, I agree with the statement published and I hope that its wise approach on the theme will inspire us in these difficult days.

Change and light: the nature of Mission

2007-09-12T15:30:00.000-03:00

I was reading the news on Bonnie Anderson’s trip to Forth Worth. Her support for those who are experiencing difficult times within their diocese is a sign of hope. I’m happy her efforts have strengthened those who understand mission as openness to change the world and themselves.

The strong reactions to her visit by the Diocesan establishment seems to evidence how the theological conflict is overshadowing those who see maintenance of power as the final truth.

As a foreign partner I need to say that I don’t like to reinforce conflict. I respect profoundly the autonomy of each instance within the communion – this is a standard of our tradition. In this way I have no right to make any judgment on the statement made by the diocesan bishop. He has his right to have his own understanding of the right path for his diocese.

What I want to say is that I can’t conceive of Mission without movement. The Way of Jesus is a way of constant movement. Movement from a Jewish background toward a broad perspective. As the Canaanite woman said to him at the event of her possessed daughter, the dogs wait for the crumbs that fall from the table, and Jesus blessed her.
The great richness of a hermeneutic approach to God’s will is to have eyes and ears open to all human needs.

Every baptized person is obligated to be the light of the world. And when there is light, all that is hidden is revealed. Poverty, war, misuse of the environment, exclusion and discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, and racism are sad marks of our times. Against these marks the Church needs to act courageously and adopt a positive agenda.

My many thanks to Bonnie in her effort to share thoughts and words in a way to lend more confidence and awareness to our ministry as members of Body of Christ. Her actions are expected of her not only because she is a Church leader but also because she is a baptized person.

Impressions from Hong Kong

2007-08-29T00:47:00.000-03:00

My debut as a member of this important body within our Communion is giving me greater awareness on the diversity of our church.

The Church in Hong Kong received us all with a warmest feeling of hospitality. Kindness and promptness in offer to us a very organized event looking for everything that make us touched for their witness as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The first thing I would like to point is the important fact that we can stay together with a large difference of roles and Provincial styles related to the job of a Provincial Secretary. This makes the event even more exciting in way to offer rich approaches.

Beyond that, is clear that this three yearly meeting permits every Provincial Secretary to update its own comprehension on the dynamic and changeable context of our Communion.

The Hong Kong’s Conference is offering a singular opportunity to show how as Provincial Secretaries we can contribute for more inter-dependence between our Provinces in terms of strengthens and weakness that each of it has.

This interdependence has been raised more during this Conference trough a daily sharing of word and sacrament. At the table we are all so little children before our God.

We are different in many ways: theology, culture, making-decisions experiences, etc. but this difference is not a problem. In contrast it helps us to hear one another with love, humble attitude and openness of mind.

May God bless our meeting and inspires all of us to build more and more close relationships that enables our Communion to be relevant in a world that ask us as Christians to be more effectively in our mission!

Missionary District of the West: a frontier to be strongly supported!

2007-08-14T02:27:00.000-03:00

My visit to the Missionary District of West was a magnificent experience. It was my first contact with this part of Brazil. And my first visit as Provincial Secretary to this jurisdiction under provincial responsibilities. The state of Rondônia - part that I visited - has all the proper contradictions of our rich country. Natural beauties, with its surrounded rivers and igarapés of a equatorial forest threatened to each day for the voracious deforestation.
A contradictory society built to generate few people rich and exploring the environment. And in the opposite side the majority does not have access to basic public services, such as education and health.
A region where the violence against children and teenagers is raising to an unexpected level. Years and years of pure control by egoistic elites generate an enormous will of transformation from the excluded population.
Voices to defend the dispossessed ones are few. Between these voices we have the Church. Our Church in Rondônia and in Mato Grosso is quite small but it has conquered a great respect. Two Parishes and two Missions with simple people but strong in faith in witch they had found in the reason to fight for a worthy life. Some are laborers not specialized. Others are landless people. Others still survive as mine excavators and others still are small producers of subsistence agriculture.
But I saw in all faces a deep sense of solidarity. And much joy. I had the chance to visit the houses of some parishioners and I feel authentic simplicity.

At the same time I felt in all of them the lack of the necessary minimum for a worthy life.
The pastoral leadership of the area faces, however some enormous difficulties. The first one of it is of the geographical distances. The distance from Ariquemes to Campo Verde, between the two parishes is 1.330 km.
Another enormous challenge is the need of ministers. In spite of the zealous effort of the Bishop, D. Almir Santos and of two priests Revdos. Hugo Sanches and Paulo Tamaki, the District needs more pastoral leadership.
In the area that I visited it has a lay-minister and a woman is preparing to became a new lay-minister next october. Both desire to be ordained to the diaconate. But they face the difficulty of theological formation. The seminaries of our Province Church (Recife and Porto Alegre) is so far to them (thousands kilometers) and in spite the possibility of providing long-distance courses the costs are so high in an area where the salaries of workers are commonly about 200 USD.
Is an authentic miracle to see a Church that in spite of all challenges is a living Church.
The Church grows and gains visibility against the whole society. The work with the landless people and the children education is two fronts is recognized as a clear witness.
The anglican presence in the region represents for many people the certainty of a Church compromised to Justice and the Environment. Two sufficiently absent values in a dominated land years by years for the patronage in the past and actually for unscrupulous wood explorers and agribusiness companies. Explore the forest and contaminate waters are the great threat for this region as the whole Amazon region in Brazil. It is necessary to give hope to a people who are strongly determinate in living the Gospel’s marks.
It is in our hands the responsibility to contribute for strengthen these values in that part of our Anglican Church. There, I saw people truly aware of their baptismal convenant. And, for instance we can not leave they feel alone!

