Patriarch Rai: We are responsible for telling the truth

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai said on Sunday that Lebanese officials are required to tell the truth and to practice justice at all times and places.

"Our Christian identity is inseparable from our message. Therefore, we, in Lebanon and the Levant, have the responsibility to remain faithful to the message entrusted to us by the Lord Christ, which is, telling the truth, practicing justice, building bridges of brotherhood and cooperation, consolidating peace, and standing against oppression, tyranny, violation of rights and assault on human life," Rai said during a Mass service in Bkerke on Sunday.

The Patriarch also tackled Palestine by calling on the International community, Palestinians, Arab and Christians to urge U.S. President Donald Trump "to withdraw his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of thet state of Israel and his decision to move the US embassy to it."

"Declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel means Judaizing it and the demise of Christian and Islamic characteristics, igniting war in the city," Rai added.