ASIA/PAKISTAN - Bishop of Islamabad: if it's not disinterested, it's not charity

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The groups that give food with ulterior motives, "are not doing charity work; they are not acting according to God. That is not charity, or mercy. That is something else," said Bishop Rufin Anthony of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in an interview with Fides.

What is the situation of Christians after the floods?

Many Christians are being hosted by other Christian families. Many are in refugee camps. Aid, as I have noted in my diocese, is being distributed through the army. The aid organizations, including Caritas, pass through the military, who distribute it without discrimination. In other areas, where the government does not arrive, there are often local NGOs linked to Islamic groups. These ask for aid and alms and then, as I have been told, only look after the Muslim refugees.

What about charities linked to radical Islamic groups?

These groups are not charity. If aid is not disinterested, it is not charity, it is not mercy. There are other reasons behind it: to give a good image, purchase public consensus and popularity among the people, get help from abroad, recruit volunteers, etc.

Has there been proselytizing as well?

I have not heard of this occurring. But if they are proselytizing, if they ask the people of other religions to convert, their work will not succeed. Pakistani Christians, although in situations of extreme need, will not accept conversion at the cost of abandoning their faith. The faith of Christians is strong. They prefer to reject aid with strings attached. And then I wonder: What value would there be in a conversion of a man who only converts because he is dying?

How do the Christians of Pakistan live their faith today?

Christians live among the people, witnessing to their faith with conviction, even in the midst of persecution. Indeed, I can say that amidst the difficulties and persecution, the faith flourishes. Our churches are full. Christians feel that they are authentic Pakistanis. Pakistan is our land, the land that God gave us. Even if their rights are denied, these rights remain such, they are inalienable and nobody can take them away.

Is there a ray of hope in this tragedy of the floods?

There is hope because God is the Lord of History, even in the most painful events that mankind does not understand. Every event, even if it is tragic, has meaning in our salvation and redemption. This tragedy reminds everyone to return to God and to practice His mercy, as I often tell the faithful of the diocese. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/09/2010)