As the conversation on marriage and the family in Malta goes on, the need of setting our priorities right is acquiring greater importance. A few examples will be identified.
Alongside the discussion on divorce legislation, there is the need of a deeper exploration of the qualities of marriage and the family as a personal choice and social institution, while being also a sacrament for baptised Christians. In reality, what should be the centre of the discussion is marriage and the family constituted by personal commitment and fidelity. Of its nature, authentic conjugal commitment to life and love tends towards permanence. The quality of permanence seems to be the most indicated condition for this commitment to verify itself and unfold successfully.
It is not inconceivable, however, that failure in such a process occasionally occurs in the life of individual members of society. Failure in marital commitment, even if it is of a minority, is a sad experience for society and calls for solidarity.
New relationships which might be born out of a first marital failure need to be respected and acknowledged. To explore how the State can acknowledge such relationships and find ways how to regulate their situation should not be construed as promoting them. The values of permanence and indissolubility of marriage should remain in focus. But society, through its governing body, may sometimes see the need to legislate also in favour of individuals in minority, even if such a decision is contentious. One of the functions of the State is to have a confident vision of the social conditions and to be able to decide which kinds of service it wants to promote (Ranier Fsadni, The Times, September 10, 2009). This is more so in a pluralistic and multicultural society. The question is how to minimise the negative effects on the common good as much as is reasonably possible.
The critical question in the case of Malta is whether we have reached an unsustainable social and legal situation which warrants amendments in law to legitimise new relationships. Beyond perceptions, an assessment of facts based on sound sociological research is required. The challenge is how to balance legality with ethical and Christian values, legal provisions with the sacramental dimension.
Examples of local and international legislations and policies which have a direct effect on the structure of the family need to be examined. The Europe-wide study by Libertad Gonzales and Tarja Viitanen (March, 2006) on the far-reaching effects of divorce legislation on marriage is one of them, but there are others, and even with different findings, which can be evaluated. Examples of family-oriented legal provisions which need to be factored in include the taxation regime, social accommodation system, comparable maternity leave entitlement by the public and private sectors, and work-family balance.
Family-life education in the values of commitment, honesty, responsibility and sharing is the best way to promote the beauty of marriage and the family as a preparation for those who decide to take up married life, whether the religious or civil way. Efforts should be stepped up to strengthen education in marriage and family values through programmes provided also by the government.
For those who freely decide on a Christian celebration of marriage within the Church, the study of marriage from a demographic, economic, psychological and social perspective needs to be complemented and enlightened by the religious dimension which transcends the measureable statistical data provided by the social sciences. The foundation of this dimension is Matthew 5, 31-32, 19, 9; Mark 10, 11-12; Luke 16, 18 and Ephesians 5, 32-33. The Gospel teaching does not contradict social sciences, but builds on them and gives them a fuller meaning. Complementarity between faith and reason is possible if both science and faith are in the search for truth.
These priorities can best be served by a clear discussion and a kind of social dialogue free from fears, pressures and prejudices. Truth is increasingly discovered as the constructive conversation proceeds.
Mr Said is a former Education Officer for Social Studies and Sociology, p/t visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of Malta, and a newly elected Żebbuġ local councillor.
phsaid@maltanet.net