Indigenous communities in Brazil have long had a difficult relationship with Christian missionaries. Things have been especially tense since Jair Bolsonaro became president, with a low-grade battle playing out in the courts. Last year, Bolsonaro appointed a former missionary to head the country’s Indigenous Ministry. He was forced out after an outcry from native groups. The Supreme Court this year barred missionaries from meeting with uncontacted tribes, though some say they are going to do it, anyway. Bolsonaro has consistently backed the missionaries. So, what’s behind their interest in Indigenous communities? Is it only about saving souls? Or are economics and politics the real drivers here? Michael Fox reports.
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