Zagreb, November 9, 2001 (IKA) — Moved by the grave social conditions in the homeland and the 110th anniversary of the social encyclical Rerum novarum issued in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, during these difficult times for workers and their families, the Croatian bishops have issued a message on the current social situation in Croatia. “We Croatian bishops want to direct the attention of the faithful and general public to ‘new developments’ at the current moment in our society so that the solutions and responses to them will be in the spirit of the doctrine of the Catholic Church,” begins the message presented at the press conference held at the Secretariat of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, conducted by the head of the Center for the Promotion of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Dr. Stjepan Baloban.
The Croatian bishops warn of the numerous economic problems that we are confronting, together with a certain mentality inherited from the previous communist regime, the many unhealed wounds in consequence of the destruction and horrors of the war, and the harm caused by the lack of conscience and greed shown by individuals and groups who are making decisions without taking the general good into account but only their own interests during the previous and present periods. Exaggerated expectations from “domestic changes,” as if such changes alone could resolve many problems, together with easily given and unrealistic promises to obtain the trust of the voters, have added to the sense of disappointment and distrust in the country and its institutions, which certainly impedes the process of pulling ourselves out of this crisis, caution the bishops.
Admitting that there are circumstances, such as terrorism and the ever widening gap between the rich and poor in the world, which to a certain extent justify the serious social crisis, the bishops nevertheless caution that “workers are receiving pay for their work (if they receive it at all) that is not sufficient to provide for a life of dignity for themselves and their families; the high rate of unemployment is not declining; the demographic problems have assumed catastrophic dimensions; retired persons are having increasing difficulty living on their modest pensions; veterans fear for their rights; and young people in ever increasing numbers are seeking their futures outside the homeland. Benefits to new mothers and families with children are being reduced although they were already inadequate, and quality health care may become the privilege of only some people.” Under such circumstances, in the opinion of the bishops, “there is little room for hope,” and there is increasing “dissatisfaction, division, intolerance and uncertainty.”
In the implementation and planning of social and economic reforms, it is necessary to act wisely and with moderation. The bishops emphasize that key reforms are needed in the retirement, health and educational systems as well as social assistance, welfare and insurance. In the message, the bishops particularly caution that “reforms must be for the benefit and not to the detriment of families and children,” if a long-term stable future is desired for the Croatian society and nation.
The bishops note that since there have neither been public discussions on the important reforms and changes, nor has relevant information been made available, there is the impression that those who are making these reforms are hiding something from the public, perhaps in order to implement their plans more easily. Therefore, the bishops appeal to all those responsible to provide as much correct information as possible in a timely manner regarding the planning and undertaking of reforms, not only how they will be implemented but how much they will cost and what difficulties will be encountered by particular age groups.
Responding to a question by a journalist in the context of the presentation of the message, the president of the CCB, Archbishop Josip Bozanić of Zagreb, stated that the Church is open to dialogue and effective cooperation regarding the concrete statements in the message. On previous occasions, the Church has already spoken out on social issues and this message should be understood as a expression of its desire to bolster the social rights of the people during these difficult times. He noted that it would be necessary to organize meetings within the Church and seek ways to make efforts on the civil plan more effective. He also made reference to numerous examples of how the Church implements its social mission through action.