Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija c/o Fakultà tat-Teoloġija Università ta’ Malta L-Imsida MSD 2080 info@ghstmalta.org | www.ghstmalta.org
PRESS RELEASE For immediate release - 18/11/2014
Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija - Foundation Day Same-sex couples within the broader horizon of what is meant by ‘a family’
The Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija (Għ.S.T.) is organising a debate about the issue of same-sex couples within the broader horizon of what is meant by ‘a family’, as part of the Foundation Day celebrations on Friday 21st November at 19:15 at The Archbishop’s Seminary, ir-Rabat. The panel will consist of a psychologist, a sociologist, a representative from each of the political parties, and a representative for Drachma LGBTI. The debate will be chaired by Dr Jean-Paul De Lucca, a philosopher and director of the Centre for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The debate will be filmed and streamed live on Għ.S.T. social media pages, as well as on www.ghstmalta.org/fd2014 During the Synod of Catholic Bishops in October, the issue of language featured many times in discussions. Thus, Għ.S.T., in full collaboration with the Faculty of Theology, has chosen to open the discussion such that it also includes how the politics of language are changing to accommodate all possible paradigms of relationship. The discussion will start by the speakers presenting their personal reflection of the words of paragraph 55 of the final report of the Synod. The floor will afterwards be opened to questions and reactions. At the end of the debate, the president of Għ.S.T. will present prizes to the winners of the “An Ethic A Month” competition that Għ.S.T. organised for this year’s Freshers’ Week at the University of Malta. ### Additional Information: The Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija (Għ.S.T.) is a faculty-based student senate-recognised organisation and the official student organisation of the Faculty of Theology. The aims of the organization is to offer help to students in theological, spiritual and intellectual formation, and also through solidarity initiatives. Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija is above all at the service of its members: the students reading theology at any level at the University of Malta. Apart from this, from time to time, Għ.S.T. organizes social, academic and philanthropic activities.
Page 1 of 3
Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija c/o Fakultà tat-Teoloġija Università ta’ Malta L-Imsida MSD 2080 info@ghstmalta.org | www.ghstmalta.org
Originally the Royal University Students’ Theological Association, the Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija was formally founded in 1945. However, it was recently discovered that the Association was in fact a spin-off from an earlier society called ‘Ċirkolu ta’ Studju bejn l-Istudenti tal-Kors Akkademiku tat-Teoloġija’ whose first meeting was held on the 21st December 1942 at St Joseph’s Institute in Ħamrun. Today, the Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija is above all else at the service of its members: the students reading theology at any level at the University of Malta. Two out of the seven members of the executive committee represent all their fellow students at the Faculty Board meetings to express their opinions, help them in their difficulties and sort out their problems. Għ.S.T. was the pioneer among Maltese student organisations to publish its own scientific review, “Melita Theologica”, which was first issued in 1947. Today, Melita Theologica is the official peer-reviewed journal of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta, published jointly by the Faculty of Theology, the Theology Students Association and the Foundation for Theological Studies. Proud of its glorious past, the Association looks to the future to continue serving the students venturing in the study of theology in the best possible way. ### Contact person: Christopher Bugeja Mobile:
9989 9665
Email:
pro@ghstmalta.org
URL:
www.ghstmalta.org
Notes to the Editor: 1. The panel will be composed of the following speakers: Rev. Prof. Paul Galea - Psychologist and Deputy Dean of Theology and Head of Department of Pastoral Theology, Liturgy & Canon Law Ms. Angele Deguara - Head of Department of Sociology at the Junior College and a member of the Government's LGBT Consultative Council representing Alternattiva Demokratika Hon. Dr. Deborah Schembri MP - Lawyer and Chairperson of the Social Affairs Committee representing the Malta Labour Party Hon. Clyde Puli MP - Sociologist and Spokesperson for Family and Social Solidarity for the Nationalist Party Page 2 of 3
Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloġija c/o Fakultà tat-Teoloġija Università ta’ Malta L-Imsida MSD 2080 info@ghstmalta.org | www.ghstmalta.org
Mr. Chris Vella - History lecturer at the Junior College and the current Coordinator of Drachma LGBTI 2. The debate will be chaired by Dr. Jean-Paul De Lucca - Philosopher and Director of the Centre for Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Page 3 of 3