The Curia said today that its problems with regard to the refusal so far of its organisations to sign up with the Commissioner for NGOs had nothing to do with any reluctance to give financial account.

In its first official pronouncement on this long-running issue, the Curia said that the media had often alluded to the fact that the Church faced some difficulties with respect to the legislation which regulates Voluntary Organizations and their Administration.

"It has been alleged that the obstacle lies in the fact that the Church does not wish to render an account of the financial income and expenditure of its Organizations, as stipulated by this legislation. This is certainly not the case. The difficulties encountered are of a different nature," the Curia said.

"Since discussion with the relevant authorities are still underway and have almost reached a conclusion, we feel that it is not prudent to divulge further details at this stage."

The Curia thanked benefactors who, through their financial contributions and active participation, sustain the work done by Church organizations in favour of all those are in need. It also thanked the civil authorities "who have always endeavoured to contrive the legal means to subsidize financially these organizations," saying such assistance was vital in order that they may continue to render their services.

The Times reported last month that Church NGOs may be granted a ministerial exemption to benefit from state donations even though they are not enrolled with the Voluntary Organisations Commissioner, according to a government spokesman.

President George Abela also denied that unregistered Church organisations would not benefit from this year’s annual charity telethon L-Istrina, organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund, a state entity.

Earlier, NGO Commissioner Kenneth Wain had pointed out that, according to the Voluntary Organisations Act, state entities could only donate money to registered organisations. This meant that, as things stood, Church organisations would not be able to benefit from funds from this year’s L-Istrina.

The Church has been in talks with the government and the NGO Commissioner to find a solution since last year.