The panic and hysteria recently exhibited by some Catholic correspondents regarding the proposed repealing of the law against the "vilifying" of their religion were uncalled for.

History shows that the Catholic Church can protect its religion very well, thank you - if necessary by resorting to persecution and violence.

The militancy of the Catholic Church is matched by the belligerence of its "Christian" followers who will come out in full force to protect their religion.

If you dare to criticize their cherished talismans, such as the crucifix, or to challenge their favourite bugbears, such as abortion, their hysteria will break loose in a steady stream of write-ups and letters in local newspapers.

In addition to its fanatical followers, the Catholic Church in Malta has another line of defence, through the support it receives from public figures, such as lawyers and university professors, who are in cahoots with the Church.

As long as the Church has such influential "secular" allies on its side, it does not need any laws reminiscent of the Inquisition to "protect" its religion.

 

John Guillaumier

St Julian's