Bishops insist traditional family’s role should not be ‘diminished’

In a pastoral letter signed by bishops Paul Cremona, Mario Grech and Charles Scicluna, the Maltese Church voiced its concerns over the political parties' inclination to legally recognise same-sex couples.

"When the need arises to promulgate laws with respect to different forms of relationships, then the State should safeguard and guarantee the dignity of every individual, without diminishing the essential role of the family as father and mother, together with their children," the bishops wrote.

The bishops highlighted four issues; the family, the younger generation, the poor and those who are suffering and the environment. 

"The family, created through marriage - which constitutes an everlasting bond between one man and one woman - should continue to serve as the natural and social environment in which children are born and reared," the three bishops said.

In addition they said that it would be beneficial if the State, through its institutions, laws and policies, endorsed the family institution "which the majority of the Maltese people still hold dear to their hearts." 

The bishops also stressed that the younger generations should continue to benefit from all the services which are necessary for their education and which enhance their work prospects. 

On the poor and those who suffer the bishops expressed their appreciation for all the efforts, which are constantly being done in order to reduce poverty and alleviate distress in Maltese society.

"Every person will be judged by God for the way he looked after the poor and the needy. In the process of economic progress, every endeavour should be made for any resources to be distributed fairly, and for the working conditions to undergo constant improvement," the bishops wrote.

The Maltese archdiocese's spiritual leaders described the environment as "an invaluable patrimony and we are duty-bound to care for and safeguard." 

They called on all Christians to "discern God's hand in the work of creation and do everything possible in order that the natural environment is not harmed beyond repair.  Every form of progress should be sustainable development and in accordance with the laws of the country."

Bizzarly, the bishops said that every citizen "should feel duty-bound to participate freely and in a responsible manner: candidates, standing for election, by choosing to be of service for each and every one, the electorate by casting their vote."

While recognising the autonomy of the State, the Church said that it remains committed to help citizens form their conscience in freedom, "in the name of the common good and in order that the dignity of every person may be safe-guarded."

"The Church does not assume, nor does it request any privileges. Like every other entity in society, it expects to enjoy the liberty to continue and to promote its pastoral mission, which consists of teaching and performing other works of charity," the letter added.

This is our heartfelt appeal to all citizens so that the electoral campaign may proceed in a spirit of respect towards the truth and towards one another, in order that the people's verdict will be honoured in all honesty and given the assurance it deserves.