Labour MP Marlene Farrugia has written to the Archbishop asking him to ensure that the Church makes no building applications outside development zones.
Dr Farrugia said she knew that Mgr Scicluna closely followed developments, and she was confident that he could feel the way the people were thinking about the use of agricultural land for development.
She noted that on his appointment Mgr Scicluna had found pending applications for the building of church schools on agricultural land.
While expressing gratitude for the service of the church in education she asked him to lead by example and ensure that under his watch no applications for development outside development zones would be made.
She was sure that all of Malta, and the image of the Church, would benefit if the applications were withdrawn and alternative sites were found within development zones.
The Archbishop has already referred to building by the Church, telling Times of Malta on May 10 that "We must not destroy precious agricultural land – even over Church school" He had said: “I may be a leader without a following on this one, but we cannot preach respect for God’s creations and then change our vision when it suits us – the Church should lead by example,” he told The Sunday Times of Malta.
REQUEST TO THE OPPOSITION
Dr Farrugia said she was also asking the leader of the opposition to safeguard Outside Development Zones once the PN was in government, after so many environmental scars were made in the past.
She said she expected a reply from the two at a time when the Labour government of which she formed part, needed encouragement to only seek sustainable development while safeguarding the natural heritage and agricultural activity.
At the end of her letter Dr Farrugia said the Archbishop may remember her at the opening of Parliament House as the one who had been carrying flowers.