Bishop Joseph Li Liangui Interview on Jinde’s Wenchuan Eathquake Response
Bishop Joseph Li Liangui, Bishop of Xianxian (Cangzhou) Diocese, Vice-chairman of Jindes’ Board of Directors, arrived in Shijiazhuang at 4:40 p.m. from the disaster-stricken area in Sichuan Province. Although he was still suffering from the effects of influenza, he gave up his rest for this interview. As a representative of the clergy both at home and abroad, and as a friend of Jinde, he expressed his care and concern to all the victims in the disaster areas. Between 19th and 23rd of May, he visited the first line relief workers and the religious sisters who were serving these victims. The interview was recorded as follows:
Reporter: What is the greatest impression you gained from your visit to the first line workers in the heart of the disaster area?
Bishop Li: The earthquake at Wenchuan has shaken the hearts of all the Chinese people. Jinde Charities has collaborated with various local churches in a joint effort to provide material relief, and to assign religious sisters and volunteers to undertake relief works. This is a very good operation and as I visited these volunteers and nuns, it was very clear that they have been doing a great job. The victims were willing to talk to the sisters, pouring out their grief and sorrow and trusting them as friends.
Furthermore, after the occurrence of the earthquake, Jinde Charities has not only organised a team of volunteers to offer relief services at the disaster site, but has also actively and expeditiously engaged itself in liaising with overseas voluntary agencies for support. Fortunately, Jinde Charities has enlisted the generous support from Caritas Germany, who has pledged its help by providing tents to accommodate the victims at a cost of over 10 million Yuan. This is, in a practical and meaningful way the building of the first Bridge of Charity, with the hope of solving in part the pressing needs of the victims.
Another aspect of the disaster-stricken area which impressed upon me was that the general atmosphere was in no way on the brink of despair. Care and warmth has been generated in the country as family members provide compassion and help to one another and generally, they have been taken good care of by all the helpers. Undoubtedly, the earthquake is a natural disaster, but it has stirred up compassion and care from others. It is very moving to witness this.
Reporter: The first phase of rescue work will shift its core of attention to disease prevention, remedial action against the recurrence of disaster and reconstruction of disaster-stricken areas. What will the future direction of Religious-sponsored relief work take after the completion of this first phase?
Bishop Li: Reconstruction of disaster-stricken area is a long-term project that requires massive capital investment. We will continue to support the victims with material relief, but due to the limitation of financial resources, we can only pledge to do to the best of our ability. Nonetheless, I believe it is more important to rebuild their spirits and psychological health by providing love and care so that they can get through the shadow of this disaster as soon as possible. This is an urgent task that must be accomplished.
Property loss during the earthquake can be replaced but the loss of life of some dear ones is not replaceable. The victims have sustained tremendous mental injuries: therefore, the necessity to rebuild ones’ life should be given recognition and assistance. Our Catholic Church together with other religions has effective resources and strength. We can initiate active steps to liaise with government departments to help victims rebuild their spirit and recover their normal mental dispositions, by channelling effective avenues of assistance to these people. When I saw the victims pouring out their worries and pains to the nuns who served them, I realized that rebuilding ones’ spirit through the comfort of religious assistance has great potential.
Regarding the children orphaned by this disaster, those who are physically handicapped and the elderly, the Church can help to establish Kindergarten schools, Children’s Homes and Homes for the Aged to care for them. The Church can be of great service in this area.
Reporter: With respect to a disaster of this proportion, all Chinese people take part in relief and works of charity. As a charity agency of a Church, what will be the meaning of participation in relief work?
Bishop Li: The earthquake at Wenchuan has shaken the world. In matters of Rescue and Relief, people of goodwill everywhere have been able to overcome any divisive boundaries of faith, nationality or race. The Church is a community of Love and must endeavour to take an active part in Rescue and Relief works – in a common journey with love.
On the other hand, there are many individuals or associations within the Catholic Church who may make a positive contribution to charity works. Through the agency of charity works under the auspices of the Church, all charity works or projects can be regulated properly and more effectively, working purposefully and more directly in a joint effort according to specific plans through the channel of the agency concerned.
The assignment of religious sisters and teams of volunteers to the disaster areas has won recognition and appreciation from both the victims and the local government departments.