Original scientific paper
The Meaning of Politics for the Catholic Church in Croatia
Ivan Devčić
; Teologija u Rijeci Katoličkog bogoslovnog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Abstract
When the Catholic Church in Croatia speaks out on specific current social and political events, it is because the official documents of the Church advise such. To this effect, the author of this article first puts forward excerpts from the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, relevant excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and also the main ideas contained in the Doctrinal Note on the involvement of Catholics in politics. In light of the guidelines set forth in the above documents, in the second part of this essay the author points out that which the Catholic Church expects from Croatia's politicians at the present time. First and foremost is, of course, the integral promotion and protection of the human person as the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions; second are the crucially important expectations in regard to the protection and promotion of the common good, both of which seem to be neglected by the troubling sale of national property and by the unfavourable outcomes of negotiations with the European Union; also vital are the Church's expectations in regard to the need to exercise justice in all its forms, in regard to the achievement of social solidarity, especially between generations, and finally in putting into practice the principle of subsidiarity, especially by providing assistance to families. In conclusion, the author encourages those among the faithful who are involved in politics to imprint the lasting mark of Christianity upon this noble profession.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
934
URI
Publication date:
18.3.2006.
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