Deborah Schembri, as chairwoman of the Social Affairs Committee, is reported to have stated (Times of Malta, July 4) that “Church NGOs are receiving State funds but, at the same time, they expect to be exempt from scrutiny on the donations given to them”.

This is an incorrect judgement.

The Church clearly stated that this is not the case in a letter (dated July 26, 2012) sent to then Minister Chris Said. The same letter was forwarded to Minister Helena Dalli on May 10, 2013. A meeting was also held with her in the presence of NGOs Commissioner,. Kenneth Wain.

The Church authorities have raised a number of issues arising from the legislation that are a cause for concern. During the long series of discussions, agreement was reached on a number of these issues.

The Church authorities believe that, since they are still ongoing, it is not prudent to disclose the contents of the said discussions.

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