Faithfulness of Episcopalians in El Salvador Cited
Episcopal News Service. October 22, 1981 [81277]
NEW YORK -- "No matter what may happen in El Salvador, the Church must continue to minister. In the midst of violence, pain and anguish the Episcopal Church is being faithful to her call," said the Rev. Luis Serrano, vicar of the Church of St. John in San Salvador, in an interview with officers at the Episcopal Church Center.
"The Church cannot keep silence, contemplate pain and pity herself," he added. "We must bring hope and physical assistance to the thousands who are victims of this tragic situation."
Serrano said that there are around 250,000 people displaced within the country; that 300,000 have left for the neighboring countries and the United States and that 20,000 have died. The population of El Salvador is five million.
"The situation of this people is tragic. I have seen suffering like never before in my 29 years as a priest," said Serrano.
What is the Episcopal Church doing? "We are helping with medicine, food and development projects. The Church is still operating CREDHO, a large social program which provides training and technical assistance to hundreds of peasants."
"At this moment, there are many children who have lost both parents. The Church is running an orphanage. We have 60 children but we could house around 100 if there were space. There is nothing to compare to the magnitude of the needs, but it is a step in the right direction. Management of this orphanage was turned over to us because the lady who founded it saw that the Episcopal Church had the ability to administer it with a sense of mission," reported Serrano.
He added that there are refugee camps where the situation is so critical that there are children wandering around without food. "It breaks your heart to see so much suffering," he admitted.
Any plans for the future? "Yes, as a Christian community we must be a beacon of hope. We are prepared to turn over our church building and diocesan center to the International Red Cross to be used as a hospital. We already have a generator capable of supplying electricity to it in case of emergency.
"The Episcopal Church must be ready to have a big pastoral team to minister to the many needs of the people at the end of this crisis. We must continue to give our support after El Salvador disappears from the front page of the papers," Serrano warned.
How did the death of Dr. Rosa Cisneros affect the congregation? "It was painful, sad and heart-breaking, but they have taken it with a sense of hope and commitment. Her mother who used to come occasionally, is now one of our most active members. She has certainly taken her place."
What can the Church in the United States do? "Pray for us, help us to minister in the name of Christ and be an agent of reconciliation and peace. Whatever you do for the poor and displaced of El Salvador you are doing it for Christ himself."
He added: "Do not forget us. We are members of the body and when one member suffers, so does the whole body."