Sungguh indahnya bila semuanya berjalan tanpa ada duka

Tapi semuanya pasti ada problema yang terjadi pada diri kita

Anugrah yang terindah yang kini kuanggap,adalah saat diriku mulai berubah
Anugrah yang terindah yang kini kuanggap,
saat kumulai sebuah hidup yang baru
(Fatih – Anugrah Yang Terindah)

Potongan syair indah milik Fatih itu adalah salah satu kalimat favorit saya. Berubah mengawali hidup baru, dari buruk ke baik, bagi banyak orang memang dipandang tidak nyaman. Apalagi perubahan yang ekstrem. Manusiawi. Kamu sendiri pernah merasakan itu bukan? Bagi saya yang pernah pacaran, pedih rasanya harus meninggalkan pujaan hati karena tahu pacaran itu dilarang dalam agama. Tak ada lagi bonceng-boncengan. Tak ada lagi sapa, sms-an dan kata mesra. Tak ada lagi belaian dan ***sencored***. Sejak saat itu saya harus melupakan cintanya, cinta yang tidak berdasar karena saya dikenalkan dengan cinta yang lebih besar. Cinta yang terlampau agung dan lebih layak saya perjuangkan.

Bagi yang berjilbab, bagaimana rasanya kamu harus memutuskan berpanas-panas menutupi badanmu dengan ‘kelambu’, tegar digelari ‘ninja’, atau ‘istri teroris’, sabar saat mulai dijauhi sobat karib. Ya kamu tahu itu konsekuensi dari akidah yang kamu anut. Aku tahu sebelumnya kamu enjoy dengan pergaulan yang bebas ama para cowok. Aku tahu, kemarin kamu masih sering tebar pesona, main mata, sms-an ama cowok keren di kelas kuliah. Sejak saat itu kamu harus meninggalkannya karna kamu dikenalkan cara bagaimana agamamu mengatur dan menghormati wanita.

Berubah itu tidak nyaman. Kita selayaknya menyadari ketidaknyamanan adalah bagian dari perubahan, dan perubahan adalah bagian dari pengembangan diri. Dimana memang orang harus berubah ketika ia menemukan dirinya tidak berada pada kondisi yang ideal. Maka berubah adalah jalan menuju keidealan itu.

Sepotong episode berlalu saat kita berhasil melakukan lompatan-lompatan penyesuaian. Penyesuaian yang membuat kita mulai merasa nyaman dengan hidup yang baru. Dan pada akhirnya kita sadar telah melangkah sejauh ini. Langkah-langkah yang juga membuatmu tidak nyaman untuk kembali mundur. Mundur sebuah perubahan juga kan?

Tak ada yang salah apa yang dikatakan Fatih, bahwa mampu berubah adalah sebuah anugrah yang amat indah. Tapi apa cuma sampai disitu? Pertanyaannya, cukup banggakah kita hanya karena mampu merubah diri sendiri?

Perubahan yang ada pada kita itu baru titik awal dari perjuangan kawan. Layaknya sebuah lilin kita baru saja menyalakan lilin itu. Dan selaku pembawa lilin kita sudah harus siap dan bertanggungjawab menerangi lingkungan yang gelap.

Ada yang lebih indah dan lebih patut dibanggakan ketika kita tidak puas hanya mampu merubah diri kita sendiri. Demi Allah, tugas kita tidak hanya sampai disitu! Tugas kita juga merubah orang banyak. Keluarga, sahabat, tetangga, dosen, para pedagang, buruh, menteri, presiden, bahkan musuh Allah sekalipun, sebab semua orang yang memiliki hak untuk turut berubah.
Saya ingin mengeluarkan kawan-kawan dari prem egois yang terjadi selama ini bahwa da’wah bukan sekadar kewajiban kita . Tetapi da’wah pada hakikatnya juga merupakan hak mereka . Da’wah adalah jalan dan hidayah menjadi kunci emasnya. Untuk apa kita berda’wah? Agar di hari akhir nanti tak ada lagi alasan bagi mereka di hadapan Allah untuk menolak kebenaran, kita udah menyampaikan kok.

Lebih Berat – Lebih Menantang – Lebih Indah
Yang namanya merubah orang banyak itu lebih tidak nyaman dan memerlukan upaya yang lebih berat. Bayangkan, merubah diri sendiri saja susahnya minta ampun apalagi merubah orang banyak. Tapi apa kita lupa, Allah itu Maha Adil. Ingat, setiap ada perubahan maka disana ada anugrah. Jadi jika kita merubah banyak orang tunggulah anugrah yang berlipat yang jauh lebih indah pula.

Ah, aku ingat kekasih kita Rasul saw, pernah bilang,
“Barangsiapa yang menunjukkan pada suatu kebaikan, maka baginya seperti pahala orang yang mengerjakannya” (HR. Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Daud & Tirmidzi)

Setiap kita mengajak 1 orang untuk melakukan amal, jika ia melakukan amal itu, maka kita mendapatkan pahala sebanyak amal tersebut. Luar biasa, apalagi jika seseorang tertunjuki, tobat, berubah total jadi mukmin dan punggawa da’wah sejati melalui upaya kita. Setiap ia beramal, kebaikannya tak berhenti mengalir pada kita. Sholatnya, puasanya, belajarnya, bahkan nafasnya sekalipun yang ia niatkan untuk Allah, kita dapat pahala yang sama, tenpa mengurangi pahalanya.

Setiap ia berda’wah, walaupun kita diam, kita juga dapat pahala da’wahnya. Sekarang pikirkan bagaimana jika orang yang dida’wahkannya-pun berubah, tobat dan jadi penda’wah juga, lalu penda’wah itu menda’wahkan lagi pada orang lain, dan begitu seterusnya? Hmm, pikirkan sendiri.
Itu baru kalau orang yang berubah linier, masing-masing level merubah satu orang. Bagaimana jika setiap level mengubah tiga, sepuluh, seratus, atau seribu orang? Berapa ratus, ribu, atau juta kali lipat pahala kebaikan yang kita dapat? Siap-siap saja jadi tukang tadah pahala! Betapa bahagia mereka yang mendapat anugrah seperti itu. Ini yang namanya MLP (multi level pahala), kawan. Sebuah penawaran yang sangat menggiurkan.

Diluar sana masyarakat dengan kungkungan sistem kufur mulai jenuh dengan madu berbalut racunnya. Tatanan kehidupan yang jahiliyah ini kini menunggumu untuk segera menguburnya. Disaat yang sama masyarakat semakin haus sisi relijiusitasnya. Mereka mencari dan menanti sesuatu yang baru yang akan mereka abdi. Maka untuk apa berdiam diri? Berubah, merubah, dan berbahagialah!

. . .
Akupun mulai berkhayal,
apabila semua berawal dan berakhir bahagia . . .
(lanjutan syair Fatih – Anugrah Yang Terindah)

Yogyakarta, menjelang deadline,
Saudaramu

We’re not entirely sold on the cars themselves (especially the “lesser” A* variants), or on other aspects of the platform or its design, but give credit where credit is due: the rear of the B8 cars just looks right. Audi, and designer Walter de’Silva in particular, really nailed it. Here’s a quick visual appreciation.

- Gyro

UK PonyCon 2009 Exclusive Pony
Fancy Feathers
NOW FOR SALE!

To purchase your pony please visit our online shop here:
UK PonyCon Online Store <– clicky clicky!

This year the UK PonyCon has been supporting
the Riding for the Disabled Association,
the profit from the sale of this pony will go towards helping them in their valuable work

To find out more about the RDA please visit their website: http://www.rda.org.uk/

Purchase Info

The price is £15 per pony plus the following shipping costs:

UK
£5.40 Special Delivery (One Pony)
£6.70 Special Delivery (Two or Three Ponies)

EUROPE
£7.27 Airsure Signed For (One Pony)
£8.48 Airsure Signed For (Two Ponies)
£9.80 Airsure Signed For (Three Ponies)

REST OF WORLD
£9.33 Airsure Signed For (One Pony)
£11.93 Airsure Signed For (Two Ponies)
£14.69 Airsure Signed For (Three Ponies)

This pony will be shipped in a sturdy postage box via Tracked / Signed For methods only.

PLEASE NOTE – Due to the expected high demand, ponies will be shipped in batches once a week, you will be notified by email once your pony has been shipped.

If you have any problems with the checkout / purchasing this pony or would like to pay via a different method, please do not hesitate to contact us

Aquesta tarda Esplac ha fet ple a la sala d’actes d’Òmnium per presentar el llibre “Vet aquí els nostres drets”, un recull de contes per explicar els drets dels infants. Per construir el llibre es va organitzar un concurs, amb el premi de la publicació. Sembla que s’hi van presentar un fotimer de contes, dels quals se n’han seleccionat onze.

Ha estat genial, de veritat. De vegades la prudència ens amaga i molta gent que estaria encantada de donar suport al nostre projecte no ens coneix, però amb invents com aquest, amb creativitat i simpatia, Esplac avui ha fet un pas per arribar molt lluny.

I celebro especialment que Esplac es consolidi com una veu en la promoció, defensa i exercici dels drets dels infants. Ha estat un llarg camí, des que el Pere Vila va portar d’un congrés de Francas aquell lema de “l’espai dels infants”, per situar els drets en el centre del projecte pedagògic. Sembla fàcil, però no ho és gens. Els drets són conceptes abstractes, que defugen els marcs culturals perquè els superen, i la matèria prima dels esplais és la cultura. Les cançons, els contes, els jocs… En un context de paradigmes multiculturalista o interculturalista, en qualsevol cas amb la cultura com a element troncal de la identitat (un error en tota regla del món de l’educació), que ha posat l’accent en allò que ens diferencia, té molt de mèrit situar els drets, allò que ens uneix a tots, com a eina bàsica del projecte dels esplais.

Si us interessa el llibre, el podeu veure aquí en un web la mar de maco

Felicitats!

Just a really quick update for you all x

First off, I am SO PLEASED to announce that Royal Mail are back to normal and my headache has been cured! LOL I managed to survive the strikes more or less unscathed, only one package is still awol so nowhere near as bad as expected!

There will be a mini celebration announced shortly so keep your eyes peeled!

On to the subject of My Little Pony – over the weekend I was helping a good friend of mine to identify some My Little Ponies when the topic turned to how to clean them up ready for sale. I immediately went to refer her to Moonfire’s G3MLP site for the amazing “Pony Salon” tutorials on how to wash and style MLP hair when to my horror, I discovered it gone!

After a quick Google search, I found no other site with a similar picture tutorial so was wondering if it was worth me doing one for you?

It is such a shame to see Moonfire’s site is down, it was an incredibly helpful site which I often referred people to – I do hope Moonfire is ok, where ever she may be

Robin x

A les 10:00 hores, audiència del President de la Generalitat, José Montilla, als presidents de les Entitats coordinades al si del Moviment Laic i Progressista així com al Secretari General i al Secretari d’Organització del propi MLP. La sala utilitzada, ampla i espaiosa, anomenada Montserrat, permet el comentari humorístic de que potser hauríem d’haver anat a la Torres Garcia, el pintor uruguaià de les deïtats paganes, tant evocadores pels lliurepensadors, i condemnades durant anys a un magatzem per la incapacitat d’alguns moralistes de trobar la bellesa al cos humà. Afectuós i proper, el President ens deixa explicar-li la missió de cada una de les entitats i ens demana el nostre parer sobre l’exercici del poder al servei dels ciutadans.

