Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad urged religious leaders in Lebanon and the region to stand firm against attempts to use religion to justify wars and promote certain political agendas.

Following a meeting with Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut Elias Audi, Moawad stressed that religious leaders should reject all forms of extremism and authoritarian regimes.

“We have a responsibility to defend people’s right to live in freedom, peace and democracy and stand firm against all forms of terrorism whether terrorist organizations or authoritarian regimes,” Moawad said following his visit to Beirut Archdioceses.

The meeting with Audi brought together, in addition to Moawad, former MP Jawad Boulos and lawyer Edward Tayyoun.

“The meeting with his eminence was as always enlightening and though-provoking…what is happening today in Syria and Iraq is neither a religious war nor a form of Sunni or Shiite Jihad but rather a battle between global powers using religion and terrorist group to secure their interests and promote their agenda,” Moawad said.

“Interests change and fleets come and go but we will remain deep-rooted in our land; a land that has been our home for hundreds and thousands of years. We will live together and preserve our diversity,” he added.