In his opinion piece titled ‘Eight cells in the lab’ (May 2), Mark Sant, by stating that “all the vociferous anti-IVF-reform campaigners have only one thing in common. They have staunch extreme Catholic beliefs”, demonstrates his prejudice against us, staunch believers.
Being a staunch Catholic does in no way mean that I am conservative or extreme. The social doctrine of the Church is based on the fundamental principles of the dignity of the human person and the common good. It is precisely because “the Church is an expert in humanity” and “it cannot be indifferent to all that is chosen, produced and lived in the society in regard to morality, that is, all that is human and humanising in social life” that I, as a staunch Catholic, adhere to her teachings. Because I am concerned about the way each individual, including the embryo, is being treated, that I raise my voice.
My Catholic beliefs make me more human, more inclusive, less prejudiced and give me a nobler vision of humanity.
In any sincere and open discussion, like the one on IVF, one has to also look into the ethical and moral issues. In his address to politicians (September 2010), Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, affirmed that “the role of religion in political debate is to help purify and shed light upon the application of reason to the discovery of objective moral principles”. He goes on to assert that “religion is a vital contributor to the national conversation”.
How unbecoming and far away from truth, is, therefore, Sant’s statement when he says: “They cannot expect the State to legislate in accordance with the most conservative Catholic rules”. This is Sant’s vision of the Catholic Church.
If there is an institution, in spite of its many shortcomings, that is there to safeguard the dignity of the human person, of whatever colour, race or creed, it is the Catholic Church. How unfair to speak with such disparaging words against the majority of us, Maltese, who against all odds try to work for the good of all citizens, and this we do inspired by our religion.
The Catholic Church is always on the side of humanity and her teaching is based on natural law which no legislator has the right to alter. Dialoguing with the Church enriches and widens one’s perspective and vision and not limit it to individual interests.