Many on Maui are calling it the end of an era as Maui Land and Pineapple Company pulls the plug on pineapple production.  An estimated 285 lay offs are planned by the end of the year in a move that was announced to workers Tuesday morning.

After losing $115 million in agriculture over the past seven years, company officials said market conditions have not improved and pineapple operations were no longer financially sustainable.  The company plans to focus its efforts on the success of its Kapalua Resort while trying to accommodate up to 133 employees at partner companies.

The following are statements released by various political figures in the wake of the recent announcement.

Melita Yadao unloads a shipment of freshly picked Maui Gold pineapple from a morning harvest at Haliimaile on Tuesday morning. Yadao, a 27-year employee with ML&P had just learned earlier that morning of the company's plans to immediately halt pineapple planting and stop pineapple operations by the end of the year. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Governor Linda Lingle

“This is a difficult time for the employees of Maui Land & Pineapple, and the State is ready to assist those who will be displaced through our multi-agency Rapid Response Team.  The hard work and dedication of these loyal employees and those before them contributed to the cultivation of the pineapple industry and agriculture on Maui over the years.

“Unfortunately, while this kama‘āina company tried its best to keep its pineapple operation financially viable, the realities of today’s global economy and the worldwide agricultural market has led to this business decision by Maui Land & Pineapple.

“Pineapple has been an integral part of Maui’s community, heritage and way of life for generations, and for many Maui residents, the plantation and cannery provided their first jobs.  While the end of pineapple production on the island is a loss to Maui and the entire state, now more than ever, it is critically important that we work together to support agriculture in Hawai‘i to ensure our food security as well as to provide jobs.”

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares

“This is very sad news for our community, especially for the employees and their families who will be affected. Agricultural fields are part of our heritage and have been a foundation of our island’s history. For nearly a hundred years the company’s pineapple operations have made our community’s character unique. Working in our pineapple fields has been the source of income for many families, where high school teenagers spent their summers and where multiple members of a family worked in different parts of the operations. I have my own personal memories of summer work in the fields.”

“I’m certain that this was not an easy decision for the company to make in light of the economic difficulties affecting the world today.  The County Office of Economic Development has already begun working with our state and private sector partners to pull all of our resources together and provide help for the displaced workers through job fairs, training, counseling and assistance with the unemployment process.”

U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye

“Our sputtering economy continues to hurt long time Hawaii institutions and the loss of Maui Pine impacts the lives and families of 285 workers.  Since the company went public in 1969 it has served as a vital cog in our local economy through its agriculture, resort and real estate operations.  My sympathies go out to the workers and families affected by this closure.  I stand ready to direct whatever federal assistance the law allows and I will continue to do all I can in Washington to ensure that the federal government is supporting the local economy as best it can during these turbulent economic times,” said Senator Inouye.

Maui Land and Pineapple employees continued their work to harvest fields still in production in Haliimaile and Kapalua after learning that an estimated 285 layoffs would occur before the end of the year. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Rep Gilbert Keith-Agaran

“I’m saddened to hear that another of Hawaii’s signature businesses is coming to a close,” said Rep. Keith-Agaran.  “I’m especially concerned about the 284 Maui residents who will be losing their jobs, and I am hoping that the State administration will mobilize to provide services and information to them to help with the transition.”

“This will be a major change for the people of Maui,” continued Rep. Keith-Agaran.  “Pineapple has been part of our history, our economy and our culture for generations.  Maui is resilient, however, and I am hopeful that our community will recover from the setback and together find other ways to thrive going forward.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

It looks like the Masons of Europe has gained enough power to dictate the rights and wrongs. Freedom and democracy have been virtually been wiped out. The people of European Countries and the centuries of law building as structured by the inhabitants of each Country are being dismantled to a one size fit all European Constitution.
The very foundations (democracy and freedom) on which the EU was built have now been weakened with imposition (blackmailing) EU Countries into accepting the vehemently rejected EU Constitution, which the only gainers are tremendous powers given to the unelected EU leaders – just like their predecessor dictators.
Moral values are no longer included in the EU vocabulary and the treading of rights of each individual citizen in his own Country, to be governed by his elected representatives and legislated law in his own Country is now bypassed to reflect the will of the dictators in the EU.
Let us take the recent The European Court of Human Rights ruling to abolish crucifixes from classrooms in Italy which is rejected by the absolute majority of Italian – can only indicate one thing, No matter what or how citizens feel, they must obey their EU masters. Now if this EU court ruling applies for Italy, then it must apply for all EU Countries.
Now if a cross is deemed offensive, than works of art will have to be seen as illegal and have to be destroyed, I have personally seen art painting depicting angels white and demons black – they have to go, all other shrines of worship such as Fatima and Lourdes – according to our immaculate experts will logically have to go. It also gives reason to believe that taking an oath in the justice system irrelevant as would taking an oath in any office to serve the Country, if the cross or bible means nothing so does the oath which will mean that none of those serving a Country is obliged to honor their oath!! Criminals will be assured absolute protection with a fuck the victim attitude – all in the name of the blackmailing unelected EU dictators in Brussels. The only concern and ambition of the EU unelected leadership is to take on America. On that same note, one has to remember that ALL GREAT WORLD WARS ORIGINATED FROM EUROPE, and the next one is no exception. Those that thought the Nazi have lost the war must re think again – How did an un-elected gain so much power? Now how did an un-elected EU council gain so much power? The strategy is different but the outcome will defiantly be the same. Why is illegal immigration in the EU left un-checked, it is only to rub in guilt from past wars and pave the way for a reason for internal racial conflicts to start where drastic measures can be taken to take full control as done in communist Countries.

As Reported in the Times Of Malta (with comments from readers)

Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 – 18:57CET

Uproar over EU court ruling against Crucifix – Archbishop Cremona reacts
‘Should this situation arise in Malta one day, it will be my duty to insist, along with Maltese Christians, that the crucifix retains its place in public places.’

(Adds Archbishop’s reaction, question in Parliament)

The European Court of Human Rights ruled today that Italian schools should remove crucifixes from classrooms, sparking uproar in Italy, where such icons are embedded in the national psyche.

“This is an abhorrent ruling,” said Rocco Buttiglione, a former culture minister who helped write papal encyclicals.

“It must be rejected with firmness. Italy has its culture, its traditions and its history. Those who come among us must understand and accept this culture and this history,” he said.

The court ruling, which Italy said it would appeal, said crucifixes on school walls, a common sight that is part of every Italian’s life, could disturb children who were not Christians.

Italy has been in the throes of national debate on how to deal with a growing population of immigrants, mostly Muslims, and the court sentence is likely to become another battle cry for the centre-right government’s policy to restrict newcomers.

The Vatican spokesman said he would not comment until he knew more about the ruling but Italy’s powerful bishops’ conference said the ruling “evokes sadness and bewilderment”.

Members of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s government bristled, weighing in with words such as “shameful”, “offensive”, “absurd,” “unacceptable,” and “pagan”.

MORTAL BLOW

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said the court has dealt a “mortal blow to a Europe of values and rights,” adding that it was a bad precedent for other countries.

Condemnation crossed party lines. Paola Binetti, a Catholic in the opposition Democratic Party, the successor of what was once the West’s largest communist party, said: “In Italy, the crucifix is a specific sign of our tradition.”

The case was brought by an Italian national, Soile Lautsi, who complained that her children had to attend a public school in northern Italy which had crucifixes in every room.

Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini said crucifixes on the walls of tens of thousands of classrooms “does not mean adherence to Catholicism” but are a symbol of Italy’s heritage.

“The history of Italy is marked by symbols and if we erase symbols we erase part of ourselves,” Gelmini said.

Lautsi, the woman who filed the suit, said crucifixes on walls ran counter to her right to give her children a secular education and the Strasbourg-based court ruled in her favour.

“The presence of the crucifix … could be encouraging for religious pupils, but also disturbing for pupils who practised other religions or were atheists, particularly if they belonged to religious minorities,” the court said in a written ruling.

“The State (must) refrain from imposing beliefs in premises where individuals were dependent on it,” it added, saying the aim of public education was “to foster critical thinking”.

“JESUS DOESN’T BOTHER ME”

At least one Muslim girl disagreed with the court.

“If the crucifix is there and I am a Muslim I will continue to respect my religion. Jesus in the classroom doesn’t bother me,” Zenat, a 14-year-old girl of Egyptian origin, told Reuters Television.

Mario Baccini, a senator in Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party, said the court had “gone adrift in paganism”.

Two Italian laws dating from the 1920s, when the Fascists were in power, state that schools must display crucifixes.

Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, said such rulings were leading to “a Europe without an identity”.

Only a handful of politicians defended the court, including some members of the Democratic Party, as well as members of the communist party and atheist groups.

ARCHBISHOP PAUL CREMONA’S REACTION

Archbishop Paul Cremona said that should this situation arise in Malta one day, it would be his duty to insist, along with Maltese Christians, that the crucifix should retain its place in public places.

A spokesman for the curia said it was still early to comment on the decision as the judgement could be appealed.

ISSUE RAISED IN PARLIAMENT

Opposition MP Alfred Sant this evening raised the issue in Parliament and asked if the government had a reaction. The Acting Speaker, Carmelo Abela, however, said the question could not be raised at that time.
Comments
Alex Ellul (22 minutes ago)
Quod non fecerunt Barbari Romae, fecit Barberini. What the Italian communists did not manage to do has been now carried out by the new barbarians in power in Europe.
J Farrugia (28 minutes ago)
Let me set the record straight. I have no faith in these European bureaucratic institutions. For me they are a waste of people’s money. Then taken into account the recent bocciatura of Rocco Buttiglione because he was a catholic, and the recent verdict regarding the crucifix, (following Spain’s removal of crucifix in its own territory, be that as it may) if ever in Malta we are met with such a decision (surely it will never happen under the PN Governments) I will institute a constitutional case for the removal of all islamic, hindu and other religious signs and wear from all the Maltese territory. Moreover the Holy cross will never be removed from anywhere in public places. Irrespective of any court decision which may in future be taken with regards to oour Island. And no one will get a tiny penny given to them by our or foreign courts. No one. They will get only what they truly deserve. Our condemnation.
Raymond Sammut (33 minutes ago)
The first sentence of this report is misleading because it implies that the ECHR is requiring the Italian government to remove crucifxes from classrooms; which is not the case.

In accordance with the Italian Constitution, the Italian government may allow schools to display the crucifix in classrooms. However, there also appears to be a conflict in this same constitution which requires separation of State and Church.

More serious is what this report is omitting, namely, the fact that Ms Soile Lautsi has been awarded €5000 in damages by the ECHR which the Italian government has to pay.

Now imagine a potential scenario in Malta where the Archbishop with “Maltese Christians” take to the streets in defense of the crucifix while Gonzi in Castile has to keep forking out €5000 in damages to parents on Malta suing in the ECHR. It would be interesting to see which stance Gonzi will take. Will it be the crucifix or will it be the €5000.

In the meantime, the pro-crucifix Italian government can still appeal to the European Court of Human Rights’ Grand Chamber where we can be sure the Vatican will give the Italian government their support.
Joss Galea (34 minutes ago)
If someone UNinvited comes to my house I wouldn’t change my furniture becuase he doesn’t like it. If he wants to stay and live off my wae in my own house, he has to stick to my rules. If he doesn’t like it he can go where he belongs! another thing, I never saw muslim countries changing their habits and culture because Christians are living there!!!!
Evarist Saliba (34 minutes ago)
@ Stephen Farrugia

One should note that the person who brought the case to court is a native Italian with no known allegiance to any non-Christian religion. Most probably the same applies to the judges involved and to most commentators, including local ones, supporting their decision.

