Patriarch Raï: Look for the Collaborators Elsewhere

The Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Raï indicated from Diman that when the identity and mission were shaken due to the events at the borders earlier this week, involving Bishop Moussa Al-Haj during his mission, many partisans and citizens came to this patriarchal seat to express their condemnation and rejection of everything that happened. He added that the denunciations regarding what happened to Bishop Moussa Al-Haj were numerous, particularly from the presidents of the republic and the government. Raï stated that the message in the state is the exercise of authority to ensure the common good, enhance the national economy, and provide hope to everyone, especially the upcoming generations, as well as to secure job opportunities. Therefore, the aim of political work is the citizen, and for our part, we will not relinquish our humanity and our service to people, no matter the cost. He affirmed that Lebanon will not grow or unite through this perverse approach and that it is time to change this reality filled with hatred, spite, and indecent behaviors. It is unacceptable for a bishop to be detained and searched without consulting the patriarchate, and we reject these police actions with political implications. Raï added that what happened to Bishop Al-Haj violated the dignity of the church, and the authorities' attempts to reduce it to a mere legal issue are futile. It is unacceptable to target a bishop without returning to his reference, which is the patriarchate, and we reject these police actions with political implications, demanding that all that was seized from Bishop Al-Haj be returned. The Patriarch addressed those who harm Lebanon: Stop saying that aid comes from collaborators and look for collaborators elsewhere, as you know where they are and who they are.