Brazilian bishops give election warning

ANGLICAN bishops in Brazil have signed a letter urging Christians to “read your Bible in a profound and prayerful way” before the final round of the presidential election on Sunday. A far-right candidate, Jan Bolsonaro, is expected to win against Fernando Haddad. Mr Bolsonaro won 46.03 per cent of the vote in the first round, just failing to reach an overall majority. The House of Bishops’ letter, written last week, urges Brazilians to reject “anti-Christian and anti-democratic proposals. . . The choice we are going to make might have effects that will last more than four years of government. All signs point to increased violence and discrimination, creating a serious risk to freedom, justice and peace.” Mr Bolsonaro suggested this week that, once in power, he would imprison his left-wing critics or force them to leave the country. “It will be a clean-up the likes of which has never been seen in Brazilian history.” Mr Haddad told reporters this week that “we are dealing with a barbarian, from the democratic point of view.”

Arrested ‘for meeting to discuss debt crisis’ in Zambia

A ZAMBIAN pastor, George Chibubi, was arrested in Ndola, Zambia, last week for meeting other pastors to discuss the country’s debt crisis, the World Council of Churches has said. Its general secretary, the Revd Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, said on Tuesday: “We condemn the arrest, detainment, and harassment of pastors and other people attempting to meet as part of a civil society discussing, in a democratic fashion, ways to improve the lives of people in Zambia. . . Oppression and brutality have no place in creating a nation of peace that is sustainable for all.” Economists fear that Zambia could default on its loan payments. Its debt stands at 59 per cent of its GDP.

Shortfall and no plan for Rohingya, Christian Aid reports

LESS than half the funding requirement from the Rohingya Pledging Conference a year ago has been met, Christian Aid has said. The charity also argues that there is still no long-term plan for all of those displaced. Jane Backhurst, a senior adviser at Christian Aid, said: “A comprehensive, long-range plan is not yet in sight. With a funding gap of more than 50 per cent for this crisis, humanitarian needs must be addressed better. . . Without this, the future holds little promise for the Rohingya.” The charity is continuing its Rohyingya appeal. Its new report scrutinises funding commitments one year on. In August, it was reported that one million Rohingya refugees still faced an uncertain future (News, 24 August).