Face of Christ features in anti-divorce billboards

Rachelle Farrugia Buhagiar

May 12th 2011, 13:11

'Do not be surprised, dear friends, at the fiery test that is coming upon you, as if you were experiencing something unheard of. Instead, be joyful that you are sharing to some degree the sufferings of Christ, in order that at the revealing of His glory, you may be full of joy. If you are defamed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory, yes, the Spirit of God, is resting on you.' The First General Epistle of Peter, Chapter 4, verses 12-14

Ms E Grech

May 8th 2011, 12:54

oh great we're back to the sixties where religion is used as a shield! fine, if you're against divorce just don't get a divorce but let others who might want a better life after being in abusive relationship get a divorce! and believe me i speak from personal experience..its better for the children to see their parents happy with new families than seeing them fight, not talk to each other and genearlly make life a living hell! one cannot use religion to scare people into thinking they're doing something wrong for wanting to fulfill their life's potential of loving!

Mrs Lucia Vella Vella

May 8th 2011, 12:53

Ma kienx San Pawl li gie Malta xi dwejjaq ta' pajjiz ahjar inkalja Lampedusa

Ms Lucia Davies

May 8th 2011, 10:37

Why is the church letting these groups use the Face of Christ and the church,, it is doing more harm than good to a lot of people and the church itself,, after all we all have a mind we souldn't be manipulated by anyone to vote church or politacal groups. We are so bacwards in this day and age

Mr Daniel Schembri

May 8th 2011, 09:27

When you don't have a mind of your own.........your reasoning is not reasoning.
When like these spokespersons, your mind is still chained by an indoctrination of a failing dogma, you would be making a virtue out of not thinking - faith
And a majority of faithful is dangerous because it promotes irrationality, at times seasoned with intolerance.
When you profess to have a certainty, instead of promoting humble doubt ... you would making a pizza pie (peperoni).

Victor Pulis

May 7th 2011, 19:11

Throughout history religious icons have been used for ulterior motives. We all remember the cross worn on the breasts of crusaders while they butchered fellow christians in Hungry and constantinople on their way to jerusalem and then continuing the slaughter in jerusalem itself. Their cry then was 'God Wills It'.
These murderers were even promised eternal life by the pope if they died killing infidels. So just because someone exploits a religious icon doesn't necessarily mean that he's right.

Mr Chris Sciberras

May 7th 2011, 18:58

You know, I can't believe how selfish some people are. If ones' religious beliefs go against the practice of divorce, I can see how that person would have a moral dilemma on his / her hands, God forbid he/ she had a failed marriage. But what I fail to understand is why this same person feels the need to stop anyone and everyone who has a failed marriage to be able to have a happy life married to someone new who loves and cares for them. Because that is what you would be doing if you vote NO in the referendum. After all, divorce is a second chance of happiness. And I can't see what’s so wrong with that.

So to all you who oppose divorce, I say, good for you! I wish you a long and happy future with your spouses, May you never feel the need for divorce. But for the love of all that is good, don't stand in the way of other people’s happiness.

Mr Jimmy Magro

May 7th 2011, 18:35

This campaign is ILLEGAL as our electoral law establishes a number of corrupt practices. One of them is the mixture of religion and affairs of the state. These people should be taken to court under the Corrupt Practices provisions of the laws of Malta.

Mr Jason Fenech

May 7th 2011, 18:31

To believe that there is a god is one thing and in some ways understandable. To believe that there is an omnipotent and omniscient god creator of the universe and all that surrounds us who loses sleep over marital affairs of us puny humans is to say the least ridiculous and highly presumptuous.

You people are only making fools out of yourselves and preaching to a choir that is slowly but surely heading for greener (in my opinion saner) pastures as time goes by. In a nutshell you are perpetrating your own defeat and inevitable demise.

Mr Rudy Sollars

May 7th 2011, 17:16

I consider the use of religious icons for the purposes of subliminal advertising is nothing but degrading and deplorable. Subliminal messages are words and pictures that are not consciously perceived but may influence people's judgments, attitudes, and behaviours. To me this particular method of mind control is ineffective, as it reveals the projections of anxious, desperate, narrow and provincial minds stuck in a medieval timeframe, who could do well with a dose of fresh air...

Mr Mason Stephen

May 7th 2011, 16:02

Why do certain people in Malta and the Maltese Catholic Church presume that Jesus Christ speaks through them on matters of divorce. That's taking liberties with the name of Jesus.

Mr Alan Falzon

May 7th 2011, 13:52

This divorce issue has become one big joke. As most things done on this island. When will Maltese grow up?

Mr Stefan Farrugia

May 7th 2011, 08:50

Ma nifilhux inkunu aktar purcinelli milli ahna f'dan il pajjiz jahasra.... sabih li jkollok wicc Kristu kullimkien imma mhux li tuzah al skopijiet tal ligi... come on!!! Unbelievable how low some people can get!! it makes me sick to read this comment

Mrs Connie Deguara

May 7th 2011, 07:35

That should not be allowed. Christ got nothing to do with divorce.

R. Gauci

May 6th 2011, 23:16

Jekk ghal Kristu Annullament hu accettabbli allura anke divorzju responsabbli, fiz-zewg kazi huma zwieg imfarrka. Hadd ma qed jitkellem fuq divorzju a la Las Vegas hawn.

