Church film reviewing board chairman removed
The chairman of the Church’s Reviewing Film Board has been removed from his post following his evidence about Anthony Nielson’s controversial play Stitching in court last week.
The play, produced by Unifaun Theatre, was banned by the state-appointed Board of Film and Theatre Classification and the producers took the case the court.
Giving evidence in his personal capacity, Fr Abela had told the court he would have classified the play 18R, meaning it could be watched by adults with reservations.
The Church has no censorship board for theatre and the board Fr Abela sits on only classifies films.
Fr Abela justified his evidence, saying that the play was about suffering and it was very human, “an opportunity for people to try to understand the suffering that people go through when they have lost a child”.
Earlier this week the Church said it had not taken an official stand on the ban of the play, but it distanced itself from Fr Abela's views.
Stitching is about the relationship of a couple, where the woman gets pregnant and they decide to keep the baby in a bid to save their relationship, which was experiencing problems.
The relationship continues to disintegrate and the child dies in a traffic accident while the parents are arguing. They both carry the guilt of the child’s death. This reunites them but the woman appears as a prostitute to distance herself from the emotions of reuniting. She slips into mental illness and later mutilates herself in an attempt to become a virgin.
It takes place on two timelines with the story getting together in the end.
Contacted this morning, Fr Abela declined to comment about the Curia’s decision.
103 Comments
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Stephen Farrugia
Jul 2nd 2009, 19:31
E u fuq Gonzi PN , ghax kulhadd fil gvern iwahhal. Nispera jitla il labour id darba li jmiss.. U DAW li qed jparlaw fuq il gvern illum, Jergaw jghiduhom dawn l affarijiet...... Whoa... qed nara Kulur wiehed biss quddiem wicci!!!! stenn... e ok , jin malti
Michael Vella
Jun 27th 2009, 14:26
@ Adriano Spiteri
Please enlighten us as to how exactly 'GonziPN' as you put it has anything to do with this article. It amazes me how some people mix politics with everything that happens under the sun!
I do agree with you however in that i am an adult and i should be able to choose what i want to watch, without this being decided for me by a group of appointed individuals! The censorship board should be removed and let the Maltese population decide for itself.
Franco Rizzo
Jun 27th 2009, 12:54
@Adriano Spiteri
It's not a question of GonziPN together with the Church of Malta.
It happened before with Sulari Fuq Strada Stretta back in the 70s.
It's more a question of going one step forward, then ten backwards.
Your argument, on the other, has some weight considering the Culture Minister's attitude and comments, again without having seen the play.
Frans Sammut
Jun 27th 2009, 09:05
The plot gets thicker, I mean sicker and sicker.
Kevin Cassar
Jun 27th 2009, 07:13
@ Paul Galea.... Interesting point but you seem to forget who the church says it is representing!!!! Of course those of us who know better have already realized that it is all a cover up to control the people and gain power (and money). If the Church were real, they would always side with the truth, not only when it suits them.
Adriano Spiteri
Jun 26th 2009, 12:02
That's what religion is all about.
GonziPN and the Church are undistinguishable. Both do their utmost to turn a democratic nation into a banana republic.
NO ONE has the right to dictate the people's freedom of expression, thought and association.
Freedom above all.
Norbert Bugeja
Jun 26th 2009, 11:34
A sad day indeed for the now constantly dipping cohort of Maltese believers. Knowing Fr Joe, I cannot fathom what the Maltese Curia has expected to achieve by removing a most sensible critic.
This gesture does nothing to win over the trust of a generation of young Maltese gagging for some form of spiritual guidance. For these youngsters, the Maltese Church is increasingly - and self-consciously, I have to add - rendering itself a non-option.
At the very least, I'd have expected a Curia official to give an ample and detailed elaboration of the reasons - and the rationale - behind Fr Joe's sacking.
Meanwhile, 'Stitching' gains more kudos by dint of its Maltese adventure. By the time my kids read it, it will have turned passè, quaint. But they'd be able to perceive it, then, historically, not merely as a milestone in the humane potential of contemporary drama, but as victim to the reactionary politics of a feckless state censorship and a mismanaged Curia. A Curia peopled by individuals of poor judgment across its ranks, by Catholics unable to subscribe to the progressive facets of international Catholicism .
Sad day indeed.
Miriam Ellul
Jun 26th 2009, 10:51
So in Malta it's either you say what others want to hear, or leave the table!
Freedom of expression!!!
What Fr. Abela said is a fact ... people should know well about suffering .... they should get to know that life is not all a bed of roses!! Why hide these facts from young people?
Jonathan Shaw
Jun 26th 2009, 10:45
The Curia has acted in a very immature and unethical manner by removing the chairman. Worse off, doing it immediately after this issue gives one the impression that they also wanted to prove a point and demonstrate a sense of power and ego..... very sad....
