Pastoral Message from Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay to the Clergy and Faithful of the Maronite Church

I refer to a story that was on a television program on Monday 25 March 2019 about a case involving Mrs Rose Elias, a Maronite parishioner, and Fr Pierre El Khoury, a priest of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia.

I acknowledge that Mrs. Elias and her family have expressed grievances to me in late 2016, which we attempted to mediate at the time. My mediation was necessarily limited as the family had commenced proceedings in the Lebanese civil courts, as is their right.

Contrary to the assertions made in the episode, I have met with the Elias family in the past in an attempt to assist them, but it became clear to me that the matter was beyond the scope of my authority and it was a matter for the civil courts. In addition, contrary to what was reported, I did not make any financial commitment to the Elias family. However, I committed to do my best to assist the family to resolve the matter. The family was and is always welcome to speak to me or meet with me. 

I would like to indicate that the case and allegations are between the family and one priest, not against the Maronite Church nor any parish. The alleged actions are those of one person of the clergy. Parishioners need to be assured that our Eparchy is blessed with good priests who serve their parishes with loyalty, sacrifice and devotion. I am personally grateful for their efforts and work, and I am saddened that the story in the media is very embarrassing for our entire Maronite Church and tarnished the image of our clergy. 

In correspondence and meetings with Fr Pierre El Khoury, I urged him to resolve the issues with the family in a proper Christian manner, worthy of a priest. As mentioned earlier, attempts at reconciliation were not successful. My decision to wait for the final decision of the civil court in Lebanon, before taking any further action, was not a matter of carelessness or insensitivity, but of prudence.

I have now asked Fr Pierre El Khoury to take personal leave until the matter is canonically investigated and finalised. This is not, however, to conclude that we have judged the matter adversely against Fr Pierre or for him.

It is important to note that the Elias family are members of our Maronite community, and I am concerned for their suffering and I will personally make every attempt to rebuild their trust in the Church.

I do acknowledge that many Maronites are hurting today because of this story and I share your pain. I apologise, if at any time, you have felt that a member of the clergy did not live up to your expectations or made mistakes. Never give up on Jesus or your faith because of human failures. We are not exempt from error or sin. But we are a pilgrim Church, looking to our Lord and Saviour and called in love to accompany one another in prayer.

We also ask Our Lady, the Mother of God and Mother of our Maronite Church, to pray with us and for us, that we may be faithful to her Son and attain our ultimate goal: eternal joy with Him in the Father’s Kingdom.

26 March 2019
Bishop Antoine-Charbel Taraby