The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) requested that the reconstruction process after earthquakes on June 24, respond to the needs of the victims and avoid repeating failures that, he denounced, have left the most vulnerable sectors exposed to corruption and lack of institutional attention.
In his pastoral message Samaritans, witnesses of hopethe Venezuelan bishops pointed out that the tragedy not only left thousands dead and damaged regions of the country, but also evidenced the claim of communities that They felt neglected by state agencies during the emergency.
“Reconstruction also requires us to echo the indignation of the victims of the earthquakes who were neglected by public institutions,” said the CEV.
He recalled that it is up to the State to have prevention and response mechanisms capable of protecting the population in emergency situations.
“Natural disasters are unpredictable; but it is the obligation of State agencies to be prepared to face them,” said the Episcopal Conference.
The bishops advocated focusing on ensuring decent conditions for affected families by earthquakes and prevent the consequences from falling again on those with fewer resources.
“From now on, we must all ensure that in the reconstruction work the same errors as in the past are not repeated, since, otherwise, the weakest will once again suffer the consequences of corruption and indolence,” the episcopate warned.
Call to rebuild with dignity
Representatives of the Catholic Church in Venezuela stated that reconstruction must go beyond the recovery of infrastructure, and consider the comprehensive well-being of the victims.
The bishops stressed that the Affected families need access to housing and decent jobs, as well as support to overcome the emotional and psychological wounds caused by the loss of loved ones and the destruction caused by earthquakes.
“To achieve this, it is essential to create the necessary conditions that allow all affected families to fulfill their own goals on their own, without dependencies or paternalism,” they expressed.
They asked not to forget other sectors affected by the national crisis, including political prisonersworkers, pensioners, the sick and immigrants, since they all require attention and defense of their dignity.
Recognition of citizen solidarity
The pastoral message highlighted the response of volunteers, rescuers and communities who participated in the relief efforts from the first moments of the tragedy.
The CEV especially recognized the actions of the Venezuelan people, whom it described as “the main Samaritan” during the emergency, in addition to the work of those who risked their lives to rescue people from the rubble.
“We are shocked and instructed by the heroism of those who have risked their lives to rescue many from the ruins from the first minute of the catastrophe,” he says.
The bishops thanked the support from other countries and the work of religious and humanitarian organizations that have provided assistance to those affected by the tragedy without distinction of creed or ideology.
The Church in Veneziela reiterated that it will continue to accompany the victims through its support structures, including national, diocesan and parish Caritas, as well as other ecclesial institutions.
The CEV called on the faithful to participate on July 24 in the Eucharistic celebrations for the victims of the earthquakes and urged them to maintain aid initiatives for affected families under the motto “After the earthquake, love!”