Gerald Fenech
Jun 26th 2009, 10:30
Yet another piece of proof (if there was any needed) that the Catholic Church is completely detached from reality and cannot read 'the signs of the times'. Another nail in the coffin of the Churach after all.
d.attard
Jun 26th 2009, 08:28
I do not believe that the fact that our parliament insists on not introducing divorce legislation is a secular decision even if there are no men of the cloth sitting on either side of the house. We may be nominally secular but are we really secular? Actions speak louder than words.
Paul Galea
Jun 26th 2009, 02:06
Many, even lawyers, have commented on this article.
In my opinion, the main issue concerns the actions of "The chairman of the Church’s Reviewing Film Board", which obviously represents the Church.
May ask the commentators, especially the lawyers amongst them: "When you represent somebody, in whose interest should you act, in your own interest, or in the interest of the person whom you are representing?
Oscar Cassar
Jun 25th 2009, 23:00
To my knowledge, if I am not mistaken. Fr Abela has a certain experience in studying cinematography and because of such that he was given the post of Chairman of the Church’s Reviewing Film Board. But now the his view under oath, were not greeted by someone… this is the result. Perhaps we should seriously consider following the footsteps of a certain Karol Józef Wojtyła (better known as Pope John Paul II) and perform drama in ‘closed’ private places while viewed only by an invitation.
Oscar Cassar
Jun 25th 2009, 22:41
Well said Mr Joe Cordina,
We are denying a production by local talent by weans of drama, while the country and our ‘wise men and women’ from the censorship boards are as if ignoring hard core pornography being shown in public cinema/s with little assurance of whether youngsters are being allowed in or not. This without mentioning acts of loitering in public areas, like near certain Bus Stops in Marsa after 11pm. Who knows why? Have our institutions and certain politicians become the ‘goodies…’ slaves of a ‘public image’ and action less in certain areas while as if ignoring others.
Oscar Cassar
Jun 25th 2009, 22:28
Ironically speaking, Mgr. Paul Cremona made news just two days ago on ONE TV by his comments that the MEPA should be more transparent. Perhaps we should remind someone that charity begins at home… Most probably Mgr Paul Cremona had forgotten or lost the spirit he had during his first interviews to journalists once he was appointed in office, while people are confused by who is really leading the diocese, if it is Mgr Paul Cremona or Mgr Anton Gouder.
E. Camilleri
Jun 25th 2009, 22:25
I would like to see Honesty Integrity Justice Openness Freedom and the rest of the values needid in the process of evaluating the play applied not only where sex is involved, But let us Maltese scream Justice Honesty Freedom Integrity Openness in all matters. - nothing excluded.
Maurice Saliba
Jun 25th 2009, 22:06
It's not the way how to deal with things ... the curia must now explain itself on this action because actions can be misinterpreted.
Joe Fenech
Jun 25th 2009, 21:29
The Catholic church will keep loosing people until the day when it frees itself from dogma.
To be honest, I don't believe in these kind of 'shocking' plays as the shock factor is mainly a marketing strategy. Let's not forget that marketing is the number one British speciality - take that away and you'd need a a microscope to find any substance in their art, education, etc.
Subtlety, on the other hand, is more difficult to achieve and requires more skill from the author/artist. However, censorship is just not on!
Joseph Galea
Jun 25th 2009, 19:35
1. The Times is correct in saying that Fr Joe Abela was removed his post "following his evidence about the play Stitching in court" but The Times has kept clear from saying "because of his evidence".
2. Are The Times readers so naive that they dont know that it was GONZI PN's government that banned the play and not the Church.
3. So are the readers of The Times against GONZI PN because he did not remove the chairman of the board that banned the play and against the CHURCH because it revoved the chairman of its diocesan film board for expressing views the Church has distanced itself from? Freedem of expression ??!!
Joseph M. Meli
Jun 25th 2009, 19:04
SHAME on the oppressors of the Freedom of Speech / Conscience !
Thank you Fr Joe for being honest with yourself on this matter !
If the Catholic Church continues to oppress the RIGHT of Freedom of Speech / Conscience the flow OUTWARDS will be greater than the baptisms in a year.
john fenech
Jun 25th 2009, 18:31
You are mixing cabbages with their nutrient the Curia has nothing to do with the banning of the play!! The play was banned by, ‘The Film and Stage Classification Board, which is appointed by the government. Full story the TOM (Tuesday 17 February 2009). The play was reviewed twice by two different SECULAR groups.
Oscar Cassar
Jun 25th 2009, 18:25
C.Caruana pls note that here we are not talking about hospitals or abandoned children. It is a face that the Church did a lot of good and still does. The problem is that within the Church there are certain conservative elements within its administration and these are doing more harm then good, as if in an attempt to protect an ‘image’ of a ‘privileged institution’ within a ‘fortress of Christianity’.
