Strickland and the Church in Malta

Abstract

In order to establish a complete critique concerning the politico-religious crisis which existed in Malta, it is important from the outset to bear in mind the extraordinary· factual and circumstantial conditions which had hitherto greatly moulded the people's mentality, their character and their personality. Ever since their evangelisation by St. Paul, the Maltese have even been considered the staunchest and most religious Catholic people in Europe. Such staunchness and fideli ty1 to the faith of their fathers may be readily assessed from their strong link to their priests, Bishops and Popes. The Maltese being naturally averse to risks are consequently staunch in faithfully abiding by their old customs and traditions and in observing established local practices which in the course of local history have gradually become integrated in domestic and civil life. These, furthermore, have become part and parcel of their daily religious life·in association with the development of their patriotic sentiment and pride. It is indeed manifest that such an extraordinary situation of affairs should consequently result in a very special legal situation. It is therefore just and proper that the British Government. who pledged its protection in the Maltese Islands in all respects did not turn a blind eye neither to the unique condition nor to the special situation. Accordingly, such an appreciation of affairs has rightly inspired the British Government's political policy in inviting representation of the clergy to share in the Island's government and in keeping intact the respect for Catholic traditions and for the clergy which resulted in assuring for a long period of time tranquillity and peace. It is chiefly in this context that the politico religious clashes should be examined and appreciated. The years 1928 - 1932 were for the Church in Malta times of political and religious intrigue. Unfortunately the Maltese mind even until recently never knew how to draw a distinction between what appertained to politics and what appertained to religion and hence misunderstandings and confusion were bound to arise. The person responsible for such a politico religious situation that threw the whole of Malta into utter chaos and even threatened to split the moral unity of the Maltese people, was Lord Strickland. It is important to know who this Lord Strickland was and what kind of policy he adopted.In order to establish a complete critique con cerning the politico-religious crisis which existed in Malta, it is important from the outset to bear in mind the extraordinary· factual and circumstantial conditions which had hitherto greatly moulded the people's mentality, their character and their personality. Ever since their evangelisation by St. Paul, the Maltese have even been considered the staunchest and most religious Catholic people in Europe. Such staunchness and fidelity to the faith of their fathers may be readily assessed from their strong link to their priests, Bishops and Popes. The Maltese being naturally averse to risks are consequently staunch in faithfully abiding by their old customs and traditions and in observing established local practices which in the course of local history have gradually become integrated in domestic and civil life. These, furthermore, have become part and parcel of their daily religious life·in association with the development of their patriotic sentiment and pride. It is indeed manifest that such an extraordinary situation of affairs should consequently result in a very special legal situation. It is therefore just and proper that the British Government. who pledged its protection in the Maltese Islands in all respects did not turn a blind eye neither to the unique condition nor to the special situation. Accordingly, such an appreciation of affairs has rightly inspired the British Government's political policy in inviting representation of the clergy to share in the Island's government and in keeping intact the respect for Catholic traditions and for the clergy which resulted in assuring for a long period of time tranquillity and peace. It is chiefly in this context that the politico religious clashes should be examined and appreciated. The years 1928 - 1932 were for the Church in Malta times of political and religious intrigue. Unfortunately the Maltese mind even until recently never knew how to draw a distinction between what appertained to politics and what appertained to religion and hence misunderstandings and confusion were bound to arise. The person responsible for such a politico religious situation that threw the whole of Malta into utter chaos and even threatened to split the moral unity of the Maltese people, was Lord Strickland. It is important to know who this Lord Strickland was and what kind of policy he adopted.