"The situation of Christians in Lebanon is becoming more and more critical and difficult", and, "if it goes on like this, we will have to start wondering how many Christians will stay". The alert was given by card. Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir, patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, as he spoke to today’s Congregation of the Episcopal Synod. His speech, as told to the press by father Giorgio Costantino during today’s briefing, was focussed on the relationship between Christians and Muslims. Since the early VII century, pointed out the cardinal, "Lebanon has stood out for a friendliness between Muslims and Christians", which has continued "despite some difficulties that have affected both their histories". "However, over the last 40 years went on the cardinal , this friendliness has become more difficult. Especially because some external interferences have complicated the situation". In particular, Christians "are decreasing more and more, year after year". A warning against "an ideological and political exegesis of the Scriptures" has been given by mgr. Guy-Paul Noujaim, bishop of Caesarea Philippi (Lebanon), who thinks "there are still some people who take to the letter the question of the land promised by God to Israel in the Bible". On the contrary, according to the Lebanese bishop, "a correct exegesis that makes people understand the Bible in its truthfulness and entirety" is urgently needed.
