Church commissions promote correct summer behaviour

M. Whitehead

Aug 5th 2008, 03:31

"helping christians recognise their responsibilities towards the environment and each other"... "one should avoid excessive noise" Does this mean the church will be leading by example and use one firework display per feast rather than petards so as to reduce months of constant inferno from early morning hours to late evenings? or will they be controlling marches where underage kids are given beer to celebrate our saints? How can these people point their fingers and issue messages yet turn a blind eye on actions happening right under their noses?

Franco Farrugia

Aug 4th 2008, 17:00

@ Mr Tabone-Adami: That the Church is 'undeniably equipped' to pronounce itself on ethical issues is merely your opinion and nothing else. For a long time, a good many people (I have no right to say 'the great majority') have become immune to Church 'pronouncements'.
Similarly, you have no right or authority to explain and discern for us what the Church wanted to mean in any part of the 'pronouncement'.
Your comment is pregnant with holier-than-thou and paternalistic sentiments which make me react in this manner.
Some people must understand that times have changed and that people are no longer gullible into accepting anything at face value from any institution or individual. The people have been feeling let down on variouis issues and have lost all trust in said institutions/individuals. We have three groups of people: we have those few who still persist in blindly following what is 'pronounced' (nothing wrong here, but don't push it down your neighbours' throats!!!); there are others who think for themselves and acc. to their conscience; and then, those many others who listen to nobody and nothing and just do what they feel they have to do, without prior reflection, which is a pity.

valerie scicluna

Aug 4th 2008, 16:42

I would have expected the commission to condemn all those criminals who are trafficking humans across the sea. They are certainly not respecting every form of life on the shore or in the sea.

vincent a galea

Aug 4th 2008, 16:07

I do not see what the timing element has to do with this issue! Neither can I see myself sifting through the 'thousands' to find the real 'illegals' I have to embrace!
I still contend that the Ecclesiastical Authorities should remove their last statement, which is banal and insults my intelligence!

Joe Tabone-Adami

Aug 4th 2008, 15:47

The appeals by the Church's Commissions deal with ethical questions - a sphere which the Church is undeniably equipped to pronounce itself in guiding men of good will. As regards the final paragraph of this item, I am more than sure that what the Church has in mind are the tiny percentage of true refugees escaping war and persecution in their country of origin - and not the thousands of other adventurers who also find their way to our shores.

Alexander Morana

Aug 4th 2008, 15:13

Am I amused by this blatant, pathetic Church statement? Not the least bit, how dare the Maltese Curia pardon the breaking of law, an international in this case, for someone’s' else capricious and selfish aspirations. Acknowledging and preaching justice and immorality are two different things. Isn’t it about time now that the Church in Malta does not stick its nose where it should belong?
I am surprised that the next person to issue a statement like this will be the Imam of Casa Pawla?

D.Vella

Aug 4th 2008, 14:58

Meantime the Archbishop goes to celebrate Mass in an illegal Summer village,on land stolen from the people..as if they haven't taken over land without having ay rights over it.

Paul Xuereb

Aug 4th 2008, 14:25

With due respect, I would have preferred the Church commissions to have acted much earlier. The hot season has been with us for quite a few weeks now. It is very right for the Church to pronounce itself, but time is of the essence.

valerie scicluna

Aug 4th 2008, 13:22

Why was the last sentence included in a statement concerning the behaviour on beaches? If I'm not mistaken, most of the illegal migrants are brought in at Hay Wharf which is not a beach. We may and should show compassion but we are not obliged to welcome them as these are ILLEGAL entrants. Welcoming them would send the wrong message to others thinking of making the trip North.Following this statement as from tomorrow the beach at Ghadiera will be clear of sunbeds and everyone will be free to place his umbrella anywhere one wishes!! and watch out for flying elephants!!

Fabien Sant Fournier

Aug 4th 2008, 11:58

I think their very point is that using the term 'illegal immigrants' without first evaluating each individual's case is incorrect. Regarding racism, recent EU studies show that 98% of Maltese are racist or xenophopbic...in a country were 95% are supposedly catholics...surely the church are onto something here.

vincent a galea

Aug 4th 2008, 10:39

Could the Church's Commissions kindly throw more light on the last sentence in this article?
Does it mean that we should 'welcome with love' law breakers - (the term 'illegal immigrants' was not invented by me)? Is this the Church's teaching now and is it condoning seeking your future at all costs and without respect for other huiman beings ? If so, I strongly object to this line of arguing and I feel that this statement should be retracted immediately out of respect to all the honest, peace loving, and law abiding citizens of these Islands! I must stress that I am not a racist! Far from it! I am Maltese first and foremost, and genuinely worried and scared about where these unlawful 'future seekers' are going to lead us!