A lot of hope was reached once a long awaited, new archbishop was appointed in hope for a better ‘management’ of such institution, at least similar to that adopted by other Christian dioceses. But unfortunately such did not materialise as it seem that the ‘image’ and imposition are more important than kindness, support, and love.
I cannot but express my support to Fr Abela, but it seems that we are still a long way from acknowledging the experience even of some religious persons in certain fields, although these can help in having the desired approach from the local church to its members and other citizens. This while the most conservative elements still prevail.
Franco Rizzo
Jun 25th 2009, 18:18
@GiovdeMartino
Iva niddefenduh ghax tkellem onestament u bis-sens, ma qaghadx joqghod ihambaq fuq niddefendu l-valuri u l-morali bhalma ghamlet il-Kurja u qaghdet tinheba wara subghajha. Biex imbaghad malajr tat x'tifhem b'azzjonita.
Toqghod tqis ukoll li Fr Abela il-play ra u qraha, umbaghad tkellem.
U hadd ma qal li jekk ma taqbilx maghna m'ghandikx dritt juri fehmtu. Jekk tmurx tara l-play jew le hija kwistjoni t'ghazla, ghax kont tkun informat minn qabel li fiha kontenut iebes.
Fi zmienu Moliere, sab min jaghmillu bsaten fir-roti ghax gab ezempju ta' ipokresija bil-Knisja u n-Nobbilta' fix-xoghol tieghu.
Anthony Nielsen ifforma tragedja umana fuq bazi ta' kazijiet li anke psikologi Maltin kellhom jaffacjaw.
L-idea taz=zewg awturi huma li jaghtuna fuqhiex nahsbu u nixtarru tul hajjitna, forsi wiehed ahjar mill-iehor, imma certament ahjar minn xi omeliji li smajt. Madanakollu, hawn min jippreferi jisma' omelija milli jara play, u ghaldaqstant ghandu kull dritt.
Alice Elizabeth
Jun 25th 2009, 18:04
Welcome to the real world, welcome to real issues and welcome to the way that real people speak about and deal with these problems!
Speaking as an atheist, its about time the church stepped into the real world and realised that the mind control grip they have on this Island is getting less and less and there is nothing they can do about this.
About time.
I've seen this play and although It did stir a few intense emotions in me, surely isnt that the point?
Who are you to tell me what I can and can't see?
If you like it, sit and enjoy it for the humanistic peice of theatre that it is. If you don't like it, stick your fingers in your ears, close your eyes and walk out.
Franco Rizzo
Jun 25th 2009, 18:02
@Marton Saliba
I mentioned truth because the priest after all spoke under oath, and since the fervent religious always quote the Bible, might as well have Mr. Theuma give another look, hehe...
GiovdeMartino
Jun 25th 2009, 18:00
Taraw kemm haw min ihobbhom lill-qassisin? Kulhadd ifahhar lil F. Abela. Basta dan ikun jahsibha differenti mill-knisja. Ara kieku F. Abela ikkundanna Stitching, kieku me kienx ikollu dritt juri fehemtu. DIK ipokresija!!!!
Franco Rizzo
Jun 25th 2009, 17:31
@ C.Caruana
"Also the church does a lot of good to the various people. Who takes care of the abandoned children?"
Ask the Irish...
Marton Saliba
Jun 25th 2009, 17:26
@C.Caruana (323)
The Church does good is to hide other more negative affiliations of it's own.
It's like the Mafia Don giving away monetary gifts and does ample amouts of charity (ironically, usually to the church) to hide his wrong doings.
This is a statement of fact.
Keep your "god bless you to yourself".
Anyways; adult have full right to watch any kind of acting.
I think some people need to cut off the so-Called gospels and read the Thelema
Marton Saliba
Jun 25th 2009, 17:17
Like Hypocrisy from Curia and any other religious organisation (all major religions involved) is something new.
@ Franco Rizzo.
If it's the Truth for you enjoy it, I'ts not for me so sush.
Anthony Magri
Jun 25th 2009, 17:13
No one seems to have picked up the news about the book published in Poland. It is about married couples conduct leading to the act of conception. It is not scandalous; it gives advice on how to go about during this most beautiful act of conceiving.
What, one may ask, has it to do with the subject? It has. Is not the story Stitched about conception and couples' relationship? The Polish book gives practical advice, though for the simple minds it may be considered as scandalous, but according to reports the Church finds nothing to condemn and the book received only positive response. Up to now no voice has been raised against its contents. It is for grown ups. Let's wait and see when it is translated in other languages.