The rot lies within modern permissive society.
Dr Francis Saliba (43 minutes ago)
By no stretch of the imagination could a crucifix hanging on the wall of a classroom in a Christian country be considered as running “counter to the child’s right to freedom of religion.” It would appear that not only is the “law an ass” but the higher the court of law the more asinine are its brayings!
Anthony Mercieca (43 minutes ago)
The ruling does worry me, but my worries go further than any hurts to my religious belief and sentiment.
I query the wisdom do these European judges.
In all the logic of reason and events, I see the legal equation on the following basis. Someone with different beliefs moves to a country where the people’s faith is everywhere openly manifested both private and public since it is ingrained in its history and culture.Than somebody, a foreigner to this country, objects to such, on the basis of a fundament right to give a different education to his children.Such religious manifestation goes against his conviction.
Just to simplify, leaving aside the religious implications to this ruling: It is like that I decide to go close to the torch of an oil well because I have freedom of movement but insists that it is my responsibility to tell you that it is your responsibility that I do not get burned, knowing that the chance to get burnt would be evident!!!! Definitely a falacious judgement on the basis of elementary logic independent of all religious sentiments. I encourage our authorities to start lobbying for the replacement of these judges because they demonstrate evident incompetence.
Lorraine Vella (43 minutes ago)
if i go to a muslim school and there is someone wearing a burka, or there is a picture of Allah or Muhammed, or whatever it is that is against my traditions/likings, will these be removed?
J.Camilleri (47 minutes ago)
Eat your YES vote now ! This is just the beginning… abortion on it’s way, divorce on it’s way… wait and see.
George Portelli (50 minutes ago)
@M. Brincat and M. Attard

If crucifixes had to be removed from each classroom, I will be the first to go to school wearing a t-shirt with a crucifix on it as I am a teacher who believes in values. That way the crucifix will still be in every classroom I visit.
e frendo (53 minutes ago)
How about the Muslim countries accepting Catholic churches , and crucifixes in their classes now?? The west is trying to accomodate and bend backwards to make these people have it their own way everywhere ….how about these countries doing the same for western cultures? The European Courts of Human Rights SHOULD SEE that Human Rights are observed everywhere!! We should wake up before these cultures are taking over ………probably, they have already!
Alex Dalli (55 minutes ago)
Where are the Jesuits now? Any comments?
Clive Gerada (1 hour, 12 minutes ago)
Off with the Crucifix in Maltese schools as well! , we have enough churches around to compensate!
Ramon Casha (1 hour, 39 minutes ago)
Although I am not upset by the sight of a crucifix or any other religious depiction, I don’t like the idea of a law requiring all schools to have one. The crucifix is a beautiful symbol to many, but to others it depicts a corpse nailed to an ancient torture instrument, dripping blood.
Joseph Sammut (1 hour, 44 minutes ago)
This is one of the negatives of the EU: imposing issues on member states, bringing down all boundaries, which in time, would make all the same – lifeless without a character. What makes a muslim, a cathlic, a british, an italian, a german, a dutch, maltese? Some time ago, the EU wanted the british to make away with the pint – why? what possible good reason is there to do away with a time old thing?

Can’t you see the magnitude of this issue: according to this decision, nations (because this does not affect Italy only) would have to change age old traditions just because one person complained. Isn’t this out of proportion in every way and angle? Should national issues be judged so lightly? What has the world come to?
t. borg (1 hour, 49 minutes ago)
mhux ta’ b’xejn hawn din il-mibgheda kollha! harsu x’qalu rigward dik il-persuna li qed jigi akkuzat bi stupru fuq in-neputija tieghu fin-1993 meta kien minuri! kwazi kollha qalu li ohtu wara dan is-snin kollha ma tahfirx lil huha ta’ zbal li ghamel snin ilu. ohrajn riedu li jmur ghomru l-habs u sahansitra kien hemm min qal li ghandu jigi maqtul. dan mhux ghax nehhejna lil Alla minn qalbna?
Joseph ellul – Sydney (2 hours, 9 minutes ago)
Hi, in Australia there are no religious symbols in public schools, no corporal punishment and no discipline. The students love it. They swear at the teachers, fight between themselves and can skip school whenever they want, because the parents cannot touch them. We have the highest rate of illiterate school leavers and also the highest rate of dole bludgers straight from school. Most of the trades people are now imported from overseas, ready to work. Europe is not different and withen a few years your students will start blowing up cash machines for the money and stealing small amounts of money with force from anywhere they can. There is no respect for anyone.
IF YOU CANNOT STAND UP FOR THE CHRISTIAN SYMBOL THEN YOU WILL DESERVE THIS AND MORE.
Michael Grech (2 hours, 52 minutes ago)
Well done to the European Court of Human Rights. As a Christian I would like to see Christ in people’s hearts and mind; not hanging on a wall and imposed upon my non-believing sisters and brothers by politicians, who are not normally the epitome of Christian living. With all the unchristian feelings and attitude of local Catholic at frenzy-pitch level (intolerance, self-centredness, racism, acceptance of injustice, hedonism, etc), it took this issue to wake up our dear bishop from his slumbers and make him remember that he has certain duties relating to public statements!

I just hope some local follows the example, and sue our bigoted and hypocritical state.
R Micallef (4 hours, 23 minutes ago)
This is a very complex issue. Maybe the court should have suggested the inclusion of other religious symbols. But Muslims have a problem with images, and atheists cannot be represented with a common symbol. Yet, a blank wall is also a biased ´solution´… it puts belief under the carpet as if it were not there. But it is there, and schools should be a context for healthy dialogue respecting each person´s identity, not silence and feigned indifference.

Let us however not make a big fuss on this. This is a sort of hype issue that tends to cover up the paganism of Italian ´realpolitik´. Furthermore, reducing the crucifix to a “cultural symbol” is almost blasphemous. Jesus is not just an fan-club sticker. That´s a brutally tortured man on that wall. And he is the Son of God. No wonder the Church strictly prohibited the symbolic representation of Christ (except using the symbol of the Paschal Lamb) until 692 (Quinisexte Council “in Trullo” – canons 73 and 82), and practically till Nicea II. And the ´naked´ and blood-drenched image we use today was not allowed till the late middle ages; before, only ´glorious´ and fully-clother crucifixes were allowed.
Joe Fenech (6 hours, 47 minutes ago)
Religion and education/work – not a good mix !

Archbishop – GET REAL!!!

Get those crucifixes off our school , university and office walls! The Middle Ages are over!
NATALIE BORG (7 hours, 1 minute ago)
Faith is a way of living not an academical subject. The Crucifix reminds us of our faith. Religion is a subject to be learned in the classroom. We need to remain updated with the Church’s teachings.
joseph Carmel Chetcuti (7 hours, 1 minute ago)
I have absolutely nothing against the Cross. Notwithstanding the fact that I am an agnostic, I have quite a few at my home as well as a large collection of religious statues. The problem is that Christians abuse their privileged status in society and continually seek to impose their views. They deliberately confuse the secular with the religious, the personal with the public. They not only flaunt their religion (as do many others) and I do not have a problem with this but they get upset when others “flaunt” their sexuality. Double standards! They continually seek to convert others but “woe to thee” if you are a homosexual and you seek to “convert” others to “your cause”. Cremona and his band of unhappy men have no right to insist on the Cross being in any public building. Those days are over. The minority, however small, that does not subscribe to their version of Christians morality and values has simply had enough.
Michael Asquith (7 hours, 27 minutes ago)
Muslims or any other religious bigots should not dictate what we do or don’t do. Get rid of these medieval, frankly scary to children, symbols of a make believe bygone age.
Norbert Bugeja (7 hours, 37 minutes ago)
Removing the Crucifix?????

No way….in a country which is populated by majority of Muslims no one tells them to remove things which have to do with the Muslim religion…..so why should a country which is mostly populated by Catholics remove it????

i agree with archbishop cremona the crucifix should retain it’s place in public places.
charles zammit (7 hours, 47 minutes ago)
if ever we should come to this situation archbishop cremona should chide those who voted yes in the eu referendum thats all there would be to it…..
henrybezzina (7 hours, 47 minutes ago)
Was Dom Mintoff right when he described europe of Abel and Europe of Cain.
Stephen Florian (7 hours, 56 minutes ago)
This is the beginning of EU Chaos. Europe is intrinsically Christian and predominantly Catholic and that is how it should stay. Our Christian values and symbols should be respected. What is the next EU bravado ? Perhaps Churches demolished, or churches turned into workshops, factories and museums like in the days of Soviet Russia. Look at Russia today, it has once more embraced its Maker. When shall we learn from other people’s mistakes…? Is this a taste of French Repubblicanism ? Or the Spanish aconfessionalism? This is pure madness or bad history repeating itself. The work of old nick.? It is time for Catholic Malta to seriously reconsider its role and roadmap in such a Godless EU. Quo vadis EU ? What is the hidden agenda ? Why has the beloved Crucifix become unbearable to some ? What is the standpoint of Maltese MEP’s on this ? What does Dr. Joanna Drake think about this ? It is time to stand up and be counted. Which values are we to embrace ?
J Muscat (7 hours, 59 minutes ago)
A crucifix in itself is not a guarantee of Christianity… but it’s the figure of Jesus Christ himself which equals AUTHENTIC LOVE…

But it seems that the New Europe doesn’t want to recognise this type of love…loving for your enemy and losing your life so that others may live…

It’s funny though, that IF IT WEREN’T FOR THIS TYPE OF LOVE, the people who are claiming that a crucifix is an offense to their religion, belief or non-belief, would have not been accepted to come in Europe in the first place!!!

Well done Europe…another good step towards your self-destruction, since that’s what you seem to be aiming at!
Steve Agius (8 hours, 2 minutes ago)
The crucifix is not only the symbol of our religion, but above all a symbol of the values that are at the base of our identity. Will they order Turkey to remove the crescent moon from all public buildings or the Muslims to remove their veils, if it “could disturb” Christians?
Frank Said (8 hours, 6 minutes ago)
We are Catholics living in a catholic country and in our schools we always had and we will continue to have the crucifix hanged on the walls. Any Muslim or whoever may be that feel offended with the crucifix should pack or make him pack and go back to his own country and there he/she may adore Mohamed or whoever he/she wants to. This is Malta, this is our country and foreigners have to either abide by our rules, by our customs, or otherwise they should go somewhere else. No European Court is going to impose on us such rulings.

I have to state that I made a big mistake when I voted in favour of membership because now I am beginning to realize that Europe has lost its roots, its Christian values and believes. I didn’t vote in favour of such a Europe.
Sandro Agius (8 hours, 21 minutes ago)
@M.Attard – dak tkellem ghalik…jekk kurcifiss idejqek….sinjal tajjeb….dak qieghed hemm minhabba fik ukoll

@Brincat – infakkru li l-ideali ta’ Gesu Kristu bnew l-Ewropa u ghalhekk is-salib mhuwiex biss sinjal ta religjon imma fuq kollox juri li l-fuq min kull intelligenza hemm is-sens komun…li Alla jezisti u jhobb lill-umanita…Alla hekk habb id-dinja li baghat lil Ibnu l-Wahdieni…

Din il-kummiedja turi li l-Ewropa qeghda tichad l-gheruq taghha…u min jichad l-ommu huwa destinat ghar-rovina…u l-moralita bhalissa mhix xi gran che.

