The inquisition in Malta (6) : denouncement (part one)

Abstract

As protector of the Christian faith, the Inquisitor was responsible for hearing obvious cases of misdeeds committed by word of mouth or action only. There were serious and petty cases that had to be dealt with, but the strictest attitude was reserved for cases involving persons who had chosen to abandon the Christian faith . Maltese who were taken as slaves often chose to turn to Islam in the hope of getting better treatment from their Muslim masters. Several persons were being accused of heresy, that is believing in something against the Christian Faith. Cases of heresy involving the Maltese were very rare before the Inquisition Tribunal in Malta. Most of those brought before the Inquisitor were illiterates who signed their very own denouncement with a cross. It was obvious that most of those accused had not known what they were actually doing and the thought of abandoning their faith did not even enter their minds. But their guilt before the Inquisition was never taken for granted and they were judged as persons that possibly might had incurred into heresy.