Mr Joe Xuereb

May 6th 2011, 23:10

Quoting Saviour Falzon (today 17:56): '"And He [Jesus] answered and said, 'Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh'? Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. "
By these words, "...let no man ["anthropos" - a human being] separate [come between them]," Jesus let those who had asked the question understand that no person had a right to desire the spouse of another and attempt to seduce him/her away from his/her spouse'.
Even I know that god gave Moses the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. As far as I know this was the only time that god actually said anything. Where did the quote (above) come from. Yes, I know, it came from god but when? how? to whom? Was it within the ambit of the Old Testament or better still, for obvious reasons, in the new one.
We often hear it said that marriage needs to be strengthened. Material hardship - soaring utility bills, children's schooling, insecurity - certainly undermines any relationship. But there is much talk from Christ and since of fornication, adultery, going off with another (surely not to pay the bills but because the new partner has novelty value). So, it seems to me that the problem with marriage is not so much the hefty electricity bill but rather what's happening - or not happening - in the bedroom. It's a tough one because we are not programmed to be automatically, effortlessly, monogamous. Not after the lustre has worn off at any rate.
The potential breakdown of some marriages is never going to go away because of the nature of the inherent problem, one that god saddled us with. Divorce is one solution. Otherwise stay in the marriage and survive through denial. Or jog along, barely functional as a family, with one partner (usually the woman in our society) bearing the brust of erring spouse. This is very common but not recommended.

Ms Ludivine Bendotti

May 6th 2011, 22:24

Christian or not, if you dont want to divorce, then dont divorce! :) Other people's decisions shouldn't be for us to judge... isn't THAT written in the bible? Crazy.

Mr Saliba Francis

May 6th 2011, 20:29

Please note that the previous “immorality” “adultery” and “fornication” in older translations of Matthew Chapter 19 verse 9 have now been updated to read “whoever divorces his wife ( unless the marriage is unlawful (according to NAB)” and “rabta hazina” (according to Saydon), and marries another, commits adultery.

This version endorsed by modern biblical scholars in 2011 brings it into line with the rest of the gospels.

Mr W Cassar

May 6th 2011, 19:59

Why are some people here quoting the Bible? Whats the Bible got to do with civil law? What's the Bible got to do with non believers?

Absolutely nothing!

Mr Victor Azzopardi

May 6th 2011, 19:59

Li kieku d-Divorzju huwa hazin bhal ma qieghed naqra w nisma,nemmen li ALLA kien jghamlu KMANDAMENT u kien ikollna hdax flok ghaxra.Ghalhekk nemmen li kullhadd ghandu jimxi skond il-kuxjenza u ma jghathiex kaz ta dawn il hafna ideat banali li jhawwdu l-imhuh .Kullhadd ghandu jivvota kif ihoss hu.

Mr Joseph Calleja

May 6th 2011, 19:59

To all of you quoting that " We are speaking up as Roman Catholics who follow the teachings of that Church.It is quite clear what Christ said.' What God has joined together let no man put asunder." Why is it so different for the church to put asunder what God put together in an annulment? One marriage, two different applications? God never said it's OK to put asunder when it comes to annulment. A marriage is a marriage, an annulment is divorce used by the catholic church. Divorce is used in a court of law. Please don't twist quotes made by God. God never mentioned divorce or annulments. If it applies to one it applies to the other. You cannot put asunder with an annulment if you are not allowed to put asunder with a divorce.

Mr Robert Bonsfield

May 6th 2011, 19:14

loool, I must say This is getting RIDICULOUS.This is 2011 right?

Mr R Calleia

May 6th 2011, 18:48

Matthew 19:9 I tell you that anyone who divorces, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another commits adultery." EXCEPT FOR MARITAL UNFAITHFULNESS ! These are also the words of The Lord , so, Ms. Bonello and Mr. Attard, please State everything Jesus Christ said about Divorce... but I doubt you have the courage !

Mr Aaron Vella

May 6th 2011, 18:33

Kristu iva, Divorzju le?? U dawn qed jghidu li m'ghandhomx x'jaqsmu mal-knisja? Ara vera il-mentalita' ta' dan il-pajjiz marret il-bahar. Nahseb kollha qaddisin il-membri ta' dan il-"moviment" stupidu!

Mr Joe Borg

May 6th 2011, 18:22

Jew kattolici jew mahnix nies. mhux kattolici favur id-divorvju, jew kattolici li inzebilhu il-knisja. Iddecidu!
Min mhux kattoliku ghandu dritt jivvotta Iva jhekk jahseb li huwa ta gid ghas-socjeta.
Min jghid li hu kattoliku u favur id-divorzju huwa IPOKRITA.

Personalment jien nahseb li bl-introduzjoni tad-divorzju in-nies ha tibda tiedhol ghaz-zwieg b'inqas serjeta ghax piskologikament int taf li hemm mod biex tohrog mir-rabta li thalt fiha, u bhekk izzijid ic-cans li familji jitfarku wara iz-zwieg. b' rizultat ta iktar tahwid fil-familji u socjeta imkissra li ahna ilkoll irridu nghixu fiha.

U jhekk joghobkom marridx mnismgha iktar bl-ezempju tal-mara imsawta. Jhekk qeda f'din is-sitwazjoni, tista tissapara min mieghu. id-divorzju kull ma jghati huwa id-dritt li terga tizzewweg. Ghalkemm dawn in-niesa li addew min trawma bhal din anqas bis ikunu iridu iharsu lejn zwieg iktar.

