Christian Religious Leadership in the Middle East: The Political Role of the Patriarch (original) (raw)

Abstract

This work offers a new analysis of the role of religious institutions in both domestic and international politics. By examining the current theoretical debates on the relationship between religion and politics, the Middle East is examined not through the predominant religion Islam, but instead in the context of another indigenous faith to the region – Christianity. Two of the most outspoken yet respected individuals within the Eastern Christian churches - Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Shenouda III and Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir – are the subjects of this study on religious leadership and the Christian communities in the Middle East. In explaining why these spiritual leaders are able to address political matters and act as communal spokesmen, McCallum identifies the significance of the tradition of patriarchal authority, the importance of the historical and political environment and the willingness of the leaders to take on a political role. The study also provides a detailed account of the current situation of the Copts and Maronites in Egypt and Lebanon respectively and the communal leadership vacuum which has led to representation by religious leaders. The growing importance of the diaspora is shown to further influence the political role of the churches through the patriarchs.

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