Mission not accomplished - yet

The reaction of the Gozo Curia to our story last week clarifies one issue and raises a number of questions.

Last April we commented very positively on the decision of the Bishop of Gozo to set up a commission to investigate accusations of physical and psychological abuse of children under the Church's care. We praised the initiative, the speed with which it was taken and the relatively short time assigned for its completion. It was very clear that Bishop Mario Grech wanted to get to the bottom of the allegations as soon as possible.

The commission was given two months to complete its work. These expired on June 24. On October 8 we commented and asked what had happened to the commission and its work. Now Fr Refalo, Anthony Refalo, the Bishop's PRO, has informed us that the task has not been finished yet and that the commission was granted an extension.

Nothing wrong with that per se. But would it not have been better for the Curia to inform the public that the commission's term had been extended? Would it not have been better had Fr Refalo now also informed us whether the extension was for a definitive period or whether it has been extended indefinitely? When will the task be finalised and when will the results be published? We think that the public has a right to know.

We are still convinced of the truth of what we wrote last April, namely that the Bishop of Gozo is interested in substance and not just or mainly PR. Keeping the public informed is a sure way of keeping the public's trust in what is happening.