US ambassador: nothing to apologise for
The US Ambassador to Malta, Douglas Kmiec said today that criticism of his activities in an audit by the inspector-general of the State Department reflected hostility toward expressions of his religious faith by some officials of the department.
The report, issued yesterday, criticised mr Kmiec for Kmiec too much time writing and speaking about subjects such as abortion and his religious beliefs, while neglecting ambassadorial duties.
Kmiec said that he would not apologize for how he has conducted himself in the job.
"I must say that I am troubled and saddened that a handful of individuals within my department in Washington seem to manifest a hostility to expressions of faith and efforts to promote better interfaith understanding," Kmiec said in an e-mailed statement to The Times. "Our constitution proudly protects the free exercise of religion - even for ambassadors."
Kmiec said the criticism of his religious views was "especially odd" because his friendship with President Obama began out of a common view that "too much of politics had been used to divide us, sometimes by excluding people of faith."
Kmiec, 59, said his work was part of Obama's efforts to promote understanding among different religions, and that he'll stay on as ambassador as long as he has the president's confidence.
The ambassador drew strong support in Malta, as seen in comments to timesofmalta.com
See report details on
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110407/local/us-ambassador-to-malta-rebuked
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Dr Francis Saliba
Apr 11th 2011, 15:07
"Francis Saliba would do well to look up the expression "to catch a tartar" and ponder on its meaning ....." (Victor Laiviera) You would be better advised to look up yourself the correct meaning of the expression "to catch a tartar". The correct word is Tartar (not tartar) i.e. a proper name for Mongolians etc. I am not myself a violent Tartar individual. and in Godfrey Pirotta I do not recognize any violent individual of Tartar extraction. Above all, I do not find any difficulty in spotting and exposing his ploy of attributing to me phrases that I had never used.
Dr Francis Saliba
Apr 11th 2011, 11:54
@Godfrey Pirotta. I have not boasted about my English and I do not think that you do not understand it. I am convinced that you only pretend not to understand my comment. You deceptively manipulate what I actually wrote i.e. “ … a basic European Christian culture” and you change it into “European Christianity” hoping that I would not spot the deception. You are wrong. You persist in your error by asking “Did you or did you not use the words European Christianity …”. My answer is a definite NO. I would never be so stupid as to write your false attribution “European Christianity”. The phrase I used was precisely “… basic European Christian culture”. In the context of my whole comment the phrase could n ever be changed honestly into your “European Christianity” . That manipulation could imply either ignorance or malice. Take your pick.
Alex Buds
Apr 9th 2011, 17:14
The ambassador is of course free to express his religious views like anyone else in Malta and the USA, but he should not do so to the detriment of his official duties, given that American taxpayers are paying him for the latter.
The current situation seems to be that the ambassador seems to spend a big chunk of his day on religion, while projects such as the new US embassy are late and way over budget. It seems to me the State Department is right to be concerned.
M Vella
Apr 9th 2011, 16:26
Well said State Department!
The Ambassador represents the United States of America and not the Vatican!
Joe Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 17:13
Re M Vella's comment that Mr Kmiec represents the US and not the Vatican - So much so. His Excellency represents a country that boasts of God's Salvivic mercy even on its currency notes. Did these same people who objected to Mr Kmiec's faith expression ever object to the "God Save America" printed on the dollars which they carry in their wallets?
Andy Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 17:38
And that is precisely what HE Ambassador Kmiec is doing: he is representing the USA -whose official motto is "In God we Trust" - wonderfully. All else is simply the externalisation of various attempts to abolish Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, from the public sphere.
Godfrey Pirotta
Apr 9th 2011, 16:00
@ Dr Francis Saliba
How can it be my wrong assumption since it was you who used the words European Christianity? Now in your last comment you separate the two. You should have done that in the first place. People ought to know that words are means of communication and if you do not wish to be misunderstood you have to take care of how you use them.
But my point of putting humanity before race remains valid. That is the true Christian message. It seems that too many Christians are following into this trap of us (Europeans)and them (non-whites) that even those who should avoid playing into the hands of those who seek power through divisions do. My personal experience of terrorism in Europe by European groups does not convince that the same vices that can be found in other non-European societies are absent in Europe.
Dr Francis Saliba
Apr 9th 2011, 17:18
My mistake! I must not assume that everyone undsrstands English or that there are not a few odd people who pretend not to understand it so as to vent their anti-religious sentiments.
