Brief Overview
- The Amazon rainforest, a vital global ecosystem, faces unprecedented threats from wildfires, deforestation, and industrial exploitation, impacting both the environment and its Indigenous populations.
- The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is mobilizing Catholics to support Indigenous communities in the Amazon through education and solidarity initiatives.
- Pope Francis has emphasized the Amazon’s importance, calling it a “forest-lung” essential for the planet, and has convened a Synod of Bishops to address its ecological and social crises.
- Brazilian and Latin American bishops have condemned government inaction and policies that exacerbate the destruction, urging a unified response to the crisis.
- The Church’s involvement reflects its commitment to integral ecology, a concept rooted in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which links environmental care with social justice.
- This article explores how Catholic teachings and actions can address the Amazon’s suffering and its global implications, offering a faith-based perspective on the crisis.
Detailed Response
The Amazon Crisis: A Global Concern
The Amazon rainforest spans nine countries, with Brazil hosting the largest portion, and serves as a critical regulator of the global climate. In 2019, Brazil’s National Space Research Institute reported over 40,000 wildfires, an 83% increase from the previous year, marking the highest since data collection began in 2013. These fires, often deliberately set by farmers and loggers, clear land for agriculture and industry, threatening the forest’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples. The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace highlights that this devastation is not a distant problem but one with worldwide consequences. The Amazon produces 20% of the planet’s oxygen and holds 20% of its fresh water, making its health essential for global stability. Catholic leaders, including Pope Francis, have stressed that the suffering of the Amazon affects all humanity. This perspective aligns with the Church’s teaching on the universal destination of goods, which holds that the earth’s resources are meant for the benefit of all (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2402-2406). The Church sees the Amazon’s plight as a call to action, urging Catholics to respond with both prayer and practical support. The Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region, held from October 6-27, 2019, further emphasized this urgency. By framing the crisis as a shared responsibility, the Church seeks to foster a collective response rooted in faith and justice.
The Role of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon
Indigenous communities, such as the seringueiros of Machadinho d’Oeste and the Mura of Manaus, are at the forefront of the Amazon’s ecological and social struggles. The seringueiros, traditional rubber tappers, rely on the forest for their livelihood, harvesting natural rubber in a sustainable manner. However, illegal logging threatens their way of life by clear-cutting vast areas for profit-driven industries like tissue production. Similarly, the Mura face displacement due to a Canadian-funded potash mine, which endangers their land and cultural heritage. Development and Peace, a Canadian Catholic agency, underscores that these communities are not passive victims but active stewards of the forest. Research from the United Nations supports this, showing that Indigenous-managed lands have lower deforestation rates than unprotected areas. The Church recognizes their role as guardians of creation, a concept tied to the biblical mandate to care for the earth (Genesis 2:15). Through partnerships with groups like the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM), the Church amplifies their voices in legal and political arenas. For instance, REPAM aided the Mura in securing a court injunction against the mine, citing inadequate consultation. This alliance reflects the Church’s commitment to solidarity with the marginalized, a principle central to Catholic social teaching (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1928-1942).
Development and Peace: A Canadian Catholic Response
The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace launched its “For Our Common Home” campaign in 2019 to connect Canadian Catholics with the Amazon’s Indigenous peoples. This initiative encourages parishes and schools to learn about the region’s ecological and human challenges. It also invites Canadians to sign “Solidarity Letters” addressed to the seringueiros and Mura, expressing support and pressuring governments to hold companies accountable. Luke Stocking, a deputy regional director, emphasizes that this is about building alliances, not just offering sympathy. The campaign reflects the Church’s call to act as a prophetic voice, a role Development and Peace has embraced since its founding in 1967 by Canadian bishops. By educating Catholics about the Amazon, the organization aims to bridge the gap between distant crises and local action. Canada’s government has contributed $15 million and water bombers to combat the fires, but Development and Peace seeks a deeper, faith-based engagement. This approach draws on the Church’s tradition of advocating for the poor and oppressed, as seen in its historical support for social justice movements (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2419-2425). The campaign also aligns with the 2019 Synod’s focus on fostering a Church with an “Amazonian face.” Through these efforts, Canadian Catholics are invited to live out their faith by standing with those most affected by the crisis.
