In the editorial of The Sunday Times of Malta (July 24), when commenting about euthanasia it was stated: “It is important that Church teachings should inform the debate”, and in the same breath it was affirmed “however, they should not determine its outcome”.

I cannot understand how one can participate in a debate without leaving any impact on its outcome. Why should one set limits or conditions when one is debating anything?

Unless we enter a discussion with an open mind and without any prejudices, one would not be able to reach a holistic and satisfactory conclusion. What is important when debating issues concerning man is keeping in one’s mind the common good and the dignity of the human person.

The editorial also stated that “after divorce and civil union, this may well become the most serious test yet of the separation of Church and State”.

It is good to point out that the Social Doctrine of the Church states that “the mutual autonomy of the Church and the political community does not entail a separation that excludes cooperation” (425). In his address to US Bishops in 2012, Pope Benedict emphasised that “the legitimate separation of Church and State cannot be taken to mean that the Church must be silent on certain issues, nor that the State may choose not to engage, or be engaged by, the voice of committed believers in determining the values which will shape the future of the nation”.

The Church’s social teaching enlightens one to achieve what is best for the individual and for society as a whole. Once more, when Pope Benedict addressed politicians in Westminster in 2010, he stressed that “the role of religion in political debate (is) to help purify and shed light upon the application of reason to the discovery of objective moral principles”.

So I don’t see anything wrong or inappropriate if in a debate on euthanasia, for example, after considering all issues, one comes to certain conclusions because one is enlightened by the doctrine of the Church.

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