CROATIAN MINORITY FORUM:"THE CHURCH AND CROATS"

ZAGREB, Nov 27 (Hina) - "The Church and Croats" was the theme of the third, one day forum held for Croatian minorities, hosted by the Croatian Homeland Foundation (CHF) in Zagreb. The meeting gathered Croatian minority representatives from Austria, The Czech Republic, Italy, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. During the meeting, the status and problems of Croatian minorities in Europe was discussed, along with the role of the Church in these issues. The Church has throughout its history and to this day had a invaluable role in preserving culture, religion and tradition amongst Croats in immigration, said the head of the CHF, Ante Beljo. Expressing hope that the meeting will touch on all current problems, Beljo said that the CHF will continue in its efforts to mediate and bind immigrant Croats with their homeland. The connection between the Church and Croats is an exceptional theme and is deeply rooted in Croatian historical events, announced the President of the House of Counties, Katica Ivanisevic. She also stressed the Church's unavoidable role in retaining Croatia's heritage. Head of the Pastoral Care of Croat's Abroad, Vladimir Stankovic, in his address said that the Church and Croat minorities presently maintain 192 Croatian Catholic Missions with 252 priests throughout the world. During the forum, minority committee representatives reported on the problems that Croats minorities face in the countries they come from. (hina) ab/sp