The University has dispelled rumours that there has been some move to remove crucifixes from its lecture rooms and from Junior College classrooms.

The rumours had fleetingly evoked the national debates that were sparked in several countries, including Spain, France and the UK, when some public schools stopped displaying crucifixes in classrooms, and other displays of faith, for reasons ranging from safety concerns to political correctness.

But the university's communications office said that although it too had also heard the rumours, no policy had been issued to remove crucifixes.

University Chaplain Michael Bugeja said the rumours arose because while crucifixes hung in most of the older lecture rooms, the newer ones never had them.

"If any were removed from the older classrooms it was just to paint the walls during refurbishing but they have now all been put back," he said.

Fr Bugeja has no problem with the current situation. "I don't think it's an issue. We don't need one in every room. We have many crucifixes around the University, even in the offices. As it stands, it shows a sense of openness to all religions," he said.

"We have a healthy balance where the Christian community does not impose itself of the others, and where the non-Christian community does not impose itself on us. I think this is a very positive sign."

Fr Bugeja also argued that if students needed a crucifix in every classroom to celebrate their faith, he would start to question their intentions.

cperegin@timesofmalta.com

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