Mgr Prathan Sridarunsil counters forced conversion charges
Bangkok (AsiaNews) On 11 and 12 October, the leading articles in some Thai newspapers declared that Christians "persuade the Morgan to convert in exchange of new homes" (the Morgan are sea gypsies from the Andaman sea, who do not enjoy the right to land ed.note).
The news upset all Catholics who work daily to assist victims without any intention of carrying out forced evangelization.
Mgr Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, bishop of Surat Thani, has spoken out to clarify the situation. The bishop is president of the Surat Thani foundation which organizes relief for Tsunami victims on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand.
In an interview given to Catholic newspapers, Mgr Sridarunsil made it clear that relief work is based on four pillars: inspiration, policy, procedure and ensuring victims are reached:
"In terms of inspiration we imitate Jesus Christ who loved without expecting anything in return. We help Tsunami victims with this motto, 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as you love yourself'. (Lk 10:27)
"Unity at work is our policy. We act on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand presided by Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu. Priests, religious, and lay volunteers work together as a team.
"Relief procedures are as follows: first, emergency relief, like provision of food, clothes, medicine and other essentials; then supply of shelters and working equipment, like boats, fishing nets, and shops to earn a living; developing daily living activities, strengthening the community, and providing education funds, is the third phase.
"As for the victims we target, we render assistance to all in need regardless of race, religion and culture. While undertaking all this work, we recognize that faith is a gift of God, it is impossible to buy or to gain it in exchange for personal benefits and with humanitarian aid.
"As there are several government and non-governmental organizations, we concentrate mainly on the poorest people, on those who are far away from other relief. Ten months have passed since the Tsunami and many organizations have ended their missions. However we are still here because people need our help, our friendship and our sincerity.
"We Catholics are warmly welcomed by Buddhists, Muslims or Morgan as we respect them, love them as they are and never try to interfere with their way of living or their culture."
Fr Suwat Luangsa-ard, the director of Phang-nga relief centre also issued a statement. "We always remember what Mgr Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio said on his visit at the end of September: 'We must help and give funds to all victims basing ourselves on love and solidarity among Catholics and other religions. That is why we can work hand in hand with Buddhists and Muslims.
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