Pope Francis and the Laudato Si’ Vision
Pope Francis has been a leading voice in addressing the Amazon’s plight, most notably through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. This document calls for an “integral ecology” that integrates care for the environment with justice for humanity, particularly the poor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2415-2418). During the 2019 Angelus prayer, he described the Amazon as a “forest-lung” vital to the planet, urging global efforts to contain its fires. His decision to convene the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region underscores this commitment. The Synod, held at the Vatican, brought together bishops, Indigenous leaders, and experts to discuss new paths for the Church and ecological justice. Francis has also met with Indigenous representatives, such as during his 2018 visit to Puerto Maldonado, Peru, to hear their concerns directly. He frames the Amazon’s suffering as a moral issue, rooted in greed and consumerism, which he critiques in Laudato Si’. The encyclical argues that environmental destruction is a sin against creation and future generations, a concept echoed in the Synod’s proposal of “ecological sin.” This vision challenges Catholics worldwide to rethink their lifestyles and advocate for systemic change. By linking faith with action, Francis offers a framework for the Church to protect the Amazon and its peoples.
The Synod of Bishops: A Turning Point
The Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region, held from October 6-27, 2019, marked a significant moment for the Church’s engagement with the Amazon. Convened by Pope Francis, it addressed both the ecological crisis and the pastoral needs of the region’s peoples. The Synod’s final document condemned the “predatory extractivism” driving deforestation and displacement, calling for an alternative model rooted in Indigenous rights and sustainability. Bishops from the Amazon, supported by global Church leaders, highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. For example, Brazilian Bishop Erwin Kräutler spoke of the Belo Monte dam’s devastating impact on Indigenous communities in Xingu, where forests were destroyed and rivers dried up. The Synod proposed that the Church become an ally to these communities, denouncing attacks on their lives and lands. It also introduced the idea of “ecological sin,” defined as acts or omissions harming God, neighbor, and the environment. This concept builds on Laudato Si’ and aims to reshape Catholic moral theology. The Synod’s outcomes, while not binding, influenced Francis’ later exhortation Querida Amazonia, released in 2020. Through this gathering, the Church positioned itself as a global advocate for the Amazon, urging Catholics to act in solidarity.
Brazilian Bishops and Regional Leadership
Brazil’s National Conference of Bishops (CNBB) has been a vocal critic of government policies under President Jair Bolsonaro, who faced accusations of encouraging deforestation. In an August 23, 2019, statement, the bishops called the fires a “tragedy of planetary proportions,” demanding serious action rather than political diversions. They have supported Indigenous groups like the seringueiros in legal battles against logging companies since the 1980s. The CNBB’s Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), established during Brazil’s military dictatorship, continues to protect Indigenous rights against land invasions. Archbishop Roque Paloschi of Porto Velho has warned of a potential genocide in regions like Rondonia, where the Karipuna people face threats from illegal miners. The bishops’ stance is backed by CELAM, the Latin American bishops’ conference, which declared that the Amazon’s suffering affects the world. This regional leadership reflects the Church’s historical role in Latin America, where it has both supported colonial powers and defended the oppressed. Today, it seeks to distance itself from past complicity, as Francis acknowledged in a 2015 apology for crimes against Indigenous peoples during colonization. The bishops’ advocacy aligns with Catholic teaching on the dignity of all persons (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1929-1933). Their efforts show how the Church can influence policy and public opinion in the Amazon’s defense.
Solidarity Letters: A Grassroots Initiative
The “Solidarity Letters” campaign by Development and Peace is a practical expression of Catholic support for the Amazon’s Indigenous peoples. Addressed to the seringueiros and Mura, these letters aim to collect 65,000 signatures—one for each Amazonian tree and vertebrate species. Canadians are encouraged to pledge accountability for companies operating on Indigenous lands, such as the Toronto-based firm behind the Mura’s potash mine. This initiative builds on the Church’s tradition of letter-writing campaigns, seen in past advocacy for human rights. The letters are not just symbolic; they will be delivered to the communities and used to pressure governments and corporations. Luke Stocking notes that this fosters a sense of connection within the universal Church, linking Canadian Catholics to distant struggles. The campaign’s goal is to show Indigenous peoples they are not alone, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to the poor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2443-2449). It also educates Canadians about the global impact of their consumption, such as demand for beef or mining products. By participating, Catholics live out the call to love their neighbor (Matthew 22:39). This grassroots effort complements the broader work of the Synod and bishops, grounding theology in action.
