exclamation

Important notice: To continue serving our valued readers during the postal disruption, complete unrestricted access to the digital edition is available at no extra cost. This will ensure uninterrupted digital access to your copies. Click here to view the digital edition, or learn more.

Displaced Iraqi Christians who fled from Islamic State militants in Mosul pray at a school acting as a refugee camp in Irbil, Iraq, Sept. 6. Irbil now hosts more than 100,000 displaced Christians and other minorities. Some Christians who have fled Iraq say they do not want to return
Displaced Iraqi Christians who fled from Islamic State militants in Mosul pray at a school acting as a refugee camp in Irbil, Iraq, Sept. 6. Irbil now hosts more than 100,000 displaced Christians and other minorities. Some Christians who have fled Iraq say they do not want to return CNS photo/Ahmed Jadallah, Reuters

Bishops urge Arab, Muslim countries to help preserve Christian presence

By  Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News Service
  • March 16, 2015

BEIRUT - Maronite Catholic bishops urged Arab and Muslim countries to combat terrorism in order to preserve the Christian presence in the Middle East.

In a statement issued following a special Synod March 10-14 at Bkerke, the patriarchal seat for Maronites, the bishops from throughout the Middle East urged Christians to try to "bear the current storm" and to preserve their ties to their homeland.

"At the same time," the bishops said they demand that "Arab and Muslim countries assume their historic responsibilities by fighting against extremism and fanaticism" and to protect "the Christian existence, which plays a key role in the history of the Arab world and its Muslim-Christian civilization."

They also called on Arab states to "support Lebanon and help it out of the state of political, economic and security crisis caused by the wars and conflicts in the Middle East."
Noting that Lebanon is a founding member of the League of Arab States, the bishops said Lebanon "represents a stability factor, an oasis of encounter and dialogue" in the region and is a "strong advocate" for civil liberties and democracy.

The bishops also encouraged Lebanese expats to remain "closely linked" to their homeland.

The bishops deplored Lebanon's presidential vacuum and its detrimental effect on political, security, economic and social levels. Lebanese lawmakers failed for the 20th time March 11 to elect a new president. The post, held by a Maronite Catholic, has been vacant since May 2014 when President Michel Suleiman's term ended.

In this season of Lent, the bishops said they hope "for the resurrection of our countries and peoples on the basis of reconciliation, peace and freedom."

Tagged under:

Related items

More in this category: « Attack in Pakistan part of wave of anti-Christian violence, Pope says Debate over gays in St. Patrick’s parades roils Irish on big day »

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE