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 a figure who caused tension between the Melkite Holy Synod, the Vatican, and other parties due to his opposition to internationalizing Jerusalem and his actions regarding the Bir'im and Ikrit refugees and the sale of church land.