In the presence of former French Prime Minister Mr. François Fillon, and at the invitation of Bishop Charles Morad, Chairman of the Episcopal Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue affiliated with the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon, the committee held a small Christian-Muslim dialogue meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the hall of Our Lady of the Annunciation Cathedral of the Syriac Catholic Church. The Chaldean Church was represented at the meeting by Monsignor Raphael Traboulsi, Episcopal Vicar General. The dialogue session was moderated by Fr. Raphael Trabelsi, Secretary of the Committee, and included several distinguished speakers: Sheikh Amer Zein El-Din representing the Druze community on behalf of Sheikh Nizam Abu Khuzam, Sheikh Ali Fadlallah representing the Shiite community, and Sheikh Saad Al-Iskandarani representing the Sunni community. The meeting was attended by Bishop Jacques Mourad, Bishop of the Syriac Catholic Eparchy of Homs, Bishop Elie Warda, Bishop of the Syriac Catholic Eparchy of Cairo, Abbot Joseph Bou Raad, Superior General of the Antonine Order, Fathers Jean-Paul Bou Ghazaleh, David Malki, and Michel Hamoui, as well as Mr. Serge Karnabi, Mr. Kamal Sioufi, President of the Syriac Catholic Charitable Association, and other Muslim and Christian figures active in the field of Christian-Muslim dialogue. In addition to the aforementioned religious figures, Bishop Charles Morad addressed the gathering and opened the event with an eloquent speech. The meeting concluded with an inspiring address by former Prime Minister François Fillon, who highlighted Lebanon’s pioneering role in coexistence and its unique model, which has made it a destination of attention and an example and message to be followed around the world, especially in the countries of the Middle East that have suffered and continue to suffer from sectarian conflicts and attempts to exploit religion for political agendas and narrow interests. Media coverage was provided by journalist Lia Maamari, whose distinguished presence contributed to the success of the event.
العربية