H.C.R. No. 7 Summary

• Urges the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate located in Istanbul, which serves as the spiritual home of the world's second largest Christian church.

• Identifies Turkish government actions that restrict the Patriarchate, including: refusing to recognize its international status, limiting Patriarch candidates to Turkish nationals, confiscating 75% of its properties, imposing a 42% retroactive tax on Balukli Hospital, and failing to reopen the Theological School at Halki closed in 1971.

• States that Turkey's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate contradicts European Union membership conditions regarding elimination of discrimination based on religion and other protected grounds.

• Requests that Turkey grant the Ecumenical Patriarchate international recognition, allow training of clergy of all nationalities, and respect its property and human rights.

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