Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
bkirki.org
Bkerké (Agenzia Fides) - "The state of corruption, ethical degradation, political feudalism that the country is suffering from, the prioritization of personal and sectarian interests is hindering the enhancement of the state institutions and pose a deadly social leprosy". This is what Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai said in his weekly Sunday sermon at the patriarchal seat of Bkerké, with an obvious reference to the political and social situation in Lebanon. Inspired by the Gospel
of the healing of the leper, the Primate of the Maronite Church deplored, among other things, theft and waste of state resources and public funds, endemic practice of bribes and the imposition of taxes, which also undermine "the willingness to invest and to finance development projects in the region". Among other national plagues listed by the Patriarch during the Sunday mass – at the presence of Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon - the
Patriarch also mentioned the failure to approve the salary scale during the past years, the obstruction of the endorsement of a new vote law that is catered to meet the aspirations of the people and the negligence towards the waste crisis issue "all present cases of fatal social leprosy", he concluded (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 07/03/2017)
ASIA/SYRIA - Patriarch Yohanna X and the new Syria: "We Christians are not ‘guests’ in this land"
ASIA/SYRIA - Aleppo, new meeting between Christian representatives and Islamist groups. Bishop Audo: "they show respect for our traditions"
AFRICA/KENYA - Rigathi Gachagua removed from office: Minister of the Interior appointed new Deputy President
AFRICA/KENYA - President of the Bishops' Conference: "No to political divisions that undermine the country's development"
AFRICA/LIBERIA - Fire in the Parliament after weeks of tension
Bishops on the impeachment of President Yoon: "We will always be at the side of the People"