Maronite patriarch criticizes leaders for sinking Lebanon into crisis

Published: 2006-11-15

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- The head of Lebanon's Maronite Catholic Church has criticized the country's bickering leaders for plunging the nation into political crisis. "Lebanon does not and should not encompass enemies, but brothers," said Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, Maronite patriarch. "This is not how brothers treat each other." Referring to Christian politicians, Cardinal Sfeir asked, "If politicians were aware of the principles of Christian education, wouldn't they put an end to their challenges and insults of one another? "Wouldn't they throw out hatred and envy and other feelings that do not reflect their respect for each other?" he asked. Cardinal Sfeir spoke Nov. 13 at the 40th session of Lebanon's Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Bkerke, the headquarters of the Maronite church in Lebanon.

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