MN HR4

Expresses the Minnesota House's concern about Turkey's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of approximately 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Asserts that the Turkish government's current treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is inconsistent with European Union membership conditions and goals.

Acknowledges positive improvements made by Turkey over the last ten years, including return of disputed properties, allowing Orthodox clergy citizenship, and preventing an assassination plot against Patriarch Bartholomew.

Urges the Turkish government to uphold religious and human rights, end discrimination against the Ecumenical Patriarchate, grant appropriate international recognition, permit ecclesiastic succession, and allow training of clergy of all nationalities.

Directs the Chief Clerk to transmit an enrolled copy of the resolution to Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago.