ISTANBUL, Turkey, MAY 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I wants Turkey's Christians to share the same rights as Muslims both in that country and in all Europe.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople appealed last weekend to the Turkish government, asking it to recognize the rights of minorities. He made his request during the visit of German members of the European Parliament, one of whom is of Turkish origin, www.AsiaNews.it reported today.
Acknowledging the parliamentarian's presence, Bartholomew I observed, "Is it not a cause for celebration to see our Muslim brothers actively participate in the civil life of European Countries, as is witnessed by the presence here today of the German [member of the European Parliament] of Turkish origins, Cem Ozdemir?
"We do not only want the freedom to celebrate our faith within our churches, but also the recognition of all civil rights, just as our fellow Muslims in Turkey. The same civil rights which our Muslim brothers have, and rightly so, in Europe."
Bartholomew I also address the issue of Turkey's demand that the ecumenical patriarch be of Turkish birth, which strains the election proceedings.
The patriarch said he has previously made appeals to the Ankara government, "appeals which never met with a positive or negative answer."
Code: ZE07052911
Date: 2007-05-29