Muslims and Christians unite in Lebanon

Ya Libnan ^ | 31 March, 2008 | Alexander Henley

[forkinsocket]

Beirut - Lebanese Christian and Muslim voices have spoken out in unison as the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad coincided with Easter.

With the presidency vacant since November, religious leaders used celebrations to urge politicians to action.

Maronite Cardinal Sfeir said: "We need only look around us to see that some countries have made their deserts into habitable towns, while we have almost turned our gardens into deserts."

Political stand-off in Lebanon has left its large Christian minority feeling particularly vulnerable.

The standing power-sharing agreement reserves the office of president for a Maronite Christian. Many now fear that the vacancy will be used to limit presidential powers or even deprive the Christians of the office historically regarded as their guarantee of religious freedom.

Starved of tourists since the 2006 Israeli invasion, once-popular bars, restaurants and cafés are struggling to draw people out of their homes in East Beirut and the Christian heartlands of Mount Lebanon.

Political disputes have divided the Christian community, and clashes between supporters of opposing parties are expected to increase.

Cardinal Sfeir, spiritual leader of Lebanon's Christians, called for political renewal during Paschal liturgies at the patriarchal seat of Bkirki, where representatives of the country's political leadership were in attendance.

The plight of Lebanon also received special mention in Pope Benedict XVI's Easter 'urbi et orbi' message.

[forkinsocket]

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[vpintheak]

They always work the anti-Israel sentiment into it don’t they?

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

Good grief. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Making friends with pagans within the declared veil of Christianity is a definite step into apostasy.

[ryan71]

Just stopping by to see if there are any pictures of Lebanese ladies. Will check back, later...