The Church’s lack of direction under Archbishop Paul Cremona’s stewardship was discussed at a recent presbyterial council, Times of Malta has learnt.

The issue made it to the agenda amid priests’ growing concerns that direction from the Church’s leaders was not forthcoming.

A council member, who asked to remain anonymous, said there was general agreement that “a leadership vacuum” had developed. The meeting heard that repeated calls by parish priests for direction on pastoral issues were met with procrastination from the Curia.

But concerns were also raised on what priests felt was the Church’s muted response to morally charged issues, such as civil unions.

Mgr Cremona was indisposed for the meeting, which was chaired by Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna. The leadership issue had been on the agenda before Mgr Cremona cancelled his attendance.

More on Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com.