Banja Luka, July 15, 1999 (IKA/KTA) – Today, July 15, the 16th regular session of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops, begun on July 12, was concluded with the celebration of the feast of St. Bonaventure, the patron saint of the Banja Luka Diocese. The focus of the session was on the current social conditions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The bishops heard reports on the activities of Bosnian-Herzegovian Caritas regarding the problems that refugees and displaced persons encounter when they attempt to return to their homes, the problems of the unemployed, the problems of retirees, the problems of the old and infirm, the process of privatization, and problems particularly concerning young people such as various types of dependencies and juvenile delinquency, and expressed their support of Caritas in all these areas. Conscious of their Church mission and seeking solutions to social ills, the bishops sent a letter to the appropriate government agencies and a pastoral message to the faithful. Reviewing the proposed law on the return of nationalized property, the bishops established a commission for relations with the government. They also discussed the second meeting between the bishops of the Croatian Conference of Bishops and the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops held on June 30 in Banja Luka. This meeting was said to be successful and necessary. Other topics concerning both conferences were presented. After hearing reports from various councils of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops, at the initiative of the Catechism Council, the bishops sent a letter to catechists for the next school year. The bylaws for the Council for priests in formation and the clergy were passed.
The bishops also sent a letter to the Presidency of the Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Caritas Internationalis, and representatives of the international institutions and organizations in Sarajevo to support human rights more effectively, particularly the right of people to return to their homes. The letter was signed by the president of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops, Archbishop Cardinal Vinko Puljić of Sarajevo, and states: “the unstable political atmosphere, the unresolved constitutional questions of the constituency of ethnic nations, the difficult economic situation, high unemployment, very slow return of private property and other problems are great barriers for the significant return of refugees … The privatization initiated is an additional stumbling block regarding the decision for return,” emphasized the bishops, adding that they are concerned by the failure of international officials to implement promised assistance in returning refugees to their homes, returning property and safeguarding other human rights and freedoms. The letter also disputes the assertion made by several international institutions that Croats from Bosnia-Herzegovina do not wish to return to their homes, since the bishops possess reliable data that a large number of refugees want to return. Despite this desire to return to their homes, a large number of young families are being forced to remain outside Bosnia-Herzegovina, and most of the returnees are elderly, ill or infirm and cannot care for themselves. “Government institutions, due to financial and structural constraints, and also partially due to indifference, are incapable of caring for these and other segments of the endangered population. Low pensions and unresolved questions concerning pensions from neighboring countries, the shortcomings of the newly formed health organization, and the difficulties concerning the care of the elderly, particularly a shortage of residential facilities, are reasons why many are abandoned to their own devices,” states the letter. During the war, the Church successfully assisted the population through the diocesan branches of Caritas and aid from other countries. However, aid from other countries has significantly declined and part of the population is more endangered now than during the war. Noting the activities of Caritas, the bishops of Bosnia-Herzegovina urged the appropriate government agencies to provide financial and other assistance to Caritas in order for it to continue to perform activities that are important to the entire society. Therefore, the bishops urged the institutions to whom the letter was addressed to promote the initiation of dialogue as soon as possible between the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops and the government institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina regarding the problems cited.
In the letter the bishops of Bosnia-Herzegovina sent to the faithful, they stress the problems of displaced persons and refugees, and point out that there are those who discourage people from returning to their homes, and others who block or prohibit their return. The bishops also express their sorrow because “some of the influential officials of the international community, despite professing support for returnees, apply unequal standards toward persons of various ethnic nations and religions … On many occasions, we have urged the international representatives to work harder and more decisively to return all refugees and displaced persons to their homes. Therefore, despite misfortunes, we sincerely rejoice whenever persons remain or return to their own homes,” states the letter, in which the bishops also thanked all who are working tirelessly for the fulfillment of Christ#!s commandment to love our neighbor. The bishops urge all diocesan, religious and parish associations as well as social institutions to do whatever is in their power to guide young people toward what is good. “The Church cannot and does not want to replace government and other institutions that have the obligation and means to resolve fundamental questions of existence. However, in the spirit of its mission and in accordance with its abilities, the Church will continue to serve the socially endangered,” asserts the letter sent by the bishops of Bosnia-Herzegovina to the faithful.
In addition to all the bishops of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the 16th session of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops was attended by the temporary chargé d#!affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Sarajevo, Mario Roberto Cassari; Bishop Marin Srakić of Đakovo-Srijem on behalf of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, and Bishop Ilija Janjić of Kotor on behalf of the Yugoslav Conference of Bishops.