As negotiations with the Croatian government over a concordat, or memorandum of understanding, continue, Seventh-day Adventists here are optimistic about the outcome.
As negotiations with the Croatian government over a concordat, or memorandum of understanding, continue, Seventh-day Adventists here are optimistic about the outcome. Earlier agreements have been signed between the Croatian government and Muslims, Orthodox and Roman Catholic leaders, and provide for the explanation of religious rights for these believers under Croatian law.
“The [Croatian] government has treated the whole Protestant group fairly, we believe, especially us,” said Dragutin Matak, president of the Adventist Church’s Adriatic region. “You would never get such treatment with the former government. We believe this attempt of the [current] Croatian government needs to be commended. I also believe that the final form of the agreement could be further negotiated, but in a Christian way.”
Negotiations between the Adventist Church and five other Protestant denominations—including Baptist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Church of Christ and Church of God—had broken down in recent weeks over various issues. Matak said the Adventist Church entered into prolonged discussions with the government over the question of recognition of Sabbath, or Saturday, observance. By demonstrating that Sabbath observance was recognized by governments in Spain, Italy and Poland—countries where the Roman Catholic Church predominates—the Croatian government was persuaded that granting such rights would be acceptable overall.
“The reception was fine, friendly and supportive,” Matak said of his meeting with government representatives. “They [the government personnel] explained that now they can go to the various ministries who need to verify the agreement and tell them, ‘[Since] the Sabbath was granted to Adventists in Italy, Spain and Poland, so we need to follow their example’ [in Croatia].”
Seventh-day Adventists worship in 70 local churches in Croatia. According to the Forum 18 news service, Croatia’s Baptists and Evangelicals each have 41 congregations; the Church of Christ has six; the Church of God, eight; and there are five Pentecostal churches.