Zagreb, July 20, 1999 (IKA) – On the occasion of the death of the bishop of the Evangelical Church in the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Vlado Ladislav Deutsch, expressions of condolences to the Evangelical Church in Croatia were sent by the president of the Croatian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Josip Bozani? of Zagreb, and the president of the Council for Ecumenicism and Dialogue of the Croatian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Antun Škvorčević of Požega.
Expressing Christian condolences to the Evangelical Church in the Republic of Croatia, Archbishop Bozanić wrote: “Bishop Deutsch signifies a period of ecumenicism in Croatia. His unselfish Christian endeavors in this area remain an example and model to all.” The president of the Council for Ecumenicism and Dialogue, Bishop Škvorčević, pointed out that during the period of serious ecumenical efforts following the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church in Croatia had one of the most open collocutors in Bishop Deutsch. “Rooted in the gospel, courageous in faith, Bishop Deutsch testified powerfully and effectively on our ecumenical efforts and difficulties in the homeland and other countries on many occasions and in various ecumenical institutions. He sincerely built bridges of confidence and cooperation. During the recent war in Croatia, his words in other countries and noble attempts to help people in misfortune were of great value. Although his ecumenical work will last, his death nevertheless marks the end of a particular portion of ecumenical history in Croatia,” wrote Bishop Škvorčević in his letter of condolences.