Anapu, Brazil, Feb 16, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Thousands of people turned up for the funeral yesterday of an American religious sister who was shot to death in the Amazon rain forest, reported the Associated Press.
Sr. Dorothy Stang, 73, was originally from Dayton, Ohio. She had been working with the poor in Anapu, a town of 7,000 on the Amazon's southern edge, and to protect the rain forest.
She was working at a settlement 30 miles from Anapu on Saturday when two gunmen approached her. The AP reported that a witness said she pulled out a Bible and began to read. The gunmen listened for a moment, took a few steps back and then shot her six times.
Police are looking for four suspects: two hired gunmen, an intermediary and a man they say ordered the murder.
The report said Sr. Stang had received death threats previously but she received little concern or protection from the government.
Following her death, the Brazilian government announced a crackdown on illegal logging. Cabinet ministers reportedly compared Sr. Stang to Chico Mendes, the popular environmentalist and defender of the rain forest, who was assassinated in 1988.
The government has now committed 2,000 soldiers to the region. The first troops were expected to arrive yesterday.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA