Bishop takes politicians and journalists to task
Politicians and journalists could, at times, propagate "an existential void", Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said.
He described this void as "an erosion of values, a drought of high ideals, an ethical deficit, spiritual refusal and the lack of vision". This, in turn, led to transgression, pessimism, sadness and frustration, Bishop Grech said on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu on Tuesday.
People in a position of responsibility should take care not to fall into this void as they could have a negative instead of a positive impact.
He said politics was a noble art and society should give due recognition to politicians. But, sometimes, the messages and examples set by some showed a lack of the high ideals that should be an inspiration to the people. Some legislative proposals regarding human life, marriage, the family and social justice confirmed this.
The void of values was also being felt among some who worked in journalism, a profession that could be very useful but was sometimes used to spread rumours, sow division, manipulate the mind and lead to character assassination, Mgr Grech said.
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Joe Zammit
Jun 26th 2010, 04:00
The commitment of Christians in the world has found a variety of expressions in the course of the past 2000 years. One such expression has been Christian involvement in political life: Christians, as one Early Church writer stated, «play their full role as citizens».
Among the saints, the Church venerates many men and women who served God through their generous commitment to politics and government. Among these, Saint Thomas More, who was proclaimed Patron of Statesmen and Politicians, gave witness by his martyrdom to «the inalienable dignity of the human conscience».
Though subjected to various forms of psychological pressure, Saint Thomas More refused to compromise, never forsaking the «constant fidelity to legitimate authority and institutions» which distinguished him; he taught by his life and his death that «man cannot be separated from God, nor politics from morality».
Franco Farrugia
Jun 25th 2010, 12:57
The Lord Bishop of Gozo should speak less and read more. Particularly, he should read at what's happening at the Brussels Roman Catholic Curia right now, as well as at the Archbishop's Palace there! Enough said!
Joe Zammit
Jun 26th 2010, 03:52
Franco, what is happening? Probably, you have read the newspaper upside down. Yes, Mgr Mario Grech, do continue to speak out because the great majority of Maltese and Gozitans listen to your sound words and take them as coming from Christ himself!
John Portelli
Jun 25th 2010, 12:15
hambaq hambuq bishop Grech. It sure ain't getting you any followers. Teach love, peace and unity among the maltese and gozitans and forget about the other nonsense. People are wise enough to make decisions.
Charles Sammut
Jun 25th 2010, 11:39
"an erosion of values, a drought of high ideals, an ethical deficit, spiritual refusal and the lack of vision"
And according to the Bishop of Gozo, we should turn to the Catholic Church to avoid this? With stories like the ones linked below, I would rather not, thank you very much.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100625/world-news/police-raid-belgian-catholic-hierarchy-in-child-sex-probe
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100625/world-news/vatican-asks-judge-to-reject-attempt-to-get-testimony-from-pope
renald williams
Jun 25th 2010, 10:57
Read the Gospels… peace and health to all
Jesus will surely have a positive impact on one’s life…
Christ is full of inspiration and propagates life, values, ideals, ethics, vision, kindness, joy and spiritual peace.