Yesterday the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) sent a letter to the president of Brazil. This letter was about the stance of the CNBB against abortion. The letter talks about how the CNBB stance against abortion is not discussed in ideology but rather is about human life. The CNBB states that God came to earth as a child born from flesh than the church has great respect for the human in the embryo. The letter also goes on to state that the CNBB stands by the fact that it is not enough to give out condoms to people but the government must also educate its citizens about relationships and respect for people. The article has some other commentary in it about how the government’s current program on abortion is going to continue and that the government is cutting money to health issues.
This article attracted by attention for a couple of reasons. The first reason is how much influence the church seems to have in the government. This article seems to address the CNBB as a important group and writes with respect when talking about the CNBB as evidence when the leader is addressed as president. This is different from most of the western world since there has been very strong separation of church and state. I find countries in which the church still has strong influence to be interesting to see the relationship between the heads of both church and state. Part of this article hinted to the fact that the abortion policy in Brazil is that abortion is legal. It is then very interesting with a new minster coming in that says is faith on certain topics will not change including abortion that this article was written. One take is that the church is trying to pressure the minster to change the policy due to his faith through outcry by people who believe he is betraying his faith. This is why in many western nations the church and state are separate. It will be interesting to see if there is any more about this topic in upcoming weeks and if the policy is changed.
The other part of the article that caught my eye was the fact this was an article that dealt with abortion and budget cuts. These are two very important topics in the U.S. this year with it being an election year and having a chance to see other countries policies is always a good thing. The issue of abortion is something that affects the whole human race ad should not be taken lightly. All organizations have a say on what they feel is right and it is up to the government to make a ruling on abortion. The CNBB is taking a stance that is very similar to many of the churches in the U.S. allows me to relate to the topic. The very end of the article mentions cuts to health issues which seems to be a last attack at the government yet hidden at the same time. This is again something that is taking place all around the world. To be able to understand some of the issues and politically parties that are taking place in the region gives us an understanding about how Brazil and the United States and both similar and different.
http://www.correiobraziliense.com.br/app/noticia/politica-brasil-economia/33,65,33,14/2012/02/16/interna_politica,290136/cnbb-envia-carta-a-dilma-reafirmando-posicao-contraria-ao-aborto.shtml
Kevin Whaley
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