Grazzi

Mr Saviour falzon

May 6th 2011, 17:56

This study will begin by taking a look at Matthew 19, where Jesus is questioned about divorce by certain "And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for " any cause at all'" - Matthew 19:3
In His reply, Jesus, sets the historical stage in response to their question regarding divorce rights, by presenting the intentions of God for creating marriage in the first place.
"And He [Jesus] answered and said, 'Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh'? Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. "
By these words, "...let no man ["anthropos" - a human being] separate [come between them]," Jesus let those who had asked the question understand that no person had a right to desire the spouse of another and attempt to seduce him/her away from his/her spouse
The Jews had not been living under the Old Covenant Theocracy for over 400 years by the Time of Christ and they hadn't up to this moment brought into the conversation, the divorce Law under Moses.
They had merely asked the question,"Is it lawful to divorce his wife for any cause at all?"
After hearing Jesus' history lesson regarding the intentions of God for creating Marriage in the first place, the Questioners appeared to believe they had Jesus in an uncomfortable position, as they then challenged Him with the Law under Moses:
"They said to Him,'Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?'
Matthew reports Jesus' reply: "He [Jesus] said to them, 'Because of your hardness of heart, Moses permitted youto divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way.'"
Jesus was providing them the target moral reason why a right to Divorce had been necessary (the divorce law instituted by Moses) and why this right had remained in effect within a morally fallen world.
By replying to the "test" question in such a manner, Jesus targeted the underlying moral failure of Mankind - both, male and female - to live within the "intentions" of God.
Within this initial reply to the "test" question, Jesus did not deny that Moses had instituted a divorce right or that a divorce right remained.
That Jesus intended to correct the false statement they had made (within the question asked) is clear by His replies.
Jesus, continued His reply by targeting the lie within their question, said:
"And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for*immorality*,and marries another woman commits adultery..."
This reply exposed the deceit within their initial question regarding, their use of the words,
"...for any cause at all." --
Here, once more, is the question Jesus was responding to:
"And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?"
Sexual unfaithfulness destroys the meaning of marriage (unlawful sexual activity is defined within the word Jesus chose to use).
Jesus clearly taught that there was ~ and is ~ a divorce and remarriage right.
In naming "immorality" which carries within it's definition, sexual sins, yet not limited to them, as a just-cause basis for divorce, Jesus kept His reply within the context of His own "teaching" and "authoritative" reply.
:

Mr Saliba Francis

May 6th 2011, 17:53

@ Mrs C Lazzari Portelli.

In Malta, divorce is NOT a Law - not at the moment anyway!

The referendum option is NOT whether to use it or not - it is whether it should be added to the statute book or not.

The referendum asks the voter if s/he wants divorce to be added to the statute book (notwithstanding Christ prohibition that a marriage made by God should not be put asunder by man).

To most of us that is a matter of great importance and not just a "fuss that has been going on for such a long tim".

I hope that you can understand that.

Mr Keith Sammut

May 6th 2011, 17:45

Kif tista tiggustifika argument fuq xi haga li ser tolqot pajjiz shih b'ragunar kattoliku, meta l-pajjiz m'huwiex 100% kattoliku?

Mr Robert Callus

May 6th 2011, 17:34

What a shame, using the face of a man who talked about compassion and against "throwing the first stone" for this propaganda. I'm sure Christ himself would distance himself from these people if he had the opportunity.

Victor Pulis

May 6th 2011, 17:32

@ Ms. Christine Amaira
I think you meant to say catholic as all other christian denominations accept divorce

Mr Joseph Calleja

May 6th 2011, 17:22

"The group - Kristu Iva, Divorzju le - says it is composed of lay people who are not directly linked to the Church." How can they say they are not linked to the church? What is the picture of Christ doing on the billboard? What is the church without Christ? What a bunch of crocodile? Who do they think they are laying? Ignorance is bliss. Who are you trying to kid? Stop trying to coerce people into believing in what you believe. live and let live, but I guess you don't know what that means and what it means is mind your own business. You stay married because you want to stay married not because you have to or because somebody else tells you to. Being forced to stay married is a sin in itself.

Mrs c. Lazzari Portelli

May 6th 2011, 17:14

Why all this fuss going on for such a long time ??? Just cannot understand...its making me go nutss..reading all this ....
DIVOROCE IS A LAW !!! And ALL WILL BE FREE TO USE IT OR NOT USE IT !!!
I hope I will never need it !! BUT ITS a LAW that has to be there for those who need it !!!
Just do not be selfish...if you do not ned it today you might need it tomorrow !!
Or else you can always opt not to ever use it...its YOUR CHOICE ALWAYS ...NO ONE IS GOING TO FORSCE ANYONE TO USE IT ONES IT IS THERE ...ITS ALWAYS A CHOICE!!!
SO PLEASEEEEEEEE...ENOUGH FUSS !!!

Simple no...let there be the law but those who think its no good just do not use it..BUT PLEASE LET OTHERS DO IF THEY NEED IT !!!
I live in Italy its a catholic country DIVORCE passed some 40 years ago and maybe there are less broken families than in malta !!!
Families break not because there is the Divorce LAW ...but because there is something going wrong and those two persons who thought will stay together till the end found out its impossible for them....things that happen...so pleaseeeeeeeeee...think and reason out, and be kind not SELFISH ...by the way SELFISHNESS is a BIG SIN ...sooo !!!! :) :) :)

Alfred Vassallo

May 6th 2011, 17:04

I ask this. What is the Law for? The Law is there so that everybody lives in harmony with each other. And if anybody breaks it, that person will have to put up with the Law which will remit the situation in favor of the aggrieved party. The same can be said with Marriage. As long as the marriage is kept healthy than its plain sailing, But once it founders beyond reconciliation than it’s no longer considered ''as what God joined together let no man put asunder''. That’s why Jesus stressed in no unequivocal terms that ''Except for fornication (and fornication does mean that and not as what some persons would like us to believe) or unlawful sexual behavior''. This is just plain common sense in its true essence of meaning.

John Carmel Navarro

May 6th 2011, 17:03

How sad is this latest stunt by the 'No Divorce' lague surely bringing the Lord into a referendum is totally unacceptable and such posters must be removed forthwith. It is obvious their main weapon is fear!

Mr Adrian Borg Cardona

May 6th 2011, 17:00

"You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name". Exodus 20:7. Does the anti-divorce group know their Bible?

Mr Edward Camilleri

May 6th 2011, 16:52

Unbelievable, some people really go to extremes to withhold rights from others. The church has no place in divorce discussions, its a civil cause not a religious one!

Mr Lawrence Calleja

May 6th 2011, 16:36

What is so wrong with putting Jesus Christ face on a billboard? Hope that more pictures of Jesus are placed in everybody's house and belongings. He is our protector from evil.

