Coins and Christian images (1)

In general I support the views expressed by Francis J. Vassallo in his article Christianity And The Euro. I consider that the government found the right solution to the polemic that arose on the spelling of the euro by deciding that we stick to the spelling applied by all EU countries (except Greece for good reason) and that the media can opt to use the ewro spelling.

I also feel that it was wrong firstly to include in the proposed designs the image of Christ's baptism (which has no connection with Malta) and, secondly, to seek public opinion on the choice through an SMS. This is definitely not how a professionally run survey is conducted. It is obvious that this route could easily be manipulated by fanatics.

The damage is now done but I suggest that the government reflects on the extent of public opinion against the choice (including that of the Gozo Bishop Emeritus Nikol Cauchi) for the reason that there is no place for having the image of Christ on a coin.

The powers that be should have the courage to come up with yet another compromise. It is a pity that the eight-pointed Malta cross, bequeathed to us by the Knights of Malta and an acknowledged symbol of Malta and the Maltese worldwide, was pushed aside. Mr Vassallo, and others before him, gave very valid reasons for the adoption of this and so I will avoid repetition.

If Malta really wants to send a subtle message to our European partners how about linking Malta's Christian roots to the image of St Paul?

In the knowledge that coins, and bank notes, are subject to the sort of debasement that these suffer in most countries, at least we will avoid the image of Christ being laid open to such possible abuse.