What does this bizarre affair better exemplify? The lack of credibility of Church leaders who refuse to face up to the pro-death organizations, but want Catholics to take a stand in a matter of environmental policy which is perfectly debatable? The unstoppable powers of Episcopal Conferences and their out-of control bureaucrats?
The upper echelons of the Brazilian Catholic Church have decided to lend their support to Bishop Luiz Cappio, who is on hunger strike against the diversion of water from the Sao Francisco river, after the government confirmed it would go ahead with the project.
The authorities argue that the work is essential to provide water for millions of poor people in the semi-arid northeast, the country’s poorest region.
The decision by the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) was announced after a meeting between high-ranking Church representatives and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who told them that the project would continue, and that it was the Church’s own responsibility to intercede with Cappio to give up his fast, which he began on Nov. 27.
Instead, the CNBB decided to throw its weight behind Cappio, 61, a member of the Franciscan order and bishop of the diocese of Barra, in the northeastern state of Bahia.
The CNBB issued a communiqué calling on all Christians to join Dom Cappio in fasting and prayer, for his life and his health, and in solidarity with the cause he is defending.
And will the Holy See just stand by?
____________________________In the picture: Bishop Cappio, who seems to have put his Franciscan habit back on for his hunger strike stunt.
