He is their leader, and they need him to represent them to the Government. They want him to be respected, because he is their hope of safety as a small minority in an unstable country. As they queue to kiss him before the service, they know that they can call on him and his contacts in times of trouble. They make elaborate rules about dress and appearance with little theological justification, and discourage open debate in church life. We have to remember that this society, still sensitive from civil war, has many poorly educated people.
Debate always seems to end in argument and division.
Most of the flock seem to prefer the no-debate situation. We find that looking at both general and religious leadership in the Arab world, we have many questions we have to ask ourselves. I have a moderate car, one suit, and a rather nice leather jacket. We would lose all their respect by living as the poor people do. There are no easy answers.