Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi affirmed that "the Patriarchate is at an equal distance from all candidates," emphasizing the need to "conduct elections in a democratic and consensual spirit, away from tension, disputes, animosities, and divisions." Al-Rahi's remarks came during the opening of the Maronite Church Synod proceedings at the Patriarchal See in Bkerke, attended by bishops of the community in Lebanon and the diaspora.
Al-Rahi addressed the participating bishops, stating: "After the spiritual retreat we had last week, which rejuvenated us spiritually, we begin today, with God's grace, a week of discussion on the works of our holy Church Synod. We will first study the formation of seminarians seeking priesthood in the seminary and university, and the sustainable formation of new priests in the first five years. We will also discuss liturgical matters that organize the proclamation of our faith, celebrating it, and living it, which preserve the unity of our Church. We will touch upon issues related to the liturgical concerns."
He noted, "We are looking into the conditions of the dioceses to support and cooperate where needed. From this, we will launch into the service of love, where its fields are expanding due to the political crisis and its resulting economic, financial, and social crises. Along with it is linked the service of justice in our spiritual courts as an application of the truth, which is the essence of the Church's mission. There can be no separation between truth, love, and justice."
He added, "We will review what has been issued by the Holy See in terms of new measures to work accordingly. Regarding our Church, we will look into the Synod document concerning women, the activities of the youth committees linked to the patriarchate, and the preparations for celebrating Youth Days in Lebanon coinciding with the Lisbon celebrations led by His Holiness Pope Francis next August. Then we will listen to the activities of institutions associated with the Patriarchate."
Al-Rahi stated, "Due to the bodily damage inflicted on our people and our country, the current conditions require their necessary time. The fathers will listen to a summary of the meetings of the Patriarchal envoys with Christian, Sunni, Shia, and Druze references. The aim was to affirm that the Patriarchate is at an equal distance from all candidates and to consult with these references regarding the election of a president after eight months of devastating vacuum for the state and the people. The envoys emphasized conducting the election in a democratic and consensual spirit, away from tensions, disputes, animosities, and divisions. Nomination and candidacy are constitutional democratic rights, and respecting candidates in their dignity is a fundamental moral right for living together in peace, trust, and cooperation for our one homeland."
It is noted that the closed Synod sessions will continue until next Saturday, June 17, when a final statement will be issued, encompassing all the matters discussed.
