Maltese bishops appeal for unity in the pursuit of the common good

By Linda Bordoni

The Catholic Bishops of Malta are appealing for unity in search of the common good and call for respect so that “the difficult times we are going through should not exacerbate division.”

Malta is currently in political turmoil as investigations continue into the car bomb assassination of an investigative journalist in 2017.

Investigations into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia

The EU's Commission head, Ursula von der Leyen, has demanded a "thorough and independent" investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia whose work led to serious allegations of corruption, money laundering and tax evasion at the highest levels of the nation’s political and business spheres.

The investigations so far have resulted in a government crisis, triggering protests and a promise by the Prime Minister to resign in January.

Bishops' appeal

In their statement, the bishops say that, as spiritual leaders they wish “to make an appeal that during these turbulent times we all seek to work together, with a calm sense of purpose, to promote truth and justice with charity and respect for one another”.

Bishops Scicluna, Grech and  Galea-Curmi say they join the President of the Republic,  George Vella, in his appeal for unity, and they call on all citizens “to work together in a spirit of collaboration and for the greater good of Maltese society in general, so that our institutions may carry out their duty with due diligence and with impartiality”.

As in every society, the bishops of Malta and Gozo point out, disagreement is inevitable.

“However, we are always called to express our legitimate opinions with respect for one another and with respect for the truth, without falling into the trap of hatred, lies and violence”, they say.

The spirit of Advent

Urging the people of Malta and Gozo “to seek the common good in a spirit of true loyalty to the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Malta,” the bishops recall the spirit of the Advent Season that reminds us that we await the coming of the Lord in whose “days may justice flourish, and peace abound.”

The bishops conclude their statement with the prayer that their “people’s passion for justice, truth and honesty, is expressed with respect towards each other, and with a strong rejection of violence, whether verbal or physical”.