Dwar li r-religjon “is a private matter” – m’ghandekx ragun – tant huwa publiku li huwa fil-kultura taghna, fit-tradizzjonijiet u l-folklor, l-Innu Nazzjonali, fil-festi li jgibu ammont sostanzjali ta turisti….issa taf x’jonqos – xi Winter Festival flok il-Milied jew Spring Festival flok il-Gimgha l-Kbira….halluna!!!
Robert Bezzina (8 hours, 26 minutes ago)
High IQ starts with respect towards people’s beliefs. The cross is a sign of Christ’s love towards us, of love, plain and simple. If one does not believe in God he should be unaffected by its presence. After all its just a symbol of love for a large religious community. And there is nothing wrong with love, even for an atheist, I must presume. So, what is all this fuss over crosses in schools? After all children are present in schools and they still need formation. So an atheist is strictly instructing his child to be an atheist? No, I believe these comments are from people with a grudge against the church for some reason or another or else their ego or self proclaimed intelligence is just looking down towards the catholic religion. Be it what it is its just one thing, a pity. It is obvious that being led by men, the church is not perfect and never will be. As many other things in life. Avoid looking for perfection and the details, look for the principles. The cross is one of them
Ryan Bugeja (8 hours, 32 minutes ago)
Such rulings surprise me for one reason: Europe is always first to promote tolerance and living in diversity… and then it removes any symbol related to this diversity. Europe promotes inter-religious dialogue, but then removes any symbol that can lead to the dialogue. I just ask, why can’t the ruling be to include the different symbols of the different religions rather than removing all? Is it so difficult?
@M. Attard: Spirituality, and the way one lives is private true… but religion in itself is qutie meant to be ‘public’… people pray together in whatever religion… if you go to a mosque, church, or buddhist temple, you find people praying in groups…
Richard galea. (8 hours, 38 minutes ago)
Thank God…..We are having some sense from Europe at last!

Next Move now……NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO INDOCTRINATE OUR BELOVED CHILDREN ANY KIND OF RELIGION AT LEAST UNTIL PUBERTY………HALLOWEEN INCULDED.
Charles Grixti (8 hours, 38 minutes ago)
Ordinarily, I would be all for it. As an Agnostic, I am in favour of a Secular State.

However, it is plainly obvious that was not done at the behest of the Secular State, the Protestants or the Jews, nor the Atheists or Agnostics, otherwise it would have been done decades ago.

This has become an issue now simply because the West is all out to appease the Islamic faith, the members of which are now strong enough in Europe to start making demands, and to erase our Judeo-Christian heritage that is the foundation of our European Civilization.

Therefore, on this basis alone, I am for the crucifixes to stay. And I call on all sane people who value life and liberty to do the same.

J.Spiteri (8 hours, 39 minutes ago)
Archbishop Cremona said that should this situation arise in Malta one day …….
It’s not a matter of ‘ if ‘ but rather ‘ when ‘. It’s really sad that the reward for accepting immigrants, most of which entered Europe illegally, is that citizens of the host country have to change their rooted traditions so as not to ‘ offend’ their uninvited guests. A ‘not so bright’ future is approaching ! This is only the beginning.
J.Spiteri (8 hours, 40 minutes ago)
Archbishop Cremona said that should this situation arise in Malta one day …….
It’s not a matter of ‘ if ‘ but rather ‘ when ‘. It’s really sad that the reward for accepting immigrants, most of which entered Europe illegally, is that citizens of the host country have to change their rooted traditions so as not to ‘ offend’ their uninvited guests. A ‘not so bright’ future is approaching ! This is only the beginning.
P.Ciantar (8 hours, 40 minutes ago)
Unbelievable!!!!!!!! This is the EU mediocracy…
malcolm seychell (8 hours, 41 minutes ago)
It is the price for diversity. Enjoy
Peter Bonnici (8 hours, 41 minutes ago)
@ M Attard. You ought to visit some countries in the middle east and preach your teachings there, though I doubt if you’d make it back with your head still attached to your body.

@ M Brincat. Sadly I can understand your reasoning in a way. After all it does take an idiot to give up ones life for the love of others. Especially when its not appreciated.
Michael Caruana (8 hours, 47 minutes ago)
The crucifix is a symbol of tolerance, meekness and salvation. Can the European Court impose its decision on country of some 60 million citizens because of the aaction of one person? What are referenda for may I ask!!
Kevin Camilleri (8 hours, 52 minutes ago)
So you come in MY country, WITHOUT being welcomed, given MONEY from taxpayer’s taxes, given education and all the dignity rights that you did not have in your country, and then you want and protest to remove the cross from the classrooms and public places? NO WAY!! No one asked you to come here, you are free to go back if you do not like our culture and tradition.

NO ONE is force to beleive or practice, but this does not remove the RIGHT for christians to have a cruxifix in public places in THEIR country. If in Malta this should happen, it will be mayhem. The Crucifix has to have a place in our classrooms.
Joseph Grech (8 hours, 52 minutes ago)
“The presence of the crucifix … could be encouraging for religious pupils, but also disturbing for pupils who practised other religions or were atheists, particularly if they belonged to religious minorities,” – Well, I guess if that’s the case, then crucifixes on top of (and inside!!) churches are just as disturbing. Do we bring them down?

Why does Jesus bother some people?
mike pace (8 hours, 57 minutes ago)
Please Mr Government don;t given in to any different religions to make a stand and keep our right that we are Catholics and keep the Crucifix were its stands in our schools , in public places etc and if these mix religions complains they can pick up their belongs and go to their country of origin and leave us run our internal home affairs by ourselves as they do the same when they are in theirs.
A true Maltese Catholic he or she of any political stands must support the Maltese bishops with their rights to defends this crusade
Galea. L (8 hours, 57 minutes ago)
It’s a great shame. They want to change our way of life. If the government has and decency and guts it will defy them and tell them to go to hell. Those who don’t like what we do they are free to go elsewhere.
It’s about time countries leave the Council of Europe because they are interfering in our way of life. Let them rule themselves not rule over us.
Ivan Scicluna (8 hours, 57 minutes ago)
Nobody has a right to impose on, or try to influence the public in favour of any religion. I agree with the decision in Italy.
p.grima (9 hours, 4 minutes ago)
With so many opinions, advertisments, sex, violence, etc, being pumped daily on all media, why should a crucifix be so offensive?

If I don’t like a program on any media I simply switch off or change channels; likewise whoever is offended by the crucifix can simply ignore it or look the other way.

This is yet another attack on Christianity and all that is Christian.
JBrownie (9 hours, 10 minutes ago)
This is a new low as far as the Italian Court has managed to dip. Europe is built on Christian values and Christianity defines its very identity – it is a most absurd decision of these Courts ,which should forcibly be resisted across all Europe not by Italians only . No wonder that sound morality and the social fabric of entire societies across Europe are crumpling like sugar pastries.
Andre Rizzo (9 hours, 16 minutes ago)
This is a big victory for human rights protection and secularism and a big blow to indoctrination and christian dogma forced down children´s throats. Well done to the ECHR for such a forward-thinking judgment. Of course people like Buttiglione, Frattini and Berlusconi will slam the judgment but we all know where these guys are coming from.
Andrew Paris (9 hours, 18 minutes ago)
Shocking decision which takes no account of the traditions and values of Christian Europe. God forbid that this should ever be contemplated in Malta
Alex Borg (9 hours, 19 minutes ago)
Agree totally. Religion is a private matter. Catholics should not feel offended if crucifixes are not affixed to classrooms or public offices.
MBorg (9 hours, 21 minutes ago)
@ M Attard & M.Brincat

No that is not how it should be, and no it is not a good decision. Religion has a place in our classrooms. Malta is a catholic country and nobody should have the right to make us remove the Crucifix from classrooms and public places.

Archbishop Cremona is right if the situation should ever arise in Malta all Maltese Christians should insist that the crucifix retains its place in public places.

The European Court of Human Rights should not have the power to play about with our faith.
Anthony Bezzina (9 hours, 24 minutes ago)
@M. Brincat
I wonder how you seem to have arrived to the conclusion that the removal of the Crucifix from a class room could encourage high IQ attitudes? As if the Catholics are less intelligent than the non-Catholics! Go and tell it to the marines.
@M Attard
Religion is a way of living and hence it is not that private…….. Even with the Catholic Religion embedded in our Constitution, the Crucifixes should remain in our classrooms.
Paul Barrett (9 hours, 29 minutes ago)
Really why do people get so very uptight about these things – is it really so very important one way or the other. I would have thought that the emphasis should be on the lesson, not the decoration of the classroom.
May your God be with you.
Tania Walters (9 hours, 30 minutes ago)
If the majority of the people are catholics, then the minority should respect that. Otherwise it will be another form of dictatorship. A free democratic country means respect for everyone regardless not adjusting one’s principles and beliefs to please the other. If I migrate to a muslim or hindi country I should not expect or impose on them to remove their icons and replace them with a crucifix. If the new migrants don’t like it, they can always go back where they came from.
Adrian Borg (9 hours, 39 minutes ago)
Whether you belive or not in Christianity, as Maltese we should stick to having crufixes in classrooms and public places. This is a symbol, part of our culture.

Are we going to let people from other countries invade us and impose on us what we can show and what we cannot in our country? NEVER!

If we ban crucifixes, then we should ban that silly dress the Muslim women cover themselves all over with!
C A Camilleri (9 hours, 40 minutes ago)
Personally its not a matter of the crucifix or not. It is a matter of a minority imposing over a majority. Just look at the Politically correct English. They have become strangers in their own country. Sad. You want to call me a racist, go ahead then I am one and proud.
M Agius (9 hours, 42 minutes ago)
‘The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion.’ – Karl Marx
Alex Ellul (9 hours, 47 minutes ago)
What the despotic Communist regimes managed to carry out by brute force in Russia, Poland, Albania, Romania, China, etc, is being perpetrated now by the atheists that have managed to make it to the top echelons of power in the ‘new’ Europe and the UN. One day even our street names dedicated to Christian saints will have to be renamed for political-correctness sake. Most probably even the crosses on the church spires will have to be removed and maybe we Christians will be tagged with special ID’s, our children attending ’special’ educational classes, we will be taxed even, for burning candles and thus contributring to global warming…..However the communist regimes finally fell like a pack of cards, the reason being that their power was top-down. Real Democracies get their power are bottom-up. Now let’s see who the real Christian politicians in Malta are? Adenhauer, De Gaule and De Gasperi, the Christian founding fathers of the European union must be turning in their graves.
Tessie Orsini (9 hours, 48 minutes ago)
Christianity is our culture. The crucifix is the sign of our culture and should be displayed in all public places.
Andy Towler (9 hours, 58 minutes ago)
A further, welcome, nail in the coffin of fascism.
Eleonora Bonnici (10 hours, 4 minutes ago)
Good judgement!!! If all the crucifiexes in public places and all the madonnas at mater dei are not removed by 31-12-2009 I will personally go to the same court to get them removed.
Marisa Bugeja (10 hours, 6 minutes ago)
Right; if we are obliged to take the crucifix off the wall, each student can take one to school with him/her and put it on his desk-that way there won’t be one crucifix per class but thirty! No one can stop an individual from professing his faith.
D Buttigieg (10 hours, 6 minutes ago)
Wrong decision for two main reasons: (i) you don’t achieve freedom of worship by banning religious symbols and (ii) this will ultimately lead to further intolerance as minorities will be blamed for the removal of the Crucifix – From now one those who didn’t ever bother about religion will use religion to their own ends.
J. Sammut (10 hours, 10 minutes ago)
@M.Brincat
I wonder how one can improve one’s IQ just by removing Crucifixes from schools. How does a Crucifix hinder one’s IQ. Are we CHRISTIANS or what?
Archbishop Paul Cremona’s comment deserves praise.

