The article by Martin Scicluna, querying the need for Gozo to have its own bishop (November 14), is both stimulating and provocative, potentially opening a can of worms.

Gozo, which has a population of about 32,000, has had its own bishop since 1864, admittedly with the blessing of the British colonial Administration but also with the important contribution of the brilliant Gozitan, Sir Adrian Dingli, who, at the time, practically functioned as Malta’s de facto governor.

The Gozo clergy successfully petitioned the Vatican for their island to become a separate diocese and the matrix church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Victoria’s citadel was raised to the honour and privilege of a cathedral and the jurisdiction of the then Bishop of Malta over Gozo was qualified and reduced.

Having a separate Gozo diocese has altogether not been a bad experience, both for Gozitans and for the Maltese. Witness Gozo Bishop Michael Gonzi’s role during World War II in persuading Gozitan farmers to ship their excess crops to Malta, then suffering from malnutrition and facing starvation.

It is not only in food that Gozo comes to Malta’s aid. It is also morally. Church attendance in Malta in our last census showed that this was of about 51 per cent. In Gozo, it is closer to 70 per cent, if I am not mistaken. Perhaps morally the Gozitans have something we Maltese could learn from.

The Bishop of Gozo’s voice is complementary to that of Malta’s Archbishop and can even be clearer and louder.

I mean no disrespect to Malta’s ecclesiastical leaders, even on the issue of divorce, but I do feel that they are sometimes leading a Church of Silence. The late and respected Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Nikol Cauchi, had such a clear voice, which was also well received in Malta. It is not only quantity that counts but, more importantly, quality, practical but also deep spirituality, experience, good sense, following the Gospel, and following, once again, the Ten Commandments.

There may be clashes of personalities in our people’s experience of our bishops. Yet, their role is to lead the church’s flock.

The bishops may not be popular but their role, authority and qualities of leadership are indispensable more so when it comes to important matters.