Christians should be protagonists in politics - bishop

Christians should be protagonists in politics and the Church should not remain absent from this process, according to Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

Mgr Grech said the weakest link in the prevailing political culture was that democracy and relativism had become intertwined.

Speaking during a public lecture at Fortunato Mizzi School, Victoria, Mgr Grech insisted this in no way meant the Church should interfere in politics.

"Being autonomous of the religious camp does not mean being autonomous of morality.

"The fact certain fundamental moral values are in line with Christian teachings does not mean these have become 'confessional'. Whoever calls the debates where Christians intervene on ethical points as 'confessional' is incorrect - these are purely civil and human debates."

His remarks come just days after Parliament's Social Affairs Committee discussed divorce and its impact on children.

Mgr Grech said that if the political class was used by those who had power or particular interests, then the democratic system was suffering and in need of urgent intervention.