The Church and the EU

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca's important homily during the Pontifical Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral to mark the 38th anniversary of Malta's independence is so complementary to his likewise important homily during the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral in Valletta, to mark the opening of Parliament in October 1998.

Six years ago the Archbishop thought it opportune to state during Mass: "The Church cannot fail to take an interest in politics as an active means to lead civil society towards the common good". He went on to say that one of the most important challenges was that the true political leader needed to place the common good at the top of everything, whatever the circumstances.

The common good, the Archbishop stressed, should never be replaced by some other interest. He also explained that in a society like ours, perhaps, even more than in others, voters quickly showed disappointment when politicians insisted with them on the need to observe laws.

Likewise, when urged to fulfil their duty at their place of work, to pay all taxes due, avoid abusing the national social resources and respect the national common heritage.

Quoting Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Mercieca then declared that lawmakers who wanted to act in harmony with an upright moral conscience could in no way contribute to create laws opposed to the essential right of the family founded on marriage. (At this point one has to remark that those days much in Malta was being written and said about marriage and divorce.)

In his homily at St John's Co-Cathedral on September 21 this year Archbishop Mercieca explained: "The choice we have to make is not just about the different proposals which are being made about what the country should do regarding the European Union, but also the future of today's and tomorrow's Maltese generation."

He also delineated very openly that it is crucial for everyone to be responsible, especially our politicians. "Responsibility in the political field at present requires, above all, that people are given the full and correct information in a way which can be understood." This responsibility requires that people are given a full and honest explanation of all the pros and cons. Nothing should be hidden from them.

The duty of a politician is to give facts to people and not to play on people's fears. Honesty remains always the best policy also for politicians.

At this point, A Christian Outlook deems it opportune to quote from the statement of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales on the European Union (October 1996):

"The Church's social teaching also applies internationally. One of the most important issues facing this country is its future relationship with the rest of Europe - and not just with the European Union. The history of the whole continent is intimately tied up with the history of Christianity.

"Although all European states are pluralist societies, the Churches still have a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the moral and spiritual values which gave Europe its soul. Those values, which Christians share with other faiths, are essential if the continent is to regain its moral health and spiritual vitality".

These very wise and appealing words will even help Malta to "give a new soul to Europe", as Pope John Paul II has encouraged Maltese and Gozitans to do. This is indeed Malta's privilege. This is Malta's responsibility... and no political leader can shirk this responsibility.