No conflict between Church and State

9/5/13 BELGRADE – Bishop Irinej of Backa, spokesperson for the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), stated on Wednesday that there is no conflict between the state and the Church, stressing that they are only holding different viewpoints. At a debate dubbed “State-Church – secular and religious tolerance” held at Tanjug’s Press Center, the Bishop noted that the Church has clearly stated its stance on Kosovo, but that it does not have an ambition to make decisions, since that will be done by the ones who have been elected for the purpose. “The Church has the right and duty to voice its stands when it comes to general issues of existence, health, society and common good – not to impose its opinion, but rather to offer its view on the common values, long-term vision and hope, that being not only the right of the Church, but its duty,” the SPC spokesperson said