Maronite Bishop Council appoints new bishops, praises national dialogue

The Council of Maronite Bishops confirmed Saturday its support of the statement issued during the national dialogue called for by President Michel Sleiman.    

In a statement following the council's annual closed-door meeting, the bishops praised the national dialogue as "an essential starting point" for finding an exit to social and economic crisis.   

The council called on officials to make plans for economic growth and  to create job opportunities, supporting all sectors.     

On a separate note, the Bishops voiced appreciation for Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai’s efforts in bringing Maronites together around common values as they praised the Pope's September visit to Lebanon.   

Turning to the Syrian crisis, the bishops voiced hope for peace to bestow conflict zones and Syria.    

Maronite Bishops had earlier appointed new bishops to fill vacant positions at the council.          

Father Joseph Mouawad was appointed Patriarchal Vicar for Bkerke’s administrative affairs.            

In turn, Father Moussa Hajj was appointed bishop of Jerusalem and Monk Boulos Rouhana bishop of Sarba.             

Father Maroun Ammar was in turn appointed bishop of al-Jibbeh Bcharre and Father Geroges Shihan bishop of Cairo.

As for Bishop Kamil Zeidan, he was transferred from Bkerke’s Patriarchal Vicariate to Antelias Maronite Parish.