Mr S Cachia

May 6th 2011, 16:35

Nuzaw lil alla kif jaqblina u fejn jaqblilna.... il knisja ma tinbidel qatt... tibqa tuza l arma tat twerwir mid dnub... l istorja terga tirrepeti ruha.... FARIZEJ!

Ms Maria Abela

May 6th 2011, 16:31

@ Mr Paul Barett
Yes it is quite relevant and proper for Catholic people in Malta to speak up against divorce .No one is speaking for the protestants, methodists, baptists,and other Christian denominations. We are speaking up as Roman Catholics who follow the teachings of that Church.It is quite clear what Christ said.' What God has joined together let no man put asunder.'Simple.

David Caruana

May 6th 2011, 16:31

I find it very unfair, we are supposed to live in a religious free society but local online newspapers IGNORE all other creeds.

I believe in Frodo Baggins of the Shire, who is OK with divorce, but for some strange reason, timesofmalta.com keeps censoring my comment.

I do not give up easily, so I'll try again....

FRODO IVA
DIVORZJU IVA!

Mr Mike Abbot

May 6th 2011, 16:28

taken from a previous comment:

8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

for those of you who wish to base their choice on what Jesus said, note the word 'EXCEPT'.
There is a world of difference between what hard line people are trying to get you to believe and what is actually written. For Jesus there was the OPTION for divorce. All arguments claiming Jesus was 100% against divorce are deceitful.

Mr Richard Mifsud

May 6th 2011, 16:26

Will this country ever grow up???? I guess a big NO is the very clear answer!! Why are we still mixing religious issues with political issues?

Please grow up, get a life and let everyone decide his own future. Don't be selfish and think you have any right to decide for anyone else!!

Mr Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina

May 6th 2011, 16:24

@Sinjuri Maltin u Għawdxin;
Hawn xi kopja rasa fuq għonqa li mhux dejjem tagħmel dak li hu tajjeb, u mhux bil-ħsieb dejjem f’moħħa li qed tagħmlu tajjeb u mill-aħjar għax għall-ULIEDA?

Alla fil-pjan tiegħu għamel żwieġ ba divirzju mhux għax ma kienx kapaċi, imma għax mhux tajjeb għalina, ULIED ALLA!

Hawn xi ħadd ma jemminx li kieku d-divorzju kien tajjeb, Alla ma kienx ikun kapaċi jagħmel pjan biz-żwieġ bid-divorzju għall-ULIED ALLA?

Imma ma għamlux, għax mhux tajjeb!

Mela allura din il-moda tad-divorju hi ħażina GĦALINA u għall-ULIEDNA!

U għallura jien nemmen li dan is-slogan KRISTU IVA , DIVORZJU LE huwa wkoll messaġġ b’sens ta’ dover u responsabilita lillna l-ġenituri, nanniet, zijiet u qraba biex flimkien warajna nħallu lill uliedna Malta u Għawdex mingħajr il-moda tad-DIVORZJU skond il-pjan ta’ ĠRESU ALLA L-IMBIEREK LI ĦALAQNA!!

Mr M Vella***

May 6th 2011, 16:18

KRISTU IVA ,DIVORZJU IVA
Divorzju Iva, Pedofelija Le'! Its cruel, but its true!

Mr Joseph Calleja

May 6th 2011, 16:16

KRISTU IVA,
DIVORZJU IVA
NIES LI MA JAFUX JERFGHU SALIBHOM LE.

Mr Mario Zammit

May 6th 2011, 16:14

LE ghad-divorzju.

Mr Joe Zammit

May 6th 2011, 16:07

Some are mixing up divorce with remarriage. Divorce is not remarriage. Divorce is the dissolution of a validly contracted marriage by a human person. In an annulment there is no dissolution because there is no marriage.

And here is the evil of divorce: you have a valid marriage in which the spouses have solemnly VOWED to remain each other's, to remain faithful to each other in that, and ONLY in that marriage, and then somebody who has no say in that marriage abuses by declaring that marriage invalid.

What God has united let no man, no State put asunder! This is the greatest argument against the evil and the superficiality of divorce. No person, no MP can vote for it without sinning seriously against God! Divorce is intrinsic evil and as such it admits of NO exception! Divorce is always a grave sin that separates the sinner from God and puts them on the path to hell … and to hell for ever!

Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!

Mr Joe Zammit

May 6th 2011, 16:06

Christ was clear on the evil of adultery and said that, if one divorces his spouse and enters another marriage, one lives in adultery. (Mk 10, 2-12; Mt 19, 2-9). In the first letter to the Corinthians, St Paul says: “Do not be deceived; neither … nor adulterers… will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor.6, 9-10).

Divorce is a grave sin. Par. 1789 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church runs: “One may never do evil so that good may result from it”

On July 13, 1917 the Virgin Mary told the three children of Fatima that “many go to hell on account of the sins of the flesh”. Among the sins of the flesh there is adultery. Padre Pio had regular mystical contacts with God, saints, angels and devils, and used to say that "divorce is a passport to hell".

Divorce leads to hell because it transgresses God’s categorical law on marriage, namely indissolubility. Divorce purports to do what it cannot do, namely to dissolve a valid marriage.

Let no one try to deceive God by planning to live in sin and die in grace. Such a plan will be the devil’s snare. You die as you live!

Charisse Bartoli

May 6th 2011, 16:02

If you're catholic and you do not wish to get a divorce then don't - it is as simple as that! Don't be inconsiderate! There are others who do not practice your religion, who are not catholic and who should be able to make their own choice as to whether they should get a divorce or not. The more the church imposes, the more I'm inclined to vote in favour!

