ACN Activity Report 2017

» Because faith gives hope. « Activity Report 2017

In memoriam Peter Rettig Head of section († 2017)

Imprint First published in 2018 by ACN Aid to the Church in Need International gGmbH Bischof-Kindermann-Str. 23, 61462 Königstein/Ts., GERMANY Represented by Philipp Ozores, Secretary General Copyright ACN Aid to the Church in Need International Photo index (page/photo) © Ismael Martínez Sánchez/ACN: Front cover, 4–5, 16–17, 22/2, 25/2, 44, 54/1, 55/1, 55/2, 82/1, 88, 89, 92/1, 92/2, 100, 102–103, Cover back © Grzegorz Galazka: 2–3 ACN/Ilona Budzbon: 7/2 ACN/Magdalena Wolnik: 10–11 ACN/Anton Fric: 12–13 ACN/Fr. Federico Trinchero: 26/2, 26/3 © European Union 2017: 32/1, 32/2 Bruno Barata: 34/1, 35/1 ACN/Guilherme Silva: 37/1 © L’Osservatore Romano/YOUCAT Foundation: 38/1 Diocese of San Cristobal: 53/3 Patricio Bringas LC: 69/2 ACN/Jaco Klamer: 71, 76/1, 77/2, 78/1 George Dali Apo: 75/2 DECR, Moscow Patriarchate: 84/2 © Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang: 95/2 Father Suganob: 99/3 © L’Osservatore Romano: 104/5 All other photos: ACN International

Dear friends and supporters, For more than 70 years, Aid to the Church in Need has been committed to a single mission: to help persecuted, oppressed, and suffering Christians worldwide. Time and again, our staff and project managers experience how our work is decisive and crucial for the survival of our Church around the globe – not only from many discussions on the ground, but also through project applications, letters, e-mails and telephone calls that reach our 23 national offices daily.

With this Activity Report, we are therefore particularly pleased to provide you with an overview of our most important current global activities.

For the Church, the year 2017 has once again been marked by existential worries, persecution, violence and destruction in many parts of the world.

Frequently, the churches’ hardships are due to political instability, states of war or simply bitter poverty in the respective country. The main focal points of our work in 2017 therefore included crisis areas such as Syria and Iraq, where the plight of the Church and the faithful is often difficult to put into words.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous benefactors who make our work possible. In the future, our goal will continue to be that no application from a church in need should be rejected for lack of financial resources.

In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt greetings to you.

Mauro Cardinal Piacenza President of the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need

Editorial | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 1

2 | ACN Activity Report 2017

» I cordially bless you all. « Dear friends, may the Lord make your prayers and your commitment to the mission of the Church always nurture more fruit throughout the world, especially where it is suffering from spiritual and material needs or is discriminated against and persecuted.

I cordially bless you all.

Pope Francis to the members and benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need at the general audience on 2 October 2013, in Rome

As a Pontifical Foundation, Aid to the Church in Need has the mandate to act on behalf of the Church.

ACN Activity Report 2017 | 3

About us

Learn more about Aid to the Church in Need on the following pages.

How we were formed and the history of our success. What we are committed to. And which funding priorities we set in 2017.

4 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | About us

pp. 4–5 About us pp. 6–9 Origins and mission pp. 10–15 Organisation, facts and figures pp. 16–17 pp. 18–19 pp. 20–21

p. 22

p. 23

p. 24

p. 25 pp. 26–27

pp. 28–29 pp. 30–39 pp. 40–41

Our task areas Mass stipends Training of priests and religious Existence help for religious Faith formation of laity Construction and reconstruction of church facilities Means of transport for pastoral care Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes Distribution of Bibles and religious books Advocacy, Public Relations Media support for the propagation of faith

p p. 42–43 pp. 44–57 pp. 58–69 pp. 70–79 pp. 80–87 pp. 88–99

pp. 100–101 pp. 102–103 p. 104 p. 105

Our regional activities in 2017 Latin America Africa Middle East Western/Eastern Europe Asia/Oceania Index Our mission, vision and our values Our history Our organisational structure

Cover back p. 106 Aid to the Church in Need worldwide – contacts

About us | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 5

» Aid to the Church in Need helps Christians around the world who are persecuted by violence and oppressed by terror. « Thomas Heine-Geldern, Executive President

From its beginnings, the Church has always provided care for those in need. In addition to its pastoral mission, it is committed to sponsoring social assistance organisations worldwide and supporting those in need in many crisis areas.

But what many do not know: the Church itself often requires urgent help, mainly in developing countries and those affected by displacement, persecution or catastrophe. The numbers speak volumes: currently, some 200 million people worldwide cannot freely exercise their faith. The fundamental right of religious freedom is not guaranteed in more than 80 countries around the world.

Christians are currently persecuted, discriminated against or oppressed in more than 40 countries. Here the Church infrastructure and the human dignity of the faithful cannot be maintained through their own resources, or if so, only with

» I am so grateful for all that you are doing to help our suffering people. May our Lord bless you, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. « Sr Annie Demerjian, project partner, Syria 6 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Origins and mission

great difficulty. In many of these countries, monetary donations are the only source of income for the Church.

Unlike most charities that alleviate social needs, Aid to the Church in Need concentrates on supporting local churches, thereby upholding the ideals of Christian charity.

Founded in 1947 as a Catholic aid organisation for war refugees and recognised as a Pontifical Foundation since 2011, Aid to the Church in Need is dedicated to the service of Christians around the world, wherever they are persecuted or oppressed or suffering material need.

This is carried out entirely from private donations, as our foundation receives no public funding.

Together with hundreds of thousands of benefactors and project partners, we support Christians around the world under our guiding principle “information, prayer and action”. In addition, we are committed to religious freedom and reconciliation across all faiths. Our long-standing experience and belief in the power of charity has encouraged us to continue on this path and to inspire people for our work around the globe.

Church in Need – our name says it all Since being founded nearly 70 years ago, Aid to the Church in Need has developed into an aid organisation with a broad range of tasks. Today, we can rightly claim that our name says it all. We now support some 5,000 Catholic projects each year in nearly 150 countries – many of these over the long term. In this way, we frequently remain in crisis areas when other aid organisations have long since left.

And the areas in which we are asked to help continues to grow:

Of course, this requires not only personnel and organisational resources, but also the necessary financial means. Only through the donations of over 368,000 benefactors in 23 countries are we able to fulfil our mission of providing and promoting pastoral assistance.

Construction and reconstruction of church facilities (→ p. 24)

Mass stipends (→ p. 19) Training of priests and religious (→ p. 20) Existence help for religious (→ p. 22) Faith formation of laity (→ p. 23)

Means of transport for pastoral care (→ p. 25) Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes (→ p. 27) Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media (→ p. 29) Advocacy (→ p. 31) Media support for the propagation of faith (→ p. 40)

Origins and mission | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 7

» Think of the young people who dedicate their lives to God, to serve Him and the least. « Father Werenfried van Straaten, founder of Aid to the Church in Need

The roots of Aid to the Church in Need go back to the period following the Second World War. Europe was in ruins: millions of people were displaced or in flight, usually without shelter and plagued by hunger – with refugees from eastern Germany particularly affected.

Into this dark hour was born what was to become Father Werenfried van Straaten’s life’s work. In 1947, he founded the welfare organisation “Ostpriesterhilfe”, from which the charity Iron Curtain Church Relief, today’s Aid to the Church in Need, arose.

8 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Origins and mission

His relief association organised food and clothing for millions of eastern German refugees and provided spiritual care during this time of crisis. The task seemed nearly impossible – especially considering the fact that those from whom he asked for donations were the victims of the German war occupation in Belgium and the Netherlands.

In passionate appeals, he preached brotherly love and reconciliation, which ultimately triggered a wave of assistance.

Since most people had no money, they donated food, including bacon. From then on, Father Werenfried was also known as the “Bacon Priest”.

Charity as concretely lived faith Under the leadership of Father Werenfried, the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need was repeatedly successful in getting unique aid projects off the ground. For instance, priests with backpacks were sent on motorcycles and in VW Beetles to remote provinces, and chapel trucks were sent as mobile churches to displaced persons.

When the Cold War began in the 1950s, the charity launched its unprecedented campaign for the persecuted Catholic Church in countries behind the Iron Curtain. In the 1960s, aid programmes were extended to Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of benefactors who donate to Aid to the Church in Need, we are now active throughout the world with an annual donation income of over 120 million euros. This success story proves once again how practical charity grows out of a lived faith.

» The camaraderie among the staff and volunteers is simply wonderful, and this itself makes our job all the more worthwhile. « Mervyn Maciel, volunteer, UK

Origins and mission | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 9

» Charity with efficiency and transparency. « Regina Lynch, Director of Projects There are numerous charities that look after those in need. What distinguishes Aid to the Church in Need from these organisations? We are the only international Catholic organisation that focuses on the pastoral and spiritual support of persecuted and suffering Christians.

10 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Organisation

Following our inclusion under the Vatican’s umbrella, our General Secretariat in Germany and our 23 National Sections have been successful in building a unique bridge between benefactors and those in need.

Each year, we screen more than 7,500 aid project requests from more than 149 countries.

Due to its global structure, Aid to the Church in Need can quickly identify needs and respond promptly with aid projects. This is enabled by an efficient framework that keeps bureaucracy to a minimum while thoroughly verifying and approving projects for our project partners.

In addition, our income and expenditures are audited annually by certified accountants, as the trust of our donors is the basis of our success.

Our General Secretariat supports the fundraising efforts of the National Sections and annually screens about 7,500 aid applications from around the world, which are examined and either approved or rejected by the decision-making bodies. Our head office maintains contact with project partners in 149 countries, ensuring the appropriate use of donations.

Through our National Sections, we maintain close contact with our donors.

The public relations work of our offices aims to deliver a high degree of transparency regarding the purpose of donations and how they are used locally, building a bridge between project partners and donors.

» I often thank the Lord for your presence beside us. Without you, it would be so hard to go on with our ministry. « Sr Hanan Youssef, project partner, Lebanon

Organisation | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 11

» Under the guiding theme ›Information – Prayer – Action‹, we were able to support more than 5,300 projects worldwide in 2017. « In 2017, we received more than 7,500 applications for aid from all over the world.

Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we could fund activities amounting to €122.1 million. The bulk of this – 82.5% of our annual budget – flowed into mission-related expenditures like project work, media support as well as prayer activities.

Of course, we are not able to operate without administration, advertising and fundraising costs, but we use the funds as efficiently as possible in these areas, so that as many resources as possible are utilised to assist local Christians.

Detailed use of funds (2017)

7.0% €8.5 million

Mission-related expenditures Administration Donor relations and fundraising

10.5% €12.8 million

82.5% €100.7 million

€122.1 million In this way, we were able to support a total of 5,357 projects with more than 100.7 million euros in 148 countries in 2017 and stand up for discriminated and persecuted 12 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Facts and figures

Facts and figures* 23 More than 368.000 €124.057.414 Surplus of €1.9 Project partners in more than 149 Over 5.300 82,5% Offices in

countries benefactors worldwide per year donations, legacies and other income million to be used in 2018 countries approved projects worldwide of the funds used are allocated in mission-related expenditures * Status 2017

Breakdown mission-related expenditures (2017) 16.0% €16.1 million

Project work (→ p. 16ff.)

84.0% €84.6 million

Information, proclamation of faith and advocacy for discriminated and persecuted Christians (→ p. 30ff.)

€100.7 million Christians with information, proclamation of faith and advocacy. From the mission-related expenditures 84.0% went into project work and 16.0% into

media support and prayer activities.

All financial figures are audited by the independent auditing company KPMG. Facts and figures | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 13

» Reconstruction, the formation of faith and emergency aid in war zones were our main focus in 2017. « At nearly one-fifth, a large proportion of our funding amount was used for emergency aid, such as for the support of the numerous victims of the conflict in the Middle East.

The projects we support are primarily of a pastoral nature. In 2017, about onethird of the outlays were used for the construction of seminary buildings, as well as the construction and reconstruction of churches and religious facilities.

An essential constant is also our funding of Mass stipends, which we supported in 2017 with approximately 12.6 million euros worldwide.

More than one-fifth of our project budget was used for the training of priests and religious sisters, as well as the continuing education of priests and the formation of faith for the laity.

Aid granted by type of help (2017) €84.6 million

Construction and reconstruction (→ p. 24) 3.4% Emergency assistance (→ p. 27)

3.5% 7.5%

Mass stipends (→ p. 19) Training of priests and religious (→ p. 20)

32.8% 9.6%

Faith formation of laity (→ p. 23) 12.1% Means of transport for pastoral care (→ p. 25) Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media (→ p. 29) Existence help for religious (→ p. 22)

14 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Facts and figures

15.7% 15.4%

» Our relief measures start with close dialogue with the local churches. « In 2017, the regional focus of our aid projects was Africa, the Middle East as well as in Asia. In all our project work, the dialogue with the local Church is particularly important to us, for the local bishops and religious know best where the need is greatest and which relief measures must be taken. We consider our task to be supporting the Church, particularly in those places where Christians suffer from war, oppression, persecution and violence.

Unfortunately, a hotspot of violence in 2017 was once again the Middle East, where in many places the faithful are exposed to the arbitrariness and violence of IS and other Islamistic groups. Therefore, aid projects for Syria and Iraq will continue to be high on our agenda.

But Christians in many countries of Africa also suffer from the persecution and violence of radical Islamism. At the same time, Africa is the continent with the strongest growth in believers. Our funding for Africa takes account of these developments, as more than a quarter of our overall project budget went to the local churches of African countries in 2017.

In Asia, on the other hand, our priority is in regions such as Pakistan and the Philippines, where radical Islamism is also on the rise.

