After the intense behind-the-scenes mobilization of the well-known lobbyist, Mike Manato, John Fetterman issued a statement of particular importance for the interests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Openly in favor of the protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, John Fetterman, who is running for the Senate seat against Republican candidate Dr. Oz. The primary battle in Pennsylvania is seen as decisive for which party will ultimately manage to gain control of the Senate after the midterm elections in November. In addition, it is a match that also presents Greek interest, as Dr. Oz maintains extremely close relations with Turkey, given that he voluntarily decided to become a Turkish citizen and serve in the Turkish army. In fact, as his critics point out, he had decided to vote in the last Turkish elections without having done something similar for the American elections.
After the intense behind-the-scenes mobilization of the well-known lobbyist, Mike Manatou, John Fetterman issued a statement of particular importance on the interests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and all matters of Orthodox Christianity. As noted in the statement, “the US Constitution guarantees everyone the right to freedom of religion. This is an American value but also a common value that I share with the Greek-American community. A matter of particular concern to me is Turkey, which, as bipartisan rulings in Washington, restrict the religious freedoms of the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Church and more than 300 million Orthodox Christians around the world, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.”
In particular, John Fetterman pledges that as a senator he will support the struggle of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox community for religious freedom in Turkey. In this light, it calls on its government Turkey:
– to protect the religious freedoms of the Greek Orthodox Church.
-to recognize Bartholomew as Ecumenical Patriarch.
– not to interfere in the election of the successor of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
– to return the confiscated property to the Church.
-turn Hagia Sophia back into a museum.
– to allow the reopening of the Theological School of Halki.
Continuing, the senatorial candidate heaped praise on the Ecumenical Patriarch, saying that Mr. Bartholomew “has been a pioneer in interfaith dialogue, urging Muslim leaders to condemn the 9/11 attack in America as an anti-religious act. For his contribution to religious understanding and peace, Congress honored him with the Congressional Gold Medal. He has also been recognized for his remarkable stance in the fight against climate change.”
Finally, John Fetterman maintains that he is aware of Turkey’s treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarch and that he strongly supports President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken in their commitment to protecting religious freedom for religious minorities in the region. As he states, “I look forward to supporting the Orthodox Christian Community in this struggle and promoting joint action among all faith leaders.”
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