The point is that if it arrives in Malta it might raise a wave of protests. Let's hope it will not be censored, otherwise it will receive a deluge of reactions. The Church in Poland has not objected to its contents. That means that the Church is not short sighted as some pretend and has advanced a lot on the subject of marital relations
Adrian Cardona
Jun 25th 2009, 16:24
@ Simon Aquilina
Yes, I can see what 'freedom of speech' the Curia and the Church believe in...as soon as one of theirs expressed a personal opinion which was not official doctrine, he was immediately removed from his post!
Guze Xerri
Jun 25th 2009, 15:59
No wonder Maltese people are leaving this octopus of an institution called the Roman Catholic church.
Malta should not be a 13th century theocracy in the 21st century.
Is the bishop still Annetto Casolani , as nothing ever changes with this meddling institution that should have been put to pasture long ago.
Simon J. Aquilina
Jun 25th 2009, 15:55
@Adrian Cardona
I guess you should be the one reading my post again. Nowhere in my comment did I try to force you in believing in anything I do and nor did I try to force you to shut up. Here in Malta we have freedom of speech (although some seem to think otherwise). You said something, and I another - and I say it again “you do not know what you are talking about” when you compare the Curia with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Over there (watch the news if you like) you would be in prison (or worse) for speaking against their religion institution or what that institution decides/dictates! By this I do not mean that what they do there is good; I just mean that saying the latter is better than the foremost is a clear lack of knowledge about both, or else lack of ability to put things into context … I leave it for you to decide which of which.
C.Caruana (323)
Jun 25th 2009, 15:52
Stop criticizing the church!! Who build the first hospitals? The church. Who unified Europe in the middle ages? The church.
Also the church does a lot of good to the various people. Who takes care of the abandoned children?
And the church also does good which is not seen / appreciated by people unfortunately? To whom people would go for help when they have problems? All I can say is that the church has its doors open for everyone.
It's true that priests commit mistakes because of the fallen human nature and the evil inside each and every one of us but this does not erase the good things that the church does for mankind.
In my opinion, the church has every right to take positions about things that can possibly further deteriorate the country's moral values and leading its people to holiness as Christ ordered it to do over 2000 years ago.
May God bless everyone even those against the church! God loves you all!
Ethelbert Schembri
Jun 25th 2009, 15:46
Part 2.
This is simply a play and also if it was a film, who is this Curia to interfere in what I and lots of other people want to see and hear??
Usually I am not a fan of plays but in this case if it played in Malta I will go for sure.
Ethelbert Schembri
Jun 25th 2009, 15:39
This is simply hypocrisy from the curia!
They want to teach everyone tolerance and freedom of speech and in this case they are acting like Iran or the USSR under Stalin. But here it is worst because at least in Iran they declare that they don’t tolerate these things and act accordingly but here the Curia says something and deplore those that don’t act as they say and then the Curia just act the opposite as it say.
In fact it was always like this, when someone tells the truth and this is not the truth the curia wants everyone to hear they censor and or demonise the one that tells this truth in this case Fr Abela
.
For the Curia and in fact the whole church and each and every religion, there is their each truth and there is the real true that when it is convenient they agree with each other to suppress the real truth and when it is convenient they play as they are in conflict. (Cont.)
Melvin Tonna
Jun 25th 2009, 15:12
@alfred Cardona
What do you mean when you say that "people are all obliged to obey no matter what they say or believe". First and foremost, the church has no right to dictate what I see, say and believe and secondly the church is there but it is up to the individual to take up what the church preaches and apply it to his/her life. It is evident that the church lives cut off from the reality and has no idea that we are living in 2009. And I have no idea what the PL has to do with all this...? How come every issue which is discussed on this website is turned into a political matter? I would be much more than grateful if I do not see the words 'PL', 'PN' or 'GonziPN' in every article on this website! Btw church...well done! Keep loosing your flocks!
g.portelli
Jun 25th 2009, 14:55
It is a pity that the Church in Malta chooses to further encourage the disengagement of its flock. What is it so afraid of that it constantly seeks to uphold a status quo detrimental to its own existence?. Has the Church in Malta no perception of what truly is happening around it? People disengage from what they see as intractable and hypocritical. The Church should set its house in order before it censors opinions regarding moral offence and the theatre. I suggest the bishops issue a statement whereby they give an account of the true state of affairs regarding child abuse by the clergy within the Archdiocese of Malta and Gozo. They can then perhaps claim back their moral authority, The occlusion of truth and the denial of social justice to the Maltese victims of abuse is what Maltese Catholics find truly offensive and not a theatrical interpretation of suffering and loss. Equivocation is a bad habit which will not bring back members to the Church. As things stand at the moment the bishops are merely the agents of disengagement from Catholicism. They need a leap of faith and courage.
Fr. Abela's courage and sincerity merits respect.
Aidan Xuereb
Jun 25th 2009, 14:47
...and then we wonder why people are moving away from the Church as time goes by!
