People, parties and the Church

Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando presented a Private Member’s Bill on the introduction of divorce in Malta. Being in the PN fold, he is running counter to the principles of the PN manifesto, which states:

“2. The Partit Nazzjonalista forms part of the International Christian Democratic Movement. In fact, it is one of the oldest parties that belong to this movement. It is committed to the fulfilment of Christian Democratic principles in Malta and to the spreading of these principles worldwide.

“3. The Christian idea of the dignity of man is the basis of all the policies of the Partit Nazzjonalista. Human dignity is rooted in man’s relationship with God and with his fellow men, within the family and other voluntary associations, which the state is obliged to assist and promote.”

Such principles are supreme in the party statute. Unless the PN revokes these two articles in the statute, Dr Pullicino Orlando and others within the PN who agree with him should immediately resign.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has already expressed himself that he is against divorce. MPs in the present Parliament should clearly declare their position on the introduction of divorce in Malta. This also applies to all future candidates standing in the forthcoming general election. Some MPs appear to be hiding not to commit themselves on the reality of the ongoing debate.

It is a shame that in Malta it had to be a Nationalist MP to submit this Bill.

The Labour Party’s website defines the party’s aim thus:

“The Labour Party was established with the purpose of organising and running a political party to disseminate and implement socialist democratic views and beliefs, for the good of all the Maltese and Gozitan people and, particularly, for manual and white collar employees. The party’s policy is drawn up and interpreted from time to time by the national executive and the general conference” (translated from Maltese).

Nowhere do the true fundamental beliefs appear other than in the above. The PL is a pragmatic party where relativism reigns supreme. This means, that everyone dances to the tunes of the moment, so long as it is advantageous to the party itself. In this way, the party leadership seems to be convinced that this would be turned into votes for the party at a general election.

This approach is short-sighted, which may have an adverse effect because other voters who think otherwise may float and look for pastures new.

The PL leader, who just two years ago returned from Brussels as an MEP, came to Malta with new ideas and, from the onset, he proposed a Private Member’s Bill on divorce in Malta. He further stated that he would give a “free vote” to his MPs in Parliament. Unfortunately, Dr Pullicino Orlando beat him to it and presented the Bill at the Speaker’s chambers.

The PL leader disagrees that such an important issue should be included in the party election manifesto in the next election. The reason and the logic are only known to him.

Whether it will be a referendum or otherwise has yet to be seen,

Labour MP Marlene Pullicino has stated she was against divorce because this goes against her Catholic beliefs. This is rightly so. However, sometime later, Dr Pullicino said she discussed the matter with some Church theologians who explained to her that voting in favour of divorce is not in conflict with her beliefs. However, she failed to name these theologians. Such advice goes against the Lord’s teachings: “What God has joined together let no man put asunder” (Mathew: 19:6).

The Constitution of Malta states:

“2. (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.”

This clause speaks clearly what, when and how the Church authorities should speak on which principles are right or wrong in conformity with the teachings of Jesus Christ as laid down in the Holy Scripture.

The pro-divorce movement, in its crusade, is up in arms whenever the bishops speak on moral issues vis-à-vis divorce. If ever the Church fails to pronounce itself on such issues, it would be failing its mission entrusted by God himself.

Former Labour Justice Minister Joe Brincat recently said the Church has no right to threaten voters with sin if voting in favour of divorce. The Lord’s commandments are there to be observed. What is sinful is quite understandable for those who want to listen to the Lord Jesus Christ.

People speak of conscience and say they do what their conscience dictates. However, one’s personal conscience should be in conformity with God. Other than that it is called relativism.

Addressing young people at Valletta Waterfront during his visit to Malta, Pope Benedict XVI said: “Here in Malta, you live in a society that is steeped in Christian faith and values. You should be proud that your country both defends the unborn and promotes stable family life by saying no to abortion and divorce. I urge you to maintain this courageous witness to the sanctity of life and the centrality of marriage and family life for a healthy society.”

May the people in this country live to Christ’s words and say no to divorce.