An attitude which is open to dialogue on the part of politicians and churches is particularly important in the Balkans in consideration of Kosovo’s proclamation of independence, Roman Catholic leaders from South Eastern Europe said after meeting Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov.

The meeting with Purvanov was held on February 29 when the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences of South-East Europe began its three-day annual meeting, for which Sofia was this year’s venue. The body brings together Roman Catholic leaders from several states in the region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Turkey.

In a media statement, the body said that Purvanov had highlighted the significance of the presence of the European bishops in Bulgaria for the Catholic church of the country.

“The Government in office has chosen a path promoting tolerance, respect for minorities and diversity, a just laity, attributing value to the contribution of religion to society and for the support of families,” the statement said.

The bishops reiterated that “there is no alternative to dialogue in South-East Europe and this continent is in need of reviving its human and spiritual values rooted in Christianity in order to take on the great ethical challenges and tackle the difficulties created by the cohabitation of peoples”.

“The time has come for serious deepening of dialogue and understanding between Eastern and Western Europe,” the statement said.

Representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church took part in the conference and a speech on the Muslim perspective on marriage was delivered on behalf of Bulgaria’s Chief Mufti at the conference.