News-Letter  Nr. 409

CNBB reaffirms its commitment to Indigenous Peoples

The document released yesterday, entitled "Brazil: 500 Years of Dialogue and Hope," marks the end of the 38th General Assembly of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). The Catholic Bishops reaffirmed their firm commitment to the indigenous cause. The document, which seeks to rethink the past and examine current and future challenges, underscores that "for the church to be loyal to our Lord Jesus Christ, it needs to be at the service of men and women, especially the weak, particularly when human dignity is threatened. All that which effects human beings also effects the Church." Hence the Bishops touch on important issues such as the struggle of the poor, African Brazilians, and indigenous peoples.

With regard to indigenous peoples, the CNBB mentioned the wounds inflicted by colonization, which enslaved and exterminated several indigenous peoples through social and cultural dismantling, wars, diseases, and massacres. The role of the missionaries is underscored as the Bishops reaffirm their plea for forgiveness for the errors committed by Christians, for "all that which was objectively against the Gospel and gravely damaged the human dignity of many of our brothers and sisters." For the CNBB, the Church's defense of the poor and marginalized sectors of society reflects its full awareness of their rights that were denied: "This poor population, along with the indigenous people and African Brazilians, is owed an immense social debt accumulated throughout the centuries as our nation was forged."

Motion condemns violence

Yesterday, the 38th Assembly approved the motion condemning the "grave and arbitrary violence" committed against indigenous people and others who took part in a peaceful protest in Santa Cruz de Cabr lia, in Bahia. The Catholic Bishops expressed their commitment to support the demands set forth by the Indigenous Conference held in Coroa Vermelha from April 18th to 22nd, especially the quick demarcation of indigenous lands and cancellation of Decree n. 1,775/96 - which regulates the administrative procedure for the demarcation of indigenous lands. They also demanded that the National Congress ratify the Statute of Indigenous Peoples and uphold the federal government's responsibility to assist the indigenous cause. In this regard, the Bishops condemned the government's attempts to transfer to the states, municipalities, and private organizations its constitutional obligation to provide assistance, such as healthcare, to indigenous peoples.

Truká people demand that the government does its part

The Truká people had to threaten to knock down other electrical energy towers for the federal government to begin talks. The Trukas' combative spirit stands in stark contrast to the federal government's insensitivity in the face of the country's social problems. On April 25th, the Truká knocked down an energy transmission tower. They were outraged at the violence committed by the Bahia Police Department against the indigenous protesters and their allies. They demand the legalization of the indigenous land and a public statement by the President of the Republic condemning the act of violence.

On Tuesday, May 2nd in Cabrobá, Pernambuco a meeting was held between the new Justice Minister, José Gregori, and representatives from the Military - linked to the Presidency - as well as representatives from the Justice Ministry, Attorney General's Office, and municipal authorities from the region, who promised to resolve the problem in Brasilia. In exchange, they asked that the community allow the tower to be rebuilt. Permission was granted with the condition that compensation be paid to the 33 squatters who have already been removed from the land by the indigenous people. The compensations are estimated at 2.9 million Reais.

Brasília, 4 May 2000.
Indianist Missionary Council - Cimi





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