23/03/2024

Christian political parties meet Syriac Maronite Patriarch Al-Rai to debate on Syriac Maronite Patriarchate political initiative

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — The Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Butros al-Rai received officials and politicians from various Christian political parties in Lebanon to debate on the Syriac Maronite Patriarchate political initiative aimed at ending the Lebanese crisis.

The meeting was attended by Christian parties and fronts of the Lebanese parliament, while the Marda Movement refused to participate in the meeting, Lebanese media outlets reported.

The Patriarchate initiative highlighted the threat facing the Christians existence and participation in various sectors in Lebanon. In addition to the dossiers of arming legitimate and illegal forces, Syrian refugees, ongoing war near the Lebanese border between Israel and Hamas and mutual shelling across the Lebanese-Israeli border, between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Patriarchate’s initiative also shed light on the historical role of Lebanon, which is gradually becoming a totalitarian religious country governed by ideology.

If the Christian parties agree to the initiative content, Al-Rai will move on to the second stage of the required political change.

After the meeting, it turned out that there was no difference in Christian parties’ opinions. They unanimously agreed on the need to choose a new president for Lebanon and the need for national consensus, as well as strengthening the role of Christians in Lebanon and issues of peace and war.