Bishops urge Arab and Muslim countries to prevent extinction of Christianity in Middle East
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 from March 10-14 in 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.
Source: www.catholicherald.co.uk