It is very clear that Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who celebrated his birthday today, has a green agenda.
He spoke clearly during the ‘hunting in spring’ referendum. He was not against hunting as such, but against hunting birds on their way to breed.
Yesterday, he sent a tweet making a heartfelt appeal to save the pristine land that has been, very unwisely, earmarked for a commercial investment by a Jordanian businessman who wants to build a university to service foreign students.
No one should be surprised. Even Pope Francis has a green agenda. He is working on an encyclical letter that will be totally dedicated to the environment. He frequently speaks about the environment. He is not afraid to make bold and controversial statements about the subject. Pope Francis was attacked by all sorts of persons, particularly those on the right. Those on the left have, up till now, preferred to ‘ignore’ several statements of his, particularly about marriage. They will draw their long knives in due time. This will not deter Francis.
If the Pope is attacked for expressing his opinion and Church teaching should we be surprised that Archbishop Scicluna is being attacked by some for doing the same? Quite naturally he is defended by others. The list of the people who are appealing to government to change plans and find an alternative site for this business venture grows by the day.
The Church cannot stay on the fence. If it tries to emulate the Maltese expression – la tfuh u l-anqas tinten – it will become irrelevant. Irrelevance is the worst kind of sanction that can be imposed on the Church.
Archbishop Scicluna does not take the position he takes in some kind of triumphalist way. He tweeted an opinion. Many would like to deny him that right. They will be disappointed.
Undoubtedly, he does not grudge others a different opinion.
In this agora of values, opinions, positions and world views dialogue between different parties is the only way forward; and dialogue can only happen when different positions are aired freely and openly.
This, I am certain, is what Archbishop Scicluna will continue to do.