CA Miller
Apr 9th 2011, 14:59
As one who contributes to Mr Kmiec's salary, I would rather he focuses on his job instead of his personal agendas. He is not going to get his dream job as ambassador to the Holy See, so might as well focus on the Libyan crisis, illegal immigration and completing that very expensive new embassy.
It's amazing how many of the same people who post on here against divorce are defending and even praising Mr Kmiec. Do you know his position on divorce, gay marriage and abortion? Look it up.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 17:42
So what about his views, he is entitled to them like you are to yours. Have you, or some apparatchiks at the State Department, any evidence that he is not performing his official duties in furthering relations between Malta and the USA? None whatsoever, thus your comment is simply and purely an ad hominem attack on an extraordinary person. Shame on you.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 11th 2011, 11:26
C A Miller, your answer shows that you haven't got the foggiest, you're drivelling. You are perfectly entitled to do so, but i am equally entitled to draw your attention to it.
Edward Camilleri
Apr 9th 2011, 13:53
Mr. Douglas Kmiec is the US Ambassador to Malta and not to the Vatican!
One cannot use his position to promote what he believes in. The Ambassador is wrong to express his religious beliefs.
MVella
Apr 9th 2011, 13:40
Keep up the good work Mr Douglas Kmiec. We will be with you always in prayers. Do be careful though not to go over the 'red line'. There are many in our country and yours ready to destroy anything that has to do with God and the good. We will loose you if they find the slightest chance. Pray for the ones which want to destroy you for it is not them but the angle of darkness who is manipulating them. God bless you, America and Malta. In prayers.
MAIRIA FORMOSA
Apr 9th 2011, 13:25
I would like to congratulate THE American Ambassador for his courage to profess his faith especially re conflicting moral issues like abortion.KEEP IT UP! I msure you earn the respect and admiration of all Maltese citizens of good will and las but not least eternal reward for being a faithful servant in the Lord s vineyard!
Evarist Saliba
Apr 9th 2011, 12:33
It is surprising how easily people are distracted from the real issue. Is it true that the interests of USA-Maltese bilateral relations have suffered as a result of the performance of the USA ambassador? I do not see any evidence of this, in spite of the evaluation of the inspector general of the US State Department.
Carry on, Ambassador, as long as you are permitted by those who are allergic to expressions of religious belief.
Dr Francis Saliba
Apr 9th 2011, 12:18
@Godfrey Pirotta.
You fail to understand that my comment declared that the USA ambassador’s culture is based on Europe and Christianity. I do not believe that there are different versions of true Christianity that vary from continent to continent. That is your wrong assumption, not mine.
Ray Briffa
Apr 9th 2011, 11:18
Of course, freedom of expression is a human right. However, quite frankly, I have always been puzzled at the Ambassador`s writings that seem to be more of an evangelisation crusade rater than what one would expect from any other Ambassador. I feel he needs to reset his prioroities in line with his responsibilities and leave the rest to the Church.
Philip Hili
Apr 9th 2011, 13:32
Mr. Briffa,
But why to put an argument according to your likings, you contradict yourself? Why? Because at the beginning of your paragraph you said "Of course, freedom of expression is a human right." Therefore if according you your writing freedom of expression is a human right, does Prof. Douglas Kmiec being the US Ambassador to Malta is barred from expressing his faith in writing? I do not think that Prof. Kmiec spends all his time as an ambassador preaching or writing letters to "The Times".
Finally, I do not think that Prof. Kmiec needs your advice, that "to reset his prioroities in line with his responsibilities".
Go on Mr. Ambassador and when you think that you should express your faith do so, because your behaviour is an example to others.
A.J. Anastasi
Apr 9th 2011, 10:58
May I kindly ask who were these “compilers” that prepared such a report on Mr. Kmiec, as it seems these may leave much to be desired!
Dear Mr. Ambassador, Malta is all proud of you, keep going, both our countries need you.
Mr. Obama could not have made a better choice!
Thanks for everything.
AJA.
Chev Chris Galea
Apr 9th 2011, 10:46
Your Excellency
I admire the way you carry out your duty in Malta. We are very proud of you.
Please, keep it up
George Mifsud
Apr 9th 2011, 10:38
Mr.Ambassador,
I think that you are one heck of an Ambassador. I also think that you handled your unfortunate accident like the gentleman you appear and act to be. However, on this issue I beg to differ! Your constitution defends and protects your right to exercise your free choice of religion. May I point out that the constitution also protects all other Americans' rights to free religious choice and since you are an Ambassador and thus representing your President, country and all American citizens, the Inspector's comments appear to be in order. Why must religion be dragged into anything else except private and personal spirituality and personal way of life? Respectfully Sir, you would not last long in any country which is not so predominantly Catholic and whose citizens differ between religion and state. Please excuse my two cents worth which I bothered to air since I really respect you and your country.
