Legislature calls on Turkey to respect Christians' rights

Source: ktvb.com

Idaho Capitol Idaho Capitol
    

The Idaho Legislature is urging the Turkish government to respect the religious freedom of Eastern Orthodox Christians.

The Senate passed the resolution on Wednesday.

More than 40 states have passed similar resolutions. Proponents contend that the Turkish government has interfered with how the church's leader is chosen and closed an important religious school.

Idaho lawmakers reworked the non-binding resolution after hearing concerns from the Turkish consulate. Rep. Mat Erpelding said some previous language implied a bit of negativity toward the Turkish government, and that wasn't the Idaho lawmakers' intent.

The resolution was unanimously approved by the House last week.

Democratic Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb says six Eastern Orthodox churches are located in Idaho.

5/10/2015

See also
Ohio joins 42 other states in supporting Religious Freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Ohio joins 42 other states in supporting Religious Freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Ohio joins 42 other states in supporting Religious Freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Ohio joins 42 other states in supporting Religious Freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate
The resolution condemned the past and ongoing discriminatory actions of the Turkish government in suppressing the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and practicing Orthodox Christians in that country. Ninth Hagia Sophia Church converted into a mosque in Turkey Ninth Hagia Sophia Church converted into a mosque in Turkey Ninth Hagia Sophia Church converted into a mosque in Turkey Ninth Hagia Sophia Church converted into a mosque in Turkey
The Hagia Sophia Church in Eregli (the Greek form is Heraclea) has become the ninth Hagia Sophia Church converted into a mosque by Turks over recent years. 'Christians in Turkey are second-class citizens' 'Christians in Turkey are second-class citizens' 'Christians in Turkey are second-class citizens' 'Christians in Turkey are second-class citizens'
Turkey's small Christian population doesn't enjoy all the same rights as the Muslim majority. The Greek Orthodox Church has a particularly difficult relationship with the state, says religion expert Walter Flick.
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