Bosnian bishops reject claims they back division
The Catholic bishops of Bosnia and Herzegovina have rejected claims by the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the Church supports dividing the country. They described the allegations as unfounded and damaging to interreligious relations, emphasizing their commitment to peace and dialogue. The controversy follows a conference in Zagreb where proposals for a third Croatian entity in Bosnia were discussed.
- ▪The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina accused 'radical right-wing Church circles' of backing a memorandum to ethnically divide the country.
- ▪The bishops denied any political agenda, stating the Catholic Church advocates for equality and justice among all constituent peoples.
- ▪A conference in Zagreb featured discussions on creating a third Croatian entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a proposal seen as highly sensitive.
- ▪Retired Cardinal Vinko Puljić participated in the Zagreb conference, though the bishops' conference distanced itself from the event.
- ▪Bosnia's foreign ministry protested to Croatia over the conference, highlighting regional tensions over potential constitutional changes.
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Church in Europe—NewsBosnian bishops reject claims they back division"We reject such claims as unfounded, irresponsible, and harmful to interreligious dialogue."Luke CoppenMay 01, 2026211ShareThe Catholic bishops of Bosnia and Herzegovina have rejected claims by a local Islamic organization that the Church supports efforts to divide the Balkan nation.Mostar, a city in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ramirez/wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0.SubscribeThe Episcopal Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina said April 29 that it was dismayed by a declaration issued by the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s highest Muslim representative body.It said: “The Bishops’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses deep regret over the content and tone of the statement by the…
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