The decision by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech to invite Imam Mohamed El Sadi for the pontifical Mass of the Santa Marija feast was definitely a remarkable act of courage. The message was clearly one of peace and good intent. However, it was not at all that clear what reaction one was to expect from the people when seeing the Imam at the Victoria cathedral.
I must admit the reaction of the people was surprisingly normal. Apart from the initial astonishment, the congregation welcomed the Imam. As soon as the news spread, that same day and later, I could notice that the reaction of the public and the media to the Bishop’s initiative was rather normal.
Of course, this was a clear sign of maturity. The people realised that the Imam is an important religious figure and, thus, he deserves to be respected.
The question that follows is whether the people are prepared to demonstrate the same tolerance to the religion represented by the Imam, that is, Islam, and to the Muslim community in general. I’m not so sure that such is the case and, judging by the homily, I have the impression the Bishop is not so sure either.
However, the Bishop did not only focus on the people’s inability to be tolerant. He wisely went a step further and reiterated that Christianity and Islam are not so conflicting despite the efforts by some to make us believe the contrary. He supported his statement by outlining a number of basic aspects common to both religions, which should serve to bring the two together rather than to divide them.
I could notice that people were quite surprised by these similarities between the two religions. Many think the two religions are so different that their coexistence is not possible. This is not necessarily the case.
Probably, in most cases, the idea that the two religions cannot coexist originates from misinformation or lack of information, which inevitably lead to fear and rejection. Intolerance and, at times, pre-judice and deep divisions often follow.
Two religions, such as Christianity and Islam, which share the same origin, must have a lot in common and it is only up to us to discover it and cherish it.
Bishop Mario Grech should extend the courage he showed when inviting the Imam to other matters of importance to Gozo
Knowledge about other religions is key to understand and tolerate other cultures that grew around them. Consequently, knowledge is the cure for today’s society and a vaccine for that of tomorrow in order to mitigate the effects of a social disease called the fear of the unknown, which caused and is causing all the sufferings related to religious divides we hear of daily. Many are aware of all this but I’m under the impression that, so far, institutions, including religious ones, have not been determined enough to address the issue.
The Bishop’s invitation to the Imam and the Imam’s acceptance cannot be considered extraordinary just because it was made on the feast of Santa Marija, though its significance cannot be ignored. What, in my opinion, is really extraordinary, is the courage shown by the Bishop and that by the Imam in accepting.
It must have been hard for both religious figures to find such courage. I’m pretty sure both feared the sort of reaction their decision could spark within the community. Both should be truly praised for their courage.
As a Gozitan and a practising Catholic, I certainly admire the Bishop and feel our diocese is indeed lucky to be led by such a figure. He is certainly a man who does not fear taking a stand, making a suggestion or criticising, even at the risk of being unpopular. That is what a real leader is all about.
Still, there are issues that, for Gozo, are as important as religious tolerance, if not more, on which the Bishop remains strangely silent.
Some examples are the lack of employment and opportunities in Gozo and the consequent flight of young people from the island and the rapid transformation of Gozo into practically a community of elderly.
One might argue that such issues fall within the remit of politicians, not of the Bishop. I beg to differ.
In the first place, I still recall the Bishop, not long after being installed, raising several concerns, especially about the lack of employment for young people in Gozo. Gradually, he grew silent. Why? These problems are still around and increasing.
It is true the Bishop is not a politician but I would expect him to engage more directly with regard to the problems mentioned above because they are affecting Gozitans and, hence, his flock. The flock’s problems should also be those of the shepherd. Also, who would the Church be made up of in Gozo if many continue to leave or stay for long periods away from the island?
The fact that the political class is failing to address these chronic Gozitan issues should not silence the Bishop but should, instead, stimulate him to insistently press for solutions. Nobody and nothing can stop him from giving his valuable input.
My wish is that the Bishop would extend the courage he showed when inviting the Imam to other matters of importance to Gozo, to take a stand, make suggestions and even criticism because the good of the island requires it.
kcutajar78@gmail.com
Kevin Cutajar is a PN electoral candidate for Gozo.