Muslims fleeing violence find help from Lebanese Christians

AN ARCHBISHOP has said growing numbers are turning to the Church in Lebanon – including Muslims fleeing the fighting. 

Archbishop Hanna Rahme of Baalbek-Deir El-Ahmar told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah is affecting both Christians and Muslims.

He said “The violence, which at the beginning was aimed at Shi‘a, has spread to Christians.

“Just today they bombed a Christian village in the south. We all want to end terrorism, but this violence is not an answer. We ask the UN to oversee dialogue.” 

The archbishop, who leads the Monks of Beit Maroun, Servants of the Cedar of Lebanon, said the war had altered the relationship with Shi‘a Muslims.

At first many Christians found it hard to believe that the Shi‘a, who they saw as responsible for the war, were coming to them for help. 

But the archbishop said the Church had welcomed them with open arms, leading to a change of outlook. 

He said: “The other day a priest was telling me that a displaced family from a Muslim village had arrived and was worried about how they might be received.

“But the priest flung open his doors and helped them rebuild their lives. A few days later he heard the daughter say to the parents: ‘it seems that the Christians are nice, and genuinely like us’, as if contradicting what her parents might have told her previously. 

“At the end of the day when you are raised in an isolated space, such as the village this family was from, you believe anything you are told.”

Archbishop Rahme said the war has brought many Christians closer to the Shi‘a, which in turn is making the Church’s mission in Lebanon easier.

He added: “The war has made many people realise that the Church’s charism is to call for peace and coexistence, even when other voices may promote violence. 

“It is a completely different outlook, and when the situation stabilises, I hope that many will take the step, despite the risk of losing their job or their families, because people are noticing this contrast.”

Lebanon is also home to Syrian refugees. But the bishop stressed that even though the new government has regained control of most of Syria, not everyone wants to return.

He said: “The Sunnis feel safe under the new government, but many Alawites, Shi‘a and Christians prefer to remain, because they don’t feel safe.” 

Archbishop Rahme stressed the importance of faith in helping survive through conflicts.

He said: “I am 66 years old. I belong to a generation that has known nothing but war. I would never have survived the situation Lebanon is going through if not for Jesus. 

“I am very lucky, I have hope, I cannot imagine what it must be like for people to go through this without Jesus in their lives.”

The archbishop thanked ACN for its support, not only in helping his congregation to grow – founded in 2019 it currently has three priests and 20 brothers – but also for helping with youth projects.

With thanks to Daniel Castilla.