Of course, we are also active in India, where an increasingly radical Hinduism persecutes and oppresses the Christian minority with violence in many places.

But also China, Vietnam and Laos, which have suffered under Communist power structures for decades, are still on our list. €84.6 million Aid granted by region (2017)

3.6% 14.5%

Africa (→ p. 58 ff.)

29.5%

Middle East (→ p. 70 ff.)

Asia/Oceania (→ p. 88 ff.)

15.5%

Latin America (→ p. 44 ff.)

15.7%

21.2%

Western/Eastern Europe (→ p. 80 ff.)

Other

Facts and figures | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 15

Our task areas

Regardless of whether existential help for priests and religious, Mass stipends, training of seminarians, emergency relief aid during war and natural catastrophes or publicity work for the propagation of the faith – Aid to the Church in Need’s task areas are as diverse as they are urgent. We lend assistance and fund activities where Christians are persecuted and the Church suffers hardships.

16 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Our task areas

p. 19 Mass stipends

pp. 20–21 Training of priests and religious

p. 22 Existence help for religious

p. 23 Faith formation of laity

p. 24 Construction and reconstruction of church facilities

p. 25 Means of transport for pastoral care

pp. 26–27 Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes pp. 28–29 Distribution of Bibles and religious books pp. 30–39 Advocacy, Public relations pp. 40–41 CRTN – Media support for the propagation of faith Our task areas | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 17

» Putting the plight of the people before God is part of our mission. «

Father Martin Barta, International Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Foundation

Helping persecuted and needy Christians is of the utmost priority to Aid to the Church in Need. Whether through Mass stipends, the funding of priestly formation, existential help for religious members, or the formation of faith among the laity – we sponsor thousands of brothers and sisters every year so that they, in turn, can support the faithful.

Open-air Holy Mass in Guarabira, Brazil.

18 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Mass stipends

In Mexico as well, poor priests were assisted through Mass stipends.

Mass stipends In many regions today, the faithful are so poor that they cannot support their priests. Even the bishops often lack the financial means to provide their priests with a regular wage. In these areas, Mass stipends are often their only means of material support.

Mass stipends are monetary donations connected with the request to celebrate Holy Mass for the deceased and the sick or other concerns of the benefactors.

In 2017, a total of 1,504,105 Holy Masses were celebrated in the intentions of our benefactors. In this way, we were able to support a total of 40,383 priests – on average, about every tenth priest worldwide.

The distribution of the Mass stipends reflects the conditions of poverty on the continents. In the reporting year, 42.88% of the Mass stipends went to Africa, 25.32% to Asia and the Near and Middle East, 16.88% to Latin America and 14.92% to Central and Eastern Europe.

Âť For some priests, Mass stipends are the only source of income. ÂŤ By focusing Mass prayers on deceased or sick relatives, on people who are experiencing life crises or on certain issues the donor may face, he or she takes part in the Eucharistic celebration in a very special way. With this kind of donation, many of our benefactors recognise the profound spiritual purpose of uniting their charity with Church prayers. On average, a Holy Mass is held every 21 seconds in the intentions of ACN benefactors somewhere in the world.

Most of the priests not only use Mass stipends for their own subsistence, but are also able to cover some of the costs of their pastoral activities with them. In this way, Mass stipends are intended to secure the immediate livelihood of priests and their parishes. As a basic principle, 100% of the Mass stipends are forwarded to the intended recipients.

Through Mass stipends, we support the subsistence of priests worldwide, as here in the diocese of Dolisie in the Republic of the Congo.

Mass stipends | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 19

Training of priests and religious The theological training and qualification of seminarians has always been an important focus of our aid.

After all, future priests will ultimately be spiritual pillars and safeguard sacramental life. Therefore, our educational assistance mainly flows into countries where the suitable and continuous training of future priests is endangered or is not adequately ensured due to poverty, war or persecution.

Âť Scholarships are the seed which we hope will yield ripe fruit for the Church. ÂŤ

In 2017, we supported a total of 13,643 seminarians, 2,883 more than in the previous year. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we have been able to fund every ninth seminarian worldwide.

Joint training of seminarians from Albania and Kosovo.

20 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Training of priests and religious

Also the continuing education of God’s servants is an important concern to us.

In the reporting year, we sponsored the continuing education of 2,874 priests who themselves will train seminarians and thus maintain the qualitative level of priestly formation in their home countries over the long term.

In addition, we were able to financially support courses and retreats, in which a total of 4,710 priests could find strength and required knowledge competence for a daily renewal of their vocation.

It is always a great pleasure when bishops report to us that scholarship holders have successfully completed their studies, full of pride and gratitude. In 2017, we continued this commitment.

In this way, we were able to award 197 scholarships to priests who, for example, are earning a doctorate or completing an additional degree course to become lecturers in priestly formation or in other fields that require a higher academic degree or additional study. The scholarship holders received their training at universities or institutions in Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Poland and Canada.

Theology students at the seminary in Paurastya Vidyapitham in India.

In terms of continental distribution, 34% of our scholarship holders came from Asia, 37% from Africa, 20% from Latin America and 9% from Eastern Europe.

Nevertheless, we are continually faced with challenges in selecting and deciding who will receive scholarships.

On the one hand, we would like to do justice to the special requirements and needs of the diocese, the order or the congregation that applies for a scholarship from us for their candidate. Often, it is important to close gaps in the teaching staff at the seminary or to train a new novice mistress for a growing community of nuns.

On the other hand, there is also the question of the personal, intellectual or spiritual maturity of priests or sisters who are to be released from their function to undergo further theological or philosophical training. In the end, the scholarship holders will be living away from their normal environment for a long time in a country whose language they have often only recently learned. In addition, there are frequent issues such as health problems, homesickness or obstacles to obtaining a visa.

 Awarding a scholarship is special, because in contrast to all other types of projects, the project partner, the student, is one hundred percent responsible for whether the project bears fruit one hundredfold, fiftyfold or not at all.  Peter Rettig, Head of section (†2017)

Fr. Anthony Hasdak received a five-semester scholarship to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines.

Training of priests and religious | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 21

Existence help for religious Particularly in areas with a great shortage of priests, religious sisters literally take care of all in the name of God: children and adults, orphans, the sick and the dying, failures and seekers, as well as the traumatised. These nuns often work under the most difficult conditions. Even contemplative sisters provide help to the suffering through their prayers.

In 2017 alone, we supported 12,801 religious sisters from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America in their valuable work.

» We recognise a successful aid project when people are once again free to live their faith. « Regina Lynch, Director of Projects

22 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Existence help for religious

Faith formation of laity There is a lack of priests in many of the world’s poorest countries.

Here, the formation of the laity for the catechetical service is an essential element of preserving faith in daily life. Through a theological basic education, women and men are empowered to share their faith and to prepare the faithful for the reception of the sacraments.

With our help, more than 37,800 laypersons were supported in their faith formation in 2017.

» It is our duty to support our brothers and sisters in Dolores Soroa Suárez de Tangil, faith. « benefactress, Spain

Faith formation of laity | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 23

» Faith and a good organisation together can move mountains. « Eric Dupont, Director of Administration

Supporting the local Church in its pastoral care efforts for the faithful is the key task of Aid to the Church in Need. This includes supporting the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of church buildings so that the church can carry out its mission. We also finance vehicles for priests, sisters and catechists so that they can reach the faithful in often vast areas. Where believers are victims of displacement, violence and persecution, we provide emergency relief to alleviate the worst suffering.

Construction and reconstruction of church facilities Especially in crisis areas, churches and ecclesiastical institutions are often destroyed by violence. We support reconstruction in these areas, as the Church is the centre of the life of faith and a sign of hope.

Where the Church is growing, e.g. in Africa, Asia and Latin America, help is often needed to build up a new infrastructure.

Therefore, Aid to the Church in Need provides assistance for the construction 24 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Construction and reconstruction

and reconstruction of churches, monasteries, pastoral centres and mission stations, thereby safeguarding and promoting the pastoral work of the Catholic Church worldwide. From our 60 years of experience, we know that in slums, even the smallest chapel can give people a spiritual home.

1,212 such buildings could be constructed or repaired with our help in 2017 alone.

Means of transport for pastoral care As early as the 1950s, Father Werenfried van Straaten sent chapel trucks as mobile churches to displaced persons.

Today, it continues to be an important concern of Aid to the Church in Need to ensure that assistance and pastoral care are transported to areas in need.

We receive applications to fund vehicular purchases from every continent. Regardless of whether trucks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, or in particularly difficult mountain regions, mules – in 2017 alone, 424 cars, 257 motorcycles, 429 bicycles and three boats were financed.

Means of transport for pastoral care | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 25

» For us, the greatest conceivable catastrophe would be not to act. « Philipp Ozores, Secretary General

26 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Emergency assistance

Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes Emergency assistance for refugees is deeply rooted in the history of our relief organisation. Already in the 1950s, the founder of Aid to the Church in Need, Father Werenfried van Straaten, carried out pioneering work in supporting displaced persons.

in many other parts of the world as well: whether in Mindanao in the Philippines or in northern Nigeria, where Islamist terror groups are perpetrating acts of violence against the Christian minority, we stand by those who have not been able to save anything but their bare lives.

The bitter truth is that there are more refugees worldwide than ever before.

65.6Â million people are currently fleeing war and violence around the world; of these, 16Â million alone are in the Middle East.

Our great financial commitment to refugees and displaced persons in the Middle East is not only a response to their pressing need, but also a contribution to stop the wave of Christian emigration and thus ensure the continuity of Christianity in the region (for more information, see the Middle East chapter starting on page 70).

But we support Christians who have been persecuted and expelled for their beliefs

Emergency assistance | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 27

» For some children the Bible is the only picture book that they can get hold of. « Fr. Martin Barta, International Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Foundation

28 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media

Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation,” Jesus said. Aid to the Church in Need takes this assignment literally. For instance, since 1979, our organisation has been a publisher and global supplier of the Children’s Bible, which has been translated into 189 languages and has already been distributed more than 51 million times. Often in poor countries, the Children’s Bible is the first book that children receive in their own language; frequently, it is the only picture book that the little ones can get hold of in their entire lives.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is now available in 35 languages. Since 2016, our foundation has also been the publisher of DOCAT, a modern translation of the social teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. You can find more information about YOUCAT and DOCAT on pages 38 to 39.

In 2017 alone, 1.12 million religious books were produced and distributed with the help of ACN. In addition, Aid to the Church in Need promotes YOUCAT, the illustrated Youth Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 29

» We give persecuted Christians a voice. «

Thomas Heine-Geldern, Executive President

In accordance with the motto of our founder “Inform, pray and act”, our communication work gives a voice to those who often no longer have one. We present the pressing issues of the Church locally and serve as advocates for persecuted Christians vis-à-vis other bodies, we create the Religious Freedom Report, and prepare public relations reports for print, social media and audiovisual products.

These materials are provided to the National Sections to forward to the local media, including radio and television stations. With information campaigns, publications, events and conferences, the 23 National Sections advocate the welfare of the Church around the world.

We also assist with the construction of radio stations and oversee the training of media professionals in the service of evangelisation.

As the “advocate of Christians”, we raise the voice for disadvantaged and persecuted Christians in many urgent cases.

30 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Advocacy

We have already been able to galvanise key people in positions of responsibility with our plea for more humanity and charity. Much of our advocacy work is made possible by maintaining contacts on visits of project partner delegations and also by providing high-quality information. As a result, over the past few years, we have gained a high level of trust and a good reputation among politicians from the EU and other parts of the world. This helps us to launch projects and win over fellow campaigners.

Advocacy for displaced Christians in Iraq In 2017, our commitment to the Nineveh Reconstruction Project was the focal point of our advocacy activities. This project helps those Iraqi Christians who have been expelled by IS to return to their home villages in the Nineveh Plains. Through lectures, informational materials and delegation visits, we have raised awareness for the project among politicians in Brussels, Rome, the United States and the United Nations. We will continue to canvass the support of political decision-makers.

Here are some highlights of the Nineveh Reconstruction Project in 2017. You can learn more about the Nineveh Reconstruction Project on pages 78 to 79.

Presentation of the Nineveh Reconstruction Project in the Vatican, May 2017.

Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín at the international conference “Return to the Roots: Christians in the Nineveh Plains” in September 2017.

Advocacy | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 31

Hearing on “The situation of persecuted minorities, notably Christians” on 22 November 2017 at the European Parliament in Brussels.

April The Nineveh Reconstruction Project is presented to government officials in Washington, D.C. and New York at the “Under Caesar’s Sword” conference co-financed by ACN USA.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, at the international conference “Return to the Roots: Christians in the Nineveh Plains” in September 2017.

May At the Nineveh Reconstruction Conference in Rome, the project is presented to the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, an international organisation of Catholic economists and bankers.

June At the ACN International and ACN Italy Conference, the Nineveh Reconstruction Project is explained to 20 EU ambassadors in the Vatican.

32 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Advocacy

“Christmas after Daesh: New hope for Christians in the Middle East” conference on 5 December 2017 in the European Parliament in Brussels.

August At the annual meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network in Frascati (about 100 legislators from 30 countries), the Nineveh Reconstruction Project is presented and the corresponding project brochure is handed over to Pope Francis.

September At the ACN Conference in Rome, the Nineveh Reconstruction Project is presented to diplomats from over 25 countries, the international media and the national offices.

October The Nineveh Reconstruction Project is presented to the Hungarian government at the International Conference on Christian Persecution.

We also believe in facts: the Religious Freedom Report The free exercise of faith is a fundamental right that applies to all. But unfortunately, religious freedom is still under threat today in many countries, or is being diminished. In an increasingly polarised world with numerous crisis regions, war zones and strongly rising waves of refugees, Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom Report plays a key role in safeguarding this fundamental right.

