CATHOLIC CHURCH SATISFIED WITH CENSUS RESULTS

ZAGREB, June 26 (Hina) - The Catholic Church in Croatia can be satisfied with the results of a recent census, but it has no reason for triumphant behaviour, because the results become a challenge and an incentive, reads the latest issue of the Catholic weekly "Glas koncila". #L# Commenting in an editorial headlined "The Importance of Catholic Majority" on the results of the 2002 census, the paper's editorial board notes that the fact that as many as 87.97 percent of Croatian citizens are Catholics (including Eastern-Rite Catholics) "is a very important data for Croatia's pluralist society and public scene". "This data should be respected by all relevant factors as well as by the frequently ideologised critics of the Catholic Church and its participation in the education process, the media, and other social activities," reads the weekly. "The fact that as many as 87.97 percent of Croatian citizens have declared themselves to be members of the Catholic Church sets very clear imperatives before the media, particularly Croatian Radio and Television. Finally, this fact also binds Croatian politicians, especially those in power, to consistently and as soon as possible secure the implementation of all regulations of the agreements signed between the Republic of Croatia and the Holy See," says the weekly among other things. (hina) rml sb