Christian Peregin
Crucifixes removal was just a rumour
The University has dispelled rumours that there has been some move to remove crucifixes from its lecture rooms and from Junior College classrooms.
The rumours had fleetingly evoked the national debates that were sparked in several countries, including Spain, France and the UK, when some public schools stopped displaying crucifixes in classrooms, and other displays of faith, for reasons ranging from safety concerns to political correctness.
But the university's communications office said that although it too had also heard the rumours, no policy had been issued to remove crucifixes.
University Chaplain Michael Bugeja said the rumours arose because while crucifixes hung in most of the older lecture rooms, the newer ones never had them.
"If any were removed from the older classrooms it was just to paint the walls during refurbishing but they have now all been put back," he said.
Fr Bugeja has no problem with the current situation. "I don't think it's an issue. We don't need one in every room. We have many crucifixes around the University, even in the offices.
As it stands, it shows a sense of openness to all religions," he said.
"We have a healthy balance where the Christian community does not impose itself of the others, and where the non-Christian community does not impose itself on us. I think this is a very positive sign." Fr Bugeja also argued that if students needed a crucifix in every classroom to celebrate their faith, he would start to question their intentions.
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colin stanley
Oct 22nd 2009, 10:53
@Mr. Franco Bugeja. if you think that some of my comments sound racist, it doesn't bother me one single bit. I am as racist as every other person on this planet,because every nation is racist towards somthing.who do you think are the biggest racists in the world. there's about a billion of them at least.!!!
Christian Sciberras
Oct 22nd 2009, 09:22
@moses mula - Agreed perfectly.
@others - Let's hypothetically say I'm not Catholic, do I have to leave from *my own* country just because someone put crucifixes all over the place?
It's my country as much as yours why don't YOU leave? Why do I have to?
Don't worry, I'll eventually leave, not because of religion but because of your (the Maltese) way of thinking.
You can live your neolithic lives all you want.
Galea. L
Oct 21st 2009, 20:46
Dr J Damai
I believe moses mula does not live in Malta.
Those who do not like our faith symbols are free to leave.
Dr J Damai
Oct 21st 2009, 17:28
Mr. Mula, Malta is a Catholic country, so if you don't like it you can always leave.
GiovDeMartino@Moses Mula
Oct 21st 2009, 17:13
Tista' tghidilna Sur Mula, lilek personali x'fastidju jtik Kurcifiss fl-universita?
F Spiteri
Oct 21st 2009, 10:25
Let's hope it never gets to this in Malta ! If any other religion doesnt like it, they can go back to their home !! When we visit other countries we have to abide by the country's religion so it should be the same her !
moses mula
Oct 21st 2009, 09:15
Crucifixes belong in churches and not in schools. If the Maltese catholics need to have crucifixes all over the place to remind them of their faith, then they must have a very weak faith. A faith or belief is individual and not national and by having crucifixes everywhere one is politicizing religion. As we know politics and religion should be seperate.