Catholics seek ‘just model’ in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Mar 1, 2006 / 22:00 pm

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s new High Representative of the International community must seek “a just model” of rule for the country, where currently there is a “clash between radical movements, including nationalist ideologies and Islamic fundamentalism,” says the country’s Franciscan provincial superior.

In a recent interview with Aid to the Church in Need, Fr. Mijo Dzolan, OFM, expressed his community’s hope that Christian Schwarz-Schilling, who took over as high representative Jan. 31, “will honestly try to find a just model for the country” that respects fundamental human rights and religious pluralism. This is the “most important thing” for Catholics in Bosnia, said the priest.

Fr. Dzolan noted that different ethnic and religious groups have been present in the country for centuries.

“Bosnia-Herzegovina must turn into a state in which all ethnic and religious groups can find a home, including Catholic Croats,” the Franciscan said.

According to Fr. Dzolan, Muslim extremists “want to create a sharia state,” which “is the fear of all Christians in Bosnia-Herzegovina, because of our centuries-long experience with Muslim rule.”

 “We, therefore, welcome all efforts to integrate Bosnia-Herzegovina into Europe, even though we are well aware that also in Europe there is an ideology – that of secularism and idolatry of profit,” he stated.