The New Anatolian / Istanbul
Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos said late Thursday that Turkey’s request to become a member of the European Union will make the problems of Christians disappear “one after another.”
Bartholomeos made the remarks to a group of Vatican-based journalists in Istanbul ahead of the crucial visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey, set for late November. “Europe is asking our government to respect principles and rights, which is something that a democratic lay government should do,” he said.
Stressing that the pope is awaited in Turkey with joy and love, the Orthodox patriarch said he expects Benedict to raise the issue of religious rights when he visits Istanbul. “The pope always underlines the principles of religious freedom and human rights … which are valid principles for democratic societies. So I think the pope in his sermon here will speak not only in favor of Catholics but in favor of all religious minorities,” he said.
“We represent something like 1 percent of the population — practically nothing — and we are in no way a threat. We want nothing more than our rights,” Bartholomeos added.
One longstanding request from the Orthodox Church is for permission to reopen the centuries-old Halki Seminary on the island of Heybeliada. It was closed by the authorities in 1971 as part of a general decree against private religious colleges.
“We really need to be able to train new priests and theologians to continue our work, which is not only for the Orthodox Church but for the good of humanity,” he said.
Patriarch Bartholomeos also has asked Turkey to change a law that requires the head of the patriarchate to have Turkish citizenship.
Orthodox patriarch calls on Christians to respect other religions
Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos also called on Christians to respect other religions and said he was convinced the pope did not intend to offend Muslims with his comments about the Prophet Muhammed.
“We don’t need to exacerbate this confrontation, this enmity,” Bartholomeos said, touching on outrage in the Muslim world over Benedict’s comments. “We need to respect the religious beliefs of others.”