Sylvia Zammit (10 hours, 11 minutes ago)
M.Brincat – and M.Attard have a right to their opinion, but so do the rest of us! If it does not mean anything to you – it should not bother you.if it does signify the crucified Christ to you, then shame on you both for rejecting it. Personally, I object to the fact that the Italians see it as ‘just part of their culture’ – ie, on a par with bullfighting in Spain etc etc.
Andrew Paris (10 hours, 12 minutes ago)
Pork products will be banned next by Europe because it is offensive to some.
I renember in history of people who try to change society because they thought it was right without letting the people choose. It resulted in 2 World Wars and the destruction of Europe.
K. Pullicino (10 hours, 13 minutes ago)
I’m going to use an argument, liberals are so much in love with: “If you don’t like it, don’t look at it.”

@M.Brincat: “Good decision when considering schools need to encourage high iQ attitudes.” Obviously, our University has students with a high IQ level, otherwise they wouldn’t be discussing condoms and how it’s acceptable to publish obscenities.
c.caruana (10 hours, 17 minutes ago)
Crucifixs are there only to give more power to the church because with every symbol, the chruch is having a social space. you can see religious symbols everywhere, maybe it’s time for change.
Ivan Attard (10 hours, 18 minutes ago)
The insatiable, all-devouring appetite for Multiculturalism is taking it’s toll all over Europe. When the last symbols of its cultural and religious heritage are obliterated, Europe will be ripe for the Muslim takeover. It will then be the turn of the church buildings and stone crucifixes scattered all over the continent which once stood sentinel over its inhabitants.
…and all this with the blessing of some pathetically naive and misguided citizens of this once proud continent called Europe! The wolf is no longer howling at the door – it is within.
Long live diversity! O what beauty lies in Multiculturalism!
Eric Gahn (10 hours, 18 minutes ago)
It is high time religion be given its rightful standing in society. I am not going to speak for muslims, jews, buddhists or any other religion. I speak for those who like me simply do not beleive in any religion.

Malta (yes this little island) is no longer the blind catholic country it was. People have learned to read, and think. Society should wake up to the fact that if one believes that their sin will put them in hell, others simply believe otherwise, or nothing at all. Why should everyone suffer their so called piety. Nothing religuously significant should be allowed in public places not just crosses.

I also raise a point on religous education itself. Schools should be teaching ‘Religions of the World’ (seeing how many people seem to want to believe in magic) or simple ‘Ethics’ and not just bang the one brainwashing drum of Roman Catholic Dogma where 1+1 = 3.

(please note I am not attacking Roman Catholicism but all religions).
Jesmond Micallef (10 hours, 29 minutes ago)
How can a culture exist without a faith ?
Henry S Pace (10 hours, 33 minutes ago)
What do you expect from a godless Europe. Look at the Libon Treaty no reference to God.
Europe was built on christianity now whoever proclaims God is being subdued and admonished. Europe has no values whatsoever.
Roderick Bajada (10 hours, 33 minutes ago)
If this happens in Malta, all the Curia could do is say “mea culpa, mea culpa”………
VICTOR VELLA (10 hours, 36 minutes ago)
When Mintoff wanted full integration with England the church in Malta left no stone unturned because then Archbishop Gonzi feared that the Maltese will turn to Anglican religion and the Maltese lose their faith. When the nationalist government integrated Malta with the European Union the church in Malta stayed numb and now we have to adhere what the Europeans do. Today we have to remove the cross from every public building, tomorrow we have to accept abortion and only God knows what is in store. The Cross is the symbol of our faith. In 323 after Christ St Elena, the patron saint of Birkirkara ,at age 80 travelled to the Holy land to bring to the world the true wooden cross of Christ that saved the world from mortal sin. Now, in 2009 the Europeans want to dump the cross back to the grave.
Charmaine Galea (10 hours, 47 minutes ago)
What should be taught in classrooms is basic morality which is common to all religions – let’s leave out man-invented dogma.

Kids should be taught only what helps them in their moral and spiritual development. It’s the right of our children once of age, to feel which religion they ought to follow.

We have to quit our blinkered reasoning that “us catholics” are always right.

“A man arrives at the gates of heaven.
St. Peter asks, “Religion?”
The man says, “Muslim.”
St. Peter looks down his list, and says, “Go to room 24.
But be very quiet as you pass room 8.”

Another man arrives at the gates of heaven.
St. Peter: “Religion”?
Man: “Buddhist.”
St. Peter: “Go to room 18. But be very quiet as you pass
room 8.”

A third man arrives at the gates.
St. Peter: “Religion?”
Man: “Jewish.”
St. Peter: “Go to room 11. But be very quiet as you pass
room 8.”

The man asks, “I can understand there being different rooms
for different religions, but why must I be quiet when I pass
room 8?”

St. Peter tells him, “Well, the Catholics are in room 8,
and they think they’re the only ones here.”
Emile Cassar (10 hours, 50 minutes ago)
I think the Monsinjur is wrong to consider it his duty to insist that we keep the cross in public places. Religion is a private matter… Jesus was the first to emphasize this.
Emile Cassar (10 hours, 51 minutes ago)
I agree in principle, but in practice I’m not so sure it’s a necessary measure. I think it is insensitive of a non-Italian to raise the issue. Ideally an Italian atheist raised it.
Dr Sandro Vella (10 hours, 53 minutes ago)
I am sure many will agree that the Catholic faith embraces the values cherished by the majority of Maltese citizens. Beyond its theological teachings, Christianity has moulded Europe and its values of democracy, freedom, justice and ethical bahaviour. We cannot afford to negate our origins and values, unless we want to risk a downward spiral towards anarchy. The Maltese Government is duty bound to resist any such maneuvre.

Sean Mangion (10 hours, 58 minutes ago)
Christ is alive, His word is alive, and the duty of every Christian is to spread His message so that everyone shall have life.

Yes the Crucifix should remain in all public places in Malta and throughout the world !!

Our children should be raised in Gods love and in a Christian ambience. The Crucifix is an important symbol of how much Jesus has suffered for us so that we would be free, happy, saved and content in the union with God.
W Spencer (11 hours, 2 minutes ago)
@ M Brincat & M Attard

You miss the whole point !!! Crucifixes this time, what next ??? The ECHR decides what YOU will do or not do, you will have no say !!
Amanda Ellul (11 hours, 3 minutes ago)

What’s next? Maltese women wearing the burqa, for otherwise it may offend some illegal? It’d be up in arms, fighting tooth and nail should anyone dare to force a similar thing down the throats of the ordinary Maltese.
Robert mifsud (11 hours, 9 minutes ago)
prosit Archbishop,wake us up before its too late,lets not pave the way for the king of darkness and evil.Sewwa jieghdu id dinja sejra lura.Is it the begining of the end ? These are not good signs at all guys !
Dennis Zammit (11 hours, 10 minutes ago)
If atheists like Brincat and Attard who wrote before me feel that the Holy Crucifix is a threat to them, then they should run a Referendum in Malta and dream of winning it.

The Maltese in a vast majority are Roman Catholics and we will defend our right over those who want to impose theirs. The Crucifix must STAY and local churches and parishes should start a tradition of creating major crosses around the island just like the one in Kordin.

The say of the majority is the rule.
ALBERT FENECH (11 hours, 13 minutes ago)
Well said Archbishop Cremona. If there were any attempt to inflict this insult and injustice on Malta, it should be resisted in every way possible. This is a Christian, Roman Catholic country with centuries of tradition and no upstart Brussels bureaucrats are going to change that. If anybody is offended then it’s their tough luck. We should never be afraid to show our sentiments and must continue to show our love for the Christian faith by manifesting and showing our traditions.
david vella (11 hours, 13 minutes ago)
Let’s not make these decisions effect us and keep our own beliefs as Christ the King our saviour!! It clearly shows the EU as the antichrist! Guilty of apostacy even those who support such decisions! Human rights? Where? by allowing abortions or euthanasia to go ahead? They don’t know what they’re doing? But anyhow, he’s forgiven them too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FORZA ITALIA fight for your religion & tradition – an ENGLAND fan!!!
D.Zammit (11 hours, 18 minutes ago)
indeed it’s very sad.I don’t care how many immigrants come to my country ,or members of other religions, but one must understand that this is My Home country, and all other foreigners must except my believes since i respect them. I hope the Parliament for once be united in this issue.
Frans Sammut (11 hours, 19 minutes ago)
May I register my full support for the stand taken by Archbishop Cremona? Why the Crucifix offend students in any classroom is simply beyond me.
M.BEZZINA (11 hours, 19 minutes ago)
Qiskom tisthu turu li intom insara!Mur f xi post musulman u tara tridx taddatta ghalijom!!
Anthony Henwood (11 hours, 23 minutes ago)
So i must assume that we have degraded society to the extent that we can now make a mockery of our justice system that will not require anybody to take an oath for testifying in court, and that our politicians will be relieved for not having to take an oath to serve our Country, as it would offend some in our society.
Hypocrites
Matthew 10:33 “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven
John Borg (11 hours, 25 minutes ago)
@M.Brincat
The crucifix is the ONLY cetainty !
The ONLY One 100% reliable and will NEVER let you down!
very very high IQ indeed!!!!!!

Miguel Micallef (11 hours, 26 minutes ago)
Finally. Some good sense and logic being forced upon these hypocrites. This is the good of being in the EU.

I hope the appeal gets rejected. Crucifixes can remain in churches, where they belong.
Josette Camilleri (11 hours, 38 minutes ago)
I encourage acceptance of other religions but I wouldn’t betray my relgion. Will Muslims refrain from praying in public when not in Muslim countries? Will they stop wearing veils when not in Muslim countries? Jesus’ place is everywhere not just the classrooms and yet we barter him so as not to ‘disturb’ other religions.
Joseph Seisun (11 hours, 39 minutes ago)
Welcome to the EU. Welcome to political correctness, the new EU religion. These are just the first symptoms. What’s next? No prayers at school?
I agree with the Archbishop’s opinion. I just hope that if we Maltese are truly Chrsitians, we shall not accept this.
fredmallia (11 hours, 41 minutes ago)
Dr Sant was right. the gonzipn must say something on this. but we know that we have a ‘yes’ gonzipngovernment.
fred
Charles Zammit (11 hours, 41 minutes ago)
@ M. Attard
However private religion is Catholicism is what gave this people and many others a true way of life based on correct moral behaviour. There is nothing wrong in manifesting a people’s beliefs. Democracy is about respecting the majority’s views and desires too.

@ M. Brincat

I don’t know where you got these assertions from. To me it is exactly the opposite. I feel more comfortable with the crucifix nearby. It gives me true reassurance. I am more than 100% sure that many others feel the same.

Jason Borg (11 hours, 42 minutes ago)
Religion is has place everywhere for us Christians, because it is a way of life.
E.Muscat (11 hours, 43 minutes ago)
@Brincat and Attard:what does IQ have to do with one’s beliefs and religion is not only a private matter when we christians are being systematically told to submit to other religions and to deny our judeo-christian roots:europe is a lost soul ready and willing to be taken over by heathens and atheists who will sacrifice our heritage in the name of correctness to other religions who are hell bent to take away our freedom:wake up and use your head!
J S Borg (11 hours, 45 minutes ago)
Just wait another twenty years, and you all will forget about freedom of worship and freedom of expression, when you will be dominated by a better religion other than Christianity. then you won’t have time to argue and discus religious freedom.
Mario Cucciardi (11 hours, 46 minutes ago)
Jesus poured all 3.5 litres of his blood; He had three nails hammered into his members; a crown of thorns on his head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into his chest. Not just a simple crucifix we have on walls, but a reality which is trying to be made forgotten and denied.

