Statement

Statement in Support of Arrested Priests, June 29, 1982

Topic
Office/Committee
Year Published
  • 2011
Language
  • English

June 29, 1982

CONFERENCE MESSAGE TO BRAZIL NOTES EPISCOPAL SOLIDARITY

WASHINGTON--Prayers and episcopal solidarity "in defense of the priests and the workers" were expressed to the Brazilian Bishops' Conference in a message sent by Monsignor Daniel F. Hoye, General Secretary of the United States catholic Conference (USCC).

The message was prompted by the trial of two French missionary priests and 13 peasants on charges surrounding an ambush of police agents and ranch employees. All were convicted.

Monsignor Hoye's message, sent to Dom Ivo Lorscheiter, the Brazilian Bishops' President, as the trial was opening, said the "Brazilian Church pastoral ministry to farm workers is on trial in the case."

The priests, Father Aristide Camio, who was sentenced to 15 years, and Father Francois Gouriou, who was sentenced to 10 years, were cited for inciting "collective disobedience to the law and class struggle."

 

1982-06-29-press-release-support-of-accused-priests.pdf