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REPORT 2016 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THE WORLD

The report is published every two years and examines the status quo of religious freedom in 196 countries. It refers to independent sources and provides comprehensive statistics, case studies and analyses. As the latest report from 2016 shows, religious freedom diminished or even drastically worsened between 2014 and 2016 in 82 countries – or 42% of the world. An improvement could only be noted in six countries.

A supplementary study, entitled “Persecuted and Forgotten”, is prepared by our national office in the UK and specifically addresses the worldwide persecution of Christians. The latest report comes to the shocking conclusion that the persecution of Christians reached a new high between 2015 and 2017 due to increased violence and repression.

REPORT 2016

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THE WORLD

Religious Freedom Report | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 33

Public relations Whether for press work, information campaigns, publications, events or conferences – in this section we present the most important communication activities, carried out by our headquarters and by our 23 National Sections in 2017.

Pilgrimage to Fátima From 11 to 17 September 2017, ACN organised a pilgrimage to the Portuguese shrine to commemorate the anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fátima 100 years ago. The pilgrimage coincided with the 70th anniversary of our foundation, which has always been closely linked to the messages that the Blessed Virgin sent to three shepherd children in 1917.

“The international pilgrimage was a unique opportunity for the entire staff and friends of our foundation to gather at the feet of Mary and to renew their commitment to the persecuted and suffering Church,” summed up ACN Foundation President Cardinal Mauro Piacenza.

34 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Public Relations

Iraq Conference “Return to the Roots – the international effort supporting the return of the Iraqi Christians to their villages in the Nineveh Plains”: under this motto, ACN invited leading representatives of the Vatican and Iraqi Christians to a conference on 28 September 2017 at

the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. The strong resonance among the participants made the conference another milestone in our “Marshall Plan” to enable northern Iraqi Christians displaced by IS to return to their home villages.

Public Relations | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 35

ACN Korea Conference In December 2017, our Korean national office invited participants to a conference to raise awareness about the worldwide suffering of Christians.

Local observers such as Archbishop Sebastian Shaw from Lahore, Pakistan, Sister Ann Christin Kizza from Uganda and Father Raymond Abdo

36 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Public Relations

from Lebanon shared their experiences of open and sometimes violent discrimination against Christians. The conference also focused on the challenge of humanitarian catastrophes, as well as the hopeful progress in interreligious coexistence.

“Red Wednesday” On the occasion of the publication of the worldwide report “Persecuted and Forgotten” on the global situation of persecuted Christians, our national offices in Great Britain, France, Italy, Brazil and the Philippines took part in publicity campaigns on 22 November 2017.

These were accompanied by impressive symbols: Westminster Abbey in London, SacréCœur in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro were illuminated in red at night. And in the cities of the Philippine archipelago, a

total of 47 cathedrals and 29 basilicas were illuminated in a deep red light, thus also setting a symbolic sign for more humanity.

Auction After the Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini had presented Pope Francis with the new special model “Huracán” as a gift, the sports car was auctioned off at Sotheby’s at the request of the Holy Father. The proceeds of 715,000 euros went to several relief organizations, including Aid

to the Church in Need. Our foundation immediately used the funds for the Nineveh Reconstruction Project in northern Iraq. ACN representatives thanked Lamborghini: “This gift to the Pope is a good example of how big companies can help Christians in need.”

Public Relations | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 37

Presentation of DOCAT, the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, to Pope Francis.

YOUCAT and DOCAT YOUCAT is the Youth Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, published for the first time in 2011. The work, formulated with the help of young people in question and answer form, is very popular with Catholic youth work worldwide and has since been translated into 40 languages. In 2014, ACN took over the project as the sole partner of the YOUCAT Foundation.

YOUCAT plays an important role in supporting the faith of young people.

38 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | YOUCAT and DOCAT

The desire on the part of many young people for a guide on how the spirit of the Catholic Church can be practised in daily life emerged out of YOUCAT. The request ultimately led to the idea behind DOCAT, a translation of the social teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church from and for young people.

ACN was already able to present a print » edition of the new DOCAT in 30 languages to thousands of young people at World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, accompanied by a downloadable app. Prior to World Youth Day 2016, the work was presented to Pope Francis in Rome, who also wrote the preface to DOCAT.

If a Christian these days looks away from the need of the poorest of the poor, then in reality he is not a Christian! « Pope Francis in the preface to DOCAT

ACN supported the YOUCAT Centre Brazil with technical equipment.

YOUCAT and DOCAT | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 39

» In 2017, we produced more than 420 TV and radio broadcasts to spread the faith. « Mark von Riedemann, Director of Public Affairs and Religious Freedom

Behind the Catholic Radio & Television Network (CRTN) is a modern production studio specialising in reports and documentaries on the Catholic Church in remote areas. The broadcasts primarily serve to support evangelisation efforts and promote solidarity with the suffering Church. Additionally, they further publicise the work of Aid to the Church in Need. Through our network, we are able to provide productions to TV and radio stations around the world. In 2017, the studio produced more than 420 TV and radio programmes in all language versions, which were then broadcast on 74 TV and 475 radio stations. In addition to documentary films and interview

40 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Media support for the propagation of faith

broadcasts such as “Where God Weeps” and “Donde Dios Llora”, we were able to produce a considerable number of short films for special ACN fundraisers.

Especially in non-Christian areas, spreading the Gospel through radio and television plays a very important role.

The best example here is in the Middle East, where there are more than 600 Muslim television channels, but only two Christian ones. Aid to the Church in Need oversees the establishment of Catholic radio and television stations here and supports the required training of staff members, thereby ensuring that they are professionally qualified.

CRTN is a production and media service that is globally unique in the Church.

CRTN achieved record distribution in 2017 with documentary films alone: the broadcasts reached 74 television stations worldwide. These included seven TV stations in North America, ten in Europe, 30 in Latin America via SIPCATV and 21 TV channels in Russia via Blagovest-Media.

Every day, broadcasts reach tens of millions worldwide. In addition to production and distribution, CRTN also supports a number of worldwide TV distribution initiatives through consulting and programming services. What’s more, CRTN established the global Catholic television resource network crtn.org 18 years ago, which gives Catholic produc-

ers and television stations the opportunity to facilitate the presentation, exchange and distribution of Catholic programmes worldwide.

In addition, we have compiled a web catalogue containing 1,911 productions.

In 2017, 282 producers and 141 television stations used this service, which is unique in the Church. A CRTN newsletter, a CRTN Facebook page with about 2,000 followers and the CRTN YouTube channel round off our media service.

The CRTN YouTube Channel has had just under one million views.

CRTN | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 41

p. 44 Latin America p p. 46–47 Haiti pp. 48–49 Cuba

p. 50 Uruguay

p. 51 Guatemala, El Salvador & Honduras pp. 52–53 Venezuela pp. 54–55 Brazil pp. 56–57 Argentina & Chile

42 | ACN Activity Report 2017| Our regional activities in 2017

p. 58 Africa

p. 60 Sierra Leone

p. 61 Burkina Faso

p. 61 Angola

p. 62 Nigeria

p. 63 Mali

p. 63 Sudan

p. 64 Cameroon

p. 65 Uganda p p. 66–67 Dem. Rep. of the Congo

p. 68 Rwanda

p. 69 Madagascar

Our regional activities in 2017

ACN receives around 8,000 aid project applications annually from nearly 150 countries. On the following pages, we would like to provide you with an overview of our regional funding priorities in 2017. We made a special commitment to the Middle East and Africa, where the need of Christians is particularly great due to the violence of fundamentalist Islam and persistent poverty.

p. 70 Middle East pp. 72–75 Syria pp. 76–79 Iraq

p. 80 Western/ Eastern Europe

p. 82 Refugee assistance

p. 83 Bulgaria pp. 84–85 Russia

p. 86 Belarus

p. 87 Ukraine

p. 88 Asia/Oceania p p. 90–91 pp. 92–93 pp. 94–95

p. 96

p. 97 pp. 98–99

Pakistan India Bangladesh Sri Lanka Vietnam Philippines

Our regional activities in 2017 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 43

44 | ACN Activity Report 2017

Latin America

With more than 25 million Catholics, Latin America is traditionally considered the “Catholic continent”. The number of requests for aid to the Church in Latin America increased again in 2017 by about 7% to 1,199 applications. The reasons for this rise primarily include the economic crisis in Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina, as well as continuing hardships in Haiti. In total, ACN funded 932 relief projects on the continent during the reporting year, supported by a total budget of around 12.7 million euros. This corresponds to 15.5 % of our global funding volume for 2017.

Nearly 40% of all Catholics worldwide live in Latin America. Nevertheless, the number of Catholic believers here has been decreasing dramatically over the past 40 years. On average, the Catholic Church still represents about 70% of the faithful, but in the poorest countries of Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Catholics make up only 45–50% of the population. This is mainly a consquence of the lack of priests and adequate training.

» Promoting Christian formation is one of our main concerns in Latin America. « This situation is exploited by Protestant sects and Pentecostal churches.

By strengthening the Catholic Church, the influence of these sects can be diminished. For this reason, ACN’s as-

sistance in Latin America has increasingly focused on the education and training of priests and other pastoral workers.

Nuns praying during Mass in Pisiga, Bolivia.

Of particular concern in Latin America is the excessive violence of the drug cartels and the extreme economic and cultural inequality. Poverty is still dramatic in the city peripheries and in rural areas. Every day, thousands of priests live and evangelise the poorest and those who have been forgotten.

Latin America | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 45

Haiti Number of projects 168 Applied projects

83 Funded projects

Type of projects 35

14

Construction Means of of facilities Transport

1 Emergency aid

5 Training priests

2 Media support

1 Existence help

10 Mass stipends

0 Bibles & Books

15 Formation of laity

Haiti is the poorest country in the world outside of Africa. Since the devastating earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the plight of the country on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola continues to be devastating – even today. The Church is often the only hope left to the people there. Haiti is therefore one of the main countries in Latin America that receives our aid. In 2017, ACN supported local churches here with 83 projects and a total budget of 1.1 million euros.

Head of section Marco Mencaglia

Lay training in the town of Saint Raphael de l’Etang Rey.

46 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Latin America – Haiti

In the coming years, we will continue to provide assistance to Haiti.

In addition to urgent construction and reconstruction projects, our assistance in Haiti in 2017 focused on increasing and supporting pastoral workers as well as on Mass stipends as a form of material assistance to diocesan priests. In remote areas, we have been able to assist a number of parishes in financing vehicles and solar power systems, as providing mobility and energy remains one of the major infrastructural problems on this island, which has been severely hit by natural disasters.

A sister in Bainet parish distributes cards written

by French ACN donors to children.

For the church in Dumont parish in south-western Haiti, we funded a solar power system that is currently the only source of energy for many miles.

» The parishes in Haiti are often the only port of call for the needs of the population. « The importance of the Church in Haiti can only be fathomed by those who have lived there for some time. Especially in the countryside and on the outskirts of cities, the priest is often the only caregiver for the needs of the faithful. In such circumstances, it is difficult to separate the pastoral aspect of the work from its social impact. During ACN’s visit to Haiti, one bishop told us: “If a fire breaks out

Chapel of the diocesan curia in Les Cayes, whose roof was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.

somewhere in the diocese, the bishop is the first one to be told. He, in turn, informs the town hall.”

In fact, the interconnected network of parishes is better developed than that of the various public administrations.

And in spite of the great hardships, the Catholic communities continue to grow.

Each of the ten dioceses of the country establishes between two and four new parishes each year. Nevertheless, the priests in these new parishes face great challenges. Often there is neither a church nor a rectory. The Holy Mass is celebrated under the most abject conditions in open air.

The faithful before Mass in the newly-built church in the parish of Notre Dame des Douleurs à Lombard.

Latin America –Haiti | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 47

Cuba Number of projects 87

86

Type of projects 14

12

10

4

7

3

5

10

21

Head of section Ulrich Kny

Even after the death of the revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in November 2016, Cuba is still marked by conservative communist structures. For the majority of Cubans, this continues to mean a life of poverty. In addition, the island nation has suffered from the consequences of severe hurricanes in recent years. Local churches have not been spared the devastation. In addition to the reconstruction of the church infrastructure, our funding has

focused on ensuring the presence of church workers, as well as religious education.

The situation in Cuba could best be summed up by a continuing lack of prospects. Even after Raúl Castro withdrew from his office as president, no political changes are to be expected. For now, the hopes of many Cubans for a rapprochement with the US, including a relaxation of the economic embargo, have been dashed by the stance of US President Donald Trump. Since the visit of Pope Francis and the Year of Divine Mercy in

» In times when prospects are dim, the Church is the only reliable hope for many Cubans. «

In Cascajal parish, the church was rebuilt.

48 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Latin America – Cuba

After Hurricane Irma, the church in Mayajigua was rebuilt.

A sister of the order Misioneras de Jesús Verbo y Víctima during catechesis in the central Cuban town of Guasimal.

2016, the Church in Cuba has at least been able to improve its dialogue with the public authorities. This aspect has given the Church more freedom for its evangelisation efforts.

Cuba’s lack of prospects was exacerbated by the destruction of Hurricane Irma, which hit nearly the entire island in September 2017 with storm gusts of more than 250 km/h. The hurricane is considered the most violent storm that the Caribbean has experienced for many years. In many dioceses, the gales caused serious damage, which will present local

Hurricane Irma completely destroyed the chapel in Jiquí.

churches with great challenges for time to come.

Reconstruction of church buildings in Nazabal.

