The President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, and President of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM), Cardinal Claudio Hummes, announced the birth of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon on June 29, the feast of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The statement explains: «This Assembly, conducted in an unprecedented way through digital channels, was a novelty of the Spirit, and is part of this promising Kairos that continues the synodal path to open new paths for the Church and for an integral ecology in the Pan-Amazonian region».
The text of the press release, sent to Fides News Agency, underlines Pope Francis’ closeness to the entire process of creating this new ecclesial reality: «This feast of our Church is also a gesture of thanksgiving for the service of the Holy Father. The ecclesial conference is a gesture of hope associated with the Magisterium of Pope Francis, which has closely accompanied this whole process».
The composition of this Assembly, the press release underlines, reflects the unity in the diversity of our Church and its appeal for ever greater synodality; unity expressed also by the precious presence and permanent accompaniment of important members of the Holy See who feel the closeness and direct relationship with the Synod of the Amazon and with the mission of the Church in this area.
The message announces the election of Card. Claudio Hummes, OFM (Brazil) as President and of Mgr. David Martínez de Aguirre, OP (Peru), as Vice President. Mgr Eugenio Coter (Bolivia) was elected in the Executive Committee as representative Bishop of the Episcopal Conferences of the Amazonian territory. The Conference underlines the important support of ecclesial bodies such as CELAM, REPAM, CLAR, and CARITAS ALyC. The conference has 3 representatives of indigenous peoples: Ms. Patricia Gualinga of the Kichwa-Sarayakú people (Ecuador); Sr. Laura Vicuña Pereira of the Kariri people (Brazil); and Mr. Delio Siticonatzi of the Asháninka people (Peru).
