|PIC1|Wealthy landowners have been accused of using violence and intimidation to try and stop Christians in Brazil from standing up for the rights of landless people.

In Parana, in the Diocese of Curitiba, the car belonging to the Rev Luiz Carlos Gabas was shot at, and an Anglican church, school and plantations were destroyed by tractors and diggers, according to partners of Anglican mission agency USPG.

Two men were taken in for questioning but were later released without charge. It is alleged that the gunmen were driving in a police vehicle when they fired. Human rights protesters have also alleged that the police are colluding with land owners in their pursuit of profit.

Following the attacks, Brazil's State Commission on Human Rights put Mr Gabas onto a witness protection programme.

The Rev Francisco Silva, Secretary General of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil (IEAB), explained: "The Anglican Church and fellow Christian churches are firmly defending and supporting the Movement of Landless People in the west of the Parana state.

"The destruction of the chapel becomes even more symbolic because it represents a clear message from landowners against the church. "

He said that Rev Gabas has been suffering intimidation from powerful landowners as a consequence of his pastoral position in favour of the landless people's settlers camp, where his support is recognised by the whole community. A group of 150 families are living in the settlement, waiting for legalisation of the area.

"Our prayers and support are required for our brothers and sisters in that region," he added. "The fear of violence and the apparent impunity of the perpetrators must be faced with solidarity and practical support."

There are tensions through the state of Parana between land owners and rural workers, especially landless communities, which typically live in extreme poverty, often alongside roads or on land they have occupied in the hope of winning legal ownership.

Landless people have been attacked on many occasions by private militia and their property destroyed. Those who stand up for their rights are also targeted. Before the shooting, Mr Gabas received threatening phone calls, and others have been intimidated.

The Most Rev Maurício Andrade, Primate of Brazil, said all IEAB bishops were in united in their solidarity with the landless communities and those priests, such as Mr Gabas, who are supporting their cause.

Ann Orton, the Latin America desk officer for USPG, said: "The Anglican Church in Brazil is active in its support of landless people, who are at the bottom of the pile in Brazilian society.

"Financial support from USPG is making it possible for the Church to stand alongside landless people, throughout much of Brazil, and help them find practical solutions to many of the problems they face."



Printed in Christian Today with the kind permission of USPG