Hope unexpected : an account of the Lebanese Christians' encounter with Syrian refugees

Abstract

This research explores the place of the Church in Lebanon and its response to the present Syrian refugee crisis. By means of interviews with a small number of Christian leaders in Beirut, this study narrates a current reality from a positive perspective and offers preliminary steps towards articulating a Christian response to the present political turmoil. Although historically and physically divided, the Lebanese churches are united in their readiness to respond with hospitality. In attending to basic human needs, offering water, food and shelter to those who until recently were considered enemies, Lebanese Christians have a powerful message of forgiveness and healing. Prompted by both Arab and Christian traditions, the Lebanese Christians are choosing hospitality and, in doing so, are finding unexpected hope. This study argues that the Lebanese Church as a whole can be seen as a positive contributor to the common good in both Lebanon and the Middle East, and as an example to western churches as they engage with the current migration crisis in Europe.