With our budget for Cuba, we have supported some of the island’s eleven dioceses with emergency relief measures and co-financed the reconstruction of the ecclesiastical infrastructure. However, urgent investments are also needed for vehicles in the parishes, because these are usually completely outdated. Unfortunately, due to the lack of import permits for new vehicles, no improvement to mobility is currently in sight.

The sisters of the order Hermanas Misioneras de María Evangelizadora are grateful for aid to restore the convent.

Latin America –Cuba | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 49

Uruguay

Young people at an Easter procession of the project “Centinelas del Mañana”.

Number of projects 28

20

Type of projects 5

0

6

1

0

1

1

0

6

Head of section Ulrich Kny

Renovation of the dilapidated roof of the Our Lady of Lourdes parish chapel, Santa Clara de Asís.

50 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Latin America – Uruguay

For more than 100 years, secularism has been legally enshrined in Uruguay. Only about 44% of the population call themselves Catholic and another 40% are atheist. Since few faithful contribute to the upkeep of the church, destitute dioceses are in urgent need of external help.

» With our financial help, we are making an important contribution to maintaining the pastoral presence of the Church. «

The financial situation of the local churches in Uruguay is distressing, as state requirements for the maintenance of Catholic schools and culturally significant church buildings are extremely high. The work and living expenses of pastoral workers could hardly be covered

without additional funds. In 2017, ACN supported a total of ten dioceses in Uruguay to help absorb the enormous impact of these costs.

Only 21 seminarians are currently being trained at the national seminary in Montevideo. The difficult living and working conditions of the priests – many live at subsistence level and reap few rewards despite their efforts – have a negative impact on spiritual vocations. This problem has been compounded by the decline of church marriage ceremonies and the breakdown of the family structure.

Guatemala, El Salvador & Honduras Along with Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are among the poorest countries in Central America. ACN’s focus in these countries is on helping the young people whose lives are often marked by violence and a lack of future prospects. Thousands of adolescents have died here in recent years solely as a result of the violence instigated by the drug mafia.

The power, arbitrariness and violence of the drug cartels is one of the biggest problems in Central America. The victims are often underage youths, who usually come from the poorest of circumstances

Having obtained a car, the priest can reach remote parishes such as Señor de los Milagros in El Salvador.

and can quickly get caught up in the spiral of drug-related crime. In January 2019, Panama will become the first Central American country to host a World Youth Day with Pope Francis. ACN considers this event to be an opportunity to dedicate itself to the endangered youth of Central America.

» Many young people in Central America are victims of an undeclared war between the drug cartels. « Through pastoral evangelisation programmes, we help the local churches in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to protect young people from violence, exploitation and life-threatening danger. On our visit to a church reception centre for migrants in Mexico, a youth from Honduras told us: “I’m doing well, because here I feel that my life is worth something. At home, my life was worth nothing.”

Number of projects 41

20

Type of projects 6

2

3

0

0

0

3

2

4

Head of section Marco Mencaglia

Young people in Honduras receive the “Small Catholic Catechism”.

Latin America –Guatemala, El Salvador & Honduras | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 51

Venezuela Number of projects 88

74

Type of projects 10

1

19

1

2

22

7

6

6

Head of section Marco Mencaglia

Venezuela is a rich country that barely needed our attention until a few years ago.

However, in recent years, Venezuela has become a place of concern for ACN due to the dramatic political and economic situation. More and more dioceses are approaching us with supplications. This is partly due to the fact that many local churches now lack the essentials. So over the past three years, we have more than tripled our aid to the Church in Venezuela.

Help for this old, small church is long overdue. With Mass stipends, ACN already supports it today.

52 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Latin America – Venezuela

The current political leadership under President Maduro has plunged Venezuela into catastrophic conditions. The country is facing complete economic collapse. This has resulted in hyperinflation, rising emigration numbers and many fatalities in riots and demonstrations.

In view of the world’s highest annual inflation of more than 1,000%, the local Church has quickly reached its financial limits. In 2017, we therefore supported a total of 22 dioceses and vicariates in the country.

Poverty in Venezuela.

In 2017, we supported numerous priests in Venezuela with Mass stipends.

The nuns of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites in Barquisimeto are pleased about the existential aid granted.

» Our material support for many priests and sisters in Venezuela is now a means of survival. « The crisis in Venezuela is driving more and more people to a state of resignation and desperation. Basic foodstuffs have become luxury commodities, the water supply is inadequate in many areas, and medical care in many places can no longer be guaranteed. The level of violence and drug-related crime is also alarming; both have rapidly increased throughout the country. In these circumstances, increasing numbers of people

seek refuge in the Church, which is often the only place of hope.

Even minimum assistance is incredibly valuable to the existence of the poorest communities. In 2017, our material support was at least able to alleviate the greatest need of many sisters. Mass stipends are also an important source of support. These ensure the daily survival of many destitute diocesan priests.

By visiting Venezuela in the spring of 2018, ACN hoped to pay testimony to its benefactors’ closeness to the brothers and sisters who face distress and uncertainty there every day.

Mons. Mario del Valle Moronta Rodriguez, Bishop of the Diocese of San Cristobal, among the parish after the Mass.

Latin America –Venezuela | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 53

Brazil Number of projects 303

216

Type of projects 41

23

34

1

1

16

49

30

21

Head of section Ulrich Kny

With the purchase of a car for the parish of St. Ana and St. Joaquin, the faithful in the countryside can now be better looked after.

54 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Latin America – Brazil

Corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, violence and drastic social cuts – Brazil’s climate of uncertainty has been fuelled by years of economic crisis. Although the economic downturn seems to be slowly coming to an end, the reforms are mainly shouldered by the general population. The Church in Brazil also suffers from the ongoing crisis and increasing violence.

In many dioceses of Brazil, self-financing has been seriously endangered due to the economic crisis. Our aid here primarily flows into religious education and the support of pastoral workers. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference is also very concerned about the proliferation of violent crime.

The parish of Obra de Maria in Marituba-Belém, among others, was directly affected by violence in 2017. In addition to impressive new evangelisation

Father Luis Isidoro Molento at the anointing of the sick. He received a fellowship in 2017 from ACN for his thesis on Family Pastoral Care at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome.

» The Brazilian Bishops’ Conference is deeply concerned about rampant violence in the country. «

Aline Carcy Moraes of the League of Mercy talks to a homeless man in the square before the Cathedral of São Paulo.

initiatives, the parish is committed to numerous charitable causes. Its seminary building has been invaded five times by heavily armed gangs within just 15 months. One seminarian narrowly escaped with his life. Eventually, the seminarians were hindered from attending college due to death threats.

Violent incidents such as these shockingly depict how urgently the Church in Brazil relies on external protection and assistance. ACN has therefore promised the parish aid with the construction of a new seminary building. In addition, we provide annual help to Obra de Maria with Bibles, bicycles and motorcycles.

5,000 YOUCAT editions for the Missão Belém.

During our visits, we are repeatedly impressed by the selfless commitment of many priests. One of them is Father Gianpietro Carraro, who spent some time with homeless people in the streets of São Paulo and then founded the “Missão Belém”. Today, the mission welcomes thousands of homeless people in some 160 shelters in the São Paulo metropolitan area.

The homeless can receive meals there, take a shower, spend the night, and even seek counselling and legal advice if they wish. More than 50% of the alcohol and drug-addicted homeless have been freed from their addictions and found faith in God. As a token of appreciation, ACN recently sent 5,000 copies of the YOUCAT to the Missão Belém for catechesis.

Latin America –Brazil | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 55

Argentina & Chile Number of projects 142

125

Type of projects 32

2

34

0

2

10

22

7

16

Head of section Ulrich Kny

In the two southernmost countries of Latin America, the church has experienced difficult times for several years. Argentina is still suffering from reforms, which have aggravated the economic situation of the local churches. In Chile, on the other hand, the church faces hostile public opinion.

The clergy of the Argentinian Church have financial worries. The economic reforms and cost-cutting measures of the state budget have dramatically worsened

» The faithful in Chile hoped the Pope’s visit in January 2018 would be a new turning point. « ACN supports 38 nuns who work in the P.R.S. Peña Diocese.

56 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Latin America – Argentina & Chile

poverty in the country. So it came as no surprise that we received a significantly increased number of project applications from Argentina in 2017.

Meanwhile, the Chilean Church has been confronted with increased arson attacks and vandalism of church buildings. This has resulted from the loss of trust due to the inadequate handling of abuse scandals, along with particularly rapid secularisation among the population and ongoing conflicts in the Araucanía Region inhabited by the Mapuche indigenous people.

In Argentina, we supported the construction of the Queen of Heaven chapel in the parish of St. Joseph of Justina on the outskirts of metropolitan Buenos Aires.

Renovation of a monastery of the Mater Dei Order in San Luis, Argentina.

A church in Chile destroyed by the 2010 earthquake is still waiting to be rebuilt.

Training of 21 religious teachers in the Vicariate of Aysen in Chile.

ACN supports the “Capilla País” campaign The announcement of the Pope’s visit sparked great anticipation in the student pastoral care centre of the Catholic University of Chile. In 2015, the university’s pastoral care centre launched the campaign “Capilla País” (“Chapels for the Country”), which has since been joined by hundreds of students each year during their summer term break. They split into groups and visit particularly poor par-

ishes, where they build simple, timber-framed chapels with local Christians and promote community life through educational and recreational activities. Their vision was to build 50 chapels before Pope Francis’ arrival.

Thanks to the aid of our benefactors, the students succeeded in completing the last 18 chapels between Coquimbo in the north and Puerto Montt in the south in 2017.

Volunteers support the Capilla País campaign with the construction of a chapel in Las Cabras.

Latin America –Argentina & Chile | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 57

58 | ACN Activity Report 2017

Africa

Despite its abundant mineral resources, Africa is considered the poorest continent in the world. Of its more than 1.1 billion inhabitants, some 215 million are Catholic. Their number has quadrupled since 1982. Nevertheless, Christians in many countries are in the minority and are persecuted or oppressed. In addition to its pastoral efforts, the Church is also socially engaged in Africa, including in activities such as education, pastoral ministry to refugees, medical care and the protection of life. ACN supported more than 1,800 projects in 48 African countries in 2017.

In the reporting year, Africa has continued to be a continent where wars, famines and religious conflicts take place. In many regions, Islamist terrorist groups are putting the lives of Christians in danger. Elsewhere Christians have been caught between political fronts. In addition, corruption, crime and natural disasters threaten the lives of the faithful. For the future of the Church on the continent, the formation of priests remains the “best investment” to ensure that the Eucharist is celebrated and the Gospel is spread. For this reason, we fund the formation of priests, sisters and catechists as much as we possibly can.

» The Church in Africa is young and vibrant – but often persecuted and oppressed. «

Displaced persons at the Kanyaruchinya refugee camp in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A lack of water and sanitary facilities promotes the spread of cholera.

In total, we received 2,700 new applications from Africa. The projects we support include the construction and renovation of churches, aid for the formation of candidates for the priesthood and religious members, help for catechetical, media and educational work, assistance in the provision of ecclesiastical refugee aid and activities that promote interfaith dialogue and peace work.

Africa | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 59

Sierra Leone

For a year, the Sisters of Merciful Jesus from Poland have been supporting children with their homework and hygiene. ACN helped to build the monastery.

Number of projects 22

12

Applied projects

Funded projects

Type of projects 3

0

4

Construction Means of of facilities Transport

0 Emergency aid

0 Training priests

0

Mass stipends

3

Media support

Bibles & Books

0

2

Existence help

Formation of laity

Head of section Kinga von Poschinger

For years, Sierra Leone has been marked by catastrophes: a brutal civil war, illegal diamond and arms trading, corruption, natural disasters and the Ebola epidemic. Therefore, the work of the Church has thus far almost exclusively been social and charitable in nature. ACN undertook a project trip to the small country in the far west of Africa in 2017 for the first time.

Our initiative to provide assistance in pastoral projects was received enthusiastically.

Despite all the crises, the political system in Sierra Leone remains stable, and the state of human rights and religious freedom has also improved. Although more than 78% of the population are of Muslim faith, the different religious

» The ongoing formation of priests in Africa is very important to us. « Seminarians in the Diocese of Bo, Sierra Leone.

60 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Africa – Sierra Leone

communities live together peacefully.

One of the main reasons for this is that nearly the entire country has been educated in Christian schools. Here the students become acquainted with Christian values and Christian thinking and learn to respect them. Until recently, Catholic schools were the only ones in the country.

Until October 2017, the John Paul II Pastoral Centre in Freetown was considered one of the largest places for priests, religious and the laity in Sierra Leone to gather for spiritual exercises, training or retreats. Due to the dilapidated nature of the building, it was closed after lengthy discussions. In consultation with the Archbishop, we are helping to renovate the centre so that it will soon be able to reopen its doors and thus once again become a place of transmission of the faith.

ACN is supporting the construction of the new church in the parish of Notre Dame des Apôtres in a place that is considered “cursed” and “inhabited by ghosts”. This church shows that people need not be afraid of ghosts.

Number of projects 123

62

Type of projects 5

11

0

1

6

11

4

9

Head of section Rafael D’Aqui

Burkina Faso The peaceful inhabitants of Burkina Faso are affected by extreme poverty.

Christians only make up about 24% of the population, but are extremely present thanks to various congregations of sisters. First and foremost, ACN provides assistance through mobility in order to ensure pastoral care in the scattered communities.

15

In 2017, the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso celebrated the 75th anniversary of its first ordination to the priesthood.

We consider this a sign that the Church has matured and gradually succeeded in replacing the work of missionary priests with local appointments. After all, they are better able to proclaim the Gospel in the local language.

