Al-Rahi Urges Support for Syrian Refugees but Slams Arming of Fighters
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on Sunday for social and material support for refugees escaping the violence in Syria, snubbing Lebanese politicians who are paralyzing the country over the situation in the neighboring country.
In his sermon during mass in Bkirki, al-Rahi said the Lebanese should show humanitarian solidarity with the displaced and should raise prayers for the war and violence to stop.
He also called on the people to provide them with services and financial support.
“We urge the fighters who are causing destruction and death … to stop the killing machine,” al-Rahi said.
He described as “heroism” attempts to sit at the negotiating table to find peaceful solutions to the Syrian crisis.
The patriarch also urged the leaders of countries “fighting in Syria by sending money, weapons or ammunition to either the regime or the opposition to stop their bad deeds because they are committing the crime of killing and destruction.”
“They will be held responsible by the court of conscience and history,” he said.
Lebanon's pro and anti-Assad politicians “should also stop their bets on the developments in Syria because they are paralyzing public life and patriotic decisions including the new electoral law,” al-Rahi said.
The same officials are causing emigration and lack of trust in the nation, he added.
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