Mr Paul Micallef

May 6th 2011, 16:01

In the name of my lord JESUES, how low can one go, using his image as to say, that those that will vote IVA, will go against him??? are you for real?? have you lost all sense of PRIDE???? I have always prayed to my KING JESUES, i have always shown him rispect, I AM AFRAID OF HIM, but i will not be afraid of people that use his IMAGE like that, my lord has given me free will.and i will use it and no one will scare me, MY LORD is kind,sweet,and tolerant, MY lord is forever fogiving me for the sins that i commit,my LORD has given me a beatifull weapon to fight against evil on thie earth, when i die he can sort me out,BUT NO ONE WILL SCARE ME; NO ONE, using his IMAGE to scare??? me?? when i see that image i see a kind lord that only wants the best for me and his flock. To the person who come up with the idea that using his image will scare think again you have made my stronger in my will to vote YES: PAUL MICALLEF 373471m, i dont scare, i am not afraid of the BBABAW. If any priest comes up to me and tells me, the way that i should vote i hope to GOD tha he will have that image on him.

Mr A Grech

May 6th 2011, 15:59

A new Movement has also been set up on Facebook social network regarding this issue. In my opinion, it has one of the most meaningful messages so far about this topic:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moviment-Tindahalx/209473562408672

Mr Anthony Borg

May 6th 2011, 15:54

This (Maltese) generation is not the narrow-minded people we had before, cowed and terrified by sin and eternal damnation.

This generation is intelligent, and those that believe, believe in a loving God, and will not let "other people", whether politicians or clergy, lead them by their noses.

Wasn't it the politicians and the clergy of his day that crucified Christ? Do not overburden your consciences fellow citizens...vote with your mind and reasoning, not with your heart. That doesn't make you a lesser Christian.

You don't want divorce? Fine ...enjoy your family...but give others not so lucky a chance to start over again. (whether it's their fault or not - we should not judge). It is because I am happily married that I will vote "YES" in the coming referendum. By my humble vote, I hope to assist many of good will to seek a better life!



Resume

Ms Samantha Debono

May 6th 2011, 15:43

Wow..... congratulations! This is a new LOW for the LE campaign.... well done!

Mr jason mallia

May 6th 2011, 15:42

Unbelievable !!!!! Trid tara biex temmen...........!!

This means that according to these " Christians " who votes Yes , its against Christ !!!!!

Trid tara Biex temmen !!!

Mr David Farrugia

May 6th 2011, 15:40

KRISTU IVA - KO-ABITAZZJONI LE
KRISTU IVA - KONTRACETTIVI LE
KRISTU IVA - ABBUZ TA TFAL MINN MEMBRI TAL-KLERU LE

just a hint for slogans these wise and holy people might use in future campaigns.

Mr wayne scicluna

May 6th 2011, 15:38

The more I read, the more I confirm that Malta and many of its inhabitants still live in the dark ages! This propaganda they are spreading is nothing short of bull****. There are plenty of drugs available but that does not mean that you have to use them. Same as this divorce issue. Better to have it and not need it than to not have it and need it.

Ms Roberta Booker

May 6th 2011, 15:37

This is becoming pathetic, because divorce has nothing to do with religion - It is purely a legal matter. Furthermore, if one was to shut up the "voice of those in the world who wanted to break up what God had united" and divorce is not legalized, married couples would still break up. Divorce will simply give these people another chance at civil marriage, should they wish.

Live and let live I say!

Mr Martin Saliba

May 6th 2011, 15:35

Hopefull there will not be some nut case , especially from the anti divorce side , that vandalises this bill board. Could this be what they are hoping for ?

Victor Pulis

May 6th 2011, 15:32

Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God and have faith that even when there were marriage problems, God would help them through.

If this is true why does the church approve and condone separation?
We need solutions not age old cliches like "Alla jghinek" whenever confronted with a problem.
Look around you and notice that the world, society has changed in the last two thousand years. Take your heads out of the sand and face facts.

Mr mario gellel

May 6th 2011, 15:30

The group - Kristu Iva, Divorzju le - says it is composed of lay people who are not directly linked to the Church.

THEN STOP USING WHAT IS OF THE CHURCH IN PUBLIC PLACES. DON'T YOU KNOW THAT IN MALTA THERE IS THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION ???
THE SO CALLED ANTI DIVORCE MOVEMENTS ARE BECOMING IMPOSERS AND LOOSING ALL THAT THEY CLAIM THEY BELIEVE IN. SHAME ON YOU.

Mr R ferriggi

May 6th 2011, 15:26

we as christians all are in agreement that CATHOLIC MARRIAGE IS FOREVER.

this issue and vote on divorce is another issue.

it is about giving the rights and obligations to persons who have decided that their union is impossible.

so the church is TOTALLY misleading if not abusing the public's intelligence in this campaign.

this is about PUTTING RIGHT the wrong that has been done by mixing up ecclesiastical and civil marriage laws together to make a hotch potch of a law.

Mr Josef Caruana

May 6th 2011, 15:22

KRISTU IVA HOBZ BIZ-ZEJT LE

This is how much sense that poster makes when discussing a secular law about divorce

Joseph Meli

May 6th 2011, 15:22

During Friday 29th April, 2011 During the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Katie the English Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, spiritual head of the Anglican Church well and which was watched by well over two billion viewers who also heard a special and very important message by saying to the couples about how marriage was an “institute of God himself for men” and how “every wedding is a royal wedding” and that a married couple should, “forsaking all other,” remain loyal to each other for the rest of their lives.

Yet this was in a country where the head of the state is the Queen and they do have the divorce, yet he told them that they should not divorce as until death do they part. And we the Maltese whom we are supposed to be Christians/Catholic are forgetting that marriage is an institution of God (as the Arch-Bishop stated), instead some might say that it is man made, which is surely NOT. But many like me also noticed what he further stated "Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together." And you want to introduce DIVORCE, how is this shameful act being accepted ?

Wenzu Vella

May 6th 2011, 15:20

The divorce referendum is dividing the Maltese people and the responsibility falls on the Prime Minister and the Ach Bishop. The Prime Minister is doing a Pontius Pilate washed his hands and asking the people to do what should have been an act of parliament. The Arch Bishop on the other hand is NOT controlling his clergy and the so called lay people, because it is not adhering to an earlier policy of not crusading about this important piece of legislation giving those who’s marriage has already broken down beyond repair.
No matter what the results of the referendum the Catholic Church in Malta would be the looser because it is alienating those who are already on the fringe.

