ZAGREB, April 26 (Hina) - The present moment is marked by tensions yielded from serious economic problems, the Croatian Bishops' Conference said in a statement issued Friday in the wake of its 22nd plenary session. Besides concern
with numerous social problems, the statement also voices the concern of bishops regarding contentions concerning Croatia's Homeland Defence War. "Events, people and the circumstances in which it (the war) occurred is often being approached without due respect and truthfulness. The source of insecurity with many people are unclear goals at which the international community is aiming in the region. A not so unimportant reason for concern are also permanent conflicts among parties which transcend the frames of democracy and make it difficult for our country to resolve economic difficulties. Frequent meddling into the Constitution also does not contribute to the consolidation of democracy
ZAGREB, April 26 (Hina) - The present moment is marked by tensions
yielded from serious economic problems, the Croatian Bishops'
Conference said in a statement issued Friday in the wake of its 22nd
plenary session.
Besides concern with numerous social problems, the statement also
voices the concern of bishops regarding contentions concerning
Croatia's Homeland Defence War.
"Events, people and the circumstances in which it (the war)
occurred is often being approached without due respect and
truthfulness. The source of insecurity with many people are unclear
goals at which the international community is aiming in the region.
A not so unimportant reason for concern are also permanent
conflicts among parties which transcend the frames of democracy and
make it difficult for our country to resolve economic difficulties.
Frequent meddling into the Constitution also does not contribute to
the consolidation of democracy and general sense of security," the
statement said.
Commenting on recent events in the neighbouring Bosnia-
Herzegovina, the bishops pointed out "undemocratic acts of
international political organisations" which have caused
"insecurity and fear among members of the Croat people".
The statement also accentuates support to the Bosnia-Herzegovina
episcopate in its efforts in the establishment of relations among
religions and peoples in the country.
Hope can be found in the fact that we are entering the new millennium
in a free and independent state of Croatia, as well as in the fact
that many people are contributing to the building of the young
country and transferring onto young people human and Christian
values, the statement said.
"One of the reasons for the hope is also the fact that the first year
of the new millennium has been proclaimed the year of dialogue. In
this we see a sign of time in which God is stimulating us not to lose
courage and is opening the path for overcoming difficulties. The
value of dialogue ought to be developed at all levels of our
society, as well as with the international community. However, this
dialogue also requests and proposes faith and love for the truth, as
Jesus said, 'the truth shall set you free' (John 8:32)," the
statement read.
The bishops called on all faithful to vote in the upcoming local
elections and "with their good conscious gauge well which person
and programmes they can vote for".
(hina) lml sb