On Wednesday 2 April 2008, Their Excellencies the Maronite bishops held at Bkerkeh their monthly meeting which was presided over by His Beatitude and Eminence Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Cardinal Sfeir. They discussed church and national matters. At the end of the meeting, they issued the following communiqué :

1 – The Arab Summit, which was held in Damascus and was not attended by Lebanon because it was not possible to elect a President for the Republic, which is unnatural and regrettable, insisted upon the commitment towards the Arab initiative for the treatment of the Lebanese crisis. The Fathers ask all parties , inside and outside, to cooperate to realize this initiative and drive Lebanon out of its trial .

2 – The miserable situation of Lebanon impedes it from improving its urgent life matters. This makes most economic sectors, particularly the working class, to raise the voice in denouncing the high cost of living and threaten to strike. It is a  matter  which the Government and all responsible sides should take seriously into consideration and treat it with a responsible mind.

3 – There are complaints which, from time to time, are made by some citizens who had obtained from Lebanese courts verdicts against the Lebanese State which refuses to abide by these judgments. This is a great injustice. The State must be a State of justice not only a State of power.

4 – The prevailing situation in the country will render the coming  Summer season barren, as pointed out by some authorities. That's why those concerned must double their effort to save this season and do all in their capacity to calm the situation in order to make it easier for those who are used to come to Lebanon.

5 – Citizens in some areas, specially in the North and the Bekaa, complain that some groups seize their lands and waters. Besides, they complain that the State implements the resolution, about regulating subterranean waters and springs, in a way lacking justice and equality ; it is implemented in particular areas and neglected in others. The Fathers ask that injustice be lifted and that all citizens be treated in a just way without segregation among groups or areas.

6 – The critical circumstance Lebanon is going through requires from all Lebanese cooperation and joined efforts to overcome the ordeal and face it with strong will to control it and avoid its harm. The Lebanese must ask God to enable them to get through this ordeal by finding the right solution. Nothing impossible to God.