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The Maronite Church

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THE MARONITE CHURCH: UNITED AND UNIVERSAL

An apostolate for this age - a strategic vision

"Lebanon could be one of the world’s strongest countries if it better utilized the potential of its Diaspora." His Beatitude Nasrallah Butros Cardinal Sfeir(11/28/01)

Introduction
The Lebanese outside of Lebanon vastly outnumber those in Lebanon. This is especially true of the Christians, and the Maronites in particular. Those Maronites are numerous and influential on an individual basis. Most, however, shun involvement with organized groups dealing with socio-political issues concerning Lebanon and the Christians due to the fractured approach and the myriad of elements supposedly acting on behalf of the Maronites in Lebanon. These Maronites of the Diaspora have an opportunity to influence the outcome of deliberations concerning socio-political issues in Lebanon and the Middle East if they unify under, and maximize the resources of, the Maronite Church under the strong leadership of the Patriarch.

Background
Throughout history the Maronite Patriarchy has played both a religious and political role in Lebanon and the Middle East. The Patriarch has been a diplomatic force for the building of consensus among divergent religious and political elements. It commands the allegiance and obedience of all of the bishops in Lebanon and the trust of the faithful. As time passed, there has been a geographical shift in the location of the Maronites. Many of them live outside of Lebanon. Many are shepherded by bishops while others are not. There is little universal respect for the humanitarian, social, economic, or political efforts of the Patriarchy either among the bishops or the faithful today. This leaves the Patriarchy weakened to a great degree, especially as it represents the Maronite will and leads to anarchy among the various elements purporting to represent the position of the Maronites

The Present
From Lebanon, the Maronite Patriarch presides, with the Synod of Bishops, over a church that, while spiritually and religiously united is, never the less, fractured in addressing sociopolitical issues which affect Lebanon, the Middle East and the world. The worldwide Maronite Church is a group of bishoprics not bound to a common socio-political concept or plan of action. Many Maronites have felt disenfranchised during this most crucial time in the history of their church. There has been no defined process for leadership and action. The Maronite identity is the Maronite Church under the Patriarch. Outside of the organized church, this claim cannot be legitimately be made. Because the Maronite identity is so connected to the Patriarch, it is essential that he have the facility to promulgate his universal message. Presently, it is the perception of the laity that the Patriarch has limited authority (facility) over the worldwide Maronite Church by virtue of the traditional involvement of the Vatican in matters of Patriarchal authority that affect Maronites worldwide. This has presented impediments, whether real or perceived, to a unified policy on important social and political issues.

Objectives
1. The Patriarchy • The Patriarchy of the 21st century assumes a worldwide role in social and political action • Create a stronger collaboration between the Patriarch and the Bishops outside of Lebanon
2. The Maronites outside of Lebanon • The Eparchies and Churches outside of Lebanon, being a natural constituency to channel the efforts, respond to the Patriarchs action on sociopolitical issues. • Enhance communication between worldwide Maronite Church to better concentrate on goals and objectives • Build a strong political coalition among all the Christians of the world to bring about the Church’s agenda • Maronite lay organizations coordinate their activities with the Maronite Church. • Govern the use of the label “Maronite” by patriarchal license through the Bishops

Conclusion
Today the Maronites have the ability to effect changes in world policy toward Lebanon and the Middle East. The Patriarchy of the 21st century must take charge of the Maronite Church worldwide with the support of a sympathetic Vatican. Only under the leadership of their leader can the Maronites become United and Universal.

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