No doubt that Jesus suffered and died for this particular decision as well.
Albert Farrugia (11 hours, 53 minutes ago)
Funny isnt it? What is it that makes the depiction of a man dead on a cross such a powerful symbol, of which so many are so afraid? Who knows. Maybe the time will come when people will actually have to die for the right to be able to kneel in front of it.
Darren Buttigieg (11 hours, 53 minutes ago)
About time this happened in Malta and Gozo.
Charles Sammut (11 hours, 53 minutes ago)
Catholics cannot have their cake and eat it too. They are invariably the most vociferous where ‘tolerance’ towards other cultures, creeds and races is concerned. It would be highly hypocritical should they insist on imposing their creed on others.

This is a most welcome decision by the ECHR and the Maltese government should keep up its tradition of being more European than the EU and remove all crucifixes forthwith from all public places, schools, law courts, government departments, hospital etc.

The Maltese constitution will also have to be changed because it is biased in favour of Roman Catholicism and this clearly violates the human rights of the tens of thousands of immigrants who have been welcomed to Malta over the past few years.
Norman Stivala (11 hours, 54 minutes ago)
I suppose M.Attard and M.Brincat will soon advocate that we should remove all traces of our God from our country. Let us not stop at class rooms. Shall we remove all the effigies that remind us that there actually is a God. Sometimes I cannot believe where this country is going. Do the 2 M’s also think we should remove churches, I am sure by doing so it will increase the IQ of a lot of people. I thank you for your input M&M but I think the rest of us have rights too and although at my age I only go to evening classes I will not tolerate the removal of the cross, if someone does not like it all he needs do is not look at it. Praised be the name of God forever
Norman
M. White (11 hours, 54 minutes ago)
Italy is one of the most important countries with deep Christian values. Why should it remove the sign of its religion because of some others who are different????
It is the foreigners should change or at least tolerate the country’s religion instead of trying to change the country’s culture!!

So ok if we remove the crosses, muslims should remove their veils because it irritates some Christians. So is this fair? Where’s the true tolerance?

Muslims have made a promise to overcome Christianity and their plan is coming to action.
L Aquilina (11 hours, 56 minutes ago)
What next, close the vatican?? Bloggers who wrote defending this decision must have one huge chip on their shoulder.
Michael Borg (11 hours, 57 minutes ago)
Welcome to malta boat people yes you can decide and rule our country as well what wrong with that !
E. Inglott (11 hours, 59 minutes ago)
Public schools should not decorate their classrooms with expressions of any religion. Not everyone has the same beliefs and public schools should be neutral in that respect.

Where a school is a (private) church school, or a private school organized by Jewish/Buddhist/Muslim institutions for that matter, then expressions of their respective religions should be allowed; parents would send their children to these schools precisely because of the role that that particular religion plays in its educational program. But, once again, I think that state schools should be religion-neutral.
S Aquilina (12 hours ago)
Il-kurcifiss gie l-ewwel. Min ma joghgbux jitlaq.
A.Cassar (12 hours, 1 minute ago)
Next it will be our processions that have to go as by walking the streets of the general public of the European Union , even if you are here illegally , with a ” Catholic ” statue might seriously insult the belief and freedom of movement of others !!!
I Abela (12 hours, 1 minute ago)
This is unbelievable. What is disturbing is the fact that an immigrant has won a court case against a sovereign nation which is hosting her, in which this single immigrant complained against a crucifix, which has been hanging there for ages, to which the Italian people never complained (anzi they consider it part of their lifestyle). So there goes hundreds of years of christianity, simply because a muslim forced her way into the country and is now trying to impose her lifestyle onto those citizens (citing as usually, their human rights). Why don’t these people just stay in their countries, live their lifestyle there, and fight for their human rights there ??
Tony Abela (12 hours, 3 minutes ago)
We were made to beleive that when we join EU we will show and help Europe to keep the Christian values.

It appears to me that Europe will be enforcing its materialistic values upon us instead.
J Bajada (12 hours, 5 minutes ago)
This is another proof that Islam is on the rise and it will soon be the main religion across the world, having the power to rule on everyone and everything. Christian traditions will simply evaporate.
John Michael Mizzi (12 hours, 7 minutes ago)
The church has every right to put her symbols in her buildings and schools.
The church or other religions have NO right to impose their symbols in secular state buildings or schools and that includes Malta. If the church imposes its symbols on the government than it is making a gross mistake because it shows that it is still stuck in its old ways. The church has to start showing some respect to the general public that use state buildings and schools irrespective of their beliefs.

Any Progressive State is secular and cannot impose any religious symbols of any religion on its citizens. If we argue about tradition and culture than that is purely puerile. In the past it was the church’s tradition to pass heretics to the inquisition of which some were burnt in the most horrendous ways. Obviously in this case it could not continue with this tradition.
A.Cassar (12 hours, 9 minutes ago)
There we go a Catholic Country by history and home of the Vatican . Yet you are in your country and instead of outsiders respecting your cultures and traditions , they start first by removing your traditions and beliefs , next they will make you respect theirs as they will call themselves an ethnic minority . Malta is not far away from this , realise that if there is a court ruling in place it is to be effective in all EU countries . Go on fall out with your own about being gay , lesbian and transgender . These are your own blood . The others enjoy these issues as whilst we waste time on these issues they are taking over . And were is the church in this matter ? Is this the same church that encouraged people to vote for the EU entry ? Now the Archbishop wants us to fight on his behalf ? Well the battle is over as the ruling is out and we have to abide to it ? Hooray for the multicultural followers !!
A Pulis (12 hours, 10 minutes ago)
Indeed the place of religion is everywhere, even in our classrooms! If we strongly believe in Jesus we should promote his word and deeds everywhere. Sincerely I do hope this island is not influenced by this poor person’s attitude. Europe should be ashamed for betraying Jesus Christ – first it betrayed the catholic values and now it is betraying our master.
Vincent Galea (12 hours, 10 minutes ago)
My God, I am ashamed to lift my God, my face unto you.
Michael Vella (12 hours, 10 minutes ago)
Personally i am absolutely disusted by this ruling. I am not a practicing Catholic but i strongly believe that each country has the RIGHT to decide for itself which religion is the state religion. The fact the the European Court has decided this for Italy just goes to show that Europe has absolutely no regard for the individual cultural identity of it’s member states. Why should a whole country have to change it’s beliefs and culture to accomodate foreigners with a different religious view, whether it be Muslim, Hindu or anything other religion for that matter.

ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!!

I would love to go to Saudi Arabia or Iran and demand that Sharia Law be outlawed in favour of a more liberal code of laws. I would probably be executed for my troubles.But not in Europe, we strive to destroy our cultural heritage to accomodate beliefs of anyone non-european. Put simply the EU has today shown that it is a complete joke!
D Spiteri (12 hours, 12 minutes ago)
Europe should be ashamed by this ruling.

Will Europe order Turkey to take off of the half moon from their Flag before joining the European union?
Mark Wattson (12 hours, 14 minutes ago)
Totally agree with M.Attard religion is indeed a private matter and should not have place in schools. It is bad enough it brings wars through out the world, there is no need to teach our children hatred from the early days.

Reuben Gauci (12 hours, 17 minutes ago)
The crucifix is a symbol of our culture. We have a right to a SECULAR life, and a right to our CULTURE!!!
mary camilleri (12 hours, 21 minutes ago)
today’s reading from Romans 12: 10 – 16 says it all:

Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another;
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly.

Sara Baldacchino (12 hours, 22 minutes ago)
@M Attard
If its a private matter why is it that we teach religion in our schools??
Erin Ciantar (12 hours, 23 minutes ago)
I would like to make something clear before the usual backlash against immigrants and muslims and different religions starts.

I am maltese, pure maltese with no history of immigration for many generations that I know of. I also am not a catholic or a christian. Do I and my children not have a right to be given a secular education? This has nothing to do with accepting the traditions of a country as this is MY country and should have the right not to be bombarded with religious images everywhere I go. The only schools which should be allowed to show the cross are the church schools. Government schools should be for everyone.

Well done to the european court. This a victory to human rights, dignity, respect and true freedom. I look forward to this decision being imposed in Malta too.
Sara Baldacchino (12 hours, 29 minutes ago)
Those who come among us must understand and accept our rules and that’s it. Shame to them for wanting to remove the crucifix, what else would they want us to do, go else where so they could rule the whole Europe jew? Go back from where you came from.
R. Gauci (12 hours, 29 minutes ago)
@ M Attard & M Brincat

I’m not a religious person, anzi, but with your attitude in a couple of decades we could easily end up with the koran as a compulsory school textbook. If you want to keep living in a civilised country, unlike many Muslim ones, “our” religion is the first barrier, once this barrier is broken Muslim brainwashers will have fertile ground to accomplish their mission, that is take the World, they couldn’t accomplish it by force so now they’re using other ways.

Then in Italy out of all places! VERGOGNA!!!!

L. Cutajar (12 hours, 30 minutes ago)
A very sad world. Why don’t we all change our religion to that of Islam as from tomorrow. It seems that Muslims have more rights than catholics.
alex grech (12 hours, 30 minutes ago)
I am not a religious person but this is absurd removing the crucifix because of muslims, first they enter illegaly, then settle in reap our beniftis, housing , jobs education and now remove the crucifix as it could disturb children who were not Christians wow i wonder if this can hapen in their country (which i do not agree also) will we be next …………
Rocco Cauchi (12 hours, 32 minutes ago)
Pity such a decision is being interpreted so misunderstandingly by several politicians going against it. They only want to safeguard the presence of the crucifix for historical, cultural and sentimental reasons, little understanding its value and glory when assuming its defence. It would now be up to the Bishops’ Conference in Italy, as it should well be to the local Bishops’ Conference, to explain the real significance of the Crucifix, the same way it used to be expounded in the old days when trendy homilies or Sunday church dialogues were inexistent and priests used to seize the opportunity at any time to preach Christ, and Christ crucified, an ignominy for Jews and a folly for Greeks, in St Paul’s words.
It is senseless claiming that the Crucifix hurts non-Christians. The Cross is a sign of acceptance of God’s will and story given out of His love for each individual, something local baptized Christians rarely understand given the elementary religion (not faith) they have been taught in their doctrine classes.
This is where the Church in Malta and Italy should now step in, with vehement catechesis on the real significance of the Cross and man’s adherence to doing God’s will.
Sergio Galea Vincenti (12 hours, 32 minutes ago)
There is only one word to describe this judgement: Disgusting.

It’s become so cool to denigrate our common heritage and our Faith…. In the meantime, we are losing our moral compass… Wonder why?
M.Gauci (12 hours, 33 minutes ago)
This ruling in my opinion is dangerous and could spark ethnic divisions. One has to be careful, we cannot go to Israel and ask them not to display their religious items in public places because we are Christian.
We cannot in future complain that Churches should not display any icon on their facade because a person with a different religion use the road and has a right to without feeling that the cross on the church affects him. Do you realise that this is absurd and that in future we’ll have to dismantle churches not to offend. Offend what/whom/how?

