Texas Senate Bill SCR70

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Refer: 5/4/09
• Report Pass: 5/15/09
• Refer: 5/21/09

Caption

Expressing support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in Istanbul, urging intervention by the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to stop institutional discrimination against the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and calling on the government of Turkey to safeguard religious rights within its borders, including those of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Impact

The resolution underscores the detrimental impact of the Turkish government's actions on the preservation and existence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It raises issues of property confiscation and taxation that hinder the Patriarchate's operations and impede the training of Orthodox clergy. Additionally, the closure of the Halki Theological School has become a focal point for discussions around religious freedom, as it was the sole institution for higher education in Orthodox Christianity in Turkey. The resolution also emphasizes the intertwining of religious rights with broader human rights and democratic principles, positioning the protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as essential for promoting these values globally.

Summary

SCR70 is a concurrent resolution that expresses support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a significant institution in Orthodox Christianity located in Istanbul, Turkey. The resolution urges the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to intervene to stop the institutional discrimination faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, particularly concerning its rights and properties. It highlights the historical importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which has been a central figure for Orthodox Christians worldwide for nearly 2,000 years, and outlines the various challenges it faces from the Turkish government, including a lack of international recognition and discriminatory practices against Orthodox communities in Turkey.

Contention

Notable points of contention within SCR70 include the international community's response to Turkey's policies regarding religious minorities and the potential implications for U.S.-Turkey relations. Proponents of the resolution argue that failing to address these issues could undermine not only the Ecumenical Patriarchate but also the broader principle of religious freedom. Critics may view the resolution as an unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation, reflecting a longstanding tension between national sovereignty and global human rights advocacy. Ultimately, SCR70 seeks to elevate the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and draw attention to the need for continued diplomatic efforts to safeguard religious freedoms.