By: Whitmire, Carona S.R. No. 36
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Orthodox Christian Church, in existence for
nearly 2,000 years, numbers approximately 300 million members
worldwide, with more than two million members in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Since 1453, the continuing presence of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey has been a living testament to
religious coexistence; and
WHEREAS, This religious coexistence is in doubt because
the Ecumenical Patriarchate is considered a minority religion by
the Turkish government; and
WHEREAS, There were millions of Orthodox Christians living
in Turkey at the turn of the 20th century, but there remain fewer
than 3,000 in Turkey today; and
WHEREAS, Orthodox Christians in Texas and throughout the
United States stand to lose their spiritual leader; and
WHEREAS, While there have been difficulties in the past
with the relationship of the Orthodox Christian Church and the
Turkish government, certain recent actions by the Turkish
government suggest an interest in improving its relationship
with and treatment of the Orthodox Christian Church, and such
actions are acknowledged and welcomed; and
WHEREAS, The people of Texas desire to encourage continued
dialogue and communication between the leadership of the Turkish
government and the Orthodox Christian Church, such as recent
high-level meetings between Turkish officials and the Ecumenical
Patriarchate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby urge the government of
Turkey to uphold and safeguard religious and human rights of all
its citizens without compromise, to grant the Ecumenical
Patriarch appropriate international recognition, ecclesiastical
succession, and the right to train clergy of all nationalities,
and to respect the property rights and human rights of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate and all religious and faith traditions.
_______________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 22, 2011, by
the
_______________________________
Secretary of the Senate