Simon J. Aquilina
Jun 25th 2009, 14:42
I sometimes wonder if some of the people writing on timesofmalta.com are from Malta or some other fantasy world built by their imagination! First of all I cannot understand the comparison of Malta with Iran. These people should do a small wiki search to see the power the Ayatollah has in Iran and what an 'Islamic Republic' (no it is not Malta) really is. Secondly there are those who keep insisting that here in Malta there is no freedom of speech. I just can't understand what they think they are doing when they write here! Challenging the system? Accept the fact that you have freedom of speech and so does the church. Finally some people should just grow up; the church no longer burns people at the stake ... they leave that decision for someone else to take ;)
Norman Buckle
Jun 25th 2009, 14:41
Now I understand why they call us "fidili".
Adrian Cardona
Jun 25th 2009, 14:39
@R.Vella
"Please remember that the Church is not a democratic institution" That's precisley why I do not consider myslef as part of the church any more. If I have learnt only one thing in life, and that's NOT to take anyone's word as gospel. I have learnt to question, somthing which the Church is not interested in allowing. And, consequently, you are not in any position to tell me that I am answerable to the Lord.
@ alfred cardona (no relation of mine thankfully)
NO, we are not all a flock of the church, as you put it. And what, precisely, has the PL got to do with this? What does 'We support you' mean exactly? who is We?? Are you in a position to decide for everyone by any chancfe?
@ Simon XYZ Aquilina
just read your post again..how typical of church men..."you don't know what you're talking about" indeed!!! If you're happy being ordered what to believe in, feel free to do so, no one is forcing you to...likewise, don't you dare force me to do so, and don't you dare try and stop me from saying what I think.
Franco Rizzo
Jun 25th 2009, 14:32
@l.theuma
Don't the Gospels say something about Truth?
R Calleja
Jun 25th 2009, 14:26
I agree that this smacks of Iran-style response. Gag and fire the people who dare express a different opinion. For heaven's sake, the poor guy was testifying in Court and was probably asked to give an opinion while speaking under oath. So much for tolerance and renewing the Catholic church with a fresh approach to make it more appealing. As a Catholic i'm hugely disappointed with this medieval and archaic reaction by the Maltese Church's hierarchy.
Anthony Buttigieg
Jun 25th 2009, 14:13
Well it just goes to prove that the local "Catholic" church is a law unto itself, out of sync with our time, the people, its flock and the real catholic church found elsewhere in the world. It seems that the only thing the local curia can do with a passion is being conservative or charging for its services. If the curia carries on like this not only will it be unsavoury to the majority of catholics, but also become totally irrfelevent.
d.attard
Jun 25th 2009, 14:06
Father Abela, you are the hero of love and compassion. Where love and compassion shines within church structures, it is bound to unravel in my eyes the general decay of its structures. On the shoulders of true men such as Fr Abela, we hang on to our faith in hope that we can not afford to lose. In the meantime may false smiles be exposed with amazing acts such as the one reported here. Father Joe, you have always been a tower of strength full of Christian virtue. Kuragg.
J. Mifsud
Jun 25th 2009, 14:05
When Ayatollah Khomeini condemned author Salman Rushdie to death in abstentia and his book 'Satanic Verses' I was one of the first who bought the book in the UK. If it was'nt for all the hullabaloo created by the Ayatollah, I would never ever have bought this book, although I enjoyed reading it.
I would now also be one of the first to buy a ticket to watch the play 'Stitching', and I am sure thousands will do the same.
May I remind the church authorities that the time of the Inquisition has long passed and the Catholic flock are not impressed by this last stunt. I honestly suggest that the one responsible for removing Fr Joe Abela from his post following his evidence in court should either resign his post on his own free will or either made to resign. Do not treat the people as morons please.
l.theuma
Jun 25th 2009, 13:48
So many futile comments by persons ignoring the mission of the church. Christ told the Apostles: " Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt become insipid, wherewith shall it be salted? It is no longer fit for aught but to be cast forth and trampled upon by men. Ye are tha light of the world. Mat. 5. 13.
Joe Cordina
Jun 25th 2009, 13:40
And besides all this we still have hard core porography shown in public cinemas with little or no assurance of whether youngsters are allowed in or not.
M Axisa
Jun 25th 2009, 13:16
The Maltese Ayatholla's have spoken. What's next,a public hanging?.I'm even more convince that my decision to abandon the Catholic Church was the right one.
Ronnie Pellegrini
Jun 25th 2009, 13:16
Back to the Dark Ages!!!!
Is this the way that the Curia practices the freedom of speech?
Ramon Casha
Jun 25th 2009, 13:03
Wow!!!
Will someone please inform the local church that the 13th century has come and gone?
In court, a person is obliged to give evidence, and is under oath to tell the truth. What is the church saying here - that a person should lie under oath, or obstruct justice?