Ms C. Dimech

May 6th 2011, 15:20

How embarrassing. I hope that the foreigners reading these excerpts understand that these are small shards of our population and that many of us are sound minded individuals who can argue rationally without the need to wave images of Christ in public. Ara min jghid xi haga kontra il musulmani estremisti !!!!

Mr Lawrence Andrews

May 6th 2011, 15:16

Kristu Iva - separazzjoni iva - annullamenti iva - pogguti iva - tfal illegittimi iva - nisa w irgiel imsawta fizikament or psikologimanet iva IMMA dovorzju LE; what a farse.
come out of your little hole and face the most clear facts; why such fear of regulation?
Let people who are out in the cold straighten their difficult lives out.
STOP being selfish if you are happily married; be happy about it and let others be happy too.

Ms Maria Vella

May 6th 2011, 15:12

The amount of intolerance that is going around is shameful. You might not agree with what this group of people might be saying but let them be.

You all have the right to go and vote on the 28th, so just do that and go about doing your day to day chores

Mr Lenny Degiorgio

May 6th 2011, 15:10

In 2011 Malta is still living in the dark ages. Unbelievable!

Perhaps we should reintroduce the Inquisition and burn at the stake all the infedels who vote for divorce...

Joseph Borg

May 6th 2011, 15:10

"Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God and have faith that even when there were marriage problems, God would help them through."

Basically, let the husband use his wife as a punching bag, let the wife wonder around with others while her busband is at work, etc , etc....

NEVER mix GOD with divorce. It's a shame and the church should take action and remove than billboard. This has gone too far now.

If you believe in God, then act accordingly. But, do not mess with other peoples lives. God has nothing to do with this.

God is not invent divorce. So, wake up and open your brain-washed minds.

Ms Xaxa Caruana

May 6th 2011, 15:09

GHALIJA :

KRISTU IVA , L-EWWEL U QABEL KOLLOX.
DIVORZJU IVA.
QASSISIN TA MALTA ( MHUX KOLLA) LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

MALTIN + ANNULLAMNET = POWER + MONEY ,FOR CHURCH
MALTIN + DIVORZJU = LESS POWER U LESS MONEY FOR CHURCH.......

META KRISTU GIE FID DINJA GIE BHALA IBEN TA MASTRDAXXA, MA GIEX SINJUR BHAL MA HI L KNISJA ILLUM IL GURNATA......

IMISKHOM TISTU TINQDEW BI KRISTU, U FEJNA IL-KURJA ?? POSSIBLI TIPERMETTI AFFARIJIET BHAL DAWN GO MALTA KATTOLIKA......

ISTHU.

Victor Pulis

May 6th 2011, 15:07

Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God and have faith that even when there were marriage problems, God would help them through.

If that's true why does the church condone and approve separation?
We need solutions not cliches. The truth is that marriages fail and break up no matter how much the couple prays. Face facts and get your heads out of the sand.

Mr Andrew Grech

May 6th 2011, 15:07

I always wondered whether the faithful understood that religious pictures depicting Saints, or as in this case Jesus, are all artistic impressions or whether they truly believe that the face being portrayed is in fact His (or theirs).
My point being do the faithful think enough or just echo what's being said to them. The divorce issue has never been a catholic issue. Divorce is a civil tool to dissolves a civil marriage, not a catholic one. So the faithful needn't be worried about divorce.
I also ask people to think a little bit more about others and not only themselves, if one is against divorce all he/she needs to do is not consider it as an option, but please leave that option open for those who do not share your beliefs, for those who seek such remedy to better their current situation. I think its only fair and tolerant to act in such a way. Think about those who are not Catholics.
This is not a contest between God and the devil as some famous individual normally states in his posts. I for one am in favour of divorce and do not consider myself to side with the devil, nor to be evil. His implications are far from being righteous.

Freedom and liberty of thought is the only way forward for a better understanding of ourselves. The true choice and free will lies within ourselves, giving us freedom and the right to choose will make that choice count. Not to be allowed such a choice will then hold no merit but is just a means of control and verges on tyranny. So i ask, in life do you want to have the right to choose, or have that choice made for you by others?

Mr Joseph Calleja

May 6th 2011, 15:06

"Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God." Is that why they believe in annulments? An annulment is the answer to divorce by the Catholic Church. Yes if divorce goes through, the church has the most to lose mentally and financially. Why are these people so interested in my welfare? Are they really worried that if we vote for divorce we will all be going to hell or are they so gullible that they believe what ever the church and the government tells them? Why aren't these people more worried about the graft by the government and protesting against the perks and pay raises the politicians are receiving at our (Tax Payer) expense. Could it be that the government is so eagerly pushing the anti divorce initiative to cover up some of these unforeseen Perks and Hefty Pay Raises? Ignorance is bliss. Tend to saving your own soul and let the rest of us tend to saving ours. I wonder why the big concern. The billboards by either side are doing nothing more than creating a lot of hatred and prejudice among the citizens. Let divorce be there for those who want it and need it. Vote IVA.

Mr Paul Barrett

May 6th 2011, 15:00

I really do wish that people would stop claiming and using anti divorce slogans in the name of Christians. Fair they can claim this in the name of the Roman Catholic Church but the Roman Catholic Church inflexible beliefs do not reflect the beliefs of all Christians. Roman Catholic beliefs should not be imposed on members of other branches of the Christian faith or indeed any other members of other religions in a secular state.

Apart from a religious argument the anti-divorce movement actually have no grounds for opposing divorce legislation. Dragging out signs like the one depicted in this article actually shows desperation; that they now need to resort to and depend on previous brainwashing, mindless obedience as well as subtle fear of hell and damnation to enforce the Roman Catholic Church position, power and dominance on divorce.

