Following the recent debate organised by The Times on the future of the Church and reading reports on what was said by those taking part (including prominent members of the clergy) one cannot but think about the sensitive issues being raised and, at the same time, feel sorely disappointed at the way the local ecclesiastical authorities continue to react.

Divorce, cohabitation and IVF may have been at the top of the agenda for discussion in recent months, however, we must not forget the less weighty issues being imposed on us Maltese Christians, which are causing huge inconvenience to many families.

As a parent of a 10-year-old boy, I ask: should we be forced to send our children to Catechism lessons for several hours a week? We are warned that unless our children attend at least 75 per cent of these lessons they will not be allowed to receive their First Holy Communion and, later, Confirmation.

I have no qualms in bringing up my son as a Christian but I feel this requirement is an unjust imposition. Besides, the Church has decided to raise the age of Confirmation from 10 to 12 years in complete disregard of the difficulties, extra burden and added pressure this decision would bring on our families and children.

Shortly after his appointment as Archbishop, Mgr Paul Cremona told us that he was worried that the Church in Malta was experiencing a steady decline in numbers.

He had also stressed that he would be doing his utmost to revive our interest in the Church. A few years down the line, however, I feel he is failing miserably.

Our Lord told us that His arms will always remain wide open to whoever wants to embrace Him but I never heard of Him ever hinting at imposing His teachings.

So, although I am in favour of my son attending Catechism lessons, I fail to understand how the aforementioned pressure fits in within this concept.