This commentary has repeatedly taken a position in favour of a strong Christian presence in the public square. In season and out of season, I strongly protested against any discrimination against Christians in society in general as well as in the political arena and in civil society in particular. But recently, in Malta, several involved in public life have taken an attitude of sterile moaning. It is high time to challenge this sterile and defeatist attitude.

The moaners are various but by and large they manifest three different syndromes: the martyr, escapist or myopic.

Those suffering from the martyr syndrome grumble that they are being emarginated because of their faith. They are being persecuted, they say, by their party, the media or society at large. Whenever this happens – as sometimes it surely happens – assertive action more than moaning is the answer. But is this marginalisation always a case of discrimination?

During a seminar a foreign priest told the story of a parishioner who was complaining of religious discrimination. He alleged that he was denied a job just because he was Catholic. On further inquiry the priest discovered that the parishioner in question had a serious shortcoming which made him totally disqualified for the job he was seeking. This was clearly a case of lack of needed competence not a case of religious discrimination!

Our local moaners should ask themselves whether they are being left out because they are Catholics or because they are not good politicians or good enough advocates for their cause in civil society. One cannot be, for example, a good Catholic politician unless one is not first and foremost a good politician! Before waving the palm of martyrdom such persons should examine their competencies and communication skills.

There are also those who suffer from the escapism syndrome. Egoism or a misguided sense of indignation can give rise to this condition. There are those who are living a cosy and tranquil way of life. They egoistically reason out that it is not convenient to get involved with political activity or with socially active NGOs. Doing so, they rightly say, will expose them to criticism and perhaps punitive action by government. Family first, they say, in an attempt to sublimate their scandalous inaction.

Some of them try to pacify their conscience and as a sop to Cerberus seek the benign environment of the sacristy and get involved in ‘safe’ intra-ecclesial activities. Others are genuinely concerned by the low level that public discourse sometimes descends to. They are disillusioned by compromises made and allegations levelled particularly in politics. They do not want to ‘dirty their hands’, they say.

The number one priority that should inspire a good Catholic agenda is the fight against corruption

These individuals are severely condemned by Pope Francis. During his homily at Casa Sancta Martha in September 2013, he said that “It is not true that Catholics should not meddle in politics. A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself.” This must be done, he told Italy’s Christian Life Community, even if such involvement may be “dirty”,frustrating and fraught with failure.

Francis acknowledged that it is difficult to be in the middle of it all “without getting your hands or heart a little dirty”. This should not discourage one, the Pope said. “Ask the Lord to help you not sin, but if you get your hands dirty, ask for forgiveness and keep going; don’t get discouraged.”

Then there are those who are afflicted by the myopic syndrome. Their vision of a Catholic agenda in politics or civil society is mainly concerned with abortion and euthanasia. They consider the rest to be accidental.

This attitude is not only dangerously simplistic but also anti-Catholic. The Catholic agenda is concerned with what happens in the beginning and end of life but should be equally – if not more – concerned with what happens in between. A holistic Catholic agenda includes, among other things, a policy of good governance, caring for the environment, enacting measures that restore trust in politics, building an economy at the service of the people, humane treatment of refugees, concrete measures to eradicate poverty and eliminate the digital divide as well as the furthering of a radical programme of social justice and inclusion.

In Malta’s present socio-political situation, the number one priority that should inspire a good Catholic agenda is the fight against corruption. Corruption has now been institutionalised by those who are in politics, not to serve the common good but to make pigs of themselves at the expense of the public purse.

Unfortunately, even Catholic members of Parliament who took a strong stand against abortion have miserably failed to take a similarly strong action against the institutionalisation of corruption. They did not have the courage to stand up and be counted. Their silence makes them accomplices.

To realise such an agenda, Catholics have to abandon both the temptation of being absent as well as the Quixotic idea of setting up a political party for Catholics; as some have inanely proposed. Catholics should play an important role in different political parties in our country. To further their aims they should be ready to join coalitions with others who share similar positions on particular topics; even if on other topics they disagree. Such is the nature of coalitions.

I am not saying that every individual Catholic has to be involved in politics or to take an active role in socially oriented NGOs. What I am saying is that Catholics who have the talent and ability to do so cannot shy away from such a commitment, however hard and ‘inconvenient’ it may be, particularly in our current political environment.

The refusal to become involved is not only a disservice to our country but is also a betrayal of one’s Christian commitment.

My advice to the moaners or to those who misguidedly want to wash their hands of politics is the same advice given by Pope Francis: “No, you can’t watch from the balcony. Get right in there!”

So stop moaning and start acting.

joseph.borg@um.edu.mt