The Role of the Lebanese Church Leaders
GH 3-02

Day after day and for the last 25 years, Lebanese at large have most probably witnessed the most horrific human rights abuses and economic hardships a modern nation has maybe ever been through; yet it startles me to see Lebanese churches, especially those outside of Lebanon, so silent and so apathetic about the suffering and injustice of its people.

In the Bible, the book of James says "What good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds. Faith is dead if not accompanied by action"; If ever there was a time to heed that statement that time is now.

The puppet Lebanese government has failed us, the political parties have failed us, but sadly the greatest failure has been the Lebanese churches. Church leaders should be the heart and soul of a nation. It is their responsibility to guide and direct their respective congregations. They are the custodians of God’s people. They have the unprecedented power and responsibility to act. Yet, all what we see them doing is giving us all the talk in the world making sure that "nobody rocks the boat". 

One of  the Lebanese churches has posted on its website  the following saying by mother Teresa:

"Christ has No body on earth but yours No hands but yours, No feet but yours. You are the eyes through which he is to look out his compassion to the world, Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good, Yours the hands with which he is to bless now"

Basically, Jesus showed his love with deeds not words, He even died for us. What makes God angry, should make us angry. Didn't Jesus get angry at the merchants and  used a whip to beat them?. Again James said "faith without action is useless, you are justified by your actions not words"

Time has come for the Lebanese clergy to start doing less with speeches and more with action. If one innocent man or child dies, the churches should cry and rail against the injustice. Nothing will ever be accomplished by sitting quietly, saying nothing and doing nothing while our brothers and sisters are dying and our country disintegrating right before our eyes.

A couple of more recommendations for our Church leaders:

The Church must play a much more aggressive role in uniting the Lebanese. How can we in the Diaspora lobby for Lebanon when our own Lebanese Church leaders are not here when we need them most?   It saddens me that when I contact American churches or American friends they offer their help, but none of the Lebanese reply.  

The Church must set a powerful example for Christian as well as other Lebanese leaders.   Doesn't God advise us to pick godly men and women for government? “When the righteous rules, people rejoice”.   We raised a generation of crooks and thieves. We raised citizens and leaders who worship political parties, politicians, and power , instead of worshiping God. We are the model to learn from and avoid at all costs and the churches have played a part in that. If you could have prevented one death but did not do so, you will be held accountable, if you could have helped prevent suffering but did not do so, you will be held accountable.  God will ask you why did you abandon me.

Church leaders have the power to change the world. Join hands, hold your services and show your concern where people will listen. Take turns holding gatherings in front of the White House, in front of the U.N., in front of the Lebanese embassy. In Lebanon unite all religious leaders and all faiths.  Do it 24/7 for a whole month and you will see the difference. Doing that is much more powerful than holding meaningless services and preaching what is not being practiced.  Lead by powerful example. Teach God's people how to care. If you do not care who will?

Church leaders must also teach Lebanese the important values of Christianity. Teach them to steer clear of epiphenomenal arguments such as the debate concerning the use of 3 or 5 fingers. Your mission is far greater than that. The people look to you for guidance. Show them how to love one another by your actions. Teach them about humility and about loving your neighbor.  Show them the meaning of true Christianity

Martin Luther King once said that: “ History will record that the biggest crime is not what bad people did, but that the so called good people sat by and did nothing”. This makes us partners in crime because by our silence we are siding with evil.   The purpose of this letter is not to criticize but to ask you to act.  I just cannot understand how we can call ourselves Christians and not show any love or compassion by deeds not words.

God bless you all and all freedom loving Lebanese.