For Many Years He Led Czech Charity / In Church Organizations, Service of Heart Prevails and is Often Misused
Oldřich Haičman reflects on his lengthy career in charity leadership and addresses the ethical dilemmas within charitable organizations, particularly in relation to the church's role.
Oldřich Haičman, who served as the director of the Diocese Charity Brno and national leader of Charity Česká republika for over three decades, discusses the importance of the church's charitable work during his interview with Postoj. He emphasizes that church-related charities could better showcase their efforts, noting that many people are unaware of the extensive charitable initiatives undertaken by the church. He considers these efforts not only as acts of kindness but also as essential for evangelization, as he recounted numerous instances where the public expressed surprise at the church's work in this field.
Haičman also addresses the potential pitfalls that exist within the helping professions, particularly criticizing the practice of imposing low wages on those who work for the church under the guise of volunteerism or community service. He argues that this can lead to a misuse of the help principle, where those answering the call to aid others may feel pressured into accepting unfair labor conditions. In sharing his aspirations to establish a shelter for homeless individuals, he touches upon societal tendencies to prioritize assistance for seniors and children over the homeless population, voicing a need for a more balanced approach to charity.
Furthermore, he reflects on the catastrophic tornado that struck southern Moravia in 2021, comparing the responses and types of assistance provided to those affected, highlighting that such disasters often reveal the strengths and weaknesses of charitable support systems. Haičman's insights present a candid view of the charitable landscape and the responsibilities that individuals, particularly leaders in faith-based organizations, bear in addressing both the needs of the community and the ethical practices of charity work.