Valletta, Malta, Sep 22, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Maltese Christian politicians had an important role to play in Malta and abroad in proposing, in an effective manner, the Gospel message and the social teachings of the Church, said Archbishop Joseph Mercieca at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta yesterday.
A number of special guests attended the mass in honor of the Mediterranean country’s 40th Independence Day, including the Princess Royal, Princess Anne.
In his Independence Day message, which he delivered during homily, Archbishop Mercieca said now, more than in the past, the Christian politician is being called to serve based on solid moral principles and with transparency.
Maltese Christian politicians should promote the common good and respect for life in all of its stages, from conception to natural death. They should reject abortion and euthanasia, work for sustainable economic and social development and be in solidarity with the weakest and most vulnerable.
The archbishop said that politicians should protect the family. Regardless of efforts abroad to change the definition of marriage and legalize same-sex unions, the Maltese view of marriage and family should remain clear. A cohabiting or homosexual couple could never be accepted as being married, the archbishop said.