Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai holds monthly meeting in Beth Kerke, Lebanon

BETH KERHE, Lebanon — In the presence of Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Rai, the Maronite Church’s monthly meeting for bishops was held in Beth Kerke, Lebanon, (Bkerke) on Wednesday.

The attendees of the meeting deplored the government delay in undertaking necessary reforms in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The bishops also emphasized the need for all impediments to the upcoming 15 May election  to be overcome and to mitigate the burden on voters and candidates to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process.

They encouraged all citizens to take advantage of their constitutional right and participate in the election. 

Concern was expressed over the potential for widespread security issues, especially the spate of homicides that have occured on an almost daily basis. The bishops appealed to government authorities to pay attention to the gravity of the situation and applauded the military and security authorities who are doing their best to keep the situation under control.

The bishops also extended their condolences to the families of the victims of the boat that sank in the Tripoli Sea, stressing the need for rapid initiatives to lift Lebanon out of its harsh and prolonged economic difficulties that have allowed smuggling gangs to flourish.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the bishops congratulated the Churches that celebrated Easter according to the Julian calendar and Muslims on Eid al-Fitr.