THE Patriarch of the Maronite Church, Cardinal Bechara Boutros
al-Rahi, has launched a strong attack on the corruption in the
Middle East. Speaking at the unveiling of the new Beirut studio
complex belonging to the Christian television channel SAT-7, the
Patriarch said that "truth is being crucified every day for
personal interest at the expense of people and the public good." He
said that "the source of the tragedies" in the Middle East was that
"truth has become captive to injustice."
Cardinal Rahi went on to say that "the Church condemns all
political action that is solely limited to achieving personal gains
and that aims to obstruct state institutions in the search for
power." Political action was a "moral duty", which was
"incompatible with corruption, despotism, and dependence on money
from abroad".
Addressing an audience of almost 400 people, including senior
leaders from across the church spectrum, parliamentarians, and
government representatives, Cardinal Rahi continued: "How great is
the need in Lebanon and all the Middle East countries for the voice
of the Church to speak out for truth, to break the chains of
injustice and tyranny, to tear down slavery and corruption!"
The Cardinal described SAT-7 as one such modern-day institution.
He said that the channel "proclaims and teaches the truth that sets
us free and to which our Lord Jesus Christ calls us".
Sat-7, which began broadcasting two hours a week 18 years ago,
now transmits for 800 hours a week.