ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP OPENS CENTRE FOR SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

CHURCH ( Editorial: --> 7355 ) ZAGREB, March 5 (Hina)- Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic on Thursday opened the Centre for promotion of social teachings of the Church, established by the Croatian Bishops' Conference. The Centre was founded in 1996 at the Conference's autumn session in Djakovo and its statute was adopted in 1997, Bozanic said. The purpose of the Centre is to promote the social teachings of the Church, their application in Croatia and contribution to the common good in the spiritual, cultural and social-ethical spheres. The basic funding for the Centre's work is provided by the Bishops' Conference, but donations from non-Church institutions and individuals will also be welcome. The Centre will supplement its income through business activities. "As of this day, the Centre will serve man and the people so as to justify its existence," Archbishop Bozanic said in his speech at the opening ceremony. (hina) mm as/mb 051525 MET mar 98