Zagreb, (IKA) – The Croatian bishops issued a message on the 2016 parliamentary elections, which was published by the Press Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops and is hereby presented in its entirety:

1. On the occasion of the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 11, 2016, we, Catholic bishops, once again would like to remind the members of God’s people, as well as all other people who care about the Croatian homeland, that the election of representatives to the Croatian Parliament is an important event that affects our personal, family, political, cultural and economic reality. For the faithful, going to the polls and, thereby, personally assuming responsibility for lasting values, general social well-being and the continued development of democracy in the Croatian society, is not merely a civic duty but also an expression of Christian responsibility and true patriotism.

Whenever elections are held, we ask ourselves to which of the nominated candidates on the electoral lists we should show our confidence. Biblical experience teaches us that only those who are wise, honest and selfless can truly help the society grow and prosper. Along those lines, particularly in regard to making the responsible and prudent decision of whose name to circle in these elections, we wish to remind you in good faith that it extremely important to become acquainted with the candidates’ electoral programs, especially economic ones relating to the management of the sea, forests and agricultural resources. It is also necessary to identify and support those candidates who demonstrate a willingness to create the prerequisites for new jobs and, thereby, halt the social disintegration and impoverishment of the citizens, especially the emigration of young people and families from Croatia.

2. We are particularly called to entrust confidence to those who are striving to protect marriage as the union of a man and woman, and promote the culture of life through long-term pro-natalist policy. Prompted by recent debate on educational reform, we believe that it is particularly important to determine the direction in which individual political options intend to further this process because the future education and value system of our children will depend on it. It is also important to see how individual political parties, coalitions or independent lists intend to implement the further democratization of the society, first of all by changing the electoral law and developing a civil society upon the principles of pluralism and religious freedom. Furthermore, in light of the many years when the prosecution of the crimes perpetrated by the communist dictatorship was prevented, it is important to recognize how the individual political options intend to deal with the communist past. Sweeping such topics under the rug creates even greater divisions in society. The Church wants light to be shed on the whole truth because only then will it be possible to establish a culture of dialogue as a prerequisite and starting point for the strengthening of national unity.

All party and independent candidates are kindly requested to maintain personal dignity during the election campaign and attempt to gain the people’s confidence through the force of arguments, which will contribute to increasing citizens’ confidence in social and political institutions. We also encourage those in the media to fulfill their mission by maintaining standards of professionalism and providing adequate and clear information on the electoral programs and candidates for the coming session of the Croatian Parliament.

3. We invite the ordained ministers of the Church to pray together with the faithful for our homeland and its people so that they will not be overcome by indifference or the temptation of despondent thinking that nothing can be changed. The existence of preferential voting provides the option of directly selecting individual candidates from the lists provided that voters deem capable of facing today’s challenges.

We commend all to the intercession of Our Lady, whom we have called our Advocate for centuries, as well as to the intercession of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Croatia and the Croatian Parliament. We especially pray for the intercession and help of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, who gave his ministry and life to the Church and his nation.