AK HR15

Supports the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, led by Patriarch Bartholomew, which presides over approximately 300,000,000 Orthodox Christians worldwide including more than 2,000,000 in the United States.

Condemns Turkey's restrictions on religious freedoms, including limiting Ecumenical Patriarch candidates to Turkish nationals with mandatory military service, reducing eligible Orthodox citizens from a large community to approximately 2,500 persons.

Criticizes Turkey's closure of the Theological School of Halki in 1971, confiscation of over 90 percent of Ecumenical Patriarchate properties, and placement of a 42 percent retroactive tax on the Balukli Hospital.

Urges the United States, European Union, and United Nations to encourage Turkey to end discrimination against the Ecumenical Patriarchate and grant it appropriate international recognition and the right to train clergy of all nationalities.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the Turkish Ambassador, EU President, UN Secretary-General, U.S. President, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and Alaska's Congressional delegation.