» When the Lord stands by us, we fear nothing. « Suffragan Bishop Leopold Ouedraogo

ACN supports the construction of small chapels In the Diocese of Tenkodogo, ACN was able to co-finance two chapels, which now serve as suitable spaces for worship and personal encounters. One visitor enthusiastically told us: “It was beautiful.

We attended Mass in the chapel on a normal working day at 6 a.m. and there were nearly 200 people of all ages in the congregation.”

Angola The country on the southwestern coast of Africa still suffers from the consequences of more than 25 years of civil war. ACN has been assisting here for decades, mostly in renovating or building parish centres. This often encourages the establishment of schools, making these centres important incubators of first evangelisation.

There have been hints of changes in Angola since the election of the new President João Lourenço. One indication here is the end of the blockade of the Catholic radio station Ecclesia, which can now broadcast the word of God in the provinces again.

The Roman Catholic Church in Angola is being kept alive through the dedication of its priests, catechists and sisters. These are the “good shepherds” who are sometimes also “taxi drivers” for pregnant women or “judges” in disputes. ACN is aware of the challenges that priests face. For this reason, we are working closely with the bishops to revitalise the ongoing training of priests in Angola and Mozambique.

Number of projects 49

25

Type of projects 9

3

3

0

0

2

1

5

2

Head of section Rafael D’Aqui

In addition, we have strengthened our support for the Church in Angola when it comes to the catechism for children and young people as well as in work with addicts.

Africa – Burkina Faso – Angola | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 61

After Sunday Mass in the parish of St. Rita, Kaduna State.

Number of projects 165

88

Type of projects 19

0

20

2

0

5

30

4

8

Head of section Kinga von Poschinger

Nigeria Nigeria is the birthplace of the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, which continues to persecute and kill Christians for their beliefs.

Priests and bishops in the country are not only confronted with the ruins of

destroyed churches and schools, but also with broken and highly traumatised people. In addition to rebuilding the ailing infrastructure, their work is mainly about rebuilding human souls.

The Catholics in Nigeria live their faith with deep conviction. Together with them, it is now necessary to break down hatred and the spiral of violence in order to lead people to peace. In the Diocese of Maiduguri, with our help, the chapel destroyed by Boko Haram is being renovated, as is the building which houses priests who teach at the St. Joseph Seminary.

Story of change The refugee Zacharias B. lost his pregnant wife when she was abducted by Boko Haram. She gave birth to a son after a rape, was freed and was reunited with her husband, who ac-

62 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Africa – Nigeria

cepted the child despite initial reservations. He was able to change his outlook thanks to the help of priests and the Bishop of Maiduguri, who look after traumatised people.

Construction of the kitchen and canteen for the Good Shepherd Major Seminar in Buwaya, Kaduna State.

Solar collectors and technical equipment are transported in Kolokani, Mali, thanks to the help of ACN.

Mali Of the total population of Mali, only about 2% are Catholic. Although the constitution of this majority-Muslim country is considered more liberal, a military coup plunged Mali into an ongoing crisis in 2012. We predominantly assist the Church in the training of priests and religious members, as well as in the construction of churches and ecclesiastical buildings. We also support priests through Mass stipends and provide religious literature for evangelisation.

Following the attacks carried out by religious militants in Bamako and Timbuktu in June 2017, the situation has worsened for the Church. The Islamists are even attacking Muslims. There is no longer a rectory in the north.

» Priests cannot move freely in the north. « In the south, church life continues, but there are villages on the border to Burkina Faso where Christian communities have been prevented from gathering or ringing bells. Here, Christians have also been forced to close churches.

Number of projects 35

25

Type of projects 6

6

4

0

0

2

3

2

2

Head of section Rafael D’Aqui

Jihadists are trying to forcibly turn the secular state into an Islamic republic.

Sudan Sudan is a Muslim-dominated country in which up to one million Christians are discriminated against. Christians face serious pressure in everyday life. ACN primarily supports the Church in religious formation efforts and with humanitarian aid in refugee camps.

Due to the shortage of priests and the often widely separated parishes in the Sudanese dioceses, few of the faithful can participate in the Church’s sacramental life. For this reason, many communities

are run by catechists in rural areas. To ensure that religious life does not come to a standstill, we must invest in the training of priests.

Service in the refugee camps We are also very concerned about the precarious humanitarian situation in the refugee camps 80 kilometres south of Kosti. For example, we were asked by the Suffragan Bishop of Karthoum to support the work of a priest and three sisters currently providing pastoral care to refugees from South Sudan in six camps.

Number of projects 29

27

Type of projects 3

0

3

6

0

0

3

5

7

Head of section Christine du Coudray Wiehe

Africa – Mali – Sudan | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 63

Cameroon

ACN also provided assistance to the Sisters of Divine Providence in Ayos.

Number of projects 157

102

Type of projects 17

4

0

1

19

9

15 22 15

Head of section Rafael D’Aqui

» The crisis in the Anglophone areas has forced many Christians to flee. « Bishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Mamfe on the way to his parishioners.

ACN supports pastoral care in his diocese.

64 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Africa – Cameroon

Some 24 million people live in this crisis-ridden Central African country. Approximately 70% of them are Christians, including about 38% Catholics. An unstable democracy, Islamist extremism and the deep-seated dissatisfaction of the Anglophone population make things difficult for the Church. It requires extensive support to fulfil its pastoral duties.

Cameroon is one of the countries most heavily funded by ACN in Africa. And there are good reasons for this. Alongside Nigeria, Cameroon also suffers from Boko Haram terror. Especially in the north of the country, attacks have repeatedly taken place. The hatred of the jihadists is also directed against the Church.

Another major problem in the country is what is referred to as the “Anglophone crisis”. In it, Anglophone Cameroonians express their frustration against the policies of the Francophone central government under President Biya. Strikes and protests along with subsequent massive, violent repressions by the government have led to children in the western provinces no longer being able to go to school. One priest told us: “The current crisis in our Anglophone region has led many Christians to flee the area.”

On the way to the Palabek refugee camp for displaced persons from South Sudan.

Uganda In Uganda, Christians make up the largest denomination, with a share of about 85% of the population. However, as in many African countries, the Catholic Church is also exposed to material hardships and increasing pressure from Islamist extremists. In 2017, we supported the country’s Church predominantly in the formation of priests, in providing aid to refugees, in church construction projects and in procuring vehicles for pastoral care.

The material possibilities of the Church in Uganda are severely limited due to the great poverty and widespread subsistence economy. Nevertheless, there are

numerous priestly vocations. Given the existence of radical fundamentalist Islamism in the country, improving religious education is one of the Church’s main concerns. For this reason, ACN funds the training of priests at the St. Augustine’s Institute, a facility of the Ugandan Bishops’ Conference for the formation of priests and sisters.

Number of projects

In addition to promoting priestly formation, funds were also channelled into the Church’s refugee aid programme in the country in 2017. For example, we supported the pastoral care of South Sudanese refugees in the Palabek refugee camp. In addition, we provided assistance in procuring vehicles, building projects and renovating churches, while also assisting destitute priests through fellowships.

Head of section Toni W. Zender

172

90

Type of projects 34

15

15

0

0

2

15

0

9

» The material resources of the church in Uganda are severely limited. «

Baptism in the Palabek refugee camp.

Old prayer book at Mass in the Palabek refugee camp.

Africa – Uganda | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 65

ACN children’s Bibles in a school of the Order of the Daughters of the Resurrection founded

by Father Werenfried.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Number of projects 433

256

Type of projects 44

12

92

0

1

8

56

5

38

Greed, corruption and appalling poverty are still the order of the day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country of 70 million inhabitants. For decades, a war over natural resources has been raging in this resource-rich country. The Catholic

Head of section Christine du Coudray Wiehe

Displaced persons and refugees in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

66 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Africa – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Church also faces vast problems here.

Recently, brutal attacks carried out by the government on Catholic churches and institutions have increased in an attempt to stop the Church’s involvement in supporting the democratic process. There is a great need for humanitarian aid, pastoral care and reconstruction.

Camp for displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ACN supports nine Sisters of the Angels in their work on the ground.

The aftermath of acts of violence against the Church on 19 February 2017 in the seminary of Kananga.

The crackdown on Catholicism by President Kabila’s henchmen in Kasai Province is devastating. Churches, bishop’s houses, seminaries, convents and health centres have been looted, destroyed or burnt down. A peaceful demonstration in the state capital on 31 December 2017 under the leadership of the Catholic Church that supported the democracy movement claimed six lives and many were injured. Numerous people were arrested.

It is therefore all the more important to assist the Church in this difficult situation and to provide the necessary help.

» With horror, we are seeing violence, fear and insecurity flare up in many places. «

Protest march on 31 December 2017 against the political leadership under Joseph Kabila, resulting in a dozen deaths and 120 arrests.

Africa – Democratic Republic of the Congo | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 67

Rwanda

Existential help for 33 Pallottine women in Rwanda and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Number of projects 44

48*

Type of projects 8

1

6

1

0

2

16

2

12

Rwanda boasts good agricultural conditions, but the high population density represents an obstacle to economic recovery. In addition, the ethnic conflicts of the past have left wounds that have not yet completely healed.

2017 was a special year for Catholics in Rwanda, as the Catholic Church celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first ordination of a local priest.

We were also very much looking forward to the 100th anniversary of the priesthood in Rwanda. As part of the celebration, we were able to fund spiritual retreats for Rwandan bishops to strengthen the country’s priests in their vocation.

Mass in the Rwandan province: a donated vehicle allows it to take place.

Family pastoral care in Cyangugu in southwestern Rwanda.

Head of section Rafael D’Aqui

Another focus of our assistance in Rwanda in 2017 was on educational support for family counsellors. In this way, we are helping the Church to assist couples in their natural family planning and to help educate their children from a Christian perspective.

*including project applications from the previous year.

» The future of Christian life begins with natural family planning. «

68 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Africa – Rwanda

Not everywhere in Madagascar is it as peaceful as depicted here.

Madagascar On the world’s fourth-largest island, more than three-quarters of the population live in extreme poverty. 15% of the population are Catholic.

Foreign fundamentalists are currently threatening to Islamise the country.

Their hatred is also directed against Catholics – many church institutions are affected by vandalism. Against this backdrop, first evangelisation efforts are urgently needed, along with support for a new generation of priests.

Number of projects world currently lament. For example, in Madagascar, Bibles have been bought and burned on a massive scale, statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary destroyed and church bells stolen. The situation is further dramatized by the immigration policy of the government – currently the entry of Muslim foreigners, especially from Turkey, is being promoted on a large scale.

122

86

Type of projects 16

9

30

0

0

2

19

2

8

Head of section Christine du Coudray Wiehe

Fundamentalist and jihadist attacks are testimonies of deep-seated religious conflicts that bishops around the

» Many people here have never heard of the Gospel. «

Course for priests in Rome To strengthen the presence of the Church in Madagascar, we have been supporting the formation of seminarians for many years now. In July 2017, all the seminary instructors were sent to Rome for a fiveweek course by the Legionaries of Christ. The course focused on their spiritual renewal and deepening of their mission to foster priestly vocations among others. In Rome, the whole team of trainers was able to

live, work and pray together – the participants’ experiences and observations have encouraged us to continue promoting similar projects in Madagascar in the future. For instance, a Malagasy bishop told us: “The Pope asked me who had helped us, and I answered him Aid to the Church in Need. And the Pope repeated what Cardinal Filoni had already confirmed to me: they accomplish so much with their aid because they pray.”

Construction of a church of the Carmelite Order in Besimpona.

Africa – Madagascar | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 69

70 | ACN Activity Report 2017

Middle East

The situation of Christians in the Middle East continued to deteriorate in 2017 as a result of violence, oppression and displacement. Civil war has been raging in Syria for seven years now and Iraq faces the ruins caused

by IS terror in many places. The entire region is marked by hundreds of thousands of victims of war and terror, millions of refugees, political instability and a largely destroyed infrastructure. ACN is working hard to give Christians renewed hope for a future in an area that is a flash point for misery and violence.

Christians are as much affected by the war and terror as Muslims and other denominations are. In Iraq and Syria, many Christian communities have been completely destroyed. Thousands of faithful have lost their lives or fled. The Church infrastructure has also not been spared. In Syria alone, ecclesiastical buildings in more than 200 parishes have been damaged or destroyed.

» Our help aims to prevent the Christian presence in the Middle East from being wiped out. « We see our aid in the Middle East not only as a response to the dramatic humanitarian situation caused by the war in Syria and the invasion of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq.

Rather, our aim is to stop the massive exodus of Christians from the region to prevent Christian ethnic groups in the Middle East – once the cradle of

Planning the reconstruction of houses in the villages of the Nineveh Plains.

Christianity – from being wiped out or completely dispersed.

During our travels to the Middle East, many Christians repeatedly expressed the wish to stay in their homeland or to return from neighbouring countries.

With financial and material help, we would like to do our part to make the wishes of the faithful come true.

Middle East | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 71

Syria Number of projects 151 Applied projects

143 Funded projects

Type of projects 29

2

Construction Means of of facilities Transport

65 Emergency aid

4 Training priests

7 Mass stipends

0 Media support

1 Bibles & Books

16 Existence help

19 Formation of laity

Head of section P. Dr. Andrzej Halemba

Destroyed Aleppo after the rebels fled.

72 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Middle East –Syria

After more than seven years of civil war, the Syrian people are haunted by violence, persecution, hunger, flight and destruction. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 11.1 million people in Syria depend on humanitarian aid and 6.1 million are internally displaced. More than 5.6 million have since left the country, including many Christians. With some 4.7 million euros in emergency aid,

we continued to provide the faithful with the essentials in 2017 and give them courage and hope in a desperate situation.

