solidarity with girls kidnaped in Nigeria and their families. A call for prompt action against such violation of Human Rights

1. IGREJA EPISCOPAL ANGLICANA DO BRASIL
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Dom Francisco de Assis da Silva
Bispo Primaz
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Santa Maria, 07th May, 2014
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
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It was with a heavy heart that the Brazilian people, along with the rest of the world, learned of the
kidnapping of over 200 young girls in Nigeria, at the hands of extremist group Boko Haram. Many of
us, especially in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, have remembered the girls, their families,
and the Nigerian people with prayers, tears, and compassion during this time. Nigeria, like so many
countries, has of course had its trying and difficult times as a multi-religious society – but it is in times
of difficulty like these that we set aside our differences, and stand together—in solidarity, in demanding
peace, and most importantly, demanding the safe return of these young women. Not simply a return to
their families – but their return to the lives they knew, their ability to go to school and be educated, to
have a better future, and to be beautiful, active members of a future Nigerian society. This is the thing
of which extremists are afraid—and this is exactly why we must push back when injustice rears its
head and picks a fight.
The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil joins the many in condemning and denouncing this terrible
act, which has left countless mothers and families fearfully and tearfully awaiting news and action that
isn’t arriving. We as people of faith, who are compelled by our baptism to respect the dignity and well
being of every human being, know that an act such as this and the potential fates that could await these
girls are a blasphemous affront to this very dignity. We join the many people around the world who
stand in solidarity with Nigerians during this difficult time, and we raise our voices in calling for action.
We urge the Nigerian government to set aside focus more resources on this tragedy that took place over
three weeks ago already, and to seriously consider accepting help from other countries, which are
offering it. We call on Brazilians to send messages to the Nigerian consulates and cultural houses in
Brazil, expressing solidarity, concern, and supporting this call to action. We ask our houses of worship
and church members to keep these girls and their families in constant prayer, remembering that Christ
is ever-present with those who suffer—and so too must we be.
In Christ,
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++ Francisco de Assis da Silva
Primate of Brazil and Diocesan in Santa Maria
!! Av. Rio Branco, 880 - subsolo | Santa Maria, RS 97010-422 Fone. 55.55.32214328 Cel. 55.55. 81310709
e-mail: fassis@ieab.org.br SITE: www.ieab.org.br
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