"Starting reforms to make the constitutional institutions more efficient. Only they can ensure political stability and protect the citizens". This is the appeal made by the Bishops of the Maronite Church at the end of they yearly Synod, which took place in Bkerkeh, Lebanon, from May 31st to June 6th. In the final release issued by the Patriarchate, the Bishops state that "to build national unity, reduce the violent tone of the debate on central power, and implement a well-balanced development, priority must be given to a wide administrative decentralisation". To address the problem of emigration and the concerns of the Lebanese about their right to education and health, the Synodal Fathers ask the State for "economic and tax reforms and measures in support of industry, agriculture and tourism". The Bishops also ask "to take special care of the youth world and the potentials it expresses, by creating job opportunities", thus offering them "a chance to stay in their country, mary and have children". The final release ends with an appeal to all the population to "keep Lebanon united, fraternal, by forgetting divisions and rebellions. Only dialogue can make up for any differences".

© SIR