Makarska, May 22, 2000 (IKA) – Members of the Council of Franciscan Communities in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, together with brothers and sisters of various Franciscan families attending the regular Annual Conference on the Service of God and Man held in Makarska, issued a document entitled “Franciscan Mea Culpa,” stating the following:

“Inspired by the Holy Father’s recent appeal for the cleansing of historical memory, we urge our brothers and sisters to beg forgiveness from God and from all people afflicted by the crimes of various persons and structures, for forgiveness for our lack of solidarity and commitment in alleviating their pains, due to our lack of effective compassion, misconduct and the closing of our eyes before the truth.
“In a special way, we beg forgiveness from the poor and the hungry, those wounded in soul and body, with whom we did not share our bread and other goods in a discernible and effective manner.
“We beg forgiveness from all workers because we failed to participate more clearly and decisively, even in the form of strikes, in their struggle for jobs, social insurance and adequate wages.
“We beg forgiveness from all believers and nonbelievers because we did not bear sufficient witness for them to the nearness and goodness of God with our goodness and brotherly-sisterly words.
“We beg forgiveness from the Church leaders because we did not always behave toward them with the proper humility, and because we did not always warn them of errors without which the Kingdom of Heaven could be more successfully proclaimed.
“We beg forgiveness from all women because we did not recognize the discrimination against them in society, the Church and in our communities in timely manner or sufficient measure.
“We beg forgiveness from all those who have become victims of false Christianity, false patriotism and false Croatianism, as well as all those who were led astray by false testimony to these values, including some of the members of our communities.
“Forgiving all and begging for forgiveness, we repent before you and before the Lord because we did not act and speak when it was necessary, inhibited by false deference and fears.
“We confess our sins but place our trust in the assistance of God’s Spirit and the intercession of the Holy Father Francis in order for us to fulfill our mission in the world before you as peacemakers and the people closest to all who are in need.”