Comments made by both Fr Alfred Micallef and Ranier Fsadni (September 4) brought out forcefully the distinction between the roles of administration and charisma in leadership. They were referring to the criticism of Archbishop Paul Cremona’s leadership in the Maltese Church.

The first states: “Leadership in the Church should not be limited to capabilities in administration” while the second contributor remarked that criticism of the Archbishop’s leadership was mainly attributed to “procrastination of important administrative decisions: a criticism of the Archbishop as executive”.

Though both attributes - charisma and administrative skills - are important for any leader and one endowed with both is, undoubtedly, more effective, we have to admit that the primary role of the Church leader is to lead his flock in the footsteps of Christ. Charisma and vision are of utmost importance for the bishop is not chosen as an executive but as a shepherd.

As Fsadni pointed out, it is the institution of the Church that is in a crisis and needs reorganisation.

The bishop, as head of the institution, cannot be identified with the institution. The Church has different administrative roles that are carried out by various people. Let us not attribute all misgivings to the bishop, our ‘spiritual’ leader. His humility, servitude and sense of prayer are characteristics of one who leads by example and is at the service of all. As Micallef succinctly puts it, an excellent administrator who lacks inspirational qualities could hardly be a good Church leader.

Let us by all means discuss leadership in the Church, giving it a broader and wider perspective.

Without minimising the pastoral role of the bishop and that of his collaborators let us, for the good of the Church, re-examine its structures so that the good news is more effectively adhered to.