Incidentally, will the burning at the stake be a public event or a private affair?
Oliver Vassallo
Jun 25th 2009, 12:48
Has the Curia fixed the date on which to burn Fr Abela at the stake?!
d. borg
Jun 25th 2009, 12:43
shame on whoever took this decision. The Church still has the mentality of the Middle Ages and by its attitude it keeps losing its flock. You keep losing also your credibility.
Criss Camilleri
Jun 25th 2009, 12:34
The more I [and others] read about this, the more it would make us to go and watch this Play.
And this latest News is the proof of Democracy, but, in Medival times.
Anthony Magri
Jun 25th 2009, 12:23
A book has been published in Poland by a Franciscan Father. It was immediately nicknamed the Catholic "Gama Sutra". The book is not condemned by the Polish Church. On the contrary. It was also reported that the first edition has been sold out. It is intended to publish another edition and to translate the book in other languages such as English.
This and more has been reported in foreign news-papers.
Just written for news sake Hereunder: a copy and paste from Google
1. Catholic Kama Sutra
Helping Catholics expand their appreciation for God?s great gift of sacramental love. Similar sites bombard you with titillating images.
Mark Grech
Jun 25th 2009, 12:19
What a stupid and regressive decision by the Malta curia. It only serves to confirm their increasing irrelevance in today's society.
L. Dimech
Jun 25th 2009, 12:18
How extremely disappointing !!
Why did I expect better from our new Archbishop? With such an apparent change in mentality from his predecessor, it would seem like there's a faceless 'master of ceremony' who orchestrates these 'expulsions' - maybe occupying some kind of permanent post for continuity (of mentality/culture)?
If this is the case, he's not doing the Church any favour and he's certainly not scoring any marks with the 'faithful' for these witch hunts - and although I am always extremely wary of criticising the Church, if they wanted a yes-man to represent it on such boards they shouldn't send intelligent priests with a legitimate mind of their own, who do much more good for the 'Brand' than the Curia's half-baked solutions. At least he gave an opinion, as he was meant to do. Has the Curia given its opinion - one way or the other? If we're missing something, out of common decency they should come out in the open and spell it out. We're not a flock of sheep any more !!
Charles Stafrace
Jun 25th 2009, 12:18
It seems the Inquisition has been set up again. Now we're back in the dark ages of the Church. No condoms, no co-habitation, no sex before marriage, no plays reflecting real life , no nothing. Might just as well become a monk.
Mario Pace
Jun 25th 2009, 12:17
New Archbishop but same old Inquisitorial attitude. The local Church is made of stone and nothing else; its soul is as ethereal as empty space.
Joe Grima
Jun 25th 2009, 12:15
The proof of the pudding. So our smiling Archbishop turns out to be no different from his conservative predecessor who exiled Fr Mark Montebello for speaking his mind. Fr Joe Abela should take heart. The church of the man in the street is not like this. What we are witnessing is the wielding of curia power on its employees. The Church no longer has power to wield on any of us because most Maltese and Gozitans don't care two hoots.
Tony Abela
Jun 25th 2009, 12:10
Without getting into the prons and cons of this issue, may I draw the attention of everybody that there are more than one Fr Joe Abela in Malta and thus any personnal judgements have to be tied to the right one. As it is not fair that with such a common name each one of them get the tap on the shoulder or the ugly look for something which is not attributted to him.
Thomas Borg
Jun 25th 2009, 12:08
I'm already imaging the headlines "INFIDEL AND BLASPHEMER BURNT AT THE STAKE IN VALLETTA". 'People' cheering loudly "BURN THE INFIDEL! BURN THE INFIDEL!!!"
Come on Malta!!! Learn some science, astronomy and biology. Promote freedom of speech, art and science so that one day, this country may truly be intelligent and free! Do not let ignorance continue to be promoted in such similar stories. Be free!
Simon J. Aquilina
Jun 25th 2009, 12:05
@Adrian Cardona
Why don't you take a one way ticket to Iran and lobby in favour of this play there ... I wonder in what state they would send you back ... really you do not know what you are talking about.
alfred cardona
Jun 25th 2009, 12:02
Well done. I agree with the Curia decision. It was a good stand to defend our values. People are all obliged to obey no matter what they say or belief. We are all the flock of the church and we must all do what the Curia tells us to do. Believe and you see that together we can. We support you Curia and also the PL. Well done.
G Vella
Jun 25th 2009, 12:01
How disgusting! Perhaps the Archbishop is taking as his role model his Dominican predecessor the Grand Inquisitor, Tomas de Torquemada.
Patrick Bellia
Jun 25th 2009, 11:56
So for expressing himself on a film he was removed, it might be becuase the church doesnt know that we are living in 2009, its still believing that we are living in the era of Joan of Arc
J Abela
Jun 25th 2009, 11:52
This makes the Stasi look good.
