IL HR0348

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of Priesthood for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on October 19, 2019.

Acknowledges Bartholomew's leadership on environmental protection, peace, and religious understanding, including his joint declaration with Pope John Paul II on protecting the Earth.

Encourages United States foreign policy makers to urge Turkey to grant religious freedom and property rights to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and reopen the theological school at Halki.

Notes Bartholomew's receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997 and his status as spiritual leader of nearly 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Expresses Illinois House support for Bartholomew's efforts for the betterment of humankind and directs presentation of a copy of the resolution to him.