Bosnian bishops say peace must be preserved

Peace is not subject to the laws of space and time, but is founded on truth and justice, and is constantly strengthened by the power of love, says the message to the faithful and to all people of goodwill, delivered on Saturday in Sarajevo by the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Tomo Vuksic.

The bishops recalled that the Second Vatican Council teaches that peace is not merely the absence of war, nor merely the balance between opposing forces, nor does it arise from oppressive rule, but is the work of justice.

It is the fruit of order, said Vuksic, adding that in order to build peace, there must be an unconditional and firm will to respect other people and nations and their dignity.

He said the bishops, during this Lent as well, have understood the fears and considerable anxiety of their faithful.

“Given the current political situation in BiH, where the ‘Dayton peace’ is revealing all its weaknesses, in the message from the 92nd plenary session of our Bishops’ Conference we expressed hope that through sincere dialogue and respect for the rights of every nation and every individual, the crisis would be overcome and peace, which has no morally acceptable alternative, preserved. We also called on all the faithful to pray, and on those in positions of responsibility to engage in dialogue characterised by prudence, patience and sincerity,” Vuksic recalled.

He and the other bishops expressed their hope that BiH’s differences would be recognised as genuine values and not as obstacles in building a just and orderly society. They said this hope is not merely some irrational optimism, but has its firm foundation in faith.