Philip Hili
Apr 9th 2011, 14:51
Mr. Mifsud,
I beg to differ from your comment especially when you said "May I point out that the constitution also protects all other Americans' rights to free religious choice and since you are an Ambassador and thus representing your President, country and all American citizens, the Inspector's comments appear to be in order."
H.E. Prof. Douglas Kmiec did no write in his capacity of a person representing the U.S. President. He writes and shares his views in his own capacity to which he has every right. Being an ambassador of a country does not impede his Excellency from airing his personal views. Therefore, "the Inspector's comments" were uncalled for.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 15:04
You seem to conveniently forget that the USA official motto is "In God we Trust".
Betty Lee
Apr 9th 2011, 10:26
I have met the Ambassador on many occasions and have never in my life met such a humble and religious man in my life. He lives by his faith and believes whole heartily in what he believes and the good work he does at the Embassy. He can relate to the all people no matter what their religion or status in life. We admire your down to earth approach to all. So Ambassador Kmiec please do not change for the sake of changing as you are an example to all of what our faith means to us. God bless you Ambassador.
Cb Ellul
Apr 9th 2011, 10:03
The US Ambassador has all the rights to profess his Catholic beliefs which are after all Malta's religion.
Most probably the persons who critise him are the same persons who insist on the freedom of expressing their rights to anything political , religious , pornographic.
Freedom of speech , censorship , right to condemn abortion , divorce , unnatural procreation through medical medling, resulting in babies born to grandmother age mothers, and other unnatural actions of procreation in the name of the false god called "CASH".
Keep it up Mr. Ambassador .
Joe Antignolo
Apr 9th 2011, 09:31
I am sure that eveyone knows what a delicate position Mr. Kmiec has.
His duties being carried out in Malta are being done with great responsibility and
dedication not only towards his country but also towards the whole Maltese community.
I express my gratitude towards his sincere character and may God's blessings
shine above him and give him the strenght to continue with his impeccable work in
Malta. Keep up the good work Mr. Kmiec!
C.Busuttil
Apr 9th 2011, 09:31
Mr. Ambassador,
I think that you should report these handful individuals not to your president but to the Republican party, I am sure that members of the GOP would enjoy hunting them down. Sometimes to get rid of a problem you have to resort to give them a taste of their own medicine even by the means of the rival party.
harry
Apr 9th 2011, 08:18
as USA is not catholic but multi denominational, an ambassador who chooses to represent himself rather than his country, no matter how nice he may seem to some likewise intolerant locals, is untenable to the country which appointed him
Andy Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 17:44
No, you are the intolerant one, as i do not attack some of my seniors at my place of work because they happen to have other religious beliefs or no beliefs whatsoever.
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Apr 9th 2011, 01:24
Why do Catholics so often have difficulty drawing a distinction between Church and State? Why do they always want others to hear what they believe? Who cares? Why is interfaith dialogue and speaking on abortion one and the same thing, Mr Ambassador? Does not the holy ambassador realise that there are many many Catholcis who do not agree with the Church's stance on abortion? And don't speak to me about Scriptures ... we do not even have the originals. All the copies we have have been tampered with. Read books by a fellow American - Bart D Ehrman - and hopefully you will learn something.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 15:12
"Why do they [Catholics] always want others to hear what they believe? Who cares?"
We are doing the same as you, freely expressing what we think, with one basic difference. Our views have stood the test of two thousand years - during which period countless innumerable philosophers have been inspired by the Scriptures, your views are based on mere conjecture and false insinuations, such as having the Scriptures tampered with (on the basis of some demential author) or stating that Catholics do not agree with the Church's position on abortion. They may call themselves so but they are not so.
Philip Hili
Apr 9th 2011, 00:20
Mr. Ambassador,
But don't you see that the roots of evil do their best to hinder anything that it is good. It is all over the world, the same tactics everywhere.
Since other religions have every right to air their views because the United States is a democratic country why the inspector-general of the State Department is hostile towards your expressions of faith?
Mr. Ambassador, Malta is proud of you and if you can, please pass on these messages of solidarity to the person/s whom you think is/are hostile to your religious faith.
Thank you Mr. President.
