The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) and the National Council of Christian Churches (Conic) are launching, this Ash Wednesday (February 17), the fifth edition of the Ecumenical Fraternity Campaign, which this year has the theme: “"Fraternity and Dialogue: a commitment of love"” and the motto “"Christ is our peace: from what was divided, he made one."”, taken from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 14.

Organized annually by the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops) during Lent, the 40-day period preceding Easter, the 2021 Fraternity Campaign is promoted ecumenically, that is, in partnership between various Christian Churches. The 2021 Fraternity Campaign aims to invite Christians and people of goodwill to reflect on, evaluate, and identify ways to overcome the polarization and violence that mark the world today. All this through loving dialogue and the witness of unity in diversity, inspired by the love of Christ.

Officially, the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops) will hold a virtual opening, a decision made by the campaign's promoting entities as a way to prevent the spread of Covid-19. According to the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and secretary-general of the CNBB, Dom Joel Portella Amado, the decision was made in agreement with the CONIC (National Council of Christian Churches) board, "to avoid gatherings at this time when the pandemic is reaching alarming numbers." For Dom Joel, "it is necessary to bear witness to the importance of sanitary measures," and for this, the available "computer resources" will be used.

Source: CNBB