Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai confirmed that in Lebanon, taxes and fees are not collected from all citizens but rather from certain regions, either intentionally, out of fear of excessive power, or negligence, thus only minimal public services are provided. Rai added during the Golden Jubilee Mass of the Maronite Archdiocese in Australia that the law and constitution are being violated in Lebanon by those in power, and any violations by a member of any political party are covered up by the party itself which protects the offender.
He urged the Lebanese in Australia to register themselves in the Lebanese records to preserve their existence. Rai continued that the Church will not remain silent about all the negatives in Lebanon and will not tire in its commitment to its mission through its educational, social, and health institutions. He stated: the Church has not abandoned Lebanon and its people to be prey to arrogance, and it will not remain silent about the deliberate exclusion of the only Christian President from the Arab League.
