Religious Freedom

Religious Freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

5 Leading Issues

#1: Government Interference in Patriarchal Elections
The Turkish government imposes restrictions on the election of the Ecumenical Patriarch and Hierarchs who vote for him by requiring that they must be Turkish citizens. In fact, the government arbitrarily can veto any candidate for the position of Ecumenical Patriarch.

#2: Non-Recognition of "Ecumenical" Status
The Turkish government does not recognize the "Ecumenical" status of the Patriarch and Patriarchate.

#3: No Legal Identity
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has no legal identity or bona fide legal personality in Turkey.

#4: Closing of Seminary and Inability to Train New Clergy
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is unable to train new clergy in Turkey and its theological school was forcibly closed down by the Turkish Government.

#5: Confiscation of Property
The Turkish Government has confiscated thousands of properties from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.