Mr Neptune van Helsing

May 6th 2011, 14:53

Matthew 19

Divorce

1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”

4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’[a] 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

biblegateway.com

MY personal conclusions:

a. Jesus gave an exception for divorce for sexual immorality;
b. they asked him: "for any reason";
c. the question was also "a man sends away his wife" ... ie he was answering a question about 1st century jewish lifestyle ... so we should study that first to fully understand what to send his wife away means;
d. "let no one seperate" ... that "no one" isnt the judge or jpo ... its the "very close friend" of your husband, who "starts feeling" something for him, or your wife's "best friend", who feels he would be better for her.

Jesus preached love and forgiveness, not damnation for eternity.
I will vote Yes with a clean conscience

Cheers

Mr Nicholas Micallef

May 6th 2011, 14:52

As usual in Malta!! 2011 and still we didn't learn!! These 2 matters SHOULD NOT be mixed together!!!

The church is brainwashing people with this nonsense!!

I once read that we are all God's creations, in favour of divorce or not...

You make me sick!!

Mr Christine Sammut

May 6th 2011, 14:51

What a shame!!! How can these people who say they are good 'Christians' yet use the picture of Christ like this as if they have no conscience. In my opinion such a picture is sacred and should never be used on billboards this way. I can’t even believe how the church accepted this. I’m not a saint but I feel bad seeing the face of Christ being used for a referendum rally. I’m sure who is a true Christian does not need such a thing to remind him divorce is against religion.

Mrs silvia debono

May 6th 2011, 14:46

I wonder what has to do Christ with divorce. And how is it that these people know that Christ does not want divorce? Did Christ speak to them in a meeting and told them so? Once I read that going to church everyday does not make you a good christian as well as standing inside a garage does not make you a car. Divorce has nothing to do with Christ and the Virgin Mary. I come from a catholic country where divorce has been introduced long time ago. I do not believe these people belonging to this group are better than I am. As a Maltese national, I say IVA to Christ and IVA to divorce. Two so different things.

Mr Patrick Zammit

May 6th 2011, 14:45

Kristu Iva, Koabitazjoni Le?

Jennifer Cosaitis

May 6th 2011, 14:42

Divorce is a civil right. There should be no problem distinguishing that from one's faith

Nik Xuereb Conti

May 6th 2011, 14:41

Religion is a person matter. It should be used to find one's place in the universe. It should not be used to control or persecute people!

Mr philip borg

May 6th 2011, 14:39

it all shows that money is no problem! Where's the funding coming from? Is there some religious entity fotting the bill? Chi consente, tace......

Nik Xuereb Conti

May 6th 2011, 14:38

??? Can the church be more pathetic ???

Mr Michael Galea

May 6th 2011, 14:35

KRISTU IVA
DIVORZJU IVA

Mr PJ Azzopardi

May 6th 2011, 14:33

Referendum bla sens.....€1m down the drain..............! misshom dahhluh, min irid jiehdu, min ma jridx ma jiehdux.

Mr Frederick Attard

May 6th 2011, 14:30

Are these people for real??????

The more they sprout, the more we get convinced to VOTE YES FOR DIVORCE

Charles J. Buttigieg

May 6th 2011, 14:22

Ghalija,Kristu IVA u ghad divorzju Iva wkoll.

Mr W Cassar

May 6th 2011, 14:17

"the choice for the Divorce referendum was a straightforward one. For Christian, the choice was between the word of God, who does not want divorce, and the voice of those in the world who wanted to break up what God had united."

You guys fail to get it !!! ....Go tell that to someone who is a non believer, stop imposing your beliefs on other people and let them have a right to choose and decide their own lives.

Xi dwejjaq ta nies!!

Mr Glenn Camilleri

May 6th 2011, 14:16

This has gone too far. Jesus has nothing to do with it.

Germans making fun of us now. It's taking the micky out of us

Link: http://www.diesseits.de/religi%C3%B6se-malta-machen-gegen-scheidung-mobil

Mr Joe Micallef

May 6th 2011, 14:16

So initially I was convinced of voting NO as I am not confortable to live in a society without the institution of marriage, then came some hopeless clergy and made me consider voting YES with their threats of damnation until Dr. Debhora's (whatever her surname) spoilt-girly style whining re approached me to NO.

My NO was nearly guaranteed (not like the immoral lie of maintenance voted by the majority of our parliament -Now there is a good reason why I would be against decent wages for MPs) by the nonsensical arguments of the annoying JPO and his new pal Evarist.

Then came these bunch of sad people and blew it all away.

And this does not consider the effect of the ridiculous bill boards of both sides

I am divorcing myself from the issue

Ms Emma Xerri

May 6th 2011, 14:16

What does a picture of a Celtic-looking "Jesus" have to do with the historic Jesus, who probably looked much like any modern-day Middle-Easterner and only spoke against divorce as it was practiced in his time where the man held absolute power over the marriage (and to an extent the way it is still practiced in Muslim countries, with the man telling the woman "talaq' three times and presto, she is divorced and out the door with nothing on her back and returns to her parents in shame). I am sure that Christ was not talking against divorce in the modern western context but only against the anti-woman bias inherent in the divorce practices of his day. In fact he only talks about a man divorcing his wife and not vice-versa.

These people would do well to put things in their proper perspective.

Ms S. Fenech

May 6th 2011, 14:14

I have been seperated from my husband for the past 10 years. I filed for annulment soon after seperation but still got no reply from the ecclesiastic authority. After all this time, I lost hope, faith and all that goes with it. Especially since my husband has got another partner and child.

My question is, since faith in God is being summoned to ALL christians.... why is it that priests and nuns can have their marraige to GOD annulled, but us - common people - no??? Why is it that any ecclesiastic member can change its mind and remarry in church, after breaking the vows with God?? Is this Christ's preaching??

