A relationship based on mutual respect

The relationship between Churches and States has changed substantially through the centuries and even today many different models exist.

There were times when the State believed that it should control religion. At other times, the Church wanted to dominate the political arena. In many European countries the pendulum swung from a relationship that was too close for comfort to situations of total hostility.

The concept of positive laicite or secularity as the basis of Church/State relations was proposed by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy in his book The Republic, Religions and Hope and in a speech in Rome in December 2007.

Pope Emeritus Benedict backed this concept describing it as a fine expression during their September 2008 meeting in Paris.

Benedict stated that it is fundamental to insist on the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the State towards them.

He added that it is also fundamental to become more aware of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to the creation of a basic ethical consensus in society.

The history of relations between Church and State in Malta has also been varied.

It could not have been otherwise considering that the Church has been here for the past 2,000 years, political parties for about 200 years and the independent State of Malta for just under 50 years.

The 1970s and the 1980s were particularly tense times. Normality has been achieved since the late 1980s. A number of important agreements between the Holy See and Malta were reached on Church schools, property and marriage among others.

Good relationships also governed day to day matters concerning the vast social initiatives carried by the Church with, for example, the disabled, senior citizens and drug addicts.

Joseph Muscat has said his government wants to maintain this good relationship as he is conscious of the important contribution the Church makes to Maltese society.

On more than one occasion he reiterated, for example, retaining the Government’s financial sustenance for Church schools, cooperation on old people’s homes and support of the ‘religion’ clause in the Constitution.

That is perhaps the easiest part of the relationship. There are other more difficult areas, like marriage and civil liberties.

Dr Muscat, in comments to the press after his recent meeting with the Maltese bishops, already conceded “it is obvious that” there will be disagreement with the Church on the latter. However, disagreement, if that is what there will be, will undoubtedly be civil.

He is trying to come to an agreement on the former. The Government will be formally writing to the Holy See to revise the 1992 Church-State agreement on marriage – an agreement governed by international law – “so that the civil courts will be supreme with regard to marriage laws”.

Details are not yet known and the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto throws no light on the matter. What is without doubt is that that is a very tricky area, though it is one that should be navigated safely.

Whatever the disagreements, whatever the outcome, hopefully, the relationship between Church and State will be based on the mutual respect that has existed over the past 25 years.