Love of God and of neighbour (3)

The Judicial Vicar, Mgr Arthur Said Pullicino, in his homily at the commencement of the forensic year, drew the attention of judges and lawyers to their Catholic beliefs if ever the divorce law were enacted by the Maltese Parliament. He further stated that anybody collaborating in this law would be commiting a “sin”.

Following this homily there were some adverse comments from distinguished people, retired judges, various lawyers and Church theologians. Such comments on the delicate topic were expected.

The reverend monsignor did not mince his words and only quotes what we can all find in the Holy Scripture. As he said, these words were not his but those written in the Holy Scripture.

Nobody can change the teachings of Jesus Christ. No Pope, cardinal and/or bishop can go against what the Lord has said.

The Church should not mention the word sin in cases where the civil authorities desire to introduce and/or change laws. A newly retired judge said sin is a mediaeval imposition. A former President stated the term “sin” should not be used because this is something for which a person is individually responsible. Do these comments mean the teachings in the Holy Scripture mean nothing? I beg to differ. The Church and the clergy have an absolute right to guide the faithful who, with great humility, want to listen.

Other Church theologians gave their views to what Mgr Said Pullicino said in his homily. Some described his comments as “passé” and his vision of the Church “myopic”.

I wish to state that my layman’s point of view of sin is an act, thought or way of behaving that goes against the law or teachings of a religion, especially when the person who commits it is aware of this.

It was highly surprising that some weeks ago in The Times (September 6) Fr Charlò Camilleri O.Carm called us laymen as “overly zealous citizens of draconian rigidity”. Such comments by members of the clergy leave much to be desired.

Ever since God gave the 10 commandments to Moses on Mt Sinai, none of these commandments were ever changed by any Church authority even though Henry VIII was so forceful on St Thomas More to put pressure on the Pope to allow him to divorce. Do the reverend theologians consider the Church “passé” and “myopic”? A decent reply is very much solicited.

I wish to appeal to the bishops of Malta and Gozo to state clearly and give a theological and authoritive reply whether those who collaborate in favour of the divorce law, if ever this is enacted, the voters, members of Parliament, the judicary and lawyers are committing a “sin”.

Such a declaration would be the best way to avoid the present confusion.