ZAGREB, Nov 9 (Hina) - Spurred by the difficult economic situation and in line with their service to the common good, Croatia's bishops have issued a message about the current social situation in the country. The message was presented
to reporters in Zagreb on Friday by the president of the Croatian Bishops' Conference, Msgr Josip Bozanic, and the manager of a centre for the promotion of the Church's social teaching, Stjepan Baloban. The bishops call on all the faithful and all people of good will to be more resolute and brave in advocating just solutions for the current social issues, without abandoning the principles of social justice and solidarity. Many economic problems are the consequences of the communist mentality of the past, last decade's war, as well as the result of unscrupulous and greedy individuals who made or make decisions about the common good by taking only their own interest into a
ZAGREB, Nov 9 (Hina) - Spurred by the difficult economic situation
and in line with their service to the common good, Croatia's bishops
have issued a message about the current social situation in the
country.
The message was presented to reporters in Zagreb on Friday by the
president of the Croatian Bishops' Conference, Msgr Josip Bozanic,
and the manager of a centre for the promotion of the Church's social
teaching, Stjepan Baloban.
The bishops call on all the faithful and all people of good will to
be more resolute and brave in advocating just solutions for the
current social issues, without abandoning the principles of social
justice and solidarity.
Many economic problems are the consequences of the communist
mentality of the past, last decade's war, as well as the result of
unscrupulous and greedy individuals who made or make decisions
about the common good by taking only their own interest into
account, the bishops say.
They point to excessive expectations from democratic changes,
which they say are not enough to solve problems, and to easily
given, unrealistic promises to voters which have exacerbated the
disappointment with and mistrust of the state and its
institutions.
The bishops say the social situation and high unemployment rate are
affecting many citizens. They warn that major and radical
adjustments of the entire economic and social system to new world
standards cannot pass without affecting individuals and the whole
community. They also support the implementation of reforms which
have been undertaken in the pension, health, and school systems.
The bishops appeal to all those in charge to provide as many
information about planned and ongoing reforms as possible and in
due time, not only about their implementation and cost, but the
difficulties they will pose to future generations as well.
Regardless of the difficulties a "social state" in Europe goes
through, the economic and social reform in Croatia should retain
the fundamental aspects of the social state, the bishops say.
According to Archbishop Bozanic, the need for dialogue between the
Church and the state today is great. He announced the Croatian
Bishops' Conference would intensify contacts with certain state
institutions.
Bozanic also pointed to the need of a correct interpretation of this
message in the media which he said contribute to the proper
interpretation of democracy. Asked about corruption in the
authorities, he stressed the need of combating "bribe-taking" and
that citizens must respect the law.
(hina) ha