The Maltese cannot adopt the defenceless attitudes that had been used against them when frequent attacks from outside meant slavery and destruction, Archbishop Charles Scicluna and auxiliary bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi said in a pastoral letter.
In the letter, which is being read during Sunday Masses, the bishops say that as a faith community, the Maltese were living in a society that, while appreciating its ancient roots, embraced a diversity of cultures, languages, races and religions.
“This is a golden opportunity for us all to witness love, which is the universal language that everybody can understand. If prejudices and hatred lead to exclusion, destruction and murder, love leads to the building anew of the family of man. Man was created to enter into a relationship of love with God and men, whoever they are, of whatever race or colour.”
This love, they said, was the foundation of an inclusive society where the fundamental rights of every human being were respected and protected.
“Instead of pointing fingers at others, we Catholics should take the initiative and continue building bridges which go forth from our hearts and extend beyond and above the abyss of racism, of all…