IN SR0007

Urges the government of Turkey to cease discrimination against the Ecumenical Patriarchate and grant the Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition, ecclesiastical succession, and the right to train clergy of all nationalities.

Calls on Turkey to respect the property rights and human rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which has had nearly 94 percent of its properties confiscated and faces a 42 percent retroactive tax on its charitable hospital.

Notes that Turkey closed the Theological School on the island of Halki in 1971 and has not reopened it, limiting Orthodox Christian clergy training.

Emphasizes that Turkey's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is inconsistent with European Union membership criteria requiring respect for minorities and human rights.

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the President of the United States, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and the Turkish Ambassador to the United States.