Thursday, 25th June 2009 - 09:44CET
Church film reviewing board chairman removed
The chairman of the Church’s Reviewing Film Board has been removed from his post following his evidence about Anthony Nielson’s controversial play Stitching in court last week.
The play, produced by Unifaun Theatre, was banned by the state-appointed Board of Film and Theatre Classification and the producers took the case the court.
Giving evidence in his personal capacity, Fr Abela had told the court he would have classified the play 18R, meaning it could be watched by adults with reservations.
The Church has no censorship board for theatre and the board Fr Abela sits on only classifies films.
Fr Abela justified his evidence, saying that the play was about suffering and it was very human, “an opportunity for people to try to understand the suffering that people go through when they have lost a child”.
Earlier this week the Church said it had not taken an official stand on the ban of the play, but it distanced itself from Fr Abela's views.
Stitching is about the relationship of a couple, where the woman gets pregnant and they decide to keep the baby in a bid to save their relationship, which was experiencing problems.
The relationship continues to disintegrate and the child dies in a traffic accident while the parents are arguing. They both carry the guilt of the child’s death. This reunites them but the woman appears as a prostitute to distance herself from the emotions of reuniting. She slips into mental illness and later mutilates herself in an attempt to become a virgin.
It takes place on two timelines with the story getting together in the end.
Contacted this morning, Fr Abela declined to comment about the Curia’s decision.
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Comments
Please enlighten us as to how exactly 'GonziPN' as you put it has anything to do with this article. It amazes me how some people mix politics with everything that happens under the sun!
I do agree with you however in that i am an adult and i should be able to choose what i want to watch, without this being decided for me by a group of appointed individuals! The censorship board should be removed and let the Maltese population decide for itself.
It's not a question of GonziPN together with the Church of Malta.
It happened before with Sulari Fuq Strada Stretta back in the 70s.
It's more a question of going one step forward, then ten backwards.
Your argument, on the other, has some weight considering the Culture Minister's attitude and comments, again without having seen the play.
GonziPN and the Church are undistinguishable. Both do their utmost to turn a democratic nation into a banana republic.
NO ONE has the right to dictate the people's freedom of expression, thought and association.
Freedom above all.
This gesture does nothing to win over the trust of a generation of young Maltese gagging for some form of spiritual guidance. For these youngsters, the Maltese Church is increasingly - and self-consciously, I have to add - rendering itself a non-option.
At the very least, I'd have expected a Curia official to give an ample and detailed elaboration of the reasons - and the rationale - behind Fr Joe's sacking.
Meanwhile, 'Stitching' gains more kudos by dint of its Maltese adventure. By the time my kids read it, it will have turned passè, quaint. But they'd be able to perceive it, then, historically, not merely as a milestone in the humane potential of contemporary drama, but as victim to the reactionary politics of a feckless state censorship and a mismanaged Curia. A Curia peopled by individuals of poor judgment across its ranks, by Catholics unable to subscribe to the progressive facets of international Catholicism .
Sad day indeed.
Freedom of expression!!!
What Fr. Abela said is a fact ... people should know well about suffering .... they should get to know that life is not all a bed of roses!! Why hide these facts from young people?
In my opinion, the main issue concerns the actions of "The chairman of the Church’s Reviewing Film Board", which obviously represents the Church.
May ask the commentators, especially the lawyers amongst them: "When you represent somebody, in whose interest should you act, in your own interest, or in the interest of the person whom you are representing?
We are denying a production by local talent by weans of drama, while the country and our ‘wise men and women’ from the censorship boards are as if ignoring hard core pornography being shown in public cinema/s with little assurance of whether youngsters are being allowed in or not. This without mentioning acts of loitering in public areas, like near certain Bus Stops in Marsa after 11pm. Who knows why? Have our institutions and certain politicians become the ‘goodies…’ slaves of a ‘public image’ and action less in certain areas while as if ignoring others.
To be honest, I don't believe in these kind of 'shocking' plays as the shock factor is mainly a marketing strategy. Let's not forget that marketing is the number one British speciality - take that away and you'd need a a microscope to find any substance in their art, education, etc.
Subtlety, on the other hand, is more difficult to achieve and requires more skill from the author/artist. However, censorship is just not on!
2. Are The Times readers so naive that they dont know that it was GONZI PN's government that banned the play and not the Church.
3. So are the readers of The Times against GONZI PN because he did not remove the chairman of the board that banned the play and against the CHURCH because it revoved the chairman of its diocesan film board for expressing views the Church has distanced itself from? Freedem of expression ??!!
Thank you Fr Joe for being honest with yourself on this matter !
If the Catholic Church continues to oppress the RIGHT of Freedom of Speech / Conscience the flow OUTWARDS will be greater than the baptisms in a year.
A lot of hope was reached once a long awaited, new archbishop was appointed in hope for a better ‘management’ of such institution, at least similar to that adopted by other Christian dioceses. But unfortunately such did not materialise as it seem that the ‘image’ and imposition are more important than kindness, support, and love.
I cannot but express my support to Fr Abela, but it seems that we are still a long way from acknowledging the experience even of some religious persons in certain fields, although these can help in having the desired approach from the local church to its members and other citizens. This while the most conservative elements still prevail.
Iva niddefenduh ghax tkellem onestament u bis-sens, ma qaghadx joqghod ihambaq fuq niddefendu l-valuri u l-morali bhalma ghamlet il-Kurja u qaghdet tinheba wara subghajha. Biex imbaghad malajr tat x'tifhem b'azzjonita.
Toqghod tqis ukoll li Fr Abela il-play ra u qraha, umbaghad tkellem.
U hadd ma qal li jekk ma taqbilx maghna m'ghandikx dritt juri fehmtu. Jekk tmurx tara l-play jew le hija kwistjoni t'ghazla, ghax kont tkun informat minn qabel li fiha kontenut iebes.
Fi zmienu Moliere, sab min jaghmillu bsaten fir-roti ghax gab ezempju ta' ipokresija bil-Knisja u n-Nobbilta' fix-xoghol tieghu.
Anthony Nielsen ifforma tragedja umana fuq bazi ta' kazijiet li anke psikologi Maltin kellhom jaffacjaw.
L-idea taz=zewg awturi huma li jaghtuna fuqhiex nahsbu u nixtarru tul hajjitna, forsi wiehed ahjar mill-iehor, imma certament ahjar minn xi omeliji li smajt. Madanakollu, hawn min jippreferi jisma' omelija milli jara play, u ghaldaqstant ghandu kull dritt.
Speaking as an atheist, its about time the church stepped into the real world and realised that the mind control grip they have on this Island is getting less and less and there is nothing they can do about this.
About time.
I've seen this play and although It did stir a few intense emotions in me, surely isnt that the point?
Who are you to tell me what I can and can't see?
If you like it, sit and enjoy it for the humanistic peice of theatre that it is. If you don't like it, stick your fingers in your ears, close your eyes and walk out.
I mentioned truth because the priest after all spoke under oath, and since the fervent religious always quote the Bible, might as well have Mr. Theuma give another look, hehe...
"Also the church does a lot of good to the various people. Who takes care of the abandoned children?"
Ask the Irish...
The Church does good is to hide other more negative affiliations of it's own.
It's like the Mafia Don giving away monetary gifts and does ample amouts of charity (ironically, usually to the church) to hide his wrong doings.
This is a statement of fact.
Keep your "god bless you to yourself".
Anyways; adult have full right to watch any kind of acting.
I think some people need to cut off the so-Called gospels and read the Thelema
@ Franco Rizzo.
If it's the Truth for you enjoy it, I'ts not for me so sush.
What, one may ask, has it to do with the subject? It has. Is not the story Stitched about conception and couples' relationship? The Polish book gives practical advice, though for the simple minds it may be considered as scandalous, but according to reports the Church finds nothing to condemn and the book received only positive response. Up to now no voice has been raised against its contents. It is for grown ups. Let's wait and see when it is translated in other languages.
The point is that if it arrives in Malta it might raise a wave of protests. Let's hope it will not be censored, otherwise it will receive a deluge of reactions. The Church in Poland has not objected to its contents. That means that the Church is not short sighted as some pretend and has advanced a lot on the subject of marital relations
Yes, I can see what 'freedom of speech' the Curia and the Church believe in...as soon as one of theirs expressed a personal opinion which was not official doctrine, he was immediately removed from his post!
Malta should not be a 13th century theocracy in the 21st century.
Is the bishop still Annetto Casolani , as nothing ever changes with this meddling institution that should have been put to pasture long ago.