C Sullivan
Jun 25th 2009, 11:47
It seems to be a dangerous thing to speak one's mind in this country!!
Joseph Farrugia
Jun 25th 2009, 11:44
New bishops, same old story.
The Curia is making the church less relevant.
High priests are still crucifying people 2000 years later.
bryan sullivan
Jun 25th 2009, 11:43
torquemada rides again ! as it is the fire works season perhaps we should have a nice bonfire and burn father Abela at the stake ! obviously with a few dozen strong drunkards shouting support for the saints with the quieter ones carrying on with their knitting needles whilst enjoying the spectacle. U Halluna !
john fenech
Jun 25th 2009, 11:38
The play will remain banned irrespective if the Curia supported Fr. Abela’s view or not!
The play was banned by, ‘The Film and Stage Classification Board, which is appointed by the government. Full story the TOM (Tuesday 17 February 2009). The play was reviewed twice by two different groups.
For your information Film & play censorship is world wide, the degree of moral code varies according to the country. While the freedom of expression is subject to several limitations in the interest of morality and decency.
Franco Rizzo
Jun 25th 2009, 11:26
But of course, the Church didn't take an official stand. They just told him shut up and be gone.
I only feel sorry for Fr Abela, because his arguments were pretty sound, and his decision to rate rather than censor the play was a mature one. Well, maturity is an embarassment for the Curia it seems.
Derek Fenech
Jun 25th 2009, 11:24
I admire Fr Abela's evidence and his honest humane opinion about the story however he was not in line with his appointees views and his removal is a common practice in any board if a disagreement happens and the trust cedes to represent the latter.
The real debate should be the role of the board and its legislative powers. I I definitely do not agree that such a play should be banned because at the end of the day its up to the individual to decide. The board's role is to see that a certain age group would be allowed to experience the story but not ban it totally.
DR EMMY BEZZINA, LL.D.,B.A.,
Jun 25th 2009, 11:22
If anyone wanted tangible evidence as to the arrogant autocracy of this failed Institution which does not represent Christ,here you have it. I have been communicating this hard core truth for years immemorial - naturally these hypocrites banned me from representing my clients before the Ecclesiastical Tribunal which they had no right to considering that decisions by that Tribunal can be enforced upon the State by application to the Court of Appeal: so these creatures violate our democratic laws by imposing their autocratic laws in our Sovereign & independent State subject only to the EU by the voluntary will of the Maltese People.
I disagreed with Fr Abela`s conclusions having also watched the play myself - the play is adult fare and if you are an adult, you are an adult.However, on a personal level,Fr Abela has complete solidarity from myself and my liberal Party with which he is at liberty to join. Fr Abela is a cinema buff, well-versed in most cinematographic genres and we meet from time to time to watch serious movies at a cultured Centre.,I get angry when I see such people behaving in this vindictive manner!
malcolm seychell
Jun 25th 2009, 11:20
It shows the tollerance and diversity the church really believes in !!!!.
B Zammit
Jun 25th 2009, 11:04
Curia’s part in the drama: STITCHING Fr. Abela’s lips.
J.Cassar
Jun 25th 2009, 11:03
Shameful ! We are back to the times of the Inquisition.
J.Cassar
R. Vella
Jun 25th 2009, 10:56
Please remember that the Church is not a democratic institution.So if you want to stay inside you have to stand by its teaching. Otherwise its your own free will. After all we are all answerable to the Lord.
albert leone ganado
Jun 25th 2009, 10:56
The church has its principles and values. A priest put in a position of trust and responsibility by the curia to safeguard such principles simply put himself in an untenable position by undermining such values.
No less or no more to add
albert debono
Jun 25th 2009, 10:52
would any of you have someone with different views from your own speak for you on the exact issues you differ from???
if yes than i understand what you say.
Did the curia ask him off?
did he resign himself?
He is a priest first might he just want to focus on that?
Good luck Fr Abela...keep up the good work and more coverage be given for other things you do in silence and so fruitfully for the church and its people!
J. Borg
Jun 25th 2009, 10:38
and the Church attendances keep falling....
and the Church keeps on distancing itself from reality and ordinary people
keep smiling archbishop........you have plenty to cry about!
Luckily priests like Fr. Joe, give a glimpse of the down to earth approach and humility that draws a person to appreciate the way of life that Christ symbolises.
As for the Curia & The Church - they have lost their plot and soul ages ago.
Vanessa Borg
Jun 25th 2009, 10:36
And people wonder why the young generation are becoming increasingly indifferent to the church. I'm also very disappointed that our Archbishop and the local church hierarchy did not handle this matter better.
Joseph Pace
Jun 25th 2009, 10:35
This institution calling it self the church has fledged its indoctrination power.
It’s an insult toward people with moral values and intellect.
