Raya was opposed to the Melkite Holy Synod's proposal to internationalize Jerusalem. He also upset the Vatican with his aggressive campaign for the return of the Bir'im and Ikrit refugees and the sale of church land to impoverished Muslim farmers.
Raya was opposed to the Melkite Holy Synod's proposal to internationalize Jerusalem. He also angered the Vatican by his forceful campaign for the return of the Bir'im and Ikrit refugees and the sale of church land to impoverished Muslim farmers.