Split (IKA) – The Croatian bishops, assembled from October 10 to 13 in Split at their thirty-first plenary session, issued a statement on the occasion of the opening of the accession negotiations for entry by the Republic of Croatia into full membership in the European Union.

The Republic of Croatia belongs to Europe in every respect. Therefore, its rich cultural and religious tradition in its variety is an integral part in the process of the creation of the European community of nations, emphasize the Croatian bishops. They salute the decision by the European Union for the initiation of accession negotiations, that now permit Croatia to participate in the creation and formation of the new unified Europe as an active and fully enfranchised subject.

At the same time, they warn of specific questions that are shared in common with the other members of the European Union regarding its future, such as what kind of Europe they want to create and on what foundations, whether this new community will know how to respect differences in mentality, language, culture and the other characteristics of the recognizable identity of our region and nations, and whether our citizens will know how to accept the social norms and legal acquisitions incorporated into the foundations of the European Union.

The bishops note that our nation has created Europe for centuries in the “Croatian manner,” noting that Europe is recognizable by its varied and rich cultural and religious heritage, inspired by the Christian faith, and has continued the historical miracle of unity in variety.

At the end of the statement, the Croatian bishops directed a fervent prayer to the Lord to “bestow the spirit of wisdom upon us by which we shall recognize this present time of great responsibilities for Croatia,” and to bestow “prudence and strength in order to know how to defend Croatian interests and protect the specific qualities of our national and religious heritage, by which we enrich the common European home” on those who are conducting the negotiations.