Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/298224
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 APRIL 2014 6 News THE Maltese Catholic archdio- cese's reaction to the introduction of civil unions came in the form of a measured statement just two days after MPs made it gay unions law: Paul Cremona and bishops Mario Grech and Charles Scicluna reit- erated their belief in the "natural family" built on the marriage of man and woman, and that children should have the right to be brought up by a father and a mother. Bar a few incursions from Aux- iliary Bishop Charles Scicluna, the church kept a low profile during the debate on civil unions in Malta, a position contrasted by the vocal protests of Catholic lay groups in France earlier this year against the introduction of a gay marriage law. Symbolically, France went a step further by includ- ing same-sex couples in the institution of mar- riage. But Maltese law effectively institutes full equality between the civil union status and marriage. Like Cardinal An- dre Vingt-Trois of France said, describ- ing gay marriage as "the ultimate de- ceit", in Malta Mgr Charles Scicluna ar- gued that equating same- sex unions with marriage was "il- logical" and "deceptive". Moreover, Scicluna made it clear that he had the full backing of Pope Francis, reminding the international press that Bergoglio, who seemed to have complained about the church's "ob- session" with gays, abortion and birth control, was still in line with church doctrine. But the religious protest in Malta stayed mute: apart from a few lay protestations, the only protest came from a fringe evangelical group, led by pastor Gordon-John Manché – a sign that Catholic lay groups were either weak and unable to mobilise, or that the Church had taken the decision to keep a low profile. Indeed, it even publicly disassoci- ated itself from Manché as the TV evangelist planned to collect signa- tures to call for an abrogative refer- endum against civil unions. Historical resistance The church's resignation to civil unions evokes contrasts with its ability to mobilise mass movements against reforms that threatened its hegemony. Historically it never hesitated in defending its turf. The interdic- tion of Labour voters in the 1960s and the mass movement of par- ents against Labour plans to make church schools free of charge in the 1980s were examples of the church's assertive ways. Even a small party like Alternattiva Demokratika, once compared to the biblical Sodom and Gomorrah for advocating civil unions by Vicar-General Anton Gouder, did not escape its censure. Surely enough the church may still be recovering from the di- vorce debacle after it openly backed and financed the No movement in the referendum. But its sub- dued reaction to civil unions sug- gests it is unsure of how to face the new Labour government, on which it can exercise far less lever- age than it had on the Nationalist Party. Its timid reaction is nothing like Gozo bishop Mario Grech's mis- sives against IVF in 2012, when the PN was still in government. Unlike its ability to influence PN governments, the church could still be trying to establish a dia- logue with the new Labour govern- ment on issues of mutual interest like church schools, without hav- ing to waste ammo on lost causes. Picking a fight with a charismatic leader like Joseph Muscat, could further erode its influence on La- bour voters. It could also be reflecting Pope Francis's 'light-touch moderation', staying true on message when it comes to gay marriage without obsessing, and instead looking at more social issues than sexuality. Because after all, Francis's mark on global civil society has been his strong denunciation of the "glo- balisation of indifference" on mi- grants and the poor. Even bishop Grech himself has tackled migration and tax evasion in his homilies, while branches like the Jesuit Refugee Society advo- cates migrants' rights, the Church's environmental commission makes its voice heard on green issues, and Caritas even advocated for a raise in minimum wage. But as for a coherent and vocal Catholic social movement that can change perceptions on migration? The truth is that a majority of Mal- tese are clearly at odds with their own Christian beliefs. New challenges, self-imposed restraint There is also the problem with Paul Cremona's uninspiring lead- ership. Widely admired for his humility, the Archbishop has disap- pointed the expectation of reform heralded in 2007. Even more confusing was the break from the conservative evan- gelism of Pope Benedict XVI after his sudden resignation, paving the way for the Argentinian pope's election, whose critique of global capitalism had largely escaped the radar of many in the local church. Add to this lack of clear direction, the tarnishing of the church's global reputation on the child abuse alle- gations. Now it may even face competi- tion from US-style evangelists who could thrive on the crusades the church hierarchy wants to avoid; and on the other hand, the usual 'pagan' misappropriation of reli- gious symbols by its unruly feast enthusiasts who openly undermine church authority. Despite the challenges it faces, the Maltese church may well be passing through a period of self-imposed re- straint. But ultimately it is the only institution apart from the two ma- jor political parties to command the loyalty and respect of thousands. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The silence of the lambs Is the church's measured response to the introduction of civil unions and gay adoptions a recognition of boundaries between State and Church, or a sign of weakness after the divorce debacle, JAMES DEBONO asks Historically the Church never hesitated to defend its turf, from the interdiction of Labour voters in the 60s to denouncing the Green Party as 'Sodom and Gomorrah' for advocating civil unions Unlike their previous campaigns on divorce, or statements on IVF, Malta's bishops (from left Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna, and Archbishop Paul Cremona) maintained a diplomatic distance on the subject of civil unions and gay adoptions Battle-hardened rivals: Labour prime minister Dom Mintoff and Archbishop Michael Gonzi in the 1970s