In Syria, there are only about 500,000 Christians, who make up about 3% of the population. Two-thirds of them have already fled abroad. And others will follow. The situation is desperate, as Samir Nassar, Maronite Archbishop of Damascus, told us: “These poor people, who have already lost everything, are forced to leave their homes. Many have drowned on the run, others have been

Devastation in Aleppo.

Pope Francis described the situation in Syria as “the biggest humanitarian disaster since World War II”.

Repair work on a graveyard of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo that was destroyed by missiles.

Private reconstruction in Al Midan, Aleppo.

ruthlessly robbed, others have died of disease or some of the forgotten by suicide.”

The Christian exodus poses an existential threat to Christianity in large parts of Syria, as the country is home to one of the largest Christian ethnic groups in the Middle East. It is clear that the number of Christians will drop to a few thousand in the near future if the “tsunami of migration” is not addressed. Our emergency aid is an indispensable means of giving the faithful new confidence in their homeland.

» The number of Christians may soon drop to a few thousand if the wave of emigration is not stopped. « The coordination of our emergency aid is carried out in close cooperation with the local bishops, as local church workers know best which families need the most urgent help. They predominantly help Christian families, but also Muslims. In particular, our assistance measures are made up of housing subsidies to ensure adequate shelter,

Support for 153 Syrian families – pictured here are children at school in Damascus.

Middle East –Syria | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 73

Father George Maamary in front of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which was badly damaged by jihadists.

along with basic foodstuffs and energy in the form of electricity, heating oil or gas. Of our total budget for Syria in 2017, 1,336,650 euros were spent on food projects, 1,588,400 euros on rent

» We are already planning reconstruction assistance for Christians in Syria. «

subsidies, 761,881 euros on health care and 1,041,662 euros on education.

Together with our project partners, we continually face great challenges in Syria. For example, the provision of medicine and food for the needy was further complicated by economic sanctions in 2017. Likewise, the combination of price increases and a fall in the value of income has had a devastating impact on families, especially those with children, as well as pregnant women and the elderly.

As ACN is recognised as a partner to the churches in Syria, our aid organisation is especially effective in assisting Christians to start a new life in this war-torn

Emergency aid for 96 Christian refugees from Syria in the Roman Catholic parish of Mersin in Turkey.

74 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Middle East –Syria

Food distribution to children on International Children’s Day in Marmarita.

Distribution of scholarships of the Greek Orthodox Church of Aleppo to pupils and students.

country. To this end, we are currently planning a series of initiatives to ensure professional, coordinated and transparent reconstruction assistance. We will commission studies and develop the necessary communication tools to serve as the basis for our fundraising work.

The results of this research and media work should also serve to remind governments and the international community of their responsibility to minorities, including Christians in Syria.

Scholarships for 10,000 Syrian students The start of the academic year in 2017 revealed another common problem in Syria: students are in need of aid due to the consequences of the war. But it is far from enough to merely restore school buildings. Means of transport and funds to buy school uniforms, important textbooks and writing materials must also be provided. To

this end, the ecumenical initiative “Scholarships for Students” was launched, supported by ACN. Scholarships are currently planned for approximately 10,000 students from Homs, Marmarita, Aleppo, Tartus and other parts of the country.

Donated furniture to set up Christian refugee shelters in the Turkish parish of Mersin.

Middle East –Syria | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 75

Iraq Number of projects 47

41

Type of projects 15

0

4

6

0

2

2

2

10

Head of section P. Dr. Andrzej Halemba

After the end of the fighting in the war against IS, the situation in Iraq remains disastrous. The areas liberated from IS are in ruins and the country is deeply divided ethnically, politically and religiously. Economic decline, displacement, unemployment and poverty can be found everywhere.

The situation of Christians is also catastrophic. Thousands have moved to safer areas and to Europe. Through its humanitarian and reconstruction

efforts, ACN is working tirelessly with its project partners to persuade the faithful to stay and return home.

According to a survey, 8.7 million people still require humanitarian aid in Iraq today; around 2.6 million are internally displaced. The number of Christians in the country has fallen dramatically due to the war. Officially, nearly 450,000 Christians live here, but it is feared that the number is far lower. Experts estimate that there are 250,000 to 350,000 Christians. In comparison, in 2003 there were still 1.5 million.

» The rebuilding of churches is a sign of hope and the return of normality for Christians. «

Destroyed statue of Mary in a church near Mosul.

76 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Middle East – Iraq

This 80-year-old woman also had to flee the IS troops in 2014; today she lives in a shed.

Christian church in Bartella in the Nineveh Plains, which desperately needed to be renovated after destruction by IS.

Providing food continued to be a top priority for us in Iraq in 2017. For Christians from Mosul and the Nineveh Plains, who have fled the Daesh to Kurdistan, we provided 4.7 million euros for food and 1.9 million euros for housing. Around 12,000 internally displaced families benefit from this regular support. Our project partners repeatedly stress that ACN aid gives people hope. For many of them, our support is a true testament to God’s kindness and love.

siastical facilities. For this reason, ACN also supports the reconstruction and renovation of some churches, parish centres and monasteries.

For example, in 2017 we participated in the renovation of the churches of St. George in Telskuf and St. Shmuni in Bartella.

Another sign of hope for many Christians is the rebuilding of churches and eccle-

“Our house in Bartella was burned to the ground,” laments this 26-year-old mother, who has lived with her husband and son in a refugee camp since 2014.

Ten-year-old Helda recently returned with her family to Qaraqosh in the Nineveh Plains, where her family fled IS militants overnight in August 2014.

Middle East – Iraq | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 77

Discussion on the reconstruction of houses in the villages of the Nineveh Plains.

A “Marshall Plan” for Christians in Iraq The commitment of the Nineveh Reconstruction Committee (NRC) in Iraq is bringing courage and hope for Christians in Iraq. The committee is an interconfessional aid project developed by ACN together with the Syrian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox and Chaldean Catholic Churches. It offers Christians from the Nineveh Plains in Kurdistan who were displaced by the IS the opportunity to return to their villages. We supported the project with considerable resources in 2017 and have been able to regularly provide food and shelter to 95,000 Christians from the Nineveh Plains, as well as

finance the reconstruction of the first 200 homes in their home villages, 100 of them in Qaraqosh alone.

The goal of the Nineveh Reconstruction Committee is to rebuild the homes of internally displaced people from the Nineveh Plains that were destroyed by IS. For after the region was liberated, many Christians expressed their desire to return to their villages and thus to their old lives. They turned to local church leaders, who, in turn, asked ACN to help with the planning and funding of the project.

» Of 19,452 families, 8,768 have returned to the Nineveh Plains as of May 2018. «

The Syrian Catholic Bishop, the Chaldean Catholic Bishop and two Syrian Orthodox Bishops at the signing of the Nineveh Reconstruction agreement in Erbil.

78 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Middle East – Iraq

ACN supports the leasing of flats and the purchase of caravans in order to provide dignified living conditions for those displaced by the IS.

In this way, a kind of “Marshall Plan” for Christians was developed in a process of close collaboration, which not only encompasses reconstruction but also the creation of jobs as part of the construction work.

But as large as these challenges are, the Nineveh Reconstruction Project has already proved to be a great success. Just over a year after the start of the project, 8,768 of the 19,452 families have been able to move back into their homes – and more will follow.

As confirmed by a study commissioned

by ACN, IS terror in the Nineveh Plains has destroyed or seriously damaged nearly 13,000 private homes, as well as schools, clinics and church buildings.

The estimated reconstruction costs for private homes alone will exceed 250 million US dollars.

As part of our advocacy activities, we will continue to promote the Nineveh Reconstruction Project through fundraising, awareness raising and advocacy activities among governments and key institutions.

Christian school in the Nineveh Plains that was destroyed by the IS.

ACN also participated in the construction of a secondary school in Ankawa.

Middle East – Iraq | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 79

80 | ACN Activity Report 2017

Western/ Eastern Europe

In Eastern Europe, the vacuum left behind by communism and atheism has been filled with hopelessness and crime in some countries. Reaching people and providing pastoral care in such a situation represents the greatest challenge for local churches. Evangelisation is needed. For this reason, we sponsored many retreat projects in 2017, as well as the training of future priests and sisters. In Western Europe, by contrast, we mainly supported pastoral care for refugees and new evangelisation initiatives.

In Eastern Europe, the Church is working tirelessly to stand on its own feet financially. Nevertheless, it would hardly have been able to survive in 2017 without outside assistance. One of many reasons for this is that as funds were often scarce after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc states, building projects were carried out quickly, cheaply and unprofessionally. Renovating these buildings is a major task for the local churches, and we assisted these efforts during the reporting year.

Âť The construction of places of worship is a local investment that is consistent with the proclamation of neighbourly love. ÂŤ

Construction of the St. Sophiya church and pastoral centre at the Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine.

Just as important as the ecclesiastical infrastructure is promoting understanding between the denominations, especially the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. We continue to support interdenominational media projects as well as media training for church representatives to give the Catholic Church a voice and contribute to the renewal of faith.

Western/Eastern Europe | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 81

Refugee assistance

Father Domenico looks after young Iraqi refugees, who are regaining hope through the Church.

Although the influx of refugees in Western Europe has declined sharply due to restrictive measures, the number of project applications in 2017 remained at the level of previous years.

On the one hand, hands-on support for refugees remains a focus as part of the missionary task of the Church. On the other hand, the topic of “new evangelisation” has been decisive for the approval of projects.

Head of section Peter Humeniuk

» Helping beleaguered Christians and evangelisation are the two lungs through which our work breathes. «

Refugees and displaced persons are normally first housed in gyms, where they are forced to cope with a lack of privacy.

82 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Western/Eastern Europe – Refugee assistance

Refugee problems continued to dominate our concerns in 2017. Fleeing Christians are still in the minority. They must be protected against discrimination and affliction through humanitarian assistance. In their home countries, war and terror make it difficult for the faithful to persevere. Here local churches provide admirable assistance with our support.

New evangelisation efforts were supported through seminaries, organisations, events, the media and publications. Pastoral workers and volunteers who help refugees have repeatedly approached us, saying: “We have Christian refugees here asking for Bibles and prayer books. Do you have anything?” They were provided with scriptures in Arabic and Persian, for example.

A woman in front of the church in Rakovski.

Number of projects 14

13

Applied projects

Funded projects

Type of projects 3

1

Construction Means of of facilities Transport

0 Emergency aid

0 Training priests

The Bulgarian Roman Catholic Church is largely supported by missionaries from Italy, Poland and France. Their selfless dedication and sacrifice are sources

» Foreign priests create the spiritual basis for Catholic structures and callings in the country. «

3 Existence help

0 Bibles & Books

4 Formation of laity

Head of section Magda Kaczmarek

Bulgaria Bulgaria is one of the poorest countries in the European Union.

Unemployment and corruption are widespread. Specifically, we funded the construction and renovation of church buildings in the country, in order to provide a dignified space to the community life of the faithful.

In addition, we provided material support to secure the livelihood of the religious and supported the education and training of priests.

0 Media support

2 Mass stipends

of inspiration. At the same time, the wounds of communism are reflected in a deficiency of local callings to the priesthood and religious life. Changing this situation is a major challenge for the country’s Church.

ACN visits the construction site of the new Salesian centre.

We are funding a Salesian construction project In Stara Zagora, Salesians are building a convent with a church and a technical vocational school for young people from the Roma ethnic group. Girls and boys will learn artisanal trades here. This is a dedicated project that ACN

generously promotes. A young local man commented on it: “Thank you for the care! Otherwise I would not have completed my school leaving examination and would probably have had children at 18, but neither work nor a family.”

Western/Eastern Europe – Bulgaria | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 83

Russia

People praying in the Danilovsky Monastery in Moscow.

Number of projects 93

89

Type of projects 27

9

2

1

6

1

6

5

32

Head of section Peter Humeniuk

The Catholic Church in Russia continues to rely on solidarity from the faithful in the Western world and will not be able to survive without them in the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, selective approaches to financial independence are developing. To support these approaches, we sponsored income maintenance projects such as the Seminary Complex in St. Petersburg, which has once again become the property of the Archdiocese of Moscow, as well as a pilgrimage

In September 2017 in Lebanon, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church and ACN discussed the planning of joint projects to improve both the situation of refugees and interfaith relations in the region.

84 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Western/Eastern Europe – Russia

site in Vladimir. Since the pastoral care of Catholic believers requires a good deal of support, Russia is being treated as a priority country.

At the request of the Holy Pope John Paul II, we began ecumenical dialogue and reconciliation efforts between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches over 25 years ago. Today we are on the verge of a new and mature form of cooperation. The publication of a booklet on the destruction of 30 sanctuaries of all denominations in Syria should be seen against this backdrop.

A believer at Holy Mass in the flat of Father Jaroslav in Stavropol, which he converted into a chapel with the help of ACN.

ACN provided material support to the 70 sisters of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow.

The booklet was published in an exemplary collaboration between the Foreign Office of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Pontifical Unity Council and ACN. With our participation, it was preceded by the formation of a Russian-Catholic and Russian-Orthodox working group, which was established and became active as a result of the meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill in Cuba. In 2017, this working group was able to jointly implement many initiatives both inside and outside of Russia. A new working group structure integrates the local Catholic church on all levels.

» The Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches want to continue and even intensify the path of dialogue and cooperation. «

ACN also sponsors a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in Torfyanoye.

Joint projects In southern Russia, Metropolitan Kirill, together with a Catholic priest, opened a crisis centre for women which we co-financed. It is aimed at women who have decided against having an abortion or are fleeing from domestic vio-

lence. In the north, we supported anti-drug pastoral care measures.

