I was very sorry to read the contribution by Fr Mark Montebello (April 25). It was truly unbecoming. However, as I am accustomed to his polemical writings I was not surprised. Notwithstanding that, I find this poor contribution loathsome and I am disgusted.

I fail to understand what he means about the strategy of the Church authorities.

On the other hand, his strategy is very clear. He continues to attack the ecclesiastical leaders. This time the subject is the Embryo Protection Act.

No criticism of the subject, not a line of support for his superiors or for the popular call against this infamous Act our Parliament is currently discussing. Nothing, just stating only that he is not defending the amendments but abstaining from divul-ging his feelings. No agreement or disagreement, and no condemnation.

Is this attitude part of a strategy in his endeavour to injure his superiors?

Is this part of a strategy to approve other policies without being clear enough to show his real feelings?

Again and again, Fr Montebello, through his explicit expressions, clearly gives evidence of disrespect.

This time not only for those who have been his target for a long time, but also for the Maltese community.

No, we are not hysterics, nor a voice for banal catchphrases.

The call of the majority on this subject is a manifestation of the majority’s beliefs and loyalty, humility and submissiveness to the teachings of the Creator. Pretending to be the most learned writer, also insulting many academics and other well-known authors who have shown disagreement, and accusing all as “souring hysterics”, is more than presumption.

It depends on the free will of humankind to feel the joy and hope and adhere to the motherhood and teaching of the Church

His insinuation that the Church emerged as an enemy of society, of progress and reform, is disgraceful. These accusations have been made throughout past centuries. What are actually his pretensions? Who are the minority?

Our Lord Jesus Christ was merciful to all. However, he did not establish His teachings and commandments to make them suitable for the free choice of the minority or the majority. His teachings are universal, pertaining to all.

The fact that there are non-believers and minorities does not mean that the Church, for their sake, is to abstain from preaching His commandments.

Nowhere in Fr Montebello’s article did he give a hint that the Church is doing the opposite of the teachings of Christ.

Yes, the Church has always been the “joy and hope” and the “mother and teacher” of anyone. It depends on the free will of humankind to feel the joy and hope and adhere to the motherhood and teaching of the Church.

This is the teaching of Christ. He instituted and trusted the Church to pass on His teachings, which are clear and sacrosanct according to God’s plan for humankind.

It is insulting to read an assumption, which may be directed at our local Church, that there may be a perception that it is insensitive, intransigent, intolerant, irrational or retrograde.

Fr Montebello used all of the destructive adjectives to show his antagonism and his irreverence.

Certainly, he is quite aware that this is contrary to the truth and facts.

It is also strange that he did not make any contribution through suggesting what strategy the Church should follow in these circumstances. His only objective was to be offensive.

He quotes Pope Francis when the latter spoke of clericalism, which prevents laypersons from growing.

Adding a comment to Pope Francis’s words, Fr Montebello suggests that the Pope “might have added that it destroys the Church in the process”.

It is also my opinion that improper and irresponsible clericalism, as is sometimes very obvious, will harm, not destroy, the Church in the process.

Pope Francis preaches humility, sincerity, respect, mercy and obedience.

All of us need to heed these teachings, including Fr Montebello.

Carmel Vella is a retired businessman.

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