I cannot let the occasion pass without saying a few words of praise for the editorial The Times had on Tuesday, May 17, entitled Church Has The Right And Duty To Speak. Allow me to select some points without, by so doing, suggesting in any way that others are not worthy of praise too.

Yes, the editor was most right when he noted that the Catholic Church “not only has the right but also the duty to promote its teachings” but that “at times, the Church is almost being expected to sit on the fence”. Likewise, very much right when noting that “it seems there are quarters that expect the Church not to be clear about its stand on marriage and divorce” and that “if there is something to criticise the Malta Church about that is its apparent lack of clarity on the issue”.

Luckily, precisely on this same day, The Times showed us that, among others, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech is trying to make amends in this!

Yes, “the faithful rightly expect clear direction from their pastoral leaders”. If we priests, particularly those with the duty of pastoral care on their shoulders, are failing in this, God will definitely pull our ears one day or other. There can be no reason which will excuse us before the Almighty!

Most correct is the remark about the necessity that “all clerics speak in one voice in line with Church instruction” and that “At this stage, there is no room for personal opinions or interpretations”.

I would like to thank the editor for giving us this editorial. He has done a good service to the Church. Not only to the Church but to all society, which is very much in need of eye-openers, particularly at these times.