Bkerke: In a poignant appeal from the heartland of Eastern Christianity, Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai, the Patriarch of the Maronite Church in Lebanon, has issued a fervent plea to Christians across the Middle East: do not abandon the region. His urgent call comes amidst a concerning decline in Christian populations and a volatile geopolitical landscape, emphasizing their irreplaceable role in fostering moderation and coexistence within Muslim-majority societies.
Cardinal al-Rai, speaking from the episcopal see of the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch, expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing exodus of Christians from nations like Syria, driven by unrelenting conflict, economic hardship, and insecurity. While acknowledging the challenging circumstances that compel many to seek new lives abroad, he warned of the profound spiritual and social void their departure creates. "If this Middle East is emptied of Christians, then Muslims will lose their moderation," the Cardinal cautioned in an interview with the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
He underscored that the Christian presence acts as a vital "moderating influence" within the diverse fabric of the Middle East, a role often overlooked when focusing solely on demographics. The Cardinal urged states and the international community to shift their perspective, valuing not just the number of Christians, but the unique "value that the presence of the Christians adds" to the region's cultural, social, and interfaith dialogue.
Lebanon, uniquely in the region, enshrines Christian presence within its constitution, safeguarding a model of coexistence that Cardinal al-Rai hopes can be replicated elsewhere. He highlighted that many Muslim families in Lebanon choose to send their children to Catholic schools, recognizing them as "models of coexistence" and avenues for promoting shared values and moderation. Even in the southern regions of Lebanon, these Catholic institutions predominantly serve Muslim students, demonstrating the tangible impact of Christian engagement.
Despite the severe economic and financial crises afflicting Lebanon, impacting both Christian and Muslim communities, Cardinal al-Rai noted a disparity in support, lamenting that Christians often find themselves in more destitute circumstances, relying primarily on the Church's more limited resources. However, he remains resolute in his conviction that the Christian community has a divine mission in the Middle East—to bear witness to their faith alongside their Muslim neighbors in a region scarred by suffering. "This is where our mission is, and this is where we will stay," he affirmed.
He further stressed that Middle Eastern Christians are the "guardians of the roots of Christianity in the Holy Land," representing the direct descendants of the earliest Christian communities. Their continued presence is essential for preserving this ancient heritage. Cardinal al-Rai's powerful message serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of Christian communities in the Middle East, not just for their own sake, but for the very soul and future of the region.