Appeal by cardinal Puljić and bishop Komarica to save the catholics in the Banja Luka diocese

Banja Luka, 28. 2. 1995. (IKA) – The archbishop of Sarajevo Cardinal Vinko Puljić, visiting his native city of Banja Luka for the first time in his capacity as cardinal, and the bishop of Banja Luka Franjo Komarica, have sent an appeal to the world and domestic public, once again drawing attention to the dramatic situation in this diocese. The bishops emphasize that Catholics – Croats and others – have been deprived of the basic human rights and freedoms for the past three years, in a situation that has become unbearable and intolerable. “It is impossible to comprehend the indifference and inertia of the domestic and international politicians with the greatest responsibility, who despite knowing what is happening to the innocent and peace loving civilians in this territory, have failed to take effective action to stop the ongoing serious crimes against humanity. The mass media, by failing to inform the public, have greatly assisted those who commit evil and violence, allowing them to continue unhindered and unpunished. By their failure to protect the innocent population – Catholics and others – they (perhaps unintentionally) place themselves on the side of the criminal. As believers and teachers of religion and morals in Christ#!s Church in this region, we are obligated before God and our conscience to stand up for the defense of God#!s law and for the human dignity of each individual. We are obligated to caution all who decide on the destinies of these disenfranchised people that they bear a heavy responsibility before God and history”, emphasize the two bishops in their appeal. The bishops state that “we raise our voices in solidarity and support for the safeguarding of human dignity, basic civil/human rights and the freedom of all the downtrodden and disenfranchised, inviting all people of noble will to join in saving the endangered persons in this area, as well as in all the other areas of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Balkans and the European continent”. They call upon all Catholics, Christians and members of other faiths to unite in prayer and action for peace. (C02315en/sv)