Gozo Bishop expresses doubts on sexual health policy

Fr.John Caruana

Nov 5th 2010, 20:23

MGR GRECH AND SEXUAL HEALTHY POLICY
SINCERELY, I see nothing hysterical in this statemnt of Mgr. Grech the Bishop of Gozo:
"The fact that we have reached the point where, because of promiscuity, more education on the use of contraceptives at the right time and its medical implications is proposed gives rise to concerns about the ethical fibre of our society,"
No one can deny that during half a century and a bit more, humanity suffered a hedonistic onslaught of such a magnitude, first by the cinema and then in a more
persistent manner media called television, in our very homes, starting way back by a series called "Dynasty" put in jeapardy our "ethical fibre" . The bishop is simply showing concern "about the ethical fibre of our society' - the level things have reached.
The tone of the comment of the Minister concerned encourages more a healthy dialogue on the subject than the accusing outburst calling the participation of the bishop "unporductive and hysterical".
Discussion such topics whcih have to do with sexuality, family. birth control, responsible parenthood and other aspects, needs wisdom and calmness. The bishop and the Minister, in this case, has shown these charecteristics.

Steve Pace

Jul 25th 2009, 21:38

Mr Cowie . is clearly referring to my comment. Please don't feel shy tgo mention me by name. I rest my case . The only thing i can suggest to Mr Cowie is to climb down from the pedestal of idealism and place his hand on reality . By taking parts of my argument and saying that i am putting words in Mgr Grech's mouth is quite a statement, especially since that is exaclty what this blogger is doing in my regard. i really suggest to Mr Cowie to read again my comment in full without assuming . I have been brought up in church schools and what Mgr Grech is saying is a simple echo of what Jesuits tried to push down our throats .

edwin formosa

Jul 25th 2009, 08:07

Government Reduction Program Resulted in More than Twice as Many Teen Pregnancies
LONDON, July 9, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A scheme to reduce teenage pregnancies that cost British taxpayers £6 million has backfired, with girls in the program ending up more than twice as likely to become pregnant than those in the general population. The Young People's Development Programme (YPDP) cost £2,500 per person and involved giving teenagers sex education and advice about contraception. At the end of the project a total of 16 percent of those involved became pregnant compared with just 6 percent in a comparison group.

M Vella

Jul 24th 2009, 22:18

X'jonqos issa?

First the pope against condoms, the abortion debate, now we don't even want to educate people about themselves and their sexualities? Long at last something is done about this!

Is the bishop not concerned about the rising rates of STDs on this island if anything???

Gerry Cowie

Jul 24th 2009, 19:43

The article here only gives a couple of short quotes from Bishop Grech. Yet clearly some bloggers have put words into his mouth. From the little that is quoted, Mgr Grech does not appear to be saying that "ignorance is bliss" as one blogger puts it. He seems to be saying that the greater push for information on contraception due to promiscuity is a sad sign of the times. Perhaps he is saying that if people were able to exercise self-control (please do not tell me that is not possible) there might be less promiscuity and hence less need for contraception. I would like to make it clear that I'm not expressing an opinion one way or the other here - merely suggesting people try not to twist what is being said nor take comments out of context and then put words into somebody's mouth. Perhaps Mgr Grech would care to clarify for the benefit of those on both sides of the fence here so that bloggers can then make fair, sensible and adult comments on the situation. If you want to put up a good argument it is important to be accurate, factual and clear, without making assumptions etc.

Steve Pace

Jul 24th 2009, 18:24

J Farrugia seems to like waving the wand of woe . His lack of argumentative material compels him to judge and execute all those who speak out . He feels closer to God then any of us common mortals. The church has been around for two thousand years true. But it is also true that the church has committed numerous mistakes and if he really believes that in two thousnd years, the true word of God has not been distorted in ways to politically suite the clergy , he is very naive . Everyone is free to decide whatever they please . Jesus himself never forced any of his words down people's throat . He accepted people's opinions so much so that he allowed himself to die on the cross. I do believe he is the son of God, and he could have gotten away from it. But he chose not too. If we ever see the consequences of such frame of mind i dont think that any of us will be begging for mercy to Mr Farrugia. Morality is needed, common sense and open minds are needed much more !