The show must go on!

2007-08-01T00:01:00.000-03:00

Dears Friends

In the last 30 days I lived the dubiousness of feelings around life and the death through the illness and the final travel of my beloved father to the other side of the river.
In all these moments I received from many friends the affection and the certainty that the final Word of God is: the show must go on, paraphrasing the famous song interpreted by Fred Mercury.
Yes, the show must go on because this is the expressed wish from those that leaves the scene of history to share the eternity in faith.
Thus, keeping in mind and heart the firmness showed by my father for many years during his earthly life, I feel myself comforted and ready to say as Job: I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
My deepest thanks to all my friends and colleagues that shared with me this experience. I know that many of others did not hear about my father’s death but were so kind with me during his illness. Such solidarity deepened my faith and my commitment with the life.
I'm ready to start again to share the dream of a World according the God’s dreams!

Primate of Brazil delivers message of solidarity facing tragedy in São Paulo

2007-07-19T14:18:00.000-03:00

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121 1-2

We are now in a moment of extremely pain, a moment of sadness, Brazil is crying because the accident of the airplane from TAM Airlines, flight number 3054.

We want to express our feelings to all the relatives and friends of the victims in this horrible accident, praying to God that they may all be console and that their hope in resurrection may be renewed as the Bible says: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rules, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Romans 8:38-39.

I ask everyone to pray together for the relatives, for the friends, so that God – in all His mercy and kindness – embrace each one of them with His love, so they may be strengthen by His Grace.

With all my love and feelings,

The Most Reverend Maurício Andrade
Primate Bishop of Brazil
Diocesan Bishop of Brasília.

Statement from Latin América and Caribbean Anglicans Bishops

2007-05-30T14:53:00.000-03:00

Recently gathered in San José, Costa Rica, Latin America and Caribbean Anglican Bishops signed a Statement in which some of the more important points that characterize the anglican tradition were reaffirmed.
Among them I point some highlights of this Statement below:

We exhorted our Communion to preserve its partaking nature, diversified, wide and inclusive, characteristics that we consider essential to our Tradition and that constitute our main contribution to the Christian tradition.

......

At our meeting fellowship, we perceived that we defend different positions on the issues that today are discussed within our Communion. However, we also experienced our plurality and diversity like wealth and growth sources, and not as controversy and division causes.

......

We invite all our brothers and sisters in the bishopric, as well as to all the clergy members and lay people that are identified with this vision, to unite us to work indeed by the reconciliation, interdependence and unit in the diversity in our faith family, and thus to preserve the valuable legacy of which we are trustees and guardians.

This Statement constitutes in an innequivocal call to the whole Communion to overcome the intolerance and rediscover the richness of our diversity. Distinct perceptions concerning the human sexuality are not essential to define who is or not ortodox. We cannot let the fundamentalism destroy the Spirit - who is dynamic and updates every time and every generation the God's project for the world.
The Anglican Communion survival - if it still exists - will depend on our capacity of recovering the unity in the diversity. We are responsible in continue Jesus's ministry who always welcomed all people. We need remind that orthodoxy became the biggest opponent of Jesus de Nazaré and the fundamentalism condemned it!

Lambeth 2008 under risk

2007-05-23T16:20:00.000-03:00

The Lambeth Palace's invitation to the next Conference revealed that the Archbishop of Canterbury chooses a very difficult way to deal the conflict within the Anglican Communion.
The purpose of not invite what the Archbishop Williams understand as the extreme sides within the theological debates, would be a political deal or a ‘salomonic’ way to overcome constraints during the gathering next 2008 Conference. One of the not invited bishops to Lambeth is Gene Robinson. Acting as stated, the ABC is causing very strong reactions and putting the Conference under incertainty.
Especially because those who are reacting are raising some canonical and theological principals concerned on the comprehension about the Episcopate as is understood in the Anglican tradition.
The order of episcopate – in the Anglican tradition - is legitimate by the idea of communion. A bishop is consecrated after previous procedures that include being in communion with local diocese, national or provincial legitimating recognition and these instances in clear communion with Canterbury.
Bishop Gene Robinson is a legitimate bishop elected, consecrated and is member from a Province that is in full communion with Canterbury. And his episcopate – as the order itself – is shared in collegiality with all others bishops within the Episcopal Church. A Bishop do not exists by him or herself. The order is not a personal property but is owned by the Church. In this way, only if a bishop is under certain disciplinary condition stated by the Province, his legitimacy could be in question.
If the ABC has the challenge to maintain the whole Communion united, and this is gradually more and more difficult for him, on the other side he can’t exclude any bishop around the Communion to attend Lambeth 2008. Exclude Gene Robinson is a great risk to cause more and more division. The argument that Lambeth is a personal invitation of the Archbishop and, for instance, he has the right to invite who he understand as adequate sounds not well.
The scenery of the next Conference may become very difficult to deal if bishops around the world understand the exclusion of Gene as offensive to the collegiality that Lambeth itself is the signal more visible within the Communion!
I’m so worried about the risk of great loses of legitimacy of the next Lambeth 2008.
We need to pray for wisdom and patience that is expected from Lambeth Palace.