Rai: Christians and Muslims should live in one nation

Maronite Patriarch Bshara Rai expressed dismay at the "shameful" level of communication witnessed at the current stage in the country, especially in the Lebanese House of Parliament.

He raised prayers herein to the Lord to bless Lebanon with political leaders capable of rising to the level of challenges at the local and regional scenes.

Al-Rai warned against tampering with coexistence in the country, and with "Christian existence" and Christians' mutual living with their fellow Muslims united in a "one nation". C

He also refused referring to Christians as being a "minority" in the country, noting that they denote the "essence" and plead not for anyone's protection whatsoever.

Rai hoped that through the "Christian Spring" in Lebanon and the Arab World, an "Arab Spring" would emerge: a spring of democracy, human dignity, public liberties, human rights and acceptance of the other, equality between citizens and partnership in building the nation.

Rai's words came during his meeting with members of the Sisterhood Association in Lebanon within the framework of his parish tour amongst a number of Metn towns on Sunday.