The Malta Independent on Sunday carried a letter last week concerning a petition, signed by 96 per cent of the residents of Qormi Road and its environs, to have a mobile phone mast removed from the parish council building as they fear it could damage their health. Apparently, no heed had yet been given to them, as they termed it, in their last appeal to their Kapillan.

The incident reminded me of a case parishioners of a church in the UK were involved in many years ago. Unfortunately, I do not remember the reason for their appeal nor where the church was situated, but I do remember the way they had tackled it and its outcome.

They simply stayed away from his church and attended services in another one; those who could not attend another church gathered together for prayers and hymn-singing at each others’ homes on a rota basis and afterwards had tea and cake. With indomitable British spirit, they stuck together and no one broke ranks. A simple, effective, peaceful way of showing their feelings brought about a change of heart in their parish priest and when that happened all was forgiven and forgotten. The proper order was restored, as the parish priest is there to serve his community and not the other way round.

I hope their action can be of help and a good example to others.

Alexander Cortis

ZABBAR