I have to admit that I thought Mario Vella’s letter titled “Blame it on the Archbishop” brief but very much to the point. I am one of those who simply switches off whenever I hear a statement made by the bishops and I ignore Curia press releases. It’s just the same moan, groan and drone over and over again.

Today the Maltese church is sinking into the depths of worthlessness never experienced in our history. The rise of anti-clericalism in this country is also another factor that has been fuelled by no one except the two bishops. In my opinion, this has been brought about by church meddling in “behind the scenes” politics.

Attempts to strengthen the church’s grip on the people have been made by politicians only concerned with getting elected and winning government. However, the result is only that of estranging people from the church. It is becoming apparent that the church is being kept on “life support” by the government.

The blame for this failed strategy can be laid in only one direction; the Mercieca-Cauchi tandem. If these two 76-year-olds really want to improve things they should resign and do their utmost to ensure that their successors are not simply clones of themselves.

Joseph Cutajar

MELLIEHA