(Feb.23, 2010): Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging the Brazilian bishops in their efforts
to free people from the slavery to money and bring them back to God. The Pope stated
this in a message sent for this year's Fraternity Campaign, traditionally promoted
by the Church in Brazil during Lent. The campaign, which began on Ash Wednesday,
focuses on the theme, "Economy and Life," with the motto: "You cannot serve both God
and money."In the message, sent to the president of the Brazilian bishops' conference,
Archbishop Geraldo Lyrio Rocha of Mariana, the Pontiff wished the Brazilian Churches
and ecclesial communities success in this campaign. This is the third time that
the program has been carried out through ecumenical cooperation, including five Christian
churches. Members of the National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil organized
this year's campaign. The Pope acknowledged that these churches have decided to join
efforts to reconcile persons with God, helping them to be released from slavery to
money. He reminded his audience that "slavery in regard to money and injustice have
their origin in man's heart, where the germs are found of a mysterious coexistence
with evil."