Such attitude will just push me further away from the church and I feel others will hold the same feelings.
david vella
Jun 25th 2009, 10:31
I thought the Censorship board was about classification of films not banning them.
Well, thanks to this particular case, I will be surfing the net to learn more about the play, the plot, and who knows perhaps download it too. Thanks Catholic Church for bringing it to my attention.
Will you try stopping me from viewing it?
P Agius
Jun 25th 2009, 10:28
An all-inclusive church? Come on!!!! Give us a break...Fr. Abela was only giving evidence (UNDER OATH) Was the church expecting him to lie and give alternative evidence???????? Even as a regular church I consider this as dictatorship-style.
Trevor Mallia
Jun 25th 2009, 10:28
Well Done Fr. Abela for having the guts to express your opinion.
Shame on the Kuria for still being so closed and unfair. Fr. Abela should have the right to sue the Kuria for unjust practice. To be honest I thought that things would change with the appointment of the new archbishop, but evidently, I was wrong. I totally agree with the views below. The kuria in malta makes Comunisim look liberal!!!
Joe Vella Gregory
Jun 25th 2009, 10:26
I suppose Fr. Abela should consider himself lucky, they used to burn people like him in the town square ! The mind boggles that such things still happen in the 21st Century !!!!! Come on curia sweep away the cobwebs !
Trudy Attard
Jun 25th 2009, 10:25
one would be forgiven to have thought we might have grown up!!
N Zammit Alamango
Jun 25th 2009, 10:23
Only in Malta.Com !!
So is the Curia implying that the Fr cannot be honest and express his feelings ? But lie ?
Dr Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci
Jun 25th 2009, 10:22
How sad. And I thought the Church had started to show a more progressive understanding, more than the State itself. How wrong I was. Back to arresting people for dressing up as nuns during Carnival.What would the Church itself have done to Boniface VIII!? But let us stop dreaming. Back to reality.
duncan Tanti
Jun 25th 2009, 10:21
And they want us to beleive in church?I beleive in god yes but not in the church
Eric gahn
Jun 25th 2009, 10:19
YES!!! I was missing public stonings and auto da fe's. When will Fr Abela be getting his?
Joe Cassar
Jun 25th 2009, 10:13
Iran, anybody?
joe Mizzi
Jun 25th 2009, 10:10
Giving evidence under oath (I presume), meant that Fr Abela was to speak the truth and nothing but. He has now been gagged. Tragic.
T Mifsud
Jun 25th 2009, 10:10
Yep, that's the way it operates. installing a pawn and a puppet on a string and not entrust the job to the individual. And then the church wonders why there is dwindling faith. IT DOESN'T HAVE FAITH IN ITS OWN PEOPLE IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Adrian Cardona
Jun 25th 2009, 10:08
And with such a medieval attitude the Church expects to hold on to its flock....The Curia makes the Iran dictatorship look liberal in comparison.
S Schembri
Jun 25th 2009, 10:02
Talk about censorship, how about putting him under house arrest, or excommunicating him for speaking his mind. Back to the dark ages i guess.
John Buttigieg
Jun 25th 2009, 10:01
...a very un-christian way of getting rid of someone whose comments may not conform 100% with his employers.
It is indeed sad that, of all people, this dismissal was made by an entity which was supposed to be one of the front runners when it came to the freedom of expression. I also thought that we were beyond these times.
Gaby Micallef Trigona
Jun 25th 2009, 09:59
Back to the Inquisition and the dark Ages!
Will Enlightnment never sweep through the Maltese Curia?
God bless the Father Abelas
A Borg
Jun 25th 2009, 09:59
hah
so much for freedom of speech and democracy, freedom of choice and human rights. this is OBSCENE.
first of all: maltese adult citizens have the right to choose what they would like to see without ANYBODY intruding upon that decision
second: everybody has a right to express him/herself, unless that is causing intentional harm (and lets face it, if you're touchy it's your problem, i've seen far worse atrocities on the evening news)
third: one should not be afraid to express his opinion due to threats of losing a job. hats off to Fr. Abela for this, although he is suffering unjust consequences.
this is just as bad as being in a communist regime where the state dictates! come on we're in 2009 for god's sake. such a thing should be illegal. i for one would be ready to initiate a legal cause against this because it is hindering my rights as a citizen!
Andrew Gatt
Jun 25th 2009, 09:57
Standard realpolitik response from the Curia. Gag 'em, remove them, shut them up.
Way to go, Arch.....keep on defending the indefensible and justifying the unjustifiable at all costs. A sure-fire way to reverse the decline.
Paul Caruana
Jun 25th 2009, 09:55
This is a very sad, and ultimately foolish decison by the Curia. The church needs to embrace, rather than distance itself from, people like Fr Abela if it is to remain relevant in modern society.