From Mr S. Grech

“Racism is not a trait that runs in Maltese blood” and the population does not deserve the ill-suited reputation of racist, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca pronounced in February 2005.

People with common sense knew then that this was yet another example of the Church hiding its head in the sand and not facing reality.

Baptised Christians like myself hoped however, that we would soon have a new archbishop who would not shy away and profess the real teachings of Christ Our Lord.

But what happened? Nothing!

Complete silence on the issue of irregular immigration and the recent cases of boat people being left to perish on the open seas.

That the two traditional parties keep silent in order not to lose votes before a general election is understandable, even if unacceptable.

A far-right party is now emerging, with a slogan to get rid of irregular immigrants, which threatens to appeal to Maltese Catholics being led by silent leaders.

Surely the distinguishing feature between secular and spiritual leadership is that the latter is informed and motivated not by what is popular, but by what is morally right.

Let’s hope that God brings the good out of the bad.

Sammy Grech

VICTORIA