Maronite Bishops Urge Revival of Constitutional Institutions

 

Maronite Bishops on Saturday expressed solidarity with Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir over the verbal campaign against him and called for speedy presidential elections, formation of a national unity government and finally adoption of a new electoral law.

A statement issued at the end of an extraordinary meeting presided by Sfeir said the “tragic situation the country has reached is “worrisome.”

 

“Thus, we call on all Lebanese, irrespective of their political inclinations, to thoroughly examine (the situation) they have reached and redress it wisely and quietly,” said the statement read by Monsignor Youssef Taouk.

 

“The church urges all Lebanese to turn to God … and calls on the officials to quickly revive constitutional institutions, starting with electing a new president, forming a national unity government and agreeing on a fair electoral law that ensures true representation for all,” it said.

 

The Bishops” meeting was the second in two days. On Friday, they refrained from issuing a statement.

 

Bishop Samir Mazloum, however, urged the Lebanese to join Sfeir and the Bishops in their prayers to “enlighten the minds of everyone.”

 

Sfeir has been subjected to vehement verbal attacks by Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh and Gen. Micehl Aoun.

 

While Franjieh accused the prelate of acting as an employee for the U.S. and French embassies, Aoun dubbed him “just an ordinary citizen who has the right to express his opinion.”

 

Sfeir responded to these attacks, quoting the Bible verse: “Father, forgive them, for they don”t know what they are doing.”