Bkirki Spiritual Summit Slams Extremist Religious Speeches, Urges Support for Army

A summit of Christian religious leaders was held at the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkirki on Monday to emphasize the need to elect a president and reject extremism.

The gatherers announced after the meeting their rejection of “extremist religious speeches that are employed to achieve bloody goals.”

They demanded support for the army in its duty in combating terrorism, while stressing the need to fill the vacuum in the presidency that “is weighing heavily on the functioning of state institutions.”

“The utmost importance must be placed on the election of a president,” said the meeting, which was chaired by Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

Furthermore, the gatherers urged concerned officials “to work hard and honestly in confronting the economic and social crisis that is affecting everyone, especially the youths.”

“We demand equal partnership for all, which will ensure fair representation in society.”

The spiritual leaders also condemned the deterioration of ties between Lebanon and Arab countries, “which is negatively impacting the Lebanese people and their interests.”

On regional conflicts, they stated that peaceful solutions will ensure the safe return of the displaced Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis back to their homeland.

They slammed the displacement of Christians in Iraq and Syria at the hands of extremists, comparing it to the genocide committed against Armenians at the end of the Ottoman Empire.

M.T.