Non-partisan group lobbies U.S. government to press Turkey for greater religious freedom

 | 
22/06/2014
Descargar documento
Compartir

The Hagia Sophia stands as one of the most imposing monuments to history and religion worldwide. As a museum, it guards its storied past. But all that could change if the Turkish government gives in to internal pressure to change it back into a mosque.

DR. ROBERT GEORGE
Chair, U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom
'It would send a message that the current government views the sensitivities of Turkey's religious minorities, and in particular its ancient Christian community, as being of no real consequence.�

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom considers the move 'provocative.� Already, Turkey's prime minister and his ruling party face growing criticism, describing him as an authoritarian who wants to get rid of the country's strictly-enforced secular status. Recent moves, for example restricting sites like YouTube and Twitter, don't help his reputation.

DR. ROBERT GEORGE
Chair, U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom
'There's been a downward turn in the last year for a number of human rights in Turkey, including the right to internet usage, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom of assembly. And this has had a negative effect on all Turkish citizens, including certainly, the smallest communities.�

The status of the Hagia Sophia mirrors the plight of the country's Christians. For 900 years, the basilica-turned-mosque-turned Museum served as the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

Today, the presence of Christianity is threatened. Unless the government reopens the Greek-Orthodox seminary, Bartholomew could be its last Ecumenical Patriarch.

DR. ROBERT GEORGE
Chair, U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom
'We hope that Turkey will move in a positive direction and improve religious freedom, including reopening the Halki Seminary after years of promises that they would do that.â? 

In its annual report on religious freedom, the Commission urged the U.S. Government to 'fully engageâ? Turkey, to protect the rights of religious minorities and to grant them full autonomy. 

The Turkish prime minister's response to change the Hagia Sophia into a mosque has been lukewarm. He has said that nearby mosques are often empty and should be filled before considering any changes. The U.S. Commission and critics said such a move would detracts from the country's rich history and its tradition as a religiously plural democracy.

RCA
CTV
FA
-PR
Up: YJA 

Anuncio en el que salen 3 ordenadores marca Medion y algunas especificaciones
The most watched
The latest news from Rome, now in HD and without ads
Download the App on your phone
Available for Android and Apple
START FREE TRIAL
3,28€ per month or 32,88€ per year after 7 days of free trial
Available in multiple devices
FOLLOW US ON
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
magnifier