Đakovo, (IKA/TU) – The metropolitan archbishop of Đakovo-Osijek and president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Msgr. Marin Srakić, held a press conference in Đakovo on Friday, July 24. On this occasion, he officially presented a statement by the Croatian Conference of Bishops on its contribution to the current economic crisis, in which he emphasized that the Church has decided to relinquish the amount of 50 million kunas from the 283 million kunas set aside in the state budget, pursuant to the international contract on economic matters between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia dated October 9, 1998, in order to contribute to overcoming the current crisis.

Commenting on the statement by the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Archbishop Srakić particularly called attention to the charitable activity of the Church. “Every diocese, according to its abilities, participates in charitable activities. During the past period, our Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese has set aside 25 to 30 percent for charitable activity. When we add the amount of 50 million kunas to this, the amount totals a hundred million kunas,” emphasized Archbishop Srakić.

In response to a question by a journalist whether the Church will relinquish any of its capital investments due to the current situation and recession, Archbishop Srakić responded: Already at the beginning of the year, I told the priests that although they had obtained permission for the repair and construction of churches, this would be carried out according to the situation in which Croatia finds itself. Thus, we are not adhering to that which has been written but shall adapt to the current possibilities.”

In response to a question whether the decision to relinquish 50 million kunas was connected with admonishments issued to the Church by individuals and the media, i.e., whether this decision was made under pressure from the media, Archbishop Srakić decisively responded that it had no connection with pressure from the media or individuals whatsoever, and added: “We began talks with the Government and Ministry several days ago. We discussed this matter and made our decision. Although it concerns an international contract, in the present situation the Church has decided to relinquish this amount on a one-time basis,” concluded Archbishop Srakić.