SJR 28 Summary

• Expresses Alaska State Legislature's support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul and opposition to Turkish government discrimination against this nearly 2,000-year-old Orthodox Christian institution

• Urges the United States, European Union, and United Nations to pressure Turkey to end religious discrimination against the Patriarchate and grant it appropriate international recognition

• Calls on the Governor to demand Turkey eliminate religious discrimination and grant the Ecumenical Patriarchate the right to train clergy of all nationalities

• Cites Turkey's restrictions on Patriarch selection to Turkish nationals with mandatory military service, confiscation of over 90 percent of Patriarchate properties, and closure of the Theological School of Halki in 1971

• 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