Times: Vote on civil unions Bill

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20131106/letters/Vote-on-civil-unions-Bill.493495#.UpDYMNKsiSo
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 00:01 by Alfred Gatt, Santa Venera

Bishop Charles Scicluna recently issued an appeal to parliamentarians regarding the Civil Union Bill that is being presented in Parliament. In it, he mentions the value of marriage between a man and a woman, procreation, consummation and the rights of children.

I am of the opinion that this appeal should be synthesised in a pastoral letter by the Bishops Conference of the Maltese Islands, to be read in all the churches of Malta and Gozo before it becomes law.

This is by way of instructing the faithful of the Catholic position on this delicate issue, including marriage and the family.

This is not interfering or siding with any of the political parties as they have both expressed their willingness to see it through.

The Catholic faithful will be aware of the Church’s teaching and can then express their opinion to their respective MPs. Eventually, it is then up to each MP’s (informed and formed) conscience to cast his/her vote choosing between the common good and the party’s policy. This vote should not be taken as a defeat or otherwise of the Government.