Czech leader gives pledge

Press, 26 December 1984, Page 6

Czech leader gives pledge

NZPA-AP Prague Czechoslovakia’s President, Dr Gustav Husak, in an unusual exchange of letters with the nation’s Catholic leader, had pledged to guarantee religious freedom in the country, the official news agency said yesterday. Dr Husak had made the statement in answer to a letter from Cardinal Frantisek Tomasek, who had wished the President success in ensuring a contented life of all citizens of the country in an increasingly secure peace all over the world, the official C.T.K. news agency said. Dr Husak, who is also Communist Party chief, was quoted as saying that, “In harmony with the Constitution and the laws of our State we shall continue to guarantee the freedom of religion and religious confession.” He had also wished the Archbishop of Prague good health and happiness, C.T.K. said. It was not clear to what extent Dr Husak’s remarks may signal a departure from the regime’s tough policy towards the Catholic Church, which has included harsh criticism of Pope John Paul 11, and widespread reports of arrests, harassment, and imprisonment of believers. Cardinal Tomasek has had repeated problems with the Communist regime. He did not make a planned trip to Vienna in September, 1983, to see Pope John Paul II during the latter’s visit to Austria. The official reason for the cancellation was ill health, but Church sources said at the time that the Cardinal, now 85, had been advised by the Government to stay at home. On May 26 the Vatican confirmed that Cardinal Tomasek had invited the Pope to visit in April, 1985, for cermonies on the 1100th anniversary of the death of St Methodius, who brought Christianity to Bohemia and Moravia. The Czechoslovak Government has not formally invited the Pope. Because of Dr Husak’s pledge those ceremonies might be the first indication of whether the Government’s approach has changed. C.T.K. said that Cardinal Tomasek had written to Dr Husak for Christmas and New Year. He reportedly assured the President of his personal support, as well as the support of all believing citizens in his effort to ensure happiness of all citizens.