Over 1,000 indigenous people continue to protest peacefully outside the court in Brasilia, at great personal cost. Through local and international solidarity, some food is being provided to them – they represent over 900,000 indigenous voices showing incredible resilience.
In London, a demonstration organised by CAFOD, Amazon Rebellion, Brazil Matters, Greenpeace, Parents for the Future and Survival International, in solidarity with the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples in Brazil (APIB), took place to oppose the ruling and call for indigenous rights to be guaranteed.
On 2 September, arguments were heard by those opposing the land repossession and, in a surprising turn of events, the Attorney General made a speech in which he appeared to oppose the marco temporal. Whilst APIB lawyers still need to evaluate the content of that speech, it seems, for now, to be a first victory of the indigenous peoples.
The court case will continue on 8 September.
Sunday 5 September is Amazon Day in Brazil. It is a day on which, traditionally, we celebrate the Brazilian Amazon. It is more important than ever that we stand in solidarity with indigenous peoples and other peoples of the Amazon.
As Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, president of the Amazonian Bishops Conference, says:
“The crucifixion of the Amazon unleashes suffering for many sons and daughters of God…but we must be realistic and hopeful. Our faith gives us the certainty that it was in the middle of the darkest night that the light of resurrection imposed itself.”
He invites us to celebrate this day, mindful of the current destruction, and to engage in the struggle to preserve and care for the Amazon and our common home:
“I invite you to celebrate it by carrying out symbolic gestures: planting a tree, revitalising your gardens at home, or becoming informed about how and where the food we share on our tables is produced. By making these commitments, and by celebrating our beloved Amazon, we will see its death transformed into its resurrection."
Use our Novena to St Francis to pray for the Amazon