Do I get offended when I pass corradion hill and see the Mosque. No. Its a symbol of devotion for 1000s of Muslims, who are adoring God. Its a symbol of peace and humanity. Does a Budhist temple affect me? NO for the same reasons.
What really affects me is having pictures of the President / Prime minister in government departments (and I am PN inclined!).

The Cross in school signifies peace and love and also culture, however not subversion to Catholic religion.

Robert Sultana (12 hours, 33 minutes ago)
I remember back in 2003 those MIC clips on national TV ; one of them was precisely about class crucifixes and if here in Malta we would be allowed to keep them. The answer was always very reassuring; namely that we would decide for ourselves and that the EU would have no say in it. Seems the birds have come home to roost !!!
Joseph Micallef (12 hours, 34 minutes ago)
With the logic of the same court ruling Italy should dismantle most of its historic monuments, churches and statues from streets, piazzas, museums etc. as most have religious connotations! Italy without Catholicism hardly exists – even if most people are non practicing Catholics, Catholicism is part of Italy as a culture more than as a religion! The court ruling is simply ridiculous!
Sander Depasquale (12 hours, 37 minutes ago)
UH OH!!!!

Malta must remove the crucifix from our schools too!!!! Dear Maltese throw away your culture and your beliefs…..Its incredible!!!! What happened in Italy must happen here.

Yes allow the other religions to take over, we will be much better off……

HUMAN BEING NEEDS SPIRITUALITY!

Johann Mifsud (12 hours, 40 minutes ago)
Id-dinja spiccat, din kien jonqos. Mhux hekk jigu gewwa pajjizi u jnehhu r-religjon li ilhu jhaddan dan il-pajjiz ghal hafna snin, umbaghad issib xi laqgha bhal t’hawn taht u jighdulek li sew jaghmlu.

misskom tisthu tighdu li inthom maltin
E.Galea (12 hours, 43 minutes ago)
I don’t agree at all. If i go to a muslim country they will not accomodate things for me!!! Everyone must accept other countries traditions.
Maria Zammit (12 hours, 43 minutes ago)
Bad decision. I vote in favour of removing all advertisements from public places!!!

Of course one cannot do that because there’s money involved!!! We really are cheap!

Why is it that we are expected to change just because persons from other countries decide to settle in our country? Does the same apply to the countries from where immigrants are coming? Do we dictate to them what they should do in their own country!!! Mhux hekk tghid!
T Mifsud (12 hours, 44 minutes ago)
This is very sad news.

Although Mr M Brincat and M Attard have their own opinion, we are not here to erase centuries of history and culture that has formed us to what we are today. Should this generation erase that?

Should this mean that the Muslims have to do the same in their country, starting from the broadcasted prayers at 4am to the whole village or city and the TV program interruptions with the Koran reading? Should we accept that the Muslims are pushing away embedded European Christian values, by the day? Should we remove “in God we trust” just because there are other religions who do not believe in God? And now removing crosses from schools in Roman Catholic Italy, the epicenter of the Church?

The way forward is what France is doing. banning the Burkas and Abayas, forcing immigrants to learn French and even sing the French national Anthem.

Let not Malta arrive to that situation. It’s not even debatable!
Franco Farrugia (12 hours, 44 minutes ago)
I disagree with both Mr Brincat and Mr Attard. I, as an educator, would NEVER teach in a class where there is no crucifix. Religion is not a private matter: it is also a community thing – a matter shared by many. It also happens to form part of our origin.
I, honestly, find it .. let’s say, strange, that we have people who find it insulting to be faced with a crucifix.
This rulng is an eye-opener.
malcolm seychell (12 hours, 46 minutes ago)
Hehe sign the lisbon treaty so we have more human rights!!!!!

Suits fine for those who are yes sirs to Brussels.
Darren Galea (12 hours, 46 minutes ago)
Depictions of ancient methods of execution shouldn’t be hung up on our school walls. We have churches for that.
I M Dingli (12 hours, 48 minutes ago)
@ M. Brincat, M. Attard

Are you serious? From your comments, I guess you wouldn’t find a problem in enforcing such judgement in Malta.

So Muslims can be angry if a drawing of Mohammed is used but we cannot hang a crucifix in a classroom. Is this equality and respect? Unbelievable. They would shout Jihad if something similar had to happen in their respective countries and I’m sure it wouldn’t just end there.
Sandro Pace (12 hours, 50 minutes ago)
Italy should indeed disobey this ruling with firmness, as should Malta in such a case. This is not a State-Church seperation issue. It is a democratic issue. The majority would want it there, and there it should remain. Complete Religion-State seperation is an utopia.

Mr. M Brincat, Isaac Newton was a fervent Christian, so I cannot understand the connection with IQ.

I understand that those arguing against the Cross in public cases, would declare that they would not want it even on their final resting place.
Stephen Farrugia (12 hours, 51 minutes ago)
Now our church will suffer from their own promotion of multiculturism. Enjoy your shortsightedness !

With love,

Stephen Farrugia (Sliema)
Malcolm Mifsud (12 hours, 52 minutes ago)
This is a very dangerous ruling as it threatens the rights of millions of people in many other aspects. Hasn’t the European Court of Human Rights anything better to do? Why not try to solve, or at least give more attention to the problem of illegal immigration for instance?
Chris Reiff (12 hours, 52 minutes ago)
A big and important step towards a secular society.
v mercieca (12 hours, 54 minutes ago)
Europe was built on Christian values and the crucifix is the symbol of Christianity.
New arrivals to our continent have to respect our traditions, not necessary adopt our religion.
They knew beforehand that the European continent is mainly Christian, so they knew what they were in for.
Europe should adopt a rule that citizenship given to these new comers, would be withdrawn if they refuse to integrate with the rest of us.
I believe that the European Court made an ass of itself to rule in such a way. The Court ignored the sentiments of hundreds of millions to please a few hundreds.

D.Abdilla (12 hours, 55 minutes ago)
Muslim taking over Europe: 60% complete
Europe Losing it’s Culture: 90% complete
A. Muscat (12 hours, 55 minutes ago)

“If the crucifix is there and I am a Muslim I will continue to respect my religion. Jesus in the classroom doesn’t bother me,” Zenat, a 14-year-old girl of Egyptian origin, told Reuters Television.’

You are absolutely right Ms. Zenat. Ironically, Jesus is recognized, loved, respected and most importantly his teaches are FOLLOWED by all Muslims than His followers!

One thing for sue Lowell-ismists would will a political mileage now.
I notice that my comments don’t appear. Is it an internet problem or cencorship issue?

Carmel J. Caruana (12 hours, 57 minutes ago)
“Two Italian laws dating from the 1920s, when the FASCISTS were in power, state that schools must display crucifixes.”

Something to reflect upon.

E. Psaila (12 hours, 59 minutes ago)
…help them with your comments…don’t you see that this is what they want…they want to achieve what they did not in 1565…
M.Brincat (13 hours, 7 minutes ago)
Good decision when considering schools need to encourage high iQ attitudes.
M Attard (13 hours, 9 minutes ago)

Religion is a private matter and that’s how it should be. It has no place in our classrooms.

After 97 years of operations, Maui Land & Pineapple Company announced today it will immediately stop planting pineapple and will cease pineapple operations by the end of the year.  The move is part of a structural change that is aimed at making ML&P more competitive, while improving operating efficiencies, and better positioning its Kapalua Resort for future success.

Field workers unloaded pallets of pineapple at the Haliimaile and Haiku fields today, hours after learing of the company's plans to end pineapple operations by the end of this year. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Throughout this transitional period, MPC will continue to provide its existing customers with fresh pineapple.

Warren Haruki, the chairman and interim CEO of ML&P said, “Unfortunately, despite our exhaustive efforts to revitalize the pineapple business over the last few years and efforts to keep agriculture jobs on Maui, market conditions have not improved and pineapple operations at MPC are not financially sustainable.”

Haruki said MPC has lost $115 million since 2002, in their agriculture business, while investing $20 million in capital expenditures for a new fresh packing facility.  “Realizing that these losses could no longer continue, we spent the last year exploring options to keep pineapple operations going on Maui,” said Haruki.  “Despite our efforts, it became clear that there were no other financially viable options. The painful decision to close pineapple operations at MPC after 97 years was incredibly difficult to make, but absolutely necessary. We realize this ends a significant chapter in Maui’s history –an important part of many lives, over many generations,” Haruki said.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares responded to the announcement today saying, “This is very sad news for our community, especially for the employees and their families who will be affected. Agricultural fields are part of our heritage and have been a foundation of our island’s history. For nearly a hundred years the company’s pineapple operations have made our community’s character unique. Working in our pineapple fields has been the source of income for many families, where high school teenagers spent their summers and where multiple members of a family worked in different parts of the operations. I have my own personal memories of summer work in the fields,” said Tavares.

In addition to changes at MPC, KLC will make strategic changes to its business model. Until now, KLC has managed most facets of Kapalua Resort – operating accommodations, golf courses, retail, adventure activities, shuttle and maintenance services as well as a certified-organic farm. Moving forward, KLC will streamline operations to focus on management of its resort.

To achieve this, KLC will partner with “best in class” operators in their respective fields who can manage select assets of the resort more effectively. New partnership arrangements, which will be finalized on or before December 31, 2009, include:

• Appointing a leading hotel/condominium management company to manage the 206-unit Kapalua Villas.
• Finalizing an agreement to lease equipment and to license operations of Kapalua Adventures to a zipline activity company.
• Selecting an operator to provide resort shuttle services and resort security services, both of which are currently provided by KLC, and transition management to the Kapalua Resort Association.
• Seeking a new operator at Kapalua Farms to continue organic farming and to lease its equipment and operations.

Kapalua Resort recently emerged from an extensive multi-year revitalization of the resort, including completion of The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay, the new Kapalua Spa, Kapalua Adventures, upgrade of many Kapalua Villas to “Gold” standard, renovation of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, improvements to The Plantation and The Bay Golf Courses, restoration of the Honolua Store, as well as the creation of an extensive network of mountain and ocean hiking and walking trails.

“The Kapalua Resort has always been one of Hawai‘i’s premier resorts, but we’ve taken it to a new level. The resort’s revitalization allows us to offer a heightened level of our legendary service, which we believe will delight guests and keep them returning to our island,” Haruki said. “With these changes, KLC is now well positioned for future growth and will remain a committed steward and part of this community for decades to come.”

Because of these changes, the Company is legally obligated to issue a notice of termination to employees at the affected KLC divisions and at MPC under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and the Hawai‘i Dislocated Workers Act. ML&P expects that up to 133 employees will be offered employment at partner companies, while up to 285 employees will be laid off, primarily at Maui Pineapple Company. ML&P currently employs 624 individuals.

“We are hopeful that many employees at the affected resort divisions will be hired by the new management companies and owners,” said Haruki. “We express our deep respect and profound appreciation to our employees for their many contributions to the Company over the years.”

“I’m certain that this was not an easy decision for the company to make in light of the economic difficulties affecting the world today,” said Mayor Tavares.  “The County Office of Economic Development has already begun working with our state and private sector partners to pull all of our resources together and provide help for the displaced workers through job fairs, training, counseling and assistance with the unemployment process,” she said.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Supporting information provided by ML&P, and The Bennett Group)

Sobre la proposta del Consell Escolar de canviar la denominació de les vacances de Nadal i Setmana Santa per vacances d’hivern i primavera (les majúscules no les poso jo i no em semblen casuals) s’han escrit moltes coses, sobretot en contra. A mi se’m venen al cap algunes més.

