CATHOLIC PRIMATE CALLS FOR SERIOUS FAMILY POLICY, LEGISLATION

MARIJA BISTRICA, Aug 15 (Hina) - Celebrating mass on the Feast of the Assumption, a Croatian national holiday, in Marija Bistrica on Thursday, the primate of the Croatian Catholic Church, Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic, advocated the passing of a serious family policy and legislation. #L# Addressing dozens of thousands of believers, Bozanic said that the reinstitution the feeling of respect for, awe and celebration of motherhood was of crucial importance for the future of the Croatian people and society, which he said was not growing but heading towards a slow but unstoppable decrease in numbers. Bozanic cautioned about the consequences of the drop in the birth- rate, and urged people to be more responsible, the youth in particular. According to the Catholic primate, motherhood is under the pressure of negative circumstances, such as insufficient jobs and housing, inadequate education and health. Bozanic called for a serious family policy and legislation which would truly care for children's rights, a dignified education of youth, the firmness of marriage, and for the possibility of the family honourably performing its educational and social duties. "There is a frequent impression that these crucial issues have no place in state policy, or in the media which dominate our public, and that the assistance state institutions should offer families and children looks more like charity than just compensation," said the Archbishop. He stated that today's mentality and way of life did not favour family, life, or the virtue of motherhood. "There are numerous examples of certain public endeavours and propaganda turning a deaf ear to moral human virtues, family institutions," said Bozanic. He stressed that the Christian community had the responsibility to expose and reject this anti-life culture. (hina) ha