Dear Representative,

I am asking you to co-sponsor H. Res.1050, which calls on Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, one of Christianity’s most ancient sees.

Eastern Orthodox Christians have not only survived genocide in Turkey, they continue to lack basic human rights such as religious freedom.

This legislation acknowledges the need for Turkey to eliminate all forms of discrimination, particularly those based on race or religion.

Unfortunately, the Government of Turkey has failed to recognize the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s international status.

Recently, the Government of Turkey has limited candidates available to the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to Turkish nationals and reneged on its agreement to reopen the Theological School at Halki, thus impeding the training for Orthodox clergy.

Additionally, the Government of Turkey has confiscated 75 percent of the Ecumenical Patriarchate properties and has placed a 42-percent retroactive tax on the Balukli Hospital of Istanbul which is operated by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

H. Res. 1050, is a call for Congress to hold the Government of Turkey accountable for its failure to respect religious freedom. The U.S. support for religious freedom among our international allies is a moral imperative.

For these reasons, I am writing to ask you to co-sponsor H. Res.1050.

Sincerely,