The Curia this morning distanced itself from evidence given in court last week by Fr. Joe Abela, chairman of the Church's film classification board, about the play "Stitching". Fr Abela said he would have approved the play but rated it 18 R, allowing all mature adults to watch it.

"Fr Joe Abela was giving witness on his own behalf and on his own initiative and was not representing the Board. The Board, being part of the Church, is expected to be a voice reflecting the Church's Christian values for the good of the Maltese People," the Curia said in a short statement.

"Fr Joe Abela was not reflecting the values that are upheld by the Catholic Church."

It said the Catholic Church is considering this court case as being a civil case, and thus being held in the context of the wishes and decisions of the Maltese People.

"Hence the Catholic Church does not want to enter into the merits of this particular case, except by reiterating its principles of ethical values which she has always presented to her members and to the Maltese society."

The play, penned by Scottish writer Anthony Neilson, addresses such themes as death and abortion.

Unifaun Theatre was planning to stage the play in February but was banned by the Board of Film and Stage Classification, a decision that sparked a storm of indignation. With no solution in sight, Unifaun took the board, headed by Therese Friggieri, to court to try and overturn the decision.

See also:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090620/local/church-censor-says-give-stitching-18-r-rating-not-ban-it