Brazilian bishop bans alcohol, bingo, and cash raffles at events throughout his diocese

Bishop Francisco Cota de Oliveira of Sete Lagoas, Brazil, has banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at recreational events, fundraising activities, bingos, and cash-prize raffles held during religious festivals throughout his diocese.

“It is the Church’s mission to exhort the faithful to bear witness to the virtues and to avoid vices,” Cota stated in two decrees establishing the new rules. According to the bishop, “the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose.”

“The virtue of temperance disposes one to avoid every kind of excess, including the abuse of alcohol,” the bishop said. The catechism also states that “ it is praiseworthy to impose restitution "to correct vices and maintain justice .”

Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages Cota cited Document 100 of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB, by its Portuguese acronym), which states: “The sale and consumption of alcohol at patron saint festivals and other religious events stand in contrast to the Churchʼs efforts to combat drug abuse. There is an urgent need for the conversion of parish communities to avoid the…