A working paper for a synod to be held in October in Rome on the plight of Christians and on inter-faith dialogue in the region says Lebanon's Christians are deeply divided and lack a plan of action.
"In Lebanon, Christians are deeply divided at the political and confessional level and are lacking a commonly acceptable plan of action," the paper, which Pope Benedict XVI delivered to bishops from around the Middle East, including Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, said.

As he presented the document in Cyprus, the pope expressed hope that Christians in the region might live in "peace and harmony with your Jewish and Muslim neighbors."

Also, stressing the "great trials" endured by Christians and their "priceless role," he said he hoped their "rights would be more and more respected, including the right to freedom of worship and religion."

The same themes were reflected in the paper.

"In a region where the followers of the three monotheistic religions have lived together for centuries, Christians must get to know their Jewish and Muslim neighbors well if they are to collaborate with them in the fields of religion, social interaction and culture for the good of society as a whole," it said.

The paper also highlighted obstacles to this goal.

Referring to radical Islam, it said "these extremist currents, clearly a threat to everyone, Christians, Jews and Muslims, require joint action."(AFP-Naharnet)