Archbishop calls for political unity

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca told Members of Parliament yesterday that the opening of the new Parliament had come at a particular time as Malta prepared to join the EU, and this development demanded of them to act as a nation.

"The challenges and opportunities that EU membership may mean for our country demands that the Maltese people should be firm both in their self-confidence and in unity within.

"This will help us to be witness of the virtues and values which we have inherited from our fathers in what we say, choose and do."

Speaking during Mass of the Holy Spirit before the State opening of Parliament, Mgr Mercieca said the people should direct their efforts on the basis of the hope recently expressed by the Pope for the foundations of the common European home be cemented by the extraordinary religious, cultural and civil heritage which had given Europe its greatness over the centuries.

Mgr Mercieca recalled that the Pope, when addressing the joint session of the Italian parliament on November 14, 2002, had spoken about the need to guard against a vision of the continent which only considered economic or political aspects and which quickly and without criticism, surrendered to lifestyles inspired by consumerism which was indifferent to spiritual values.

For this new European unity to be given lasting stability, there needed to be a commitment for it to be laid on the sound ethical principles which were once its basis, while, at the same time, allowing space for the richness and diversity of the cultures and traditions which characterised the individual nations.

Mgr Mercieca said that all those who were to represent Malta in the EU institutions should respect the values which were the basis of Maltese society, especially at this time when the European Union was drafting a new constitution.

While respecting the secular state, the European Constitution should, among other matters, respect the importance of religious freedom at the personal, collective and institutional levels.

It should also respect the juridical status enjoyed by churches and religious institutions in the EU member states. There was also need for dialogue and consultation between the EU and the religious communities.

As the Pope had said in Latvia on May 15, these principles made it possible for religion in general and Christianity in particular, to continue to contribute to the life and the institutions of Europe.

Earlier in his message, at St John's Co-Cathedral, Mgr Mercieca urged the MPs to work for the common good, saying this was a guarantee of unity, prosperity and well being.

The common good had to come before the interests of any person or grouping.

"Those who have the responsibility to take important decisions for the country should be ready to sacrifice and risk themselves and their interests for the common good."

The common good also meant that Government and Opposition needed to work together. While they had different roles, they had the common purpose of serving the country.

Government and Opposition should therefore never act like they considered each other enemies. They needed to develop a relationship of complementarity and collaboration as well as a mutual sentiment of respect and loyalty.

In this work for the common good, there needed to be adequate space for criticism and a commitment for what was right. What was good for the country needed to be appreciated by both sides, independently of where such ideas had originated from.

It was important that politicians avoid the temptation to regard or act with the people according to their political colour.

"God forbid that instead of healing the old wounds of political divisiveness and building reconciliation, Malta suffers new wounds."

The spirit of true and full collaboration would lay the ground to win over all divisions and build unity, Mgr Mercieca said.