Interdenominational media projects such as Blagovest-Info, Blagovest-Media and Zavet also received donations.

Western/Eastern Europe – Russia | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 85

Belarus

Easter march of friends of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Navahrudak.

Number of projects 95

48

Type of projects 13

14

5

0

0

0

8

2

6

Head of section Magda Kaczmarek

Of all the Russian Orthodox countries, Belarus has the largest Roman Catholic minority at 15%. Although the Catholic Church survived communism, there is still no agreement between Belarus and the Holy See. The granting of visas for foreign priests and permits for the construction of churches and chapels has been made more difficult.

no reason. By contrast, the construction of a parish centre in Mogilev has been able to be continuously supervised for the past four years.

Although the number of priests has increased from 60 to 400 over the past 26 years, foreign priests are indispensable.

However, short visas complicate pastoral care efforts and the recruitment of junior staff. For example, a Polish nun had to leave her community after 16 years for

To remedy the shortage of liturgical books in the local language, preparations have begun for the first missal to be published in Belarusian. About one-third of our project funds are funnelled into the procurement of vehicles for the local Church. In addition, we supported the education of a total of 44 seminarians in the country’s two seminaries.

Construction of a parish church in the reconstituted Parish of the Sacred Heart in Brest.

86 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Western/Eastern Europe – Belarus

» Efforts to reach understanding help to create a society based on love, hope and comprehension. «

Ukraine A special focus has been placed on assisting the minority Catholic Church in Ukraine, which consists of two particular churches: the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Catholic Church. News outlets barely report on this country anymore, but its people continue to suffer. The reasons include escalating corruption, crime and a war that is still raging in eastern Ukraine.

Our hopes are pinned on more than 1,000 seminarians, whom we support.

2017 was the year of the Marian apparitions in Fátima. Thanks to our benefactors, 150 seminarians from Ukraine were able to join the ACN pilgrimage to Fátima.

For nearly all of them, it was the journey of a lifetime. Here they could sense Mary’s presence through the rosary prayer. Seminaries are still a top priority for us – so we participated in the first construction phase of a new seminary in Sharovechka.

ACN provided training aid to novices of the order “Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará”.

» People in the Ukraine thirst for God and the Gospel, for a place of prayer. « Funding in 2017 also went to the Catholic Church broadcasters RADIO VOSKRESINNYA, ZHYVE.TV, EWTN and Radio Maria, which are spreading the word of God. In addition, we once again supported numerous religious communities in 2017 with training aid and material support.

Number of projects 402

274

Type of projects 50

40

65

3

3

2

47

32

32

Head of section Magda Kaczmarek Support for internally displaced people in Kiev.

Scholarship for 74 seminarians at the “Bl. Theodore Romzha” seminary in Uzhgorod.

Western/Eastern Europe – Ukraine | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 87

88 | ACN Activity Report 2017

Asia/Oceania

The problems facing the Catholic Church in Asia and Oceania are distinct and highly varied. In most Asian countries, Christians form a minority that is often socially marginalised and discriminated against. In South and South East Asia, Christians suffer from the actions of radical Islamist groups. Natural disasters compound the problem. These often cause severe destruction in Asia and Oceania, along with widespread poverty. ACN supports the Catholic Church in building and maintaining its infrastructure, in the formation of priests and the laity, and in initiatives that foster interreligious dialogue.

Even where national constitutions guarantee religious freedom, it is often severely restricted in countries such as India or Pakistan. Compared to last year, we have observed a significant increase in attacks and violence against Christian communities.

Unfortunately, without outside help, many local churches are not able to fulfil their pastoral mission to an adequate degree. In many areas, the Church also had to contend with natural disasters, such as in Bangladesh,

» ACN’s assistance is balm on the wounds inflicted by many religious conflicts «

such as Vietnam, the Church is also greatly concerned by the increase in social uprooting, migrant labour and a materialistic world-view. Above all, ACN provides assistance for projects that involve religious education and support for families.

A seminarian in the Seminary Chapel of the state of Jharkhand, India.

where flooding during the monsoon season also caused damage to the Church’s infrastructure. In countries

Asia/Oceania | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 89

Pakistan Number of projects 63

63

Applied projects

Funded projects

Type of projects 18

9

Construction Means of of facilities Transport

0 Emergency aid

0 Training priests

2 Media support

3 Existence help

5 Mass stipends

2 Bibles & Books

24 Formation of laity

Head of section Reinhard Backes

Damaged Christian paintings in St. Joseph’s Colony.

Arsonists set fire to dozens of houses in neighbourhoods in which a majority of Lahore’s Christians live.

90 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Asia/Oceania – Pakistan

The majority of the 180 million Pakistanis profess to Islam, which is enshrined in the Constitution as a state religion.

Christians, around three million faithful, represent a very small minority. They are often exposed to discrimination and violence. Against this background, one of our most urgent

tasks is to support the Catholic Church in Pakistan in its difficult pastoral endeavour.

Since 1986, so-called “blasphemy laws” have massively restricted the freedom of religion and expression in Pakistan.

“Desecration of the Koran” and “insults to Muhammad” can be penalised with life imprisonment or capital punishment.

The laws are often misused to wrongfully accuse minorities. However, Christians

» Religious freedom is often trampled upon in Pakistan. «

ACN also visited Burewala parish near the Diocese of Multan.

Prayer for peace and interreligious dialogue with participants from ACN Korea.

Visiting refugees from Afghanistan.

ACN helped fund repairs to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore.

are also being attacked directly. One such attack on a Methodist church occurred on 17 December 2017; nine church visitors were killed and 45Â injured.

In Pakistan we support church construction, educational programmes and various religious communities. In 2017, for example, we co-financed the construction of a Dominican convent in Quetta.

Due to the dangerous situation in the country, measures are also supported which serve to ensure the safety of the faithful and church buildings.

Construction of a rectory in Alipur Chatha, Hafizabad.

The religious, spiritual and human education programme also includes rehearsals in the event of terrorist attacks.

Asia/Oceania – Pakistan | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 91

India Although the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, the supremacy of the nationalist Hindu ruling party BJP poses major problems for religious minorities. In 2017, the Catholic Church was once again affected by discrimination and violence due to radical Hindus in many Indian regions. It is therefore important to ACN to assist the Catholic Church in India in these difficult times.

Number of projects 773

461

Type of projects 82

54

132

2

4

12

94

6

75

Head of section Véronique Vogel Reinhard Backes

» In 2017, the Indian Church suffered 736 anti-Christian attacks. «

92 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Asia/Oceania – India

Although the Catholic Church in India numbers about 17 million faithful, it is one of the smallest religious communities in the country at about 2.3% of the overall population. The pressure on ethnic and religious minorities is growing, especially in those regions where the BJP is in power, which is currently the case in 19 of the 29 Indian states. In 2017, the attacks against Christians even doubled compared to the previous year.

And the situation for Christians will likely worsen even further if the BJP wins the 2019 national election again.

Woman in the state of Jharkhand.

Woman with one of her sons – she is one of the protagonists of a short film for ACN’s 2018 India campaign.

A Dalit family in front of their house.

Teenagers praying in north-eastern India.

Especially ethnic minorities and Christian Dalit communities in India are affected by this climate of oppression.

In 2017 alone, there were 736 anti-Christian attacks on Catholic schools, Christian students and Christmas celebrations. We focus our aid in India on dioceses in which Christian groups are subjected to acute political and social pressure. In the reporting year, ACN mainly facilitated the construction of places of worship, monasteries and presbyteries, as well as training projects for the laity, future priests and sisters.

A new way of being a church A seed of hope and joy in 2017 was our assistance to the laity in small Christian parishes of India. Groups of believers are increasingly forming Bible circles to find answers to the important questions of life and sharing the word of God.

This “new way of being a church” was originally initiated by the Indian Bishops’ Conference. The enthusiasm that can be found in these encounters and the focused tranquillity and contemplation in the groups have left a lasting impression on us.

Purchase of an all-terrain vehicle for the pastoral and social work of FCC Sisters in Nirmala Bhavan Polavaram.

Asia/Oceania – India | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 93

Bangladesh Number of projects 35

19

Type of projects 10

3

1

0

0

0

2

1

2

Head of section Véronique Vogel

» The Catholic Church in Bangladesh is tirelessly committed to an interfaith dialogue. «

Floods, illiteracy, land conflicts and economic hardships have plagued Bangladesh for decades. 2017 was also a difficult year – one only needs to reflect on the humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya refugees. We are very concerned about radical Islamism here, which is also directed against the Christian Church. Our help for the laity, priests and nuns here can be viewed in the context of such religious tensions.

Without question, one ray of hope was the visit of Pope Francis, who filled the

At the food programme in Giasnogar, Moulvibazar, Sylhet: malnourished child with rash.

94 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Asia/Oceania – Bangladesh

380,000 Catholics in the country with pride and joy.

Despite some progress, millions of people in Bangladesh still live in appalling poverty. Illiteracy is huge and the health care system is catastrophic. The Church often runs dispensaries for medicines, as well as hospitals. It is also the Church that is fighting against the huge problem of early marriages of minors and children. But the Catholic Church has a difficult time here. As a religious minority in the country, it is exposed to the pressure of radical fundamental Islam in many places.

Despite Islamist aggression, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh is struggling for interfaith understanding. We support this commitment where we can. For example, through the construction of religious buildings, such as the Sanctuary Church of the “Madonna of Fátima” in Baromani. During the October pilgrimage each year, the church attracts nearly 25,000 pilgrims and becomes a place of interreligious reconciliation. We also participate

Improvised Holy Mass in Kolimnagar, Rajshahi Diocese during the construction of the new chapel.

Children in India participating in the campaign “ 1 Million Children Pray the Rosary”.

in the Youth Commission with educational grants lasting several years, which promote a living and profound faith among young people.

Visit of the Holy Father The most important event of 2017 for the Catholic Church in Bangladesh was the visit of Pope Francis in late November and early December. His presence and words were a great comfort to the small Christian minority, who experi-

enced intense moments of pride and joy. There are a total of 340 native priests and 1,000 religious members in the country. During his visit, the Holy Father ordained 16 deacons.

Computer room in a school of the Marist Brothers.

Asia/Oceania – Bangladesh | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 95

Sri Lanka

Reconstruction of St. Sebastian’s Church in Uthayapuram, Jaffna.

Number of projects 47

42

Type of projects 11

4

13

1

0

0

2

1

10

Head of section Véronique Vogel

» In eliminating mistrust between the Tamils and Sinhalese, the Church’s commitment is irreplaceable. «

Programme for the construction of small Christian communities in the dioceses of Sri Lanka.

96 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Asia/Oceania – Sri Lanka

In 2017, Sri Lanka was still struggling with the consequences of the decades-long civil war between the Tamils and Sinhalese. Although just 7% of the nation’s approximately 21.4 million inhabitants are Catholics, the Church continues to engage in the reconciliation of both ethnic grounds – ACN supports Christian communities here in an interreligious dialogue. We also support the Church of Sri Lanka in its pastoral activities, which include marriage and family counselling.

up with the idea of establishing religious councils to assist the government in promoting national reconciliation. In addition, 2017 was declared the “Year of St. Joseph Vaz”, the apostle of reconciliation and charity and the first indigenous saint.

To further resolve the ethnic conflict, the Church is planning partnerships between Tamil and Sinhalese communities.

Together with a committee of Buddhist monks, the Bishops’ Conference came

In addition, we supported counselling efforts for families in crisis situations. Reconstruction of church buildings and the training and further education of seminarians were also on our funding list.

Our assistance to the Sri Lankan Catholic Church flowed into a variety of projects in 2017. These included the funding of informational events to raise awareness on the consequences of foreign emigration of the workforce and its impact on the family structure. Families suffer greatly from the emigration of an estimated 1.7 million parents, mostly to the Gulf States.

Vietnam Vietnam, which was shaped by Confucianism and under communist rule for decades, has made significant economic progress in recent years. However, Vietnam is still among the poorer of the middleincome countries. The desire for a higher standard of living and consumer-oriented thinking is driving large numbers of people to the cities. The accompanying process of uprooting and spiritual impoverishment also poses great challenges to the Church.

We support the Catholic Church in its efforts to offer the faithful support and perspective.

Due to increasing migratory work and rural exodus, traditional values and customs in Vietnam are increasingly being lost. While young parents often look for work in the cities, their children usually grow up with their grandparents. Against this backdrop, the 2017 Bishops’ Conference launched a three-year programme for the pastoral care of families and initiated a process to adapt their catechesis to social changes. These challenges will hardly be able to be overcome without the help of future priests and sisters that are adequately trained. Our assistance to the Vietnamese Church therefore

Number of projects

includes fellowships and educational grants that mainly benefit nuns, the religious and diocesan priests.

147

The Church is also occupied with the topic of religious freedom. While the government has recently become more tolerant of religions, the Bishops’ Conference criticised the 2016 Law on Beliefs and Religions for not considering freedom of faith and religion as a human right but as a favour that needs to be solicited.

96

Type of projects 16

7

2

1

2

2

49

1

16

» The Church is trying to become a home to families that are being torn apart due to migratory labour. « Due to war damage and climate change, numerous renovations or newly-built places of worship are still necessary.

We continually try to cope with these circumstances through building grants.

For their part, many dioceses are careful to keep their own financial contributions as high as possible and to only use ACN grants as supplements. This is a gratifying development, because nothing makes us more satisfied than local churches becoming self-sufficient.

Rural exodus is omnipresent in Vietnam.