Integral Ecology: Linking Environment and Justice
The concept of integral ecology, central to Laudato Si’, underpins the Church’s approach to the Amazon. It holds that environmental care cannot be separated from social justice, as the poor suffer most from ecological harm (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2415). In the Amazon, deforestation and mining displace Indigenous communities, destroy their livelihoods, and pollute their water sources. The Synod’s final document emphasized this link, condemning projects that prioritize profit over people. Bishop Karel Choennie of Suriname, a Synod participant, argued that global trade—such as beef exports from Brazil—implicates consumers worldwide in this destruction. Integral ecology calls for a conversion of heart and lifestyle, urging Catholics to reduce overconsumption and advocate for sustainable policies. This teaching builds on Genesis 1:26-28, where humanity is tasked with stewarding creation responsibly. The Church sees the Amazon as a test case for this vision, where ecological and human dignity are intertwined. Development and Peace’s campaign reflects this by connecting Canadian actions to Amazonian outcomes. By promoting integral ecology, the Church offers a holistic framework to address the crisis.
Ecological Sin: A New Moral Perspective
The Synod introduced “ecological sin” as a way to frame environmental destruction within Catholic morality. Defined as acts or omissions against God, neighbor, community, and the environment, it includes pollution, deforestation, and overconsumption. This builds on Laudato Si’, where Francis cites Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew’s view that harming nature is sinful. The concept aims to awaken consciences, making Catholics see environmental harm as a breach of their relationship with God (Romans 8:19-22). For example, the Belo Monte dam’s impact on the Xingu region—killing fish and displacing Indigenous peoples—could be considered an ecological sin. The Synod proposed integrating this idea into Church teaching, alongside traditional sins like pride or greed. It challenges individuals and societies to repent and change, aligning with the call to conversion in Mark 1:15. Critics argue it risks diluting moral focus, but supporters see it as a necessary evolution given the climate crisis. Development and Peace echoes this by urging Canadians to reflect on their role in global ecological harm. This perspective positions the Church as a moral leader in the fight for the Amazon.
The Church’s Historical Context in Latin America
The Catholic Church’s role in the Amazon must be understood against its complex history in Latin America. During colonization, it often supported imperial powers, bringing death and forced conversions to Indigenous peoples. Yet, figures like the Dominican missionaries who aided the Harakmbut in Peru show a counter-tradition of defense. Pope Francis acknowledged this duality in a 2015 apology in Bolivia, expressing regret for the Church’s past offenses. Today, it seeks to atone by siding with Indigenous communities against modern threats like mining and logging. The Synod’s recognition of Indigenous rights to self-determination and land reflects this shift. Brazilian bishops, through CIMI, have fought genocidal policies since the 1970s, continuing a legacy of advocacy. This history informs the Church’s current stance, blending repentance with action (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1430-1433). The Amazon crisis offers a chance to redefine its mission, moving from complicity to solidarity. By doing so, it honors its call to protect the vulnerable (James 1:27).
Global Responsibility and Catholic Action
The Church teaches that all people share responsibility for creation, a principle rooted in the common good (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1905-1912). Bishop Choennie stressed that no one can say, “It’s not my fault,” given global trade’s impact on the Amazon. For instance, demand for beef and gold drives deforestation, linking consumers in North America and Europe to the crisis. The Synod called for Catholics to support sustainable economies, like bio-production cooperatives, over extractive industries. Development and Peace’s “Solidarity Letters” embody this by holding Canadian firms accountable. The Church also urges policy changes, as seen in Catholic investors’ 2021 letter to Bolsonaro demanding stronger environmental laws. This reflects the biblical call to act justly (Micah 6:8). By mobilizing its global network, the Church can influence both individual behavior and systemic reform. Canada’s $15 million aid shows national commitment, but the Church seeks a deeper moral response. This collective action underscores that the Amazon’s fate is a shared burden.
