Zagreb, March 11, 2002 (IKA) — “During the past century, we learned to experience the late cardinal as a true brother in Christ. During times that were unfavorable for Christian witness in society, he was a courageous prophet and wise counselor. In his solicitude for the little person, he was a caring shepherd and a stimulating preacher,” states a telegram of condolences sent on the occasion of the death of the late Cardinal Franjo Kuharić in the name of the Federation of Baptist Churches in the Republic of Croatia by Dr. Branko Lovrec. “During the period following the Council, the first steps of cooperation among Christians in the public proclamation of the Gospels, together we bore witness to peace with God and peace with our neighbors. During the Homeland War in Croatia, we were inspired by his efforts for peace and reconciliation, his fruitful collaboration with the institutions of the Catholic Church in humanitarian projects to aid refugees, displaced persons and all the victims of the war. We are grateful for his help in promoting the Bible and Biblical literature — the precious Christian heritage — on all levels of the Croatian society. We shall remember Cardinal Franjo Kuharić as a brother and friend, eternally thanking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for him, proud and privileged that we were able to know him. In moments of sorrow and sadness, we direct the eyes of our soul to the wood of the Cross, and with confident faith commend the late Cardinal Franjo to the gentle hands of ‘the beginning and the end of faith’, Jesus Christ the Just,” states the telegram of condolences sent by the president of the Federation of Baptist Churches in the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Branko Lovrec, on the occasion of the death of Cardinal Franjo Kuharić.