Hindus call for meeting with Pope in Malta

Joseph Zammit

Jan 18th 2010, 14:14

Please, let us admit that our forefathers gave concrete and historical account to this country's identity within the Constitution. Minorities we must admit have full liberty in the practice of their religion, if they wish to do so. It would be depriving the majority of citizens of there rights enshrined in the constitution, if equality would be interprited as to instruction in schools open to all of our children. I would be happy for our children to know about what identified any religious practice, yet it would be contrary to my wishes as a citizen, if our children were to be indoctrinated by scismatics or defectors from Christianity, and therefore lack a concrete, precise instruction in the Catholic Religion. Regarding the content of the article, if it were possible for such an encounter in a surprisingly short visit, given that the program for the visit has been published, hoping for civility of the highest kind from the party demanding the encounter, I am sure no Catholic, let alone the Archbishop would object.

Simon Borg

Jan 18th 2010, 12:24

The constitution needs an update! I'm Maltese and I'm not Catholic. Same goes for a growing number of Maltese. The quoted 98% Roman Catholic figure is woefully inaccurate. My religious beliefs are not given equal constitutional status.

adrian wirth

Jan 18th 2010, 11:20

Why is it that whenever any matter relating to religious belief or population movement surfaces that the underlying xenophobic tendencies of a significant proportion of the population surfaces.
Don't for one minute think bigoted dogmatic hatred and racialism is limited just to non-white non-mainstream beliefs, far from it. In my experience verbal let alone physical abuse is widespread and not restricted to any section of the population let alone the institutions of state.
A major national investment in education awareness is called for throughout society if only to sweep away the ignorance and false perceptions that appear to be deep seated in our psyche. If not then the consequences for all of society will in future become increasingly fraught and social conflict more likely.

The concept and potential impact of this Hindu faith led proposal could be of global significance. Irrespective of faith it deserves our support.

Christopher Demicoli

Jan 18th 2010, 01:23

@Christian Sciberras
I wonder if you have ever read the constitution of Malta as in Chapter 1 it clearly states
"2. (1) The religion of Malta is the Roman Catholic Apostolic
Religion.
(2) The authorities of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church
have the duty and the right to teach which principles are right and
which are wrong.
(3) Religious teaching of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Faith
shall be provided in all State schools as part of compulsory
education."

George Farrugia

Jan 17th 2010, 22:26

G Farrugia
I believe that those agreeing with the proposal have only one aim: to deprive the Maltese people from their spiritual leader. If the minorities would like to meet with the pope they have other means such as asking their leaders to contact the Vatican rather than wasting the pontiff's time when he's in Malta for a few hours. If Malta is setting new business with India there's no need to repeat the mistakes of the seventies when Malta was establishing relations with another country.

Joseph Zammit

Jan 17th 2010, 20:40

Please, let us admit that our forefathers gave concrete and historical account to this country's identity within the Constitution. Minorities we must admit have full liberty in the practice of their religion, if they wish to do so. It would be depriving the majority of citizens of there rights enshrined in the constitution, if equality would be interprited as to instruction in schools open to all of our children. I would be happy for our children to know about what identified any religious practice, yet it would be contrary to my wishes as a citizen, if our children were to be indoctrinated by scismatics or defectors from Christianity, and therefore lack a concrete, precise instruction in the Catholic Religion.
Regarding the content of the article, if it were possible for such an encounter in a surprisingly short visit, given that the program for the visit has been published, hoping for civility of the highest kind from the party demanding the encounter, I am sure no Catholic, let alone the Archbishop would object.

Jesmond Micallef

Jan 17th 2010, 20:06

Indeed, the Maltese Government is setting up bussiness opportunities with India. This "financial monetary economic trade aspect" of the new bussiness relationship between the two countries should help in providing a foundation in understanding of both our very very old and wise Religious beliefs.

We do not descriminate between religions, Hindustatesman Rajan Zed.

Just for the record, Our Dear Constitution should remain as it is.

Douglas Mathias

Jan 17th 2010, 18:36

perhaps Mr Igalea could look at the content of Mr. Rajan Zed's statement instead of reacting negatively because it is the comment of a "foreigner" AND a non-catholic to boot! How DO you spell Xenophobia, anyway? Does Mr. Igalea think that different religions should be treated differently under the law, and particularly so where such inequality is enshrined in the constitution of any state, Malta or otherwise? Hmmm.

ALBERT FENECH

Jan 17th 2010, 18:11

Perhaps Mr Rajan Zed can tell us how minority Christians are treated in India and Pakistan for example? As far as I am aware they are deeply discriminated against and subject to treatment of extreme violence. Mr Zed should first start by urging the governments of India and Pakistan to honour the status of minority religions. What a cheek!

Christian Sciberras

Jan 17th 2010, 17:50

@Mr Galea - proof, where is it?
Malta's constitution mentions free religion, not Roman Catholicism.
Racists ought not interfere with decisions especially when they don't know what they are talking about.
For instance, there isn't a law which dictates any Maltese choice of religion.
Neither is a law which dictates any given political party or institution is to act like Catholics, especially when basic human rights are ignored.

Also, the religious majority should not interfere with politics, remember the age where good old curia sided with political parties?
Yet politicians in said parties would sign contracts with the devil just to get a tiny bit more power.

Keep your misinformation for yourself next time.

L. ATTARD BEZZINA

Jan 17th 2010, 17:03

I FULLY AGREE WITH THIS PROPOSAL. IT SHOULD BE TRANSMITTED TO THE POPE BY WHATEVER MEANS.

lgalea

Jan 17th 2010, 14:17

What makes the Hindus think that the Pope can order Malta to change its laws and especially the Constitution? Do they think that we are the Vatican's colony? We are a Roman Catholic INDEPENDENT country and if they don't like our Constitution too bad because we must not change it to satisfy them. They should stop interfering in our internal affairs.

Ernest Vella

Jan 17th 2010, 13:11

Don't they know the respect to all religions is guaranted in the Constitution of Malta...altough most for sure will not agree...the Catholic Chruch and her values is the most pounded religion right now...not only in Malta...lets say it too...

I agree that an inter-religious dialogue is made in Malta every now and than...so to grow together as mankind.