Bishop's denunciation: A ray of hope

Bishop Mario Grech's denunciation of the detention policy shines as a ray of hope amidst the racial, insensitive and unchristian "burden" discourse we have been bombarded with in the past months. Some politicians from both parties, a number of whom claim to be ideologically guided by Christian values, defend the detention policy, quoting populist clichés like "What are we to do? Leave them to roam around?" Fortunately, Mgr Grech's affirmation is a very strong reminder that the detention policy stands against Christian values of compassion and brotherhood. Christians should be recognising God in their afflicted African brother. Instead, they see a "burden" that needs to be detained so as not to compromise our "security". It's a sad state of affairs indeed.

Where other prelates turn their gaze so as to pretend not to see or wash their hands by pointing to what Catholic organisations have stated, Bishop Grech had the courage to call inhumanity by its name.