Godfrey Pirotta
Apr 9th 2011, 00:12
Dear Dr Francis Saliba
I always thought that there was one Christianity which emerged from the Middle East about 2000 years. And I did not know that there is a European Christianity and other Christianities. I thought Christians in Africa, Latin America and Asia were the same as European Christians. So does race has to come into as well?
And more importantly I always thought that prejudices of this sort devalued Christianity. Perhaps the Christian message of humanity rather than race has not filtered down to the Maltese and this explains all this nonsense of Christianity being what qualifies as Maltese identity and European heritage. There is no such thing as a Christian Maltese or European. If this was the case then there is no Christianity. That is the message of the Gospel.
I Meli
Apr 8th 2011, 23:41
Mr Kmiec's ambassadorial stint in Malta is a great honour to the Maltese. The auditor clearly presents himself a poor judge of character, in that Mr Kmiec has modestly kept a low profile by restraining his prolific pen. The US should take advantage of the Ambassador's strengths rather than trying to tame them.
The Maltese political scenario could benefit far more from Mr Kmiec's intellectual prowess and academic experience. One important sector that would benefit greatly would be the university students who mostly have become uninterested in traditional nepotist politics.
If only Malta could be ingratiated with politicians who genuinely practice their beliefs like Mr Kmiec.
Joseph V. Grech
Apr 8th 2011, 22:58
The U.S.A. Ambassador H.E. Douglas Kmiec is the highest ranking American official in Malta. He also happens to be a human being - with human rights. Certainly he is entitled to express his religious faith even on subjects that may not be directly linked to his ambassadorial duties. He never offended anyone.
I honestly can't say if he ''neglects his official duties'' - but I really doubt that.
People are judged not just by words but also by actions and Douglas Kmiec's work including his efforts to get the USA to accept immigrant transfer from our overpopulated islands to the States has not gone unnoticed by the Maltese - AND Europeans. It speaks volumes.
Thanks to this ambassador the USA actually helps Malta out and offers those entitled to help a chance to make a new beginning.
It is such a good thing that the US constitution ''protects the free exercise of religion.'' President Obama's effort ''to promote understanding among different religions'' is indeed praiseworthy.
The world will certainly be a better place if these ideals are practised by all religions.
Keep up the good work Your Excellency!
Chris Farrugia
Apr 8th 2011, 22:38
His religious beliefs are not questioned here. However if he spends most of his time writing about religious stuff and this is detracting time from his actual work and diplomatic obligations, the US gov is right in summoning this man.
He is paid to do his diplomatic job. If he wants to write against abortion and divorce in his free time he is more than welcome.
Ernest Vella
Apr 8th 2011, 21:47
100% behing the ambassador of US for Malta. Hope that our politicians learn something from him. Being an open minded politician does not mean rebuking your faith for your political ideas, but let both meet together so to be a good politician not in the eyes of man but in the eyes of God, as americans say..."In God we trust"
US State of Department is denying the US ambassador the freedom of expression and religion?
David J Cassar
Apr 8th 2011, 21:30
God Bless you Mr.Kmiec and God Bless America. To the readers, I propose setting up a petition in solidarity with Ambassador Douglas Kmiec. I shall be the first one to sign it.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 9th 2011, 14:56
@ David J Cassar
I agree with you; please inform us about how to sign the petition in favour of Mr Ambassador Kmiec.
M. Curmi
Apr 8th 2011, 21:22
Since Mr Ambassador is carrying out his job diligently and he is a devout religious man, it seems that religion is not interfering at all with his job.
More than that I strongly believe that Catholic principles are doing nothing more than motivating him in doing his job right; since Catholic principles aim at the fulfilment of the human being, even from this world.
Well... Keep it up Mr Ambassador, and God in whom you trust, and in whom we all trust will continue to give you wisdom and strength!
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 8th 2011, 21:19
US Ambassador to Malta Profs. Kmiec, may I thank you for being the person that you are.
Austin Gili
Apr 8th 2011, 21:01
The Christian Brothers of De La Salle in Malta are very proud of your excellent work here on this island. You have carved a very special place in the heart of Catholic Malta. In the words of our Holy Founder St. John Baptist De La Salle you have indeed promoted your work by "toucning hearts".
I am also very sure that our Brothers of the Mid-West Province and especially of St. Patricks' in Chicago where you received your early education would be justifiably proud. Live Jesus in Our Hearts. For Ever!
