Orthodox, Catholic bishops team up to back crucifix bid

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and the Catholic Church in Serbia backed efforts in Italy to reinstate the crucifix in schools.

The dignitaries of the two churches said they "defend the right to displaying religious symbols in the states that have majority of Christian citizens and at the same time honor minorities' freedom of religion".

The Catholic Church in Serbia stated that all its members, believers, priests and the bishop fully support Italy's fight for public display of Christian holy symbols in state schools and other educational institutions in future.

By the declaration adopted on June 24, the European Court of Human Rights decided that Christian symbols must not be used in schools and other educational institutions.

"We appreciate and honor the opinion of every citizen in multiethnic and multicultural Europe, but we still believe that Christians have right to their own opinion and public expression of their religious affiliation," the Catholic Church in Serbia released in a statement.

The Catholic Church in Serbia expressed gratitude to, as they put it, brotherly SPC that has also backed the initiative.

The SPC Holy Synod of Bishops supported the initiative of the Catholic Church in Serbia at a session held on June 24.

"We hope that this important and noble initiative will be affirmed before the European Court of Human Rights," the SPC stated.

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