Church 'will not interfere in state's decisions'

The Church does not want to interfere in society's choices regarding its quality of life, whether these choices are made via a referendum or through Parliament, but this does not mean it should not voice its opinions, Archbishop Paul Cremona said in his Independence Day homily at St John's Co-Cathedral yesterday. Freedom of expression and pluralism are important elements of a democracy, he stressed, arguing that in this context the Church has a right and a duty to state what it stands for.

"Whatever the result, a democratic society would be missing out if only one belief or ideology were heard. The Church cannot be held back from setting out its beliefs and values to the faithful," he said.

However, he made it clear that the decisions lay in the hands of the state and Parliament, adding that it is only when religion intervenes directly to disrupt this process that it could be accused of interference.

Yesterday's homily comes in the wake of another powerful statement delivered by the Archbishop during the Victory Day Mass two weeks ago, when he said that legislation which leads to divorce, abortion or euthanasia would weaken society.

Addressing President Eddie Fenech Adami, Mgr Cremona said the Church wants to renew its loyalty to the country's legislative, executive and judicial leaders.

He also highlighted the importance of more cooperation between Church and state when it comes to helping the needy. He said the Church was a pioneer in this realm before the Welfare State was set up but there is need for even more cooperation between the two.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, ministers, PN secretary general Paul Borg Olivier as well as the Speaker Louis Galea, former Presidents Guido de Marco and Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and the judiciary were among the dignitaries in attendance.

Opposition leader Charles Mangion and Labour party leader Joseph Muscat later laid flowers at the Independence monument in Floriana before the official government ceremony.

In a statement, the party pointed out that the Opposition leader and the party's leaders are not customarily invited to the official ceremony, adding that Labour respected all national feasts irrespective of political controversies.

Later on, the President and the Prime Minister also laid flowers at the Independence monument.