Maronite Patriarch Meets UK Political Leaders and Lebanese Delegations

His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi, Patriarch of Antioch and head of the Maronite Church, concluded his visit to the United Kingdom with a series of official meetings. These included discussions with Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East; Sarah Mackintosh, Deputy National Security Adviser with responsibility for the Middle East; and members of Parliament through the All Party Parliamentary Group to the Holy See. The Patriarch was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Boulos El-Sayah, Lebanon’s Ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, and Maran Francis, Counsellor at the Lebanese Embassy.

The Patriarch’s engagements also included meetings with Lebanese political representatives at the Maronite Parish in London. Delegations from the Marada Movement, the Free Patriotic Party, the Kataeb Party, the Lebanese Forces Party, and the Liberal Movement participated in these discussions. Abbot Hadi Mahfouz, General Superior of the Lebanese Maronite Order, and Father Fadi Kmeid, the parish priest, accompanied the Patriarch during these meetings.

Throughout his week in the UK, the Patriarch has emphasized the importance of preserving Lebanon’s diversity and pluralism. He highlighted how this unique characteristic distinguishes Lebanon from other nations in the region and serves as a model of Christian-Islamic coexistence. His statements reflect the Maronite Church’s ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural harmony.

The Patriarch’s visit underscores the Maronite Church’s engagement with both international and local political figures. By addressing issues of coexistence and pluralism, he aligns with the Church’s broader mission to foster peace and understanding among different communities. His presence in the UK also strengthens ties between the Maronite Church and the UK government, reinforcing shared values of dialogue and mutual respect.

The Maronite Church, as one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome, continues to play a significant role in promoting interfaith relations and social cohesion. Through its leadership and outreach, the Church seeks to uphold the principles of justice, mercy, and service, which are central to its teachings. The Patriarch’s efforts in the UK reflect these values and contribute to the Church’s global mission.

Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility in service. The Patriarch’s focus on preserving Lebanon’s pluralistic society aligns with this biblical theme, emphasizing the importance of fostering environments where diverse communities can coexist and thrive. His advocacy for dialogue and understanding reflects a commitment to these principles in both local and international contexts.

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