Đakovo, (IKA/BTU) – On Wednesday, October 24, at the bishop’s residence in Đakovo, Bishop Marin Srakić of Đakovo and Srijem held his first press conference in the capacity of the newly elected president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops. Bishop Srakić was elected to this post on October 18 at the 35th plenary session of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, held in Gospić. In reference to reports in the media concerning the decentralization of the CCB, Bishop Srakić explained to the many journalists assembled that it had been the rule for the archbishop of Zagreb to serve as the president of the CCB since the year 1918 when the Bishops’ Conference of Yugoslavia was established. Since Cardinal Josip Bozanić completed two consecutive mandates this autumn, the Croatian Conference of Bishops implemented its Statutes and elected a new president. Therefore, decentralization occurred when the bishops accepted the Statutes, emphasized Bishop Srakić, noting that there is “confusion” if the Catholic Church and the activities of its bodies are equated with the activities of some secular bodies such as, for example, the parliament or government.
The bishop was also asked how his mandate would differ from the previous one. “I would not be fair to my predecessor, Archbishop Cardinal Bozanić, if I were to imitate him. I have my own way of working and reacting. I shall continue to insist upon improving the collegial relations among the bishops. The president cannot issue any decision whatsoever without the other bishops. As the president, I have the same vote as that of the auxiliary bishop of some (arch)diocese, except where certain important questions are concerned. Regarding amendments to the Statutes, the diocesan bishops (14 bishops and the military ordinary) make the decisions. The rest is through voting,” explained Bishop Srakić.
In response to a question on how he will act, he said: “According to my nature, but also with this program. For my episcopal motto, I chose ‘hope and work.’ I feel that this motto is particularly appropriate in our situation, especially at some moments when it is truly necessary to provide hope, when defeatism is being spread, something negative is emphasized, we have done something wrong or the society is going backwards. This position is not a basis for building a better future, whether regarding the Church or the society. We bishops must work together with the priests. Priests, particularly in the Đakovo and Srijem Diocese, but also in other dioceses, have borne ‘the day’s burden and the heat’ of the Homeland War. Many priests were persecuted. Some have been left without anything. Such priests should receive support and their cooperation should be counted upon. With the faithful, we must build a Church among the challenges of today, not with the faithful who merely raise their hands without knowing why but with the faithful who are formed, who have imbibed the ecclesiastical spirit. Neither clericalized laity nor laicized clergy will be of use. Let everyone remain in his or her calling,” said Bishop Srakić.
When asked for a message to the faithful before the elections, the president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops said that the bishops will issue a statement in early November that will contain the most basic encouragement for faithful, including the explanation that the calling of politician is exceptionally responsible and certainly honorable, despite the negative comments heard about politicians. The Church wants the nation to vote in the elections. A nation demonstrates its maturity by the percentage of people who vote. Abstaining means to allow others to decide about us. After that, it is too late to be angry, said Bishop Srakić.