Recent events in local clerical circles have sent shock waves that stunned the people of these islands. Undoubtedly, our religion is at the crossroads, this time round buffeted not by outward malignant forces or political influences but, rather, by alleged and proven internal scandals.

Sadly, the credibility of our Church is being threatened and is at stake, its doctrine is being questioned; our holy icon has been debased as the media splashes these occurrences on the front pages, and rightly so.

However, it is most unfair to cast a dark shadow on all the clergy and nullify the noble work done at Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Caritas, the Millennium chapel and by the truly dedicated parish priests and voluntary Church organisations.

While those who have blotted the name of our religion should be condemned, let us remember the many priests and religious who have been a paragon of honesty and commitment to the faithful.

Perhaps I speak with some emotion because I have relatives and friends within the clergy who, I can vouch, feel deeply aggrieved by the general condemnation in spite of their true dedication in the service of God.

In such moments, I would like to recall the pregnant words of the great Russian poet Yuri Yevtuchenko: “Just because dirty hands have stained the flagpole, it does not follow that the message on the flag is wrong.”

The message of our Christian banner is written in letters of gold in the gospel: “Love your neighbour.” It is very sad that in our legitimate disdain we forget this noble principle.