Feb 7 • 10:51 UTC 🇭🇷 Croatia Index.hr

Kneeling Protesters and Counter-Protesters Responded to Uzinić's Call. Together They Were at Mass

Members of the Collective 'Touch My Knees' attended a mass led by Archbishop Uzinić instead of participating in counter-protests against kneeling protesters in Rijeka.

In Rijeka, members of the Collective 'Touch My Knees' decided to cease their participation in counter-protests against kneeling protesters, known locally as 'klečavci'. Instead, they responded to a call from Archbishop Mate Uzinić and attended a mass at the Cathedral of St. Vitus. The group emphasized their non-affiliation with the church but expressed support for Uzinić's efforts to maintain public spaces free from the instrumentalization of faith. During the mass, they stood alongside the kneeling protesters to showcase their solidarity against divisive practices.

Archbishop Uzinić, in his sermon, urged for unity and mutual understanding among the community. He stressed the importance of opening oneself to God’s inspiration and focusing on Jesus' example as a means to draw closer to both God and to one another. His message resonated as a call for collective harmony and a spirit of togetherness amidst societal tensions arising from differing opinions on religious practices in public demonstrations.

The actions taken by the Collective could be seen as a significant pivot in the ongoing discourse surrounding protests that have become symbolic of broader ideological divides within Croatian society. By choosing a peaceful demonstration of solidarity during a religious service, they appear to advocate for a more inclusive approach to public expression, one that respects diverse beliefs while upholding a shared community identity.

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