En primer lloc, que moltes crítiques s’han fet portant la proposta a extrems absurds. Que si al conseller Nadal li haurem de canviar el nom (sujuru, ho he llegit!), que si acabarem fent el Ramadà (aquesta és fàcil d’endevinar, és de la Rahola), que si els nens deixaran de saber què signifiquen aquestes festes (com si ho sabés algú)… El Sebastià Alzamora també respon més coses de les que es pregunten Un altre exemple: el Gabriel Jaraba, amb qui simpatitzo en moltes qüestions, ho despatxa dient que “Somos lo que somos porque venimos de donde venimos”. Collons, això sí que és indiscutible. Es podria respondre “y así nos luce el pelo”,  o “y lo que te rondaré, morena”, i quedaria bé. I per recolzar els seus arguments, enganxa un article de l’Iu Forn, que com que ha d’escriure quasi cada dia, doncs fa un exercici pretesament irònic. I per adobar-ho, la Najat el Hachmi ha de sortir aclarint que això no és cosa dels immigrants. Té raó, com a mínim jo no m’hi considero ja gaire. Al Diari de Girona trobo el summum, en Miquel Casagran preguntant-se si haurem d’enderrocar les esglésies romàniques. Tranquil Miquel, si algú vol fer-ho, no serà per iconoclàstia, sinó per posar-hi una pista d’esquí.

En segon lloc, que a part d’aquests que hem vist, sens dubte el de la tradició és el Gran Argument. Sempre s’ha fet així. No hi ha discussió. Llàstima, perquè a banda de la conyeta, la demagògia i la tradició, m’hauria agradat sentir respostes amb una mica el·laborades. No calen grans parrafades, amb un debat sincer hauríem fet molt; si tant importants són les festes de Nadal pels catalans, perquè només saben defensar-les amb l’insult i el dogma? Si la Setmana Santa ens ajuda a entendre el món, que és el que se suposa que fa una festa, quin món és aquest? Tot plegat ha estat frustrant, poc honest. Sembla que en les tradicions només hi pensem quan en les qüestionen, i aleshores saltem com una molla per defensar-les compulsivament. Que sí, que donen sentit a la vida, però a quina vida?

Tant difícil és d’entendre que la pluralitat d’opcions filosòfiques, espirtuals, morals i religioses presents a la societat catalana ens porta cap a un camí lògic i racional de buscar en la natura la forma d’explicar els cicles de la vida? I que qualsevol creença, ja sigui antiga o nova, minoritària o majoritària, té espai suficient per ser practicada. Especialment si les persones són honestes sobre el seu significat.

Els esplais i agrupaments d’Esplac i Acció Escolta ja fa temps que utilitzen les denominacions vacances d’hivern i vacances de primavera. I a l’MLP hi ha gent que prové i participa d’organitzacions cristianes i no es posa nerviosa perquè està convençuda dels seus sentiments. Unes i altres no em semblen persones més insensibles, ni més ignorants, ni més perdudes que la resta de la societat. És més, m’atreviria a dir que ens anticipen la Catalunya del futur. A mi, m’agrada.

This year the UK PonyCon – The International My Little Pony Convention will be held in Sheffield – it is only 8 days away!

For the first time in 4 years, I am unable to attend and My Little Customs will not be having a stall - I shall certainly miss chatting with old friends and meeting new faces! 

Hopefully next year My Little Customs will be back

The UK PonyCon is always such a fun event and comes 100% recommended by me! A great day out for adults, kids and collectors alike so if you are up for a day out, why not go along?

The UK PonyCon main day will be held on October 24th at the Mega Centre in Sheffield – for more information, please visit their website http://www.ukponycon.co.uk/

All profits are donated to charity, this year the UK PonyCon is supporting the RDA Riding for the Disabled, a very worthwhile cause indeed!

I hope all PonyCon goers have a great time and make sure you take lots of photos for me!

Robin x

Members Day Event: ‘Pinch the Parcel’

Enormous pile of ‘Pinch the Parcel’ gifts from Members Day 2008

The popular ‘Pinch the Parcel’ game has become a feature of ponymeets in the UK and a giant version was played at Members Day in 2008. We will be running this devilishly fun game again this year, and we need everyone to help to make it really exciting!

‘Pinch the Parcel’ is a fun variant of Pass the Parcel where, on the roll of a dice you can enlarge you prize haul by ’stealing’ from the other players – or perhaps they might just steal from you! At the end of the game you keep what gifts you have collected during the game, which usually includes lots of lovely pony goodies!!

If you are attending Members Day and you wish to take part in this fun and exciting game, we ask you to please bring 2 small wrapped gifts on a My Little Pony theme of no more than £5 in value each.

All the rules will be explained again on the day but we are sure you’ll find it loads of fun!!

Enjoy!

Members Day Event: Speed Customising

Bait ponies ready for Speed Customising at Ponycon 2007, Bristol

On Members day again this year we will be challenging you to create a speed custom pony! In a limited amount of time, we would love to see what beautiful creations you can come up with pretty much from scratch!

This is a test of creativity and skill under time pressure, so only minimal preparation of your bait pony is permitted. You will need to bring you own bait pony, however white G3 blank ponies will be available for purchase on the day which you could use for speed customs.

As well as the bait pony, you will also need to bring your own materials and tools with you e.g. hair, rerooting tools, brushes and paints etc. To help you with the limited time factor, you may want to bring materials that will transform you pony quickly and easily such as ribbons, beads and stickers. You may also want to pack up your customising kit in a separate bag or box, such as a tupperware lunch box, this will help keep all your kit together so you are ready to go when the clock starts!

Don’t forget our theme this year is ‘Ponies around the World’ so we would love to see some speed customs with an international flavour – Good Luck!!

Del dia d’avui, intens i emotiu, en recordaré algunes coses com:

Que el Raimon Blasi hagi vingut a la Ofrena floral. La seva actitud, com la dels seus companys de generació a Unió (la Titón i la Marta, en Gerard Ardanuy, més endavant la Maria Casellas…) ens ajuden a superar la fractura civil que va provocar la mort de Ferrer.

Que ha vingut gent de New Jersey, Amics de Ferrer i Guàrdia, ex-alumnes de l’Escola Moderna. I que ens han emocionat amb els seus records.

Que hem omplert el Saló de Cent, i que ho hem fet amb gent jove. I que potser aquest és el més preuat capital de l’MLP. Reclamar a les institucions el reconeixement de l’associacionisme juvenil i alhora aproximar la gent jove a les institucions. Ferrer com a excusa?

Que el Joan-Francesc i el Vicens parlen com escriuen… i a més escriuen bé (quina enveja)

Merchandise – have you got yours yet?

This year our merchandise features the lovely Britannia!

Following the Mascot art competition earlier this year, we have set up a merchandise shop featuring the winning artworks of Britannia by Yaizel and Reaperfox!

In the shop you can buy some great stuff featuring the art including T Shirts, Mugs and Tote Bags! The shop is based in the UK, so now you can get your merchandise even faster! – You can find the shop by following this link:

http://ukponycon.spreadshirt.net/en/GB/Shop

We hope you will love the Ponycon merchandise this year, we look forward to seeing your T Shirts and Bags on show at the Convention!

Enjoy Shopping!!

Main Day Children’s Competition – get creative with the kids!

Help your little angel get creative and they could win a prize!!

As well as all the competitions we are running for grown-ups, we are running a special competition for all our younger My Little Pony fans!

The competition is wide open, so kids can enter anything they have made themselves on a My Little Pony theme (with a little help from mum or dad, perhaps!) It could be some lovely colouring-in, a drawing, a painting, or perhaps even something made of playdough or plasticine!

We love to see the kids take part in Ponycon, its really exciting for them, so we are looking forward to seeing their beautiful creations!

Members Day Speed Drawing – what will you draw?

2008 Mascot Art of ‘Party Popper’ by Heavyhooves

On Members Day we will be holding a ’speed drawing’ Art Contest where, in a limited amount of time, we challenge you to create a beautiful drawing on a My Little Pony theme!

A limited number of coloured pencils will be available on the day, but it is better if you can bring your own materials – perhaps you could bring your own crayons, pastels, pencils, felt tips, paint markers or even charcoal!!

We’d love to see some drawings of ‘ponies around the world’ so get your thinking caps on for what you would like to draw!

We can’t wait to see all the beautiful drawings on show, so good luck to everyone!

Destroy a Fakie: have you got destructive yet?

‘Destroyed’ Fakie from Ponycon 2008, Uxbridge

Again this year we will be running the ‘destroy a fakie’ contest where we challenge you to creatively ‘destroy’ a fakie pony in any manner of your choosing!

Please note that this is a custom competition, so we are looking for creative custom ponies and scenes with a macabre sense of humour – this competition does not involve the destruction of fakie ponies on the day – its all just a bit of fun!!

We are looking forward to seeing your creative destructions – so good luck!!

Pizza Hut Friday 23rd Oct – Deadline for Signups Today!

Mandie1984 has kindly offered to organise a meal on Friday 23rd October in Pizza Hut in Sheffield City Centre. The Friday night meal has become a tradition over the past few years and has become a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

The deadline for signing up for joining us is today. Check out this thread for further details:

http://ponyconvention.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=condiscussion&action=display&thread=3532

We can’t wait to see you there!

Art Competition: have you created your masterpiece?

Winning 2009 Mascot Art Competition entries by Reaperfox and Yaizel

Every year, as well as the usual custom competitions we have the Art Competition – this is a great way to showcase your other creative talents besides customising! Perhaps you like to paint or write, or draw? Perhaps you like to sculpt or sew?

Entries to the art competition can be in any media or materials, as long as it is on a My Little Pony theme – we’d love to see some based on ‘Ponies Around the World’!

Good luck creating your masterpieces – we can’t wait to see them!

Display Tray Competition – have you prepared your display?

This year, we have a new competition category for you to enter – pony display tray! This is a great competition for everyone, but especially anyone who does not have the time or confidence to customise.

On a space no larger than a typical dinner tray, create a beautiful display for a pony or ponies! It can be on any theme, but we would love to see some ponies from around the world!

We can’t wait to see all the entries in this new competition this year – and we hope they inspire other collectors with ideas for how to display their own collections at home!

Good Luck!

Custom Scene – have you prepared your scene?

Amazing Custom Scenes from Ponycon 2007, Bristol

With only a little more than two weeks go to until the Convention, its time to get those creative juices going and prepare your custom scene! The scene can be on any theme and made out of any materials – it can be a beautiful setting for original ponies, or a fab way to display some lovely customs!!

So why not get creative, dig out all those paints, cardboard, paper, glue, glitter and scissors and you may even win a beautiful rosette and prize for your efforts!

We can’t wait to see all the amazing entries for this year – good luck!!

Main Day Event: Pony Discussion Panels

Beautiful Nirvana Ponies!

Want to find out about foreign My Little Pony? Want to learn some customising techniques? Then our Ponycon Panels are just for you!

Throughout the day on Main Convention Day we have a series of interesting, fun and informative panels hosted by members of the My Little Pony community in the UK and beyond. Why not attend and find out more?! Don’t forget to bring your questions for our panellists!

We look forward to welcoming our Panellists and guests at Ponycon!

Main Day Event Pony Mastermind!

Are you ready for the Big Black Chair?

Its less than three weeks to go until the spotlight falls on our contentants as they pit their pony-knowledge against each other in our Mastermind challenge!! Prepare to be amazed by their outstanding and detailed knowledge of specialist pony subjects and general knowledge! How many of the answers will YOU know?

Pony Mastermind will be taking place on the Convention Main day. Our contestants are all signed up – so dont miss it!!