Author:
Publication: Zenit
Date: April 13, 2006
URL: http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=87676
An official with Aid to the Church in Need
has voiced concern about the massive and growing presence and influence of
Protestant sects in Brazil's East Amazon region.
"One of the sects has built some 300
places of worship in the region, just during this year's Carnival season,"
said Ulrich Kny, head of the charity's Latin American II section, on Wednesday.
He had just returned from a trip to Brazil.
Kny added that "some sect members who
hold high-ranking positions in public life even use massive political pressure
by banning Catholics from public offices."
"In some quarters of Belem, the regional
metropolis, followers of sects constitute up to 80% of the population,"
Kny said. "Often, the 'success' of the sects is due to a lack of 'Church
infrastructure' and personnel.
"Another reason is widespread religious
ignorance: The less Catholics know about their faith the easier they fall
prey to sects, syncretism and Afro-Brazilian cults."
Kny stressed the need for a solid religious
formation of the laity, for which "ACN publications, such as the Bible
for children or the Little Catechism, are excellent tools."
