Statement by the President of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Archbishop Želimir Puljić of Zadar

Regarding numerous issues concerning the initiative for the official introduction of the military salute “For the homeland, ready,” for use by the Croatian Army, the President of the CCB, Želimir Puljić of Zadar, issued the following public statement:
To present and conduct various initiatives in a democratic society is a means of expressing freedom of thought. Those who give such an initiative their support and signatures are manifesting two things:
– first, support of the idea that the initiators are promoting,
– second, by their signatures they are showing that we live in the climate of a democratic society, in which it is possible to write and sign something without fear of being interrogated or ending up in court or prison.

However, all who sign and support such initiatives must be prepared to respond to all who justifiably seek explanations and arguments for such proposals. Therefore, I could not explain the personal views of the two bishops who expressed their support for this proposal by signing this petition. Naturally, a bishop does not sign a petition in the name of his diocese, nor a professor in the name of his faculty, nor a religious in the name of his order, nor an academic in the name of the Academy, but each signs in his own name.
Remaining thus at the democratic level, I have a proposal in regard to this and similar issues that not in frequently seek declarations via petitions or referenda, especially in cases of ambiguous and poorly defined concepts, which most often cause tensions and disputes, or when ideas and proposals provide broad opportunities for the manipulation of human emotions, values and the like. It appears that the greeting “For the homeland, ready” enters into this area of ambiguity and lack of clarity.

I believe, therefore, concerning the given topic presently preoccupying the public, that it would be useful and practical to organize an appropriate group of professionals who would provide their expert and scientific contributions. After that, on the basis of the conclusions reached by this group, it would eventually be possible to launch a petition or referendum. Otherwise, there is the danger that an interesting initiative could become “privatized,” instead of having the characteristics of the broader, general interest. Therefore, it would be unfortunate if it lacked a scientific and expert foundation, especially if it acquired a “political” or some other type of label, which would then lead to even greater dangers and possible manipulation, the taking of sides and the creation of unnecessary tensions and social stratification, instead of constructive talks, conversations, agreements and conclusions.”

Archbishop Želimir Puljić of Zadar
President of the Croatian Conference of Bishops
Zagreb, August 28, 2015