The Maronite bishops held their monthly meeting at the patriarchal edifice in Bkerke, chaired by Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, with the participation of major superiors of Maronite religious orders. They discussed ecclesiastical and national issues. At the end of the meeting, the bishops issued a statement read by Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Antoine Awkar, which included:
1. The fathers listened to His Eminence about the atmosphere surrounding his pastoral and official visit to the British capital. They expressed their satisfaction with its results, especially regarding Lebanon's presence despite the difficult conditions it is experiencing, and confirmed that the political and spiritual leaders there stand by Lebanon in its ongoing ordeal.
2. The fathers strongly condemned the obstruction of the investigation into the Beirut port explosion. They denounced the malicious detentions faced by the victims' families. They again called on politicians, especially with the arrival of the European judicial delegation, to lift their hands from the judiciary so it can continue its work to reveal the circumstances of this crime, prosecute the guilty, and exonerate the innocent according to applicable laws. They announced their unwavering support for their sons and daughters crying out in pain in the streets, seeking the proper administration of justice.
3. The fathers expressed their fear of the postponement of the election of a new president for the country to an indefinite time, which would only bring more suffering to the Lebanese people. They reiterated their demand for the parliament to assume its responsibilities in this regard and to expedite handling this fundamental constitutional obligation, to prevent further deterioration and collapse.
4. The deliberate prolongation of the presidential vacancy generates a constitutional crisis regarding the resigned government. According to the existing agreement and based on jurisprudence and legal doctrine, the resigned prime minister does not have the right to call the council to convene without the ministers' approval, nor can he issue decrees and sign them without the signatures of all ministers, in accordance with Article 62 of the constitution. It is necessary to return to constitutional jurisprudence to define the legal framework for "ordinary business," "important affairs," and "emergency situations," to prevent unnecessary disputes for the country.
5. The fathers, along with His Eminence, warned of a rejected scheme aimed at creating a void in Maronite positions specifically, and Christian positions in general, within the state. If this indicates anything, it points to a hidden intention to change Lebanon's identity, which is founded on freedom and the dignity of its citizens—Lebanon's core issue—and aims to erode the Lebanese state to the point of taking control of its remnants. This will be vigorously opposed by the Lebanese people.
6. The fathers are concerned about the worsening economic, financial, and social conditions, surpassing levels at which no remedy would be effective. They called for prioritizing social aspects above others. They addressed the conscience of Lebanese officials and friends of Lebanon, both Arab and foreign, urging the end of the ongoing series of disasters affecting the country, before citizens' anger transforms into a major uprising that will not stop until the sacrifice of their country on the altars of selfishness and foreign and internal interests ceases.
7. The fathers extend their congratulations to their children and all Lebanese upon the start of the new year, praying to God that it marks the beginning of hope for the ending of the prolonged ordeal in the country. They urge everyone to intensify their prayers and sacrifices so that God may grant peace and stability to our homeland and the whole world. During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, they invite their sons and daughters, clergy and laity, to participate in the prayer of the universal church for this cause for which Christ the Lord prayed: "Holy Father, keep them in Your name, those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are one" (John 17:11), and to work together to realize this unity.
