Zagreb, January 31, 1999 (IKA) – The most recent issue of the publication Hrvatski obzor, January 30, contains an interview with Don Živko Kustić entitled “The Church Does Not Fear the Coming to Power of Any Party,” in which he discusses Catholic journalism, media coverage of the Church and relations between the Church and State. Don Živko considers coverage of the Church by the secular media to be fully justified and necessary but points out a problem connected with the backgrounds of journalists who cover religion, “not due to (un)professionalism but in connection with the necessary, specific educational background for this type of journalism, and due to the place and role of the contemporary Church within the contemporary state.” In the Croatian mass media, there is frequent coverage of ceremonies, Masses, liturgical singing, buildings and art, i.e. “Church manifestations that receive more coverage than what is important to the Church, the proclamation of the gospel.” On the other hand, the influence of Church teachings on public decorum, suitable laws and mentality has been minimal. In Don Živko#!s opinion, it is necessary to exercise caution in presenting such content because it can sometimes produce an opposite effect. The entire situation should be re-examined, especially “attempts by political groups, those in power or in the opposition, to use every opportunity to demonstrate that they are close the Church.” Don Živko adds that these are inklings of a misuse of the Church for political purposes.
Moreover, priests do not have the right to present their political views publicly in the name of the Church, but only as private citizens. Regarding the role of the Church in the primary election campaign, “the Church does not fear any party coming to power because it does not fear the will of its own people.” However, the Church “must exercise its influence for the election to be legal, for the electoral law to be as democratic as possible, and for the people to be informed as extensively and objectively as possible.” Don Živko emphasized that “when the nation expresses its will, whatever the party or group of parties, for the Church this is the will of God. The Church does not fear its people and will accept any victorious party as the expression of the will of the people, as a partner in dialogue wherever it is necessary for them to work together.”