Challenges Facing the Church’s Efforts
Despite its efforts, the Church faces significant obstacles in protecting the Amazon. In Brazil, Bolsonaro’s administration has resisted environmental regulations, favoring agribusiness over Indigenous rights. The Synod’s proposals, like ecological sin, have drawn criticism from traditionalists who fear a shift from core doctrines. The Church also competes with growing evangelical movements in Latin America, which often lack its ecological focus. Resource limitations hinder grassroots initiatives like Development and Peace, relying heavily on donations and volunteers. Political tensions, such as Brazilian bishops’ clashes with Bolsonaro over COVID-19, complicate advocacy. Indigenous leaders like Patricia Gualinga of Ecuador stress that Church plans must involve local consultation, not top-down imposition. The scale of the crisis—over 2 million square miles of forest—demands coordination beyond the Church’s capacity alone. Yet, its moral authority and global reach offer unique strengths (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2032-2040). Overcoming these challenges requires persistence and collaboration with secular allies.
The Prophetic Role of the Church
Development and Peace sees itself as a prophetic voice, a role Luke Stocking ties to Catholic tradition. Prophets in scripture, like Jeremiah, confronted injustice and called for repentance (Jeremiah 22:3). The Church adopts this stance by denouncing the greed driving Amazonian destruction and advocating for the marginalized. The Synod’s critique of “predatory extractivism” mirrors this, challenging economic systems that harm creation. Brazilian bishops’ statements against Bolsonaro exemplify this boldness, risking political backlash. Laudato Si’ frames this as a call to conversion, urging Catholics to live simply and justly. The Church’s prophetic task is not just to speak but to act, as seen in its support for Indigenous legal battles. This role bridges faith and practice, making theology relevant to modern crises (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2419-2422). By standing with the Amazon’s peoples, it fulfills its mission to proclaim God’s justice. This prophetic witness inspires hope amid the forest’s suffering.
Practical Steps for Catholics Worldwide
Catholics can contribute to the Amazon’s protection through concrete actions rooted in faith. Signing Development and Peace’s “Solidarity Letters” is a direct way to support Indigenous communities. Reducing consumption of deforestation-linked products, like beef or single-use paper, aligns with integral ecology. Parishes can host educational events using resources from the Synod or Laudato Si’. Prayer, as Francis urged in 2019, fosters spiritual solidarity (Colossians 4:2). Advocating for policies that hold corporations accountable reflects the Church’s call to justice (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2437-2442). Donating to organizations like REPAM or Development and Peace sustains their work. Local actions, like tree planting or waste reduction, echo the Amazon’s global importance. The Church encourages examining one’s ecological footprint, linking personal choices to planetary health. These steps make Catholic teaching actionable, addressing the Amazon’s suffering practically.
The Universal Church and the Amazon
The Amazon crisis reveals the Church’s universal nature, uniting Catholics across borders in a common cause. Development and Peace’s campaign connects Canadians to Brazil’s seringueiros and Mura, embodying the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The Synod brought together bishops from nine countries, showing the Church’s ability to address regional issues globally. Francis’ leadership ensures this unity, drawing on his Latin American roots to prioritize the periphery. The Church’s teaching on the common good calls all members to care for creation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1905-1917). This universality counters the isolation of Indigenous struggles, amplifying their voices worldwide. Canadian Catholics, through education and advocacy, become part of this mission. The Amazon thus tests the Church’s capacity to live out its global identity. By responding, it strengthens its witness as a community of faith and action. This unity offers hope that the Amazon’s suffering can be eased through collective effort.
Conclusion: A Call to Faith and Action
The Catholic Church can indeed help protect the Amazon and its Indigenous peoples by leveraging its moral authority, global network, and theological vision. The crisis, with its wildfires and deforestation, demands a response that integrates ecology and justice, as Laudato Si’ teaches. Development and Peace’s campaign, the Synod’s outcomes, and bishops’ advocacy show the Church’s commitment in action. Indigenous communities, as stewards of the forest, are central to this effort, deserving solidarity and support. The concept of ecological sin reframes environmental harm as a moral failing, urging repentance and change. Challenges remain, from political resistance to internal debates, but the Church’s prophetic role offers a path forward. Catholics worldwide are called to act—through prayer, lifestyle changes, and advocacy—reflecting their faith in tangible ways (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2697-2699). The Amazon’s suffering is a global concern, and the Church’s response can inspire broader action. If the Amazon suffers, the world suffers, but through faith-filled efforts, healing is possible. This mission honors the Church’s call to care for creation and its most vulnerable inhabitants.