Asia/Oceania – Vietnam | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 97

Philippines Number of projects 93

54

Type of projects 15

2

9

2

1

8

8

2

7

Head of section Reinhard Backes

98 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Asia/Oceania – Philippines

More than 80% of about 100 million Filipinos belong to the Catholic Church, which currently faces great challenges. Social inequality, drug trafficking and growing materialism are having adverse effects on social consensus. We help the Church, especially in economically disadvantaged dioceses, to provide pastoral care to their faithful and to create the necessary structures to ensure this. In the southern part of the country, where conflicts with the Muslim minority occur, we support dialogue and peace initiatives.

The relationship between the Catholic Church and the government is currently strained. The Church has criticized violent crackdowns on drug addicts and dealers.

In view of the escalating drug problem, it was not without reason that the Archbishop of Manila called for all social groups to engage in a dialogue in August 2017.

Another source of trouble is the island of Mindanao with its Muslim minority, which is highly focused on autonomy. The peace process here has stalled. In May 2017, several hundred Islamist militants attacked the city of Marawi on Mindanao and occupied the city centre. Hostages were taken and the cathedral was badly damaged.

The city of Marawi on Mindanao was attacked by IS extremists in May 2017 and was besieged for five months. The cathedral was badly damaged.

» The voice of the Church should not be absent in the dialogue promoting peace and justice. « The historic centre of the city of Marawi, now called “Ground Zero”. During the siege of Marawi, military airstrikes turned what was once the pride of Muslim Mindanao into rubble.

For years, we have been assisting the Church in the Philippines with initiatives for dialogue and peace. These have acquired a new urgency in the wake of the recent violent clashes. We also supported church construction projects, including the construction of a seminary in the Archdiocese of Palo on the island of Leyte. Additionally, in 2017, we paid special attention to the dioceses north of Luzon, an economically disadvantaged region.

Visit to a refugee camp near Marawi together with young volunteers from “Youth for Peace”.

Pastor Teresito Suganob (called “Chito”, left) who was kidnapped in Marawi in May 2017, with two workers.

Asia/Oceania – Philippines | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 99

A

Index

ACN Korea Conference 36 Advocacy 7, 31 Iraq Conference 31 Islamic State (IS) 31 Korea 36 Nineveh Reconstruction Project 31 Public relations 34 Religious Freedom Report 33 Administrative Council 105 Africa 9, 15, 22, 24, 59 Angola 61 Burkina Faso 61 Cameroon 64 Democratic Republic of the Congo 66 Madagascar 69 Mali 63 Nigeria 62 Rwanda 68 Sierra Leone 60 Sudan 63 Uganda 65 Aleppo 72, 75 Angola 61 Argentina 56 Asia 9, 22, 24

100 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Index

Asia/Oceania 15, 89 Bangladesh 94 India 92 Pakistan 15, 90 Philippines 15, 98 Sri Lanka 96 Vietnam 97 Auction 37

B

Bangladesh 94 Belarus 86 Boko Haram 62 Brazil 54 Bulgaria 83 Burkina Faso 61

C

Cameroon 64 Capilla País 57 Catholic Radio & Television Network (CRTN) 40 Children’s Bible 29 Chile 56 Construction and reconstruction of church facilities 7, 14, 24

Cuba 48 CRTN 40

D

Democratic Republic of the Congo 66 Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media 7, 14, 29 DOCAT 29, 38

E

El Salvador 51 Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes 7, 14, 27 EU Parliament 32 Europe 15, 22, 81 Executive President 105 Existential help for religious 7, 14, 22

F

Facts and figures 12 Faith formation of the laity 7, 14, 23 Fátima 34, 87 Francis, Pope 3, 37, 38, 85

G

General Council 105 Guatemala 51

H

Haiti 46 History 104 Homs 75 Honduras 51

I

Imprint Inside front cover India 92 Information, prayer, action 12 Inform, pray and help 6, 30 International Ecclesiastic Assistant 105 Iraq 15, 27, 71, 76, 78 Islamic State (IS) 76 Mosul 77 Nineveh Plains 78 Nineveh Reconstruction Project 78 Qaraqosh 78 Iraq Conference 35 Islamic State (IS) 15, 31, 71

K

Kirill of Moscow, Patriarch 85 Korea 36 KPMG 13

L

Latin America 9, 15, 22, 24, 45 Argentina 56 Brazil 54 Capilla País 57 Chile 56 Cuba 48 El Salvador 51 Guatemala 51 Haiti 46 Honduras 51 Uruguay 50 Venezuela 52 YOUCAT 55

M

Madagascar 69 Mali 63 Mass stipends 7, 14, 19 Means of transport for pastoral care 7, 14, 25

Media support for the propagation of faith 7, 13 Middle East 15, 71 Iraq 15, 71, 76, 78 Syria 71, 72 Mindanao 98 Mission-related expenditures 12, 13 Moscow 84 Mosul 77

N

National Sections 10, 11, 30, 34, 105 Nigeria 62 Boko Haram 62 Nineveh Plains 31, 35, 78 Nineveh Reconstruction Project 31, 32, 78 Qaraqosh 78

S

Secretary General 105 Seminarians 20 Sierra Leone 60 Sri Lanka 96 Sudan 63 Superior Council 105 Syria 15, 27, 71, 72 Aleppo 72, 75 Homs 75 Scholarships for Syrian students 75

T

Training of priests and religious 7, 14, 20

U

O

Organisational structure 105 Ostpriesterhilfe 8

Uganda 65 Ukraine 87 Fátima 87 United Nations 31 Uruguay 50

P

V

Pakistan 15, 90 Philippines 15, 98 Mindanao 98 Photo index Inside front cover Piacenza, Mauro Cardinal 1, 34 Pontifical Foundation 1, 3, 6 Public relations 11, 34 ACN Korea Conference 36 Auction 37 DOCAT 38 Fátima 34 Iraq Conference 35 Red Wednesday 37 YOUCAT 38

Venezuela 52 Vietnam 15, 97

W

Werenfried van Straaten, Fr. 8, 25, 27 Western/Eastern Europe 15, 22, 81 Belarus 86 Bulgaria 83 Refugee assistance 82 Russia 84 Ukraine 87

Y

YOUCAT 29, 38, 55

Q

Qaraqosh 78

R

Red Wednesday 37 Refugee assistance 82 Religious freedom 6 Religious Freedom Report 33 Rwanda 68 Russia 84 Moscow 84

Index | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 101

» For the love of Christ urges us on. «

2 Corinthians 5:14

Our mission As a Catholic charity, we support the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in need, through information, prayer and action.

Our vision A world in which Christianity can thrive everywhere.

Our guidelines

1. We are loyal to the Holy Father. As

a Pontifical Foundation, we participate in the universal mission of the Church.

2. We serve the cause of evangelisa-

tion. We respond courageously to the challenges of the time following the teachings of the Church.

3. We are committed to the persecuted Church. By sharing testimonies of faith, we build a bridge of charity between our benefactors and beneficiaries.

4. We are custodians of our benefac-

tors’ generosity. We run modern, transparent and effective fundraising and administration.

102 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Our mission, vision and our values

Our values

1. Faith and Christian love

The foundation of all our activities is Christian faith and love. This includes our fidelity to the Holy Father and the adherence to both the teachings and institutions of the Catholic Church.

2. Prayer

Regular prayer, personal and common, animates our daily work and strengthens our missionary spirit. It moves us to offer assistance to those who are suffering because of their loyalty to Christ and His Church – on whose prayers we rely as well.

3. Pastoral commitment

We strive to proclaim the Gospel, be it “welcome or unwelcome” (2 Timothy 4:2), responding courageously to the challenges of the time. We do this when engaging our benefactors and by financing pastoral projects with their contributions.

4. Unity

Conceived as a “bridge of love” from its origins, ACN serves for unity and reconciliation. We create communion with and between both our benefactors and beneficiaries through prayer, providing information and expressing gratitude.

5. Service

7. Accountability

We handle the funds we receive with the highest care, seeking efficiency and measuring impact both in our funding activities and within our internal organization. We work transparently, showing the sources, uses and achievements of the funds we receive.

8. Trust We fulfil our mission through mercy

Our unshakeable trust in Divine and humble service, listening careProvidence guides us into the future fully to the needs of our partners. We and enables us to place trust in aspire to be a personal source of comothers and, in turn, to be trusted by fort and strength to our beneficiaries them. Consecrated to Our Lady of and benefactors.

Fatima we are filled with hope and 6. Openness confidence.

Through our support of the Universal Church we promote a respectful dialogue with many cultures around the world. We live this openness ourselves in our manifold encounters both within and outside the Catholic Church.

Our mission, vision and our values | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 103

» The Lord always helped me and provided me with what I asked him for to help the suffering Christians. «

Father Werenfried van Straaten, founder of Aid to the Church in Need

A glimpse into history reveals the lasting impact that our founder Father Werenfried van Straaten still has today. In his spirit, we remain active worldwide

in helping the cause of persecuted and suffering Christians. This will continue to remain true in the future.

1947 Father Werenfried van Straaten calls on the people of Belgium and the Netherlands to help displaced Germans, including 3,000 priests (hence the original name “Ostpriesterhilfe”). This aid to former enemies was a unique act of reconciliation.

for young African women are constructed in the Congo

1950 Start of the “Chapel Truck Initiative” – 35 trucks are converted into “mobile chapels” for persons displaced from their homeland 1952 Start of aid for the persecuted Church behind the “Iron Curtain” 1953 Foundation of the International Building Order to construct houses and churches for the poor 1956 After the Hungarian uprising, the local Church is assisted 1959 Start of the Asian Assistance Fund and first encounter of Father Werenfried with Mother Teresa in the “House of the Dying” in Calcutta 1962 Father Werenfried participates in the Second Vatican Council; start of aid to Latin America

1970 Beginning of the relief operation for the Church in Haiti 1975 Relocation of the international headquarters of Aid to the Church in Need from Rome to Königstein/ Taunus 1979 Start of the “Children’s Bible” project. The Bible has since been translated into 189 languages; around 51 million copies have been published and distributed to date 1984 Recognition of Aid to the Church in Need by the Holy See as a Universal Public Association of Pontifical Right 1992 Aid for the reconstruction and the new evangelisation in Eastern Europe and start of the reconciliation project with the Russian Orthodox Church 1997 50th anniversary of Aid to the Church at Need

1965 Start of aid in Africa

2003 Father Werenfried dies on 31 January at the age of 90 in his place of residence, Bad Soden/Taunus

1966 The congregation of the “Daughters of the Resurrection” is founded; the first educational facilities

2011 Elevation of Aid to the Church in Need to a Foundation of Pontifical Right by Pope Benedict XVI

104 | ACN Activity Report 2017 | Our history

Aid to the Church in Need and its organisational structure

Mauro Cardinal Piacenza President

Thomas Heine-Geldern Executive President

Philipp Ozores Secretary General

Eric Dupont Director of Administration

The Superior Council, under the chairmanship of its President, is responsible for the basic content and guidelines of the charity.

On behalf of the Superior Council and under the chairmanship of the Executive President, the Administrative Council ensures the statutory management of the charity.

In the General Council, the presidents of the 23 National Sections advise the foundation and vote on all the significant decisions of the Superior Council.

In cooperation with the Ecclesiastical Assistants of the National Sections, the International Ecclesiastical Assistant is responsible for the spiritual life of the foundation.

The General Secretariat in KĂśnigstein/Ts. centrally manages the entire funding activities and the financial, technical and administrative needs of the foundation. It supports the National Sections in providing media material and produces press and social media content and sound and video productions.

The 23 National Sections inform the benefactors and the public on the situation and needs of suffering Christians.

They initiate prayer campaigns, acquire new donors and are responsible for the foundation’s relations with its benefactors.

Father Martin Barta International Ecclesiastical Assistant

Regina Lynch Director of Projects

Mark von Riedemann Director for Public Affairs and Religious Freedom

Organisational structure | ACN Activity Report 2017 | 105

Aid to the Church in Need worldwide Australia info@acn-australia.org www.acn-australia.org

Germany info@acn-deutschland.org www.acn-deutschland.org

Poland info@acn-polska.org www.acn-polska.org

Austria info@acn-oesterreich.org www.acn-oesterreich.org

Ireland info@acn-ireland.org www.acn-ireland.org

Portugal info@acn-portugal.org www.acn-portugal.org

Belgium info@acn-belgie.org www.acn-belgie.org

Italy info@acn-italia.org www.acn-italia.org

Slovakia info@acn-slovensko.org www.acn-slovensko.org

Brazil info@acn-brasil.org www.acn-brasil.org

Korea info@acn-korea.org www.acn-korea.org

Spain info@acn-espana.org www.acn-espana.org

Canada info@acn-canada.org www.acn-canada.org

Luxembourg info@acn-luxemburg.org www.acn-luxemburg.org

Switzerland info@acn-schweiz.org www.acn-schweiz.org

Chile info@acn-chile.org www.acn-chile.org

Malta info@acn-malta.org www.acn-malta.org

The Netherlands info@acn-nederland.org www.acn-nederland.org

Colombia info@acn-colombia.org www.acn-colombia.org

Mexico info@acn-mexico.org www.acn-mexico.org

United Kingdom info@acn-uk.org www.acn-uk.org

France info@aed-france.org www.aed-france.org

Philippines info@acn-philippines.org www.acn-philippines.org

United States info@acn-us.org www.acn-us.org

Please support us!

ACN International Aid to the Church in Need Bischof-Kindermann-Str. 23 61462 Kรถnigstein/Ts. GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)6174 291 0 Fax +49 (0)6174 291 195 info@acninternational.org www.acninternational.org Pax-Bank IBAN DE76 3706 0193 4009 8000 80 SWIFT GENODED1PAX