The motives of U. S.-based Christian relief organizations are being questioned. Fearing that evangelical groups may try to use humanitarian aid to recruit new members in the Mid-East, the Council on American-Islamic Relations is upset about plans to work in Iraq after the current war ends. That country will face a crisis threatening their 24 million people with disease, hunger, and homelessness.
The Council is particularly suspicious of a group called "Samaritan’s Purse," Rev. Franklin Graham’s organization. He has been quoted as saying Islam is "a very evil and wicked religion."
A spokesman for "Samaritan’s Purse" says they have professional, experienced relief workers who serve out of consideration for the needy, not a desire to preach. Many have been involved for years, and their driving interest is " ... building relationships with aid organizations and local community groups–not on winning converts."
Other Christian agencies are:
(1) United Methodist Committee on Relief is raising funds for Iraq but "... will funnel aid through established groups that do not evangelize ..."
(2) Catholic Relief Services have been in Iraq since 1991 and are now shipping medical supplies to the neediest areas, setting up programs to help refugees.
(3) Church World Service, relief agency for the National Council of Churches, is made up of Protestant and Orthodox denominations. It has also been in Iraq since 1991. They are providing hand soap and detergent to prevent the spread of disease among the Iraqis.
(4) Southern Baptist Convention’s missionary agency for years has provided aid to Mid-East countries. They are currently furnishing supplies for refugees coming across the Iraqi-Jordanian border.
(5) Healing Hands International had been putting together health-and-hygiene kits for Afghanistan and is now planning to help Iraqis. A spokesman said that " ... the approach of Christian relief groups has shifted ... It used to be primarily ‘preach, preach, preach’ (but now is) ... help first and explain Christianity later ..."
(6) Mennonite Central Committee has provided $6.4 million in aid to Iraq since 1990. A spokesman said, " ... (I’m reminded of) ... what Francis of Assisi used to say: ‘Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.’"