On June 10, the Archdiocese of Manaus presented the booklet “Bible Circles, Faith and Citizenship,” a pastoral initiative aimed at promoting the responsible participation of Christians in political and social life, especially in the context of Brazil’s current electoral processes.
During a press conference held in the Amazonian capital, representatives of the local Church highlighted the importance of strengthening a democratic culture based on ethics, discernment, and commitment to the common good. Participants in the meeting included Cardinal Leonardo Steiner, Archbishop of Manaus and president of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA); Bishop Zenildo Lima, auxiliary bishop; Father Geraldo Bendaham, pastoral coordinator; Dr. Margareth Buzaglo, representative of the Commission for Political Reform and the Fight Against Electoral Corruption; and Josiel Coelho, president of the Archdiocese’s Council of the Laity.
The publication seeks to offer spaces for community reflection based on the Word of God, helping communities understand that faith and public life are deeply intertwined. Inspired by the Church’s Social Doctrine and recent magisterium, the booklet proposes a formation that helps discern current political challenges from an evangelical perspective.
Cardinal Leonardo Steiner recalled that the vote is one of the most important expressions of democracy and emphasized the need to exercise it responsibly:
“The vote is an expression of democracy and of our participation in its defense. That is why it is essential to be mindful of whom we cast our vote for, assessing whether they work for the common good and are willing to strengthen democratic life.”
The archbishop also called for the renewal of politics through a citizenry that is conscious and committed to social justice and the care of our Common Home, warning against decisions that negatively affect society and the environment.
For his part, Archbishop Zenildo Lima emphasized that the Church offers these insights from the authority of the Gospel and Social Doctrine, recalling that the mission of evangelization also involves shedding light on historical and social realities. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of recent magisterial documents, which invite us to interpret contemporary challenges from a profoundly human and Christian perspective.
The initiative also has the support of the Committee to Combat Electoral Corruption, which reaffirmed its willingness to receive complaints regarding illicit practices during election campaigns, promoting a culture of transparency and citizen participation.
Father Geraldo Bendaham recalled that politics constitutes one of the broadest ways to live out charity and build the common good. For this reason, he insisted on the need to educate the population so that they may exercise their right to vote with freedom, truth, justice, and discernment.
A Contribution to Democracy and the Care of Life
The presentation of this booklet reaffirms the Church’s commitment in the Amazon to the formation of conscious citizens, capable of actively participating in the construction of more just, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
In a context marked by profound social inequalities, threats to territories, and environmental challenges, initiatives such as this one strengthen the conviction that the Christian faith does not remain indifferent to reality, but rather drives a commitment to human dignity, the defense of peoples’ rights, and the building of the common good.
From the Amazon, the Church continues to promote a citizenship inspired by the Gospel, convinced that a solid democracy is built on participation, ethics, dialogue, and hope.