22 August 2007 Rating 18% No Comment  

Alternattiva Demokratika said it notes with satisfaction, that the pastoral letter issued by the Bishops of Malta and Gozo on the occasion of the feast of the Assumption of Saint Mary called for Christians to respect the common good, such as the material resources and the cultural and environmental heritage of our country. The Bishop of Gozo, in his message, stressed that the Gozo Curia is committed to protecting the natural and environmental heritage in Gozo. Whilst AD agrees with this statement, it encourages the Gozo Diocese to establish, immediately, an Environmental Commission similar to the one in the Malta Archdiocese. Another option is for the Malta Diocese Environmental Commission to be responsible for both dioceses. AD feels that the sooner this is done, the better. Spokesperson for Gozo, Mr Victor Galea, said that it is becoming increasingly imperative that the Gozo Curia takes action now, since there are various applications for development by Gozo parishes and church organisations outside the development zone. Mr Galea added, "It is admirable that the Environmental Commission of the diocese of Malta expresses itself about issues that damage or enhance the country as a whole. AD sees the need for the Diocese of Gozo, together with other interested entities, to be vocal about issues that concern Gozitans deeply, such as the pending issues of Ramla l-Hamra, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Ta' Cenc, as well as other issues such as the exaggerated prices of properties for first time buyers and young people." Meanwhile Alternattiva Demokratika announced that, following contacts with the Irish Theologian Fr Sean McDonagh, through its educational and cultural foundation Fondazzjoni Ceratonia, and after translating into Maltese, the book 'The Greening of the Church', will be shortly available for free download from the Party's websites.