Christians’ duty in the referendum

UN Resolution 1973, which approved a no-fly zone over Libya, and the eventual intervention by allied forces has taken up the headlines in the past week and the local divorce debate was relegated to a secondary issue. In fact, although Parliament approved the motion for the holding of a referendum over a week ago, the debate and campaign have not kicked off as one would have expected. There have been a few debates and talks here and there but on the streets and places of work the issue currently talked about is Libya.

While visiting a number of families in Żurrieq, I found that Libya was dominating people’s concerns in their homes as well and few were those who brought up the divorce issue. Among those who did speak to me about the upcoming referendum were a young couple who have been married for five years. They told me that they did not feel comfortable to cast their vote in May’s referendum. The couple are happily married, against divorce and devout Catholics. They are also very tolerant and are struggling with themselves to impose their beliefs on others. That is exactly how I and probably many others felt when the issue was first raised last July but I was wrong. For Christians the issue should not pose any hesitation.

In the coming weeks and as we approach decision time we are going to be bombarded with all sorts of arguments. The pro-divorce movement will probably focus on those individuals who are suffering in a marriage while the anti-divorce movement will be explaining the ramifications of the introduction of divorce in our society. As the debate intensifies, it is going to be difficult for the man in the street to follow and fully understand the nitty gritty of the issue. My suggestion to those who, like me, proclaim to be Christians is to look at the issue from a different perspective.

As Christians we have a duty to follow Christ’s teachings and Christ was crystal clear on the issue of divorce; God is against divorce and if one is a Christian one is compelled to follow God’s word. The Lord’s teachings are not à la carte and one cannot pick up what suits him/her. One is either a Christian, willing to uphold one’s faith, or not a Christian; full stop. Christians ought to behave as Christians not only in church or when attending Our Lady of Sorrows’ procession in a few weeks’ time. One should act and behave as a Christian everywhere even in the polling booth. Christians, simply, cannot sit on the fence on this issue. That is why for the 50 per cent plus of the Maltese population who are regular churchgoers the issue should not pose any problems.

Eddie Fenech Adami was right to call upon Christians to stand up and be counted. This is a matter of paramount importance and every person who feels attached to the teachings of Christ is duty bound to do his part. We should all be guided by our beliefs in whatever we decide and do. That is also why Dr Fenech Adami was right when he called upon MPs to act in accordance with their conscience when the matter finds its way back to parliament. Although this may sound undemocratic, one cannot expect an MP to vote against his faith. MPs like the rest of us are not made of compartments and their judgment on moral matters should be guided solely by their faith.

The local Church, on the other hand, should guide its followers, and its exponents ought to be actively involved in the debate in the coming weeks. Towards the end of the campaign I expect the Church’s leaders to instruct the faithful how to vote. On the issue of divorce there is no grey area; Christ’s teaching is clear. There is another important point. The divide among the population on this issue is not along party lines but across. Those in favour and against the introduction of divorce come from the opposing sides of the political spectrum and therefore the Church’s authority should not feel uncomfortable about being explicit in providing clear instructions to the faithful. After all that is what is expected of them; preaching God’s word.

Many are those who are still undecided about how to vote on May 28. For those who proclaim to be Christians the matter should not raise any concerns. They only have to follow Christ’s word.