H.C.R. No. 29 Summary

• Urges the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate located in Istanbul, the spiritual center of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

• Cites Turkey's restrictions on the Patriarchate, including limiting Patriarch candidates to Turkish nationals, confiscating 75% of its properties, and imposing a 42% retroactive tax on Balukli Hospital.

• Calls on Turkey to reopen the Theological School at Halki, closed since 1971, to allow training of Orthodox clergy of all nationalities.

• States Turkey's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate contradicts European Union membership conditions regarding non-discrimination and religious freedom.

• Directs copies of the resolution be sent to the U.S. President, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, and Ohio Congressional delegation.