On words and actions

I should like to clarify a number of points arising from the article "The Church and illegal immigration" published in "A Christian Outlook" (The Sunday Times, November 20).

In the life of the Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council, documents of the Diocesan Synod are considered to be the voice of the local Church, that is, the voice of the diocesan bishop personally, together with representatives of the local Church gathered at the Synod Assembly. John Paul II in fact described the Synod as "contextually and inseparably an action of episcopal governance and an event of communion". Synod documents are the highest expression of the local Church, where the term "Church" is understood as the People of God together with its shepherd, and is not restricted to the hierarchy.

The documents of the Maltese Diocesan Synod are the result of a synodal process involving the People of God in Malta. They are an expression of a Synod Assembly, presided over by the Archbishop, and including the members of the presbyteral and diocesan pastoral councils, the provincials of religious orders, parish priests and representatives from each parish, the leaders of ecclesial lay groups and movements, and many other people from all walks of life. The Synod documents, having been promulgated by the Archbishop, are now the official policy of the local Church on a number of issues.

Through the Synod, the local Church has taken a definite stand on racism and immigration, published in the document Diakonia and Justice in November 2003. It denounced racism and put forward the correct attitude Maltese Catholics should have as regard refugees and immigrants. This was a pro-active stand at the time and it has given to all a clear and unmistakable direction.

Moreover, the actions of the Church are clear statements themselves. The Report on the Implementation of the Pastoral Plan 2005-2006, in the section regarding work with refugees and immigrants, has shown the unrelenting commitment and sterling work of the Diocesan Secretariat for Emigrants and Refugees, as well as the Jesuit Refugee Service, the Good Shepherd Sisters, and other religious congregations and Church groups.

This is a hallmark of the local Church. The fact that 367 refugees or people with refugee-like status are living in various Church houses is a statement in itself. Actions speak louder than words, but when actions are combined with words, then the message which comes across is even more powerful.

Those who were present for the celebration of Christ the King in Marsa, last Sunday, could appreciate the strong message of solidarity, highlighted in the active participation of over 100 immigrants from Congo and Eritrea in this event. It was a celebration of the fact that we are all children of God, created in His image.

I have written on the Church's definite stand against racism because I feel it is my duty, as a Christian, to promote the local Church's clear stand taken through the Synod, as well as its positive contribution through action in this field.