Bishops urge people ‘not to fall into trap of hatred, lies and violence’

Malta’s bishops have joined the President of the Republic, George Vella, in a national appeal for unity.

“As spiritual leaders of Catholics in Malta and Gozo, we Bishops 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,” the bishops – Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Gozo bishop Mario Grech, and auxiliary bishop Joe Galea Curmi – said.

“The difficult times we are going through should not exacerbate division. They challenge us 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, disagreement is inevitable.”

The bishops said that while people had a right to express their legitimate opinions, they urged respect for one another and for the truth, “without falling into the trap of hatred, lies and violence.”

“Our appeal is that we, Maltese and Gozitans, seek the common good in a spirit of true loyalty to the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Malta. The Advent Season reminds us that we are yearning for the coming of the One in whose ‘days may justice flourish, and peace abound’ (Ps 72:7).

“We pray that our 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. We impart our pastoral blessing on our beloved brothers and sisters, and all people of good will.”