AHEPA Applauds Passage of "Return of Churches"
Congressional
Resolution
Resolution Urges Turkey to Return Confiscated Church
Properties,
Safeguard Christian Heritage
WASHINGTON
- The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading
association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage,
and Philhellenes, applauds passage of H.Res.306, urging the Republic of Turkey
to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties
by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tues., Dec. 13, 2011, announced Supreme
President Dr. John Grossomanides. The resolution passed by voice vote.
"The
resolution's passage is a significant victory for proponents of religious
freedom," said Dr. Grossomanides. "We deeply appreciate the efforts of
Congressman Ed Royce and Congressman Howard Berman, the ranking member of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, who sponsored and championed the resolution. We
also thank the members who spoke in favor of the measure on the House Floor or
who entered statements into the Congressional Record in addition to the
leadership of the House of Representatives for bringing the resolution to the
floor."
H.Res.306
expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Secretary of
State, in all official contacts with Turkish leaders and other Turkish
officials, should emphasize that Turkey should: end all forms of religious
discrimination, end restrictions on Christian clerical training, appointments,
and succession; return Christian churches and properties to their rightful
owners, and fully respect the rights of Christians to practice their faith in
freedom.
H.Res.306
contains similar language to legislation introduced by Congressmen Royce (R-CA)
and Berman (D-CA), and who were joined by Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI),
that the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed on July 20, 2011 by an
overwhelming bipartisan vote of 43 to 1.
The
legislation enjoyed strong bipartisan support, having been co-sponsored by the
Republican and Democratic co-chairs of the Hellenic, Armenian, and Human Rights
caucuses. In all, 42 U.S. representatives co-sponsored it. Congressman Ed
Whitfield (R-KY), who co-chairs the Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations &
Turkish Americans, led the opposition to the resolution.
"This
resolution stands in the proud American tradition of championing religious
freedom around the world," added Dr. Grossomanides. "Having been adopted, this
measure further reinforces our nation's commitment to the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, and also builds upon the passage by Congress of the
International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and many other pieces of legislation
promoting religious freedom abroad."
- To read Congressman Royce's statement on the resolution's passage, please click here.
- To read Congressman Berman's statement on the resolution's passage, please click here.