I guess you should be the one reading my post again. Nowhere in my comment did I try to force you in believing in anything I do and nor did I try to force you to shut up. Here in Malta we have freedom of speech (although some seem to think otherwise). You said something, and I another - and I say it again “you do not know what you are talking about” when you compare the Curia with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Over there (watch the news if you like) you would be in prison (or worse) for speaking against their religion institution or what that institution decides/dictates! By this I do not mean that what they do there is good; I just mean that saying the latter is better than the foremost is a clear lack of knowledge about both, or else lack of ability to put things into context … I leave it for you to decide which of which.
Also the church does a lot of good to the various people. Who takes care of the abandoned children?
And the church also does good which is not seen / appreciated by people unfortunately? To whom people would go for help when they have problems? All I can say is that the church has its doors open for everyone.
It's true that priests commit mistakes because of the fallen human nature and the evil inside each and every one of us but this does not erase the good things that the church does for mankind.
In my opinion, the church has every right to take positions about things that can possibly further deteriorate the country's moral values and leading its people to holiness as Christ ordered it to do over 2000 years ago.
May God bless everyone even those against the church! God loves you all!
This is simply a play and also if it was a film, who is this Curia to interfere in what I and lots of other people want to see and hear??
Usually I am not a fan of plays but in this case if it played in Malta I will go for sure.
They want to teach everyone tolerance and freedom of speech and in this case they are acting like Iran or the USSR under Stalin. But here it is worst because at least in Iran they declare that they don’t tolerate these things and act accordingly but here the Curia says something and deplore those that don’t act as they say and then the Curia just act the opposite as it say.
In fact it was always like this, when someone tells the truth and this is not the truth the curia wants everyone to hear they censor and or demonise the one that tells this truth in this case Fr Abela
.
For the Curia and in fact the whole church and each and every religion, there is their each truth and there is the real true that when it is convenient they agree with each other to suppress the real truth and when it is convenient they play as they are in conflict. (Cont.)
What do you mean when you say that "people are all obliged to obey no matter what they say or believe". First and foremost, the church has no right to dictate what I see, say and believe and secondly the church is there but it is up to the individual to take up what the church preaches and apply it to his/her life. It is evident that the church lives cut off from the reality and has no idea that we are living in 2009. And I have no idea what the PL has to do with all this...? How come every issue which is discussed on this website is turned into a political matter? I would be much more than grateful if I do not see the words 'PL', 'PN' or 'GonziPN' in every article on this website! Btw church...well done! Keep loosing your flocks!
Fr. Abela's courage and sincerity merits respect.
"Please remember that the Church is not a democratic institution" That's precisley why I do not consider myslef as part of the church any more. If I have learnt only one thing in life, and that's NOT to take anyone's word as gospel. I have learnt to question, somthing which the Church is not interested in allowing. And, consequently, you are not in any position to tell me that I am answerable to the Lord.
@ alfred cardona (no relation of mine thankfully)
NO, we are not all a flock of the church, as you put it. And what, precisely, has the PL got to do with this? What does 'We support you' mean exactly? who is We?? Are you in a position to decide for everyone by any chancfe?
@ Simon XYZ Aquilina
just read your post again..how typical of church men..."you don't know what you're talking about" indeed!!! If you're happy being ordered what to believe in, feel free to do so, no one is forcing you to...likewise, don't you dare force me to do so, and don't you dare try and stop me from saying what I think.
Don't the Gospels say something about Truth?
I would now also be one of the first to buy a ticket to watch the play 'Stitching', and I am sure thousands will do the same.
May I remind the church authorities that the time of the Inquisition has long passed and the Catholic flock are not impressed by this last stunt. I honestly suggest that the one responsible for removing Fr Joe Abela from his post following his evidence in court should either resign his post on his own free will or either made to resign. Do not treat the people as morons please.
Is this the way that the Curia practices the freedom of speech?
Will someone please inform the local church that the 13th century has come and gone?
In court, a person is obliged to give evidence, and is under oath to tell the truth. What is the church saying here - that a person should lie under oath, or obstruct justice?
Incidentally, will the burning at the stake be a public event or a private affair?
And this latest News is the proof of Democracy, but, in Medival times.
This and more has been reported in foreign news-papers.
Just written for news sake Hereunder: a copy and paste from Google
1. Catholic Kama Sutra
Helping Catholics expand their appreciation for God?s great gift of sacramental love. Similar sites bombard you with titillating images.
Why did I expect better from our new Archbishop? With such an apparent change in mentality from his predecessor, it would seem like there's a faceless 'master of ceremony' who orchestrates these 'expulsions' - maybe occupying some kind of permanent post for continuity (of mentality/culture)?