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone". Christ asked his disciples to follow his example. Are they doing so???

Please, let Christ and the Holy Virgin out of this issue. My faith towards them will not succumb, with or without divorce.

Mr Clyde Ellul

May 6th 2011, 14:14

When one is arguing against proposed state legislation, one cannot use religious arguments, because they would only reach out to those who are strong believers and who are likely to be voting against divorce already, without need of any convincing.

It is comforting to know that the church itself, and prominent people within it such as Fr Joe Borg, who is himself strongly against divorce, are wise enough to bring forward arguments of a social, legal and economic nature, which are universal to all. While I do not agree with most of them as reasons for not passing divorce legislation, I still respect them.

Using Christ as an all-killer argument, however, is completely insensible and pathetic, because it just reflects the kind of fundamentalism of that sub-group of society that believes just about anything other people dish out to them, without thinking or questioning. In our age, where respect and authority is acquired, not inherited or imposed, this kind of campaigning will do more harm to the anti-divorce supporters than do them any good.

Michael Pule

May 6th 2011, 14:13

Nawgurakkom success fil-kampanja taghkom. Irridu naghzlu t-triq - ma' Kristu jew kontriH. Ghazla facli ghal min jemmen fiH.

Mr Joseph Micallef

May 6th 2011, 14:09

Nobody is imposing Divorce on believers! Why don't these people get it?!!

Mr Saviour falzon

May 6th 2011, 14:09

God had united?
when i ever happened to attend a similar CEREMONY , All i see was a man called a priest celebrating the ceremony. That's all one will see.
Let's take it from the religious side, "How can one be sure that GOD had accepted that marriage?:)
There was and never will be seen any GOD , apart from a priest, who will just celebrate the ceremony in teh name of GOD.
Again Are you sure GOD did accept that marriage :)
What you believe in is what you believe in :)

Mr Joe Borg

May 6th 2011, 14:09

That's right, you can't say you are catholic and in favour of introduction of divorce at the same time.

In Luke 16:18 Jesus says:
Every one who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

I hope every one understand that this bilboard is only intended for catholics.
I' have nothing against people who are not catholic and agree with the introduction of divorce.
But don't claim yourselves catholics unless you're against the introduction of divorce.

God Bless

Mr Marc Vella Bonnici

May 6th 2011, 14:07

What a load of rubbish :S when are people just going to mind their own business in this country and let others do what they want?

Are people that scared that they will not be good enough for their spouse in the future that they want to tie him or her down forever?

Divorce is accepted all over the world.... its even accepted in Malta however you have to go abroad to get it.

If God does not want divorce and you believe that then do not get divorced however there are many cases where i'm sure that if God was here he would want the people involved to have another chance.
There are many things which are legal in life however it does not mean that everyone has to do it.

Mr PJ Azzopardi

May 6th 2011, 14:07

wot a shame!

Mr Joseph Micallef

May 6th 2011, 14:07

What about non-christians? Is the Maltese government the monopoly of Christians only?

Carol Zammit

May 6th 2011, 14:06

"Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God and have faith that even when there were marriage problems, God would help them through" - why is it always assumed that Maltese are all Christians? How could Jesus Christ comment on marriage when he wasn't even married himself? Not even his parents were!!

Anthony Lee Baldacchino

May 6th 2011, 14:06

Tuzawx lil Kristu, ghax Kristu qal biex ma niggudikawx, u dawn huma l-istess nies li ga ghajru lili u l-kul min hu favur id-divorzju responsabbli li ahna ma nhobbux lil Kristu ghax se nivvutaw iva. Dawn huma nies li jipridkaw l-ghaqda u qed igiebu l-firda. Ghandi ragun, li ghal li ghamiltu fil-passat, jiena wiehed min dawk l-ELUF KBAR, ala l-Knisja (Kif inhi immexxija f`Malta) ma nahfrilha QATT.

Timmy Farrugia

May 6th 2011, 13:58

"Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God and have faith that even when there were marriage problems, God would help them through." yes whilst your husband is beating you up this of God to help ease the pain of each blow!!!

Gelardu De Bono

May 6th 2011, 13:56

Yeah Yeah Yeah
You sound just like the TALIBAN! Trying to BRAINWASH people.
Get a life!!
FREEDOM OF CHOICE WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL AT THE END..........

Mr Horace Gauci

May 6th 2011, 13:55

I totally agree with this. In fact, Christ himself said: "But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10,33). The question is a simple one ... you're either on Christ's side or not! God bless us all.

Joseph Vassallo

May 6th 2011, 13:54

Isn't it rather presumptuous to say what Jesus wants and what he doesn't want?

I was always taught that taking the name of the Lord my God in vain is a mortal sin.

Ms N Buttigieg

May 6th 2011, 13:53

This Billboard is an insult to the Christian Catholic religion.

VOTE YES 4 DIVORCE.

Charlie Borg

May 6th 2011, 13:50

'Christians, they insisted, should base themselves on the word of God and have faith that even when there were marriage problems, God would help them through.'
Fine. Go tell this to those whose life has become a hell on earth because they made a mistake in their marriage!

Mr Edgar Gatt

May 6th 2011, 13:50

This is now getting out of hand. So may I ask what is Christ thinking about all the other countries in the world.

Mr Emanuel Curmi

May 6th 2011, 13:48

Try saying that to that poor woman fighting for her life after being brutally stabbed by her husband. How many martyrs are needed before realising that a marraige without love and mutual respect is not a blessing but hell on earth.

Bernard Mamo

May 6th 2011, 13:46

This is getting ridiculous :(

Do they realise that this is divorce from civil not catholic wedding?

And what about those who don't believe or care?

I suggest before Protesting divorce, they explain this to me:

Why are women talking? Don't they read their scriptures? What is the meaning of Timothy 2:12??
http://bible.cc/1_timothy/2-12.htm

Oh my...