Maronite Bishop Calls for Unity, Institutional Strength Amid Lebanon’s Crisis

His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, the Maronite parish shepherd in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania, visited the Lebanese Consulate General in Sydney on March 6, 2026. During the meeting with new Consul General Raymond Chamelati and a delegation from the Lebanese community, the bishop emphasized the need for spiritual and diplomatic collaboration to serve the Lebanese diaspora amid ongoing regional crises.

Bishop Tarabay congratulated the new Consul General and reaffirmed the Maronite Church’s commitment to supporting the Lebanese state and its constitutional institutions, particularly the Presidency and the Lebanese Army. He described these entities as “the guarantor of the unity and security of the Lebanese people,” stressing that the current situation demands strengthening unity around the state to protect against division and address security, social, and economic challenges.

The bishop urged all Lebanese factions to respect state institutions and adhere to their decisions, aligning with the government’s declaration that “the security and military actions carried out by Hezbollah are illegal.” He called on the Lebanese Army and security forces to enforce the government’s decision to restrict arms across all Lebanese territories, as reiterated in a recent statement by the Maronite bishops.

Bishop Tarabay asserted that “the exclusivity of arms in the hands of the state is a fixed national principle essential for protecting Lebanon from destructive conflicts and ensuring stability.” He emphasized that Lebanon’s strength lies in the strength of its institutions and the army’s ability to assert authority over its territory.

He also called for an end to Israeli assaults on Lebanon and urged prioritizing peace over the language of weapons. “The current situation requires increased responsibility and wisdom in managing disagreements, as Lebanon can no longer afford more adventures or divisions,” he stated.

In a related context, Bishop Tarabay highlighted the importance of solidarity with displaced Lebanese individuals. He referenced Pope Leo XIII’s call, adopted by the Maronite Church and Catholic bishops in Australia, which urges abstaining from words and actions that generate hatred and calls for prayer to restore diplomacy to its natural role in seeking peace.

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