If this is the case, he's not doing the Church any favour and he's certainly not scoring any marks with the 'faithful' for these witch hunts - and although I am always extremely wary of criticising the Church, if they wanted a yes-man to represent it on such boards they shouldn't send intelligent priests with a legitimate mind of their own, who do much more good for the 'Brand' than the Curia's half-baked solutions. At least he gave an opinion, as he was meant to do. Has the Curia given its opinion - one way or the other? If we're missing something, out of common decency they should come out in the open and spell it out. We're not a flock of sheep any more !!
Come on Malta!!! Learn some science, astronomy and biology. Promote freedom of speech, art and science so that one day, this country may truly be intelligent and free! Do not let ignorance continue to be promoted in such similar stories. Be free!
Why don't you take a one way ticket to Iran and lobby in favour of this play there ... I wonder in what state they would send you back ... really you do not know what you are talking about.
The Curia is making the church less relevant.
High priests are still crucifying people 2000 years later.
The play was banned by, ‘The Film and Stage Classification Board, which is appointed by the government. Full story the TOM (Tuesday 17 February 2009). The play was reviewed twice by two different groups.
For your information Film & play censorship is world wide, the degree of moral code varies according to the country. While the freedom of expression is subject to several limitations in the interest of morality and decency.
I only feel sorry for Fr Abela, because his arguments were pretty sound, and his decision to rate rather than censor the play was a mature one. Well, maturity is an embarassment for the Curia it seems.
The real debate should be the role of the board and its legislative powers. I I definitely do not agree that such a play should be banned because at the end of the day its up to the individual to decide. The board's role is to see that a certain age group would be allowed to experience the story but not ban it totally.
I disagreed with Fr Abela`s conclusions having also watched the play myself - the play is adult fare and if you are an adult, you are an adult.However, on a personal level,Fr Abela has complete solidarity from myself and my liberal Party with which he is at liberty to join. Fr Abela is a cinema buff, well-versed in most cinematographic genres and we meet from time to time to watch serious movies at a cultured Centre.,I get angry when I see such people behaving in this vindictive manner!
J.Cassar
No less or no more to add
if yes than i understand what you say.
Did the curia ask him off?
did he resign himself?
He is a priest first might he just want to focus on that?
Good luck Fr Abela...keep up the good work and more coverage be given for other things you do in silence and so fruitfully for the church and its people!
and the Church keeps on distancing itself from reality and ordinary people
keep smiling archbishop........you have plenty to cry about!
Luckily priests like Fr. Joe, give a glimpse of the down to earth approach and humility that draws a person to appreciate the way of life that Christ symbolises.
As for the Curia & The Church - they have lost their plot and soul ages ago.
It’s an insult toward people with moral values and intellect.
Such attitude will just push me further away from the church and I feel others will hold the same feelings.
Well, thanks to this particular case, I will be surfing the net to learn more about the play, the plot, and who knows perhaps download it too. Thanks Catholic Church for bringing it to my attention.
Will you try stopping me from viewing it?
Shame on the Kuria for still being so closed and unfair. Fr. Abela should have the right to sue the Kuria for unjust practice. To be honest I thought that things would change with the appointment of the new archbishop, but evidently, I was wrong. I totally agree with the views below. The kuria in malta makes Comunisim look liberal!!!
So is the Curia implying that the Fr cannot be honest and express his feelings ? But lie ?
It is indeed sad that, of all people, this dismissal was made by an entity which was supposed to be one of the front runners when it came to the freedom of expression. I also thought that we were beyond these times.
Will Enlightnment never sweep through the Maltese Curia?
God bless the Father Abelas
so much for freedom of speech and democracy, freedom of choice and human rights. this is OBSCENE.
first of all: maltese adult citizens have the right to choose what they would like to see without ANYBODY intruding upon that decision
second: everybody has a right to express him/herself, unless that is causing intentional harm (and lets face it, if you're touchy it's your problem, i've seen far worse atrocities on the evening news)
third: one should not be afraid to express his opinion due to threats of losing a job. hats off to Fr. Abela for this, although he is suffering unjust consequences.
this is just as bad as being in a communist regime where the state dictates! come on we're in 2009 for god's sake. such a thing should be illegal. i for one would be ready to initiate a legal cause against this because it is hindering my rights as a citizen!
Way to go, Arch.....keep on defending the indefensible and justifying the unjustifiable at all costs. A sure-fire way to reverse the decline.