Recognition of Religious Institutions as Sources of Information in Lebanon
This material is one of ten analytical briefs accompanying the full report on the security of Lebanon’s information environment. It forms part of a broader series examining key trends and incidents shaping the informational landscape. We encourage you to read the full report:
https://shafafiyat.com/ar/2025/09/17/%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b1-%d8%a3%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a6%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%88%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%aa%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d9%84%d8%a8%d9%86%d8%a7%d9%86/
In Lebanon, a country with a deeply rooted confessional system, religious institutions play a key role not only in the spiritual sphere but also as main sources of information, social support, and education. In the face of state weakness and chronic crises, they often assume functions typically reserved for public institutions, shaping citizens’ daily lives and influencing public opinion.
The confessional system in Lebanon, based on a balance between 18 recognized denominations, has led to a situation in which religious institutions take over many state functions. These organizations manage schools, hospitals, and personal status courts, making them key actors in the social and political life of the country.
Religious institutions in Lebanon serve not only as places of worship but also as crucial sources of information that significantly influence public opinion and provide essential social services that the state often fails to deliver. This phenomenon has its roots in Lebanon’s unique confessional system, which institutionalizes religious divisions within government structures by recognizing 18 distinct denominations, each possessing autonomy over personal and communal affairs. Religious organizations often fill the gaps left by the government, offering services such as healthcare, education, and social support. Supported both locally and internationally, they have gained the status of trusted entities within their communities, performing roles that in other countries are usually assigned to state institutions.
The influence of religious institutions as sources of information is further reinforced by the pervasive lack of trust in Lebanon’s state institutions. Citizens, often disillusioned with political leadership, turn to these organizations – closely tied to their religious identities – for guidance in both political and social matters. This dependence fosters strong bonds within communities but also reinforces sectarian loyalty, sometimes at the expense of a unified national identity. As a result, Lebanese society remains deeply divided, and religious leaders exert significant influence over public opinion and community behaviour, especially during times of crisis.
Religious welfare organizations in Lebanon are viewed as credible and direct sources of support, particularly in times of crisis. The government’s tolerant approach toward these institutions grants them considerable autonomy, enabling them to develop resources and infrastructure. Consequently, religious institutions can operate almost parallel to the state, serving in many areas as substitutes for government services. As a result, they have gained a powerful position in shaping Lebanon’s informational landscape, influencing public discourse, and reinforcing sectarian divisions within society.
Historically, religious institutions have shaped and sustained Lebanon’s power model based on sectarian divisions. Religious leaders often oversee community-specific institutions, including personal status courts that regulate matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance – further strengthening their role as reliable sources of legal and social counsel.
Religious leaders frequently base their teachings on themes of national unity and social morality, striving to promote coexistence among Lebanon’s various communities. During periods of political or sectarian tension, they are perceived as mediators, providing stability and a sense of security. However, the reliance on religious institutions as sources of information highlights a paradox: although they strive to promote unity, they simultaneously maintain sectarian boundaries. By managing social and legal matters within confession-specific structures, they perpetuate social divisions, hindering efforts toward social integration and a cohesive national identity.
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in Beirut
One of the largest and most recognizable mosques in Lebanon. This mosque serves not only as a place of prayer but also as a centre for the Muslim community in Beirut. It hosts religious lectures, social gatherings, and various forms of charitable support such as aid for the needy. The mosque also functions as an informational hub, especially during political or economic crises.
Maronite St. George Cathedral in Beirut
St. George Cathedral is the main Maronite cathedral in Lebanon, located in the heart of Beirut. For the Christian – particularly Maronite – community, the cathedral serves as a religious, educational, and social centre. Meetings, lectures, and charitable activities are held there. The church also provides counselling in both spiritual and family matters and serves as a source of information and support for the faithful.
Qozhaya Monastery in the Qadisha Valley
One of the oldest monasteries in Lebanon, belonging to the Maronite Order of Saint Anthony. The monastery is a popular pilgrimage and spiritual retreat site. The monks who reside there offer spiritual advice and support to pilgrims and those seeking inner peace. Retreats and workshops are also organized there.
Druze Religious Center in Mukhtara
Mukhtara is a historic village in the Chouf Mountains and the headquarters of the Druze community. It houses Druze prayer houses and religious centres. The Druze gather in places such as Mukhtara to discuss not only religious matters but also social and political issues. Druze religious leaders, known as sheikhs, are often sources of knowledge and guidance for the entire community, also in everyday matters such as marriages, conflict resolution, or organizing social events.
Shrine of Our Lady of Harissa
Located on the hill of Harissa, this shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Christians in Lebanon. It attracts both local and international pilgrims who come to pray and seek spiritual support. The church also organizes educational and social events aimed at supporting the faithful and serves as a meeting place and source of information exchange.
Social Centres in Tripoli
In Tripoli, one of Lebanon’s largest cities, there are many religious centres serving the Sunni and Alawite communities. These centres function as places of worship as well as hubs for charitable and educational activities. Many organizations in Tripoli operate within these religious centres, providing humanitarian aid, education, and workshops that help people better understand their religion and cope with everyday challenges.
Summary
Religious institutions in Lebanon play a much broader role than merely spiritual. In the context of a weak state, chronic political and economic crises, and low public trust in government authorities, they assume key informational, educational, and social functions. They provide humanitarian aid, run educational facilities, and serve as sources of social and legal advice.
The confessional system – based on the official recognition of 18 religious communities – grants them autonomy and powerful influence over citizens’ daily lives. On one hand, this contributes to stability and care within individual communities; on the other, it reinforces sectarian divisions and weakens a cohesive national identity.
Religious leaders act as informal opinion leaders, mediators, and providers of public services – often replacing the functions of a weak government but simultaneously hindering the development of a secular, pluralistic society.