Need, Not Creed: Religion and Humanitarian Aid

A number of programs. Caritas' nutrition program focuses on the needs of malnourished children under 5, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. Last year the program reached 22,000 children and 18,000 mothers; infant mortality rates dropped significantly.

Another program is potable water and sanitation. Because of the deterioration of Iraq's water systems, waterborne diseases are a main contributor to infant mortality. So we repair existing water systems or build new ones. Last year that program reached about 175,000 people.

We worked directly with the archdiocese of Basra to distribute medicine and vocational education. These programs form the basis of the kind of humanitarian assistance we would provide vis-à-vis the ongoing situation.

Has the oil for food program been effective?

It's been a very important safety net for the Iraqi people, but has been stretched for something it wasn't meant for originally. About 60% of the Iraqi population is dependent on that program for food.

Unfortunately, it's not enough. It was designed to be a supplement to people's income. But it's evolved into the sole source because of the lack of employment and the difficulties families have had--not only as a result of policies of Iraqi government, but also because of the sanctions.

When a needy person walks into a Caritas center, would they see crosses, religious pamphlets, and so forth?

No proselytism is done through the program. The people who go to Caritas centers reflect the general population in the country. In Iraq, that means anywhere from 95-97% are Muslim. The Caritas network and Catholic Relief Services and individual Caritas feel strongly that our programs should be provided based on need, not creed.

I've never seen religious education pamphlets in any Caritas center I've been in. I've seen crosses in some. They're not displayed prominently, nor are they hidden. People who inquire into the identity of Caritas can find out readily that there is a Christian base. But if you look at the logos of Caritas you generally do not see a cross.

Is there any anecdotal evidence that some Iraqis or other Middle Eastern Muslims shun your services because they know you're Christian?

I've never heard of cases such as that. If a family sees a center in the neighborhood, they would ask around and find out by word of mouth that services are provided based on need not creed. It's that informal network that would have to kick in for people to not come. Based on the numbers we see, if it were more than an isolated case I would be very surprised.

Continued on page 2: Should Christian aid groups in Iraq proselytize? »