Bishops in Mato Grosso do Sul condemn violence against Guarani Kaiowá communities

The presidency of the West 1 Regional of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil issued a public note expressing indignation regarding recent reports of violence and threats against indigenous peoples in Mato Grosso do Sul. The bishops specifically cited attacks against Guarani Kaiowá communities.

The regional presidency called on the Brazilian state and various authorities, including the Federal Public Ministry, the Federal Police, the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples, and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, to conduct rigorous and fast investigations into reported assassination attempts, threats, and intimidations. The bishops requested immediate protective measures to safeguard the physical and psychological integrity of these populations within their territories.

In the statement, the bishops referenced the teachings of Pope Francis in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, noting that the cries of the earth and the poor are interconnected. They stated that the dignity of the human person is inviolable and should not be compromised by political or economic interests. The note also called on faith communities and society in Mato Grosso do Sul to reject hate speech.