Directives to clergy on referendum

The Archbishop's Curia yesterday gave clergy and religious a set of directives precluding them from making contributions to the media in connection with the EU referendum.

The directives lay down that according to the norms of the Maltese Episcopal Conference on the use of social broadcasting media, the clergy and religious should not take part in political programmes or broadcasts, write in newspapers or periodicals or take part in programmes on radio or television stations run by the political parties.

Such contributions could only be made when their participation was of a religious nature and with the permission of the bishop, the Curia explained in a circular.

The circular reiterated the Maltese bishops' appeal to priests and religious to convey only the Church's teachings and not their personal political views.

Priests and religious were reminded they should not attend political meetings or activities or celebrate Mass on occasions or in circumstances that were connected with political activities or parties.

Priests and religious should inspire sentiments of fraternity, love, comprehension and tolerance through their words and deeds.

The circular also directs the clergy and religious to include an invocation for help from God with the Prayer of the Faithful on March 8.

The invocation prays for God's guidance to make the best choice for the country, inspired only by the common good.

The circular was signed by Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General Annetto Depasquale and Mgr Carmel Zammit, Chancellor.