STATEMENT BY THE COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE
As Maltese society hopefully approaches the end of the partial lockdown, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta would like to reflect on the importance of open spaces available to all. This is being done in the same week in which we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical Laudato si’ by Pope Francis, “On the Care of Our Common Home”… Read more »
Living on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, it is perhaps very easy to take water for granted. Water surrounds us everywhere we go. It is very easy to just open the tap and find water suitable for drinking. It is hard to imagine that around the world an estimated two billion people do not have easy access to clean, drinkable water. Although a huge proportion of the earth’s surface consists of water in the form of oceans and the seas, only about 1.2% of this water is accessible as freshwater in lakes, swamps and rivers. Yet, the availability of this water is unevenly distributed around the world and many times it is not suitable for drinking due to pollution and other contaminants. Industrial processes have placed an increased demand for freshwater. Water is a common good and a fundamental human right, but there are instances where this right is not respected. A recent document issued by the Vatican entitled Aqua fons vitae (Water is a source of life), rightfully explores this fundamental aspect of water for the promotion of human dignity and integrity of human development. Management of water resources can find a strong inspiration in Catholic Social Teaching especially in themes relating to human dignity, solidarity, justice, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, common good, integral ecology, integral human development and the preferential option of the poor. Indeed, water represents an area that allows us to put into practice evangelical principles for the good of humankind.
Water also has a religious value. The Bible makes various references to water, 1500 verses to be exact. Some notable passages which involve water include the passage of creation and various instances of healing… Read more »
STATEMENT BY VARIOUS CHURCH ENTITIES
Inthis time of crisis, described by many as a war footing of historical significance, when the country is shutting down and preparing for the days ahead, we urge the authorities to take further concrete measures to ensure that people living in poverty are not left without the basic necessities for a dignified life.
We are extremely concerned about the impact that the coronavirus outbreak will have on the most vulnerable members of our society… Read more »
The Archdiocese of Malta, through the Justice & Peace Commission of and Caritas Malta, have participated in the presentation of a joint submission to the Maltese Government, on the proposed reform for the legalisation of prostitution and human trafficking.
The joint submission, endorsed by several organisations, speaks of three main goals that are complementary and cannot be enacted separately, essential for the human dignity of the victims to be safeguarded.
In the light of the recently published Pre-Budget Document 2020, ‘Sustaining Inclusive Growth’, the Church’s Justice and Peace Commission welcomes the Government’s invitation for feedback and has formulated a number of observations and recommendations, which it is hereby presenting for further consideration. The recommendations have been categorised in three groupings tied to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also through direct stakeholder consultations with Church organisations working with various societal groups… Read more »
Following an increase in support for far-right movements, some of which base their arguments on the need to protect our ‘Catholic identity’ as well as recent statements by the Guardian for Future Generations, who justified his call to exclude migrants and Muslims in particular by invoking his desire to live and die in a Catholic country,[1] the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta feels the need to speak out on our duty as Catholics to resist politics of hate and exclusion.Across the globe, various forms of politics of exclusion are increasingly taking root… Read more »
When we speak about a Christian vision for European politics, for many, the first thought which springs to mind is the Church’s objection to abortion. Undoubtedly, the murder of the innocent is a very important consideration, but, a political vision built on just one aspect, is a myopic vision.
The Christian is called to participate actively in the various aspects of political life. The Second Vatican Council, through the document Gaudium et Spes, reminds us in the words of Saint Augustine, which describe the Catholic as a citizen of two cities, that is a heavenly city and the earthly one. This document encourages the Catholic “to fulfil justly their duty here on earth, guided by the spirit of the Gospel”, and it emphasises that “those Christians whom do not fulfil their responsibilities within our society, they would be lacking from their duties towards their neighbours, and moreover towards God Himself…”[1] It’s the same faith that obliges every Christian to participate in political life, everyone depending on his call… Read more »
The Justice and Peace Commission believes that the financial prosperity currently experienced should translate into a better quality of life for all. In its document with proposals prior to the upcoming 2019 Budget, the Commission presented recommendations in relation to five major focus areas: transport, environment, health, affordable housing and migration.
Transport:More long-term solutions rather than quick fixes are needed. These could include improvement of our infrastructure to allow public transport, carpooling, walking and cycling, to truly become valid alternatives to private vehicles… Read more »
In view of the current discussions on the amendments to the Embryo Protection Act, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta calls for an attitude of responsible dialogue that veers away from polarised positions but which is focused on the common good of all, without demonising those holding opposing views.
It is not the intent of the Justice and Peace Commission to repeat what the Church has already clearly expressed regarding the proposals… Read more »