Raymond Camilleri

Jul 24th 2009, 18:01

'NO SEX' says Mons Grech... God is watching you!

J Farrugia

Jul 24th 2009, 14:30

These two bloggers need a strong injection of moral awakening. One is just a foreigner who doesn't know what it means to be morally sound and normal. As for the other one he's just one of those who think that they can destroy God's church just at his say-so. The Church has been with us for two thousand years. How long does this guy thinks he will live. There have been far worse than he is, so .... they want to do as they please to satisfy themselves instead of being mature and responsible. Let them take it if that's what they lilke. But then dont come crying about the consequences.

Anthony Mercieca

Jul 24th 2009, 13:37

Mgr Grech is right only "if" all Maltese have adopted the teaching and morals of the Gospel, The facts are that while a number of Maltese claim to be Catholics their life style is totally different. I remember my moral theology professor discussing the issue of a prostitute who in her immoral behaviour should act with a pinch of responsibility or "common sense" and should obvious practice birth control. Also since Vatican Council II thank God opened the doors of the church to the world, Christians should be also aware of what lies beyonfd the confines of the sanctuary

Steve Pace

Jul 24th 2009, 13:32

Ignorance is a bliss according to Mgr Grech. The ever rising crusade against information and need to control society is overcoming the Maltese Church. When i was a student , we were given very limited information on all forms of contraception expect what the church calls ' the natural method ' This was more then 20 years ago . What is so wrong in giving our young people the neccessary information so that they can make informed decisions before indulging into any sexual activity. Why does the church need to try and stop such education. In his sermon, he also again attacks people in favour of divorce in a subtle way. Why all this spite and intolerance to diverse opinions. Some people state that we should not try to shut up the church and tolerate it . I agree, however the church also needs to tolerate society and accept that it should not try to control the state. Are we heading towards the sixties when the Archbishop thinks he has the power to decide what should be and not should be said . By doing this the church is working against society and not working for a better one

Marvic Camilleri

Jul 24th 2009, 13:29

There he goes again!!!

Why doesn't the bishop of Gozo stick to church and leaves the state rule out and settle what is long in arrears!!!!

Is the bishop suggesting that we ignore the facts? The roaring figures of Gonorehea, and Clymedia cases amongst others. Perhaps Dr. Carabott at the GU clinic can fill him on this!

And why is it that the bishop of Gozo likes to be so controversial? At the begining it seemed that it was justified what he did to the situation in Victoria, restoring new archpriests to replace what seemed to be archpriests who were rather more political than spiritual but now it turns out that he did that precisely in order for him to be the only 'Prima Donna di Cappella', in Gozo.

Edward Bonavia

Jul 24th 2009, 11:25

Mgr Grech, like the institution he represents, is stuck in the past. If it were for him, we'd still be having the inquisitor questioning people and people in Africa contracting AIDS by the thousands.

Well, times have changed. We have become a secular country because we now have access to better education and education is one of the natural enemies of supersition and religion. It is now too late to try to stop social progress.

Of course, some believe that the voice of ignorance still has its place in the media. Whether people take it seriously, however, is a totally different issue. For the sake of our country, I hope that no one does any longer.

Dragan Donkov

Jul 24th 2009, 10:25

It is not a matter of moral any more - it is matter of health and saving life's of young people. No one can stop them of having sex, better do in a safe way.Just have a look around I you will see the reality -25 years old lying their parents and doing funny things to keep the "secret".
And again - if you cant stop the young people of doing it better educate them. They must use condoms. I relay want to see the statistic for the HIV with all this people coming from abroad (legally or not) especially from Africa