P Attard
Apr 8th 2011, 20:54
Excellency - keep up your very good work. You're the best "ambassador" to the United States of America. A breath of fresh air. May your values remain with you wherever you are and wherever you go. And continue to spread them whenever you can. I'm sure you're equally busy with your "ambassadorial" work.
C Muscat
Apr 8th 2011, 20:31
Good Job ambassador. Keep it up
Charlie Borg
Apr 8th 2011, 19:59
I, too, see nothing wrong with the way the US Ambassador carries out his mission. However, in the same breath, I do also belive that as an ambassador, he should stick to things diplomatic instead of showering us with his beliefs. I am a Catholic, but I do not like politicians and other officials to push things religious down our throats. There is a balance that has to be kept and I believe that the ambassador has not kept it.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 8th 2011, 20:12
Can you please specify what it is that His Excellency is pushing down our throats? Do you notice any jarring contradiction between your first and last sentence?
Charles J. Buttigieg
Apr 8th 2011, 20:26
Charlie,I'm with you 100%. Ambassador Kmiec is an extremely nice person,however,he has a tendency to be more of a religious crusader than a Diplomat.
Charlie Borg
Apr 8th 2011, 20:30
Dear Mr Farrugia, his 'mission' is purely diplomatic and he's good at that. As with the rest, ... well .... I made my thoughts quite clear. But of course, he goes down very well with religious zealots.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 8th 2011, 20:46
So ambassadors are no longer allowed to express their religious beliefs, and being against abortion is a sign that one is a religious zealot. Oh well, we are in good company then. Carry on the good work Mr Ambassador; you have widespread support among Maltese citizens of goodwill.
Mario Ellul
Apr 8th 2011, 21:01
Yep, popery has no place in the ambassadorship of a secular state .
Jesmond Farrugia
Apr 8th 2011, 21:21
Good job on the diplomatic front, Ambassador. Excellent work overall, in fact!
Dr Francis Saliba
Apr 8th 2011, 21:45
@ Charlie B.
You may perhaps pause to consider that "politicians and other officials" have as much right as anybody else to hold and express opinions, even religious ones. When they do so they should not be accused that they "push religious opinions down our throats" even though the very mention of religious topics evidently sticks in some particular throats.
Mary Attard
Apr 8th 2011, 23:14
@ Charlie Borg
Religious zealots? More like defenders of freedom of expression. Especially if the expression conveys a message of peace and love, to stiffle it would be wrong on so many levels. Obviously, the US has a wonderul ambassador in Malta. Well done, your Excellency!
Steve Sant
Apr 8th 2011, 19:53
Good work Ambassador, you had plenty of good things to say when you made a courtesy visit to the Casino Maltese in Valletta lately. Always a smile and a good speaker, a true Ambassador indeed. When an Ambassador is no longer allowed to speak well about his country and his beliefs, it shows clearly that there are those who fear the truth. We are proud to have you as our Ambassador.
Robert Sant Fournier
Apr 8th 2011, 19:31
IN GOD WE TRUST!
Joe Zammit
Apr 8th 2011, 19:30
It is important to note that the Catholic Church in Malta and Gozo has always cherished its right to speak out on the moral issues confronting our nation. The Church has understood its responsibility in a democratic society to do her best to form properly the consciences of her members.
In continuity with the long history of her efforts to assist Catholics with the proper formation of their consciences, our Bishops will continue to enlighten us on the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church and on how we must live it in our private and public life.
The doctrine will remain always the same because the Church cannot change anything she has received from Christ but the application of this doctrine has to be clear, direct and suitable to the times.
All of us are invited by the Catholic Church to spread her salvific teaching, once we do it in union with and obedience to our Bishops and for the glory of God.
Catholic action is the mission of every Catholic!
Dr Francis Saliba
Apr 8th 2011, 19:28
To the Republic of Malta you are the most acceptable face of a United States of America with its admirable record of a welcoming great nation with a basic European Christian culture.
Martin Cassar
Apr 8th 2011, 19:24
My family and I candidly and without reservation would like to register our heartfelt support with H.E. Douglas Kmiec. for being a good man who stick principles.
Daniel Laus
Apr 8th 2011, 19:19
That's the true spirit of an American Catholic! Well done Mr.Ambassador.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 8th 2011, 19:16
Carry on the good work, Mr Ambassador.
C. Briffa
Apr 8th 2011, 19:03
WE are proud of you.
J.Tonna
Apr 8th 2011, 18:39
WELL SAID YOUR EXCELLENCY.
Do not allow non-believers to intimidate you!
The U.S. is proud of its democracy.
Please choose the reason of your report below: