Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beirut (Agenzia Fides) - "As Christians from the Middle East we would like the countries where there are dictatorships or theocratic regimes to have a genuine democracy based on respect for others and respect of human rights" this is what Fr. Paul Karam tells Fides, a theologian and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Lebanon, in the aftermath of the encounter between Muslims and Christians from Lebanon and Syria, which was held in Beirut.
Fr. Karam explains: "We are very careful about what is happening in Syria and in other Arab countries: the Christians in Syria fear that the scenario of Iraq in the country may repeat itself, where 60% of Christians, after the fall of Saddam Hussein, were forced to flee due to lack of security. "The National Director of the PMS continues: "Nobody knows what will happen in the next few months: even the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai said this recently. But his thought was misinterpreted, taken out of context and misinterpreted for political interests. The Patriarch pointed out that there is a risk that one day the Christians and other minorities are not adequately protected. So the Christians want to help build a truly democratic future, based on religious freedom, on respect, peaceful coexistence".
Fr. Karam added: "We believe that the desire for real freedom should never be manipulated for political and economic interests. We look forward to the future. We have great hope: Christ is our hope. We want to build a climate of true peace, with full respect of religious freedom and hope that Sira can begin a new era of democracy, reconciliation and harmony. "(PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/09/2011)
