FEARS FOR FUTURE OF MISSIONARIES KIDNAPPED IN BRAZIL

Rio de Janeiro, Jan. 8 (FIDES/CWNews.com) - Church officials in Brazil are deeply concerned about the welfare of three missionaries kidnapped on January 6 in the remote Roraima state, the Fides news service reports.

Three Consolata missionaries-- two priests and a brother-- were taken hostage on Tuesday after an attack on their mission in Surumu, Roraima. A group of students from the mission school were also taken hostages. The captives were taken to the village of Contao.

The kidnappers, Consolata missionary officials told Fides, are members of local groups that oppose legislation that would set up a reservation for indigenous native tribes in Roraima. The measure-- which could be signed into law before the end of this month-- would require all other residents to leave the land.

On January 7, federal police officials met with the kidnappers, announcing their intent to secure the immediate release of their captors. Their effort failed, with the kidnappers insisting that they will not release their hostages until they speak with Brazil's President "Lula." Police said that they would make another effort to negotiate with the kidnappers today.

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