Generations Unite with the Amazon

The Amazon region is huge and critical to our planet’s health. Yet 20 per cent of its forest has already been destroyed.

As the climate crisis affects Amazonian people’s lives in increasing ways, indigenous community leaders such as Delio, 29, are responding to the urgency of the situation.

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Building a common home in the Brazilian Amazon

Kezia Lavan from CAFOD’s Brazil team tells us about her latest trip to the Brazilian Amazon where she met with local communities who are learning to farm sustainably, preserve the forest and stand up for their rights.

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Why the Earth needs the Amazon

Bishop David Martínez de Aguirre Guinea works in Peru’s Amazon and is one of the two Secretaries attending the Amazon Synod. As the Synod takes place, Bishop David tells us about the importance of bringing the Amazon and its peoples into the heart of the Church. 

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Standing alongside indigenous communities

Mauricio López is the Executive Secretary of REPAM – a Catholic Church network CAFOD supports that promotes the rights and dignity of the people in the Amazon. As the Amazon Synod takes place, Mauricio tells us about the threats indigenous communities in the Amazon face and the important role they play in protecting our planet.

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The defence of the Amazon is at the centre of our faith

Father Peter Hughes is a missionary priest originally from Ireland who has lived and worked in Peru for over 50 years. As the Amazon Synod begins, he tells us about the importance of the Amazon for the whole world.

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Pentecost reflection: The Holy Spirit, our Advocate

On reading the gospel for Pentecost Sunday, Kathleen from our Theology team reflected on the word “advocate” and what it means to her today.

Based on the gospel for Pentecost Sunday, 9 June – John 14:14-16, 23b-26

“The Father will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.”

Jesus told his disciples they would never be alone. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would always be with them.

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For fans of TV courtroom dramas, the word “advocate” may well evoke visions of efficient-looking and aggressive-sounding be-wigged barristers. But what it brings to my own mind is the many times I hear the word “advocacy” being used, here in the CAFOD office in London.

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