'Religious Freedom Is Restricted in Turkey'

Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos, who was often praising religious freedom in Turkey, talked differently to Reuters. Alleging that the religious freedom concept in Turkey was restricted and superficial, Bartholomeos called on EU to put pressure on Turkey for the opening of Preachers School which was closed in 1971.Previously, Bartholomeos had said that they sent love and peace messages to the world and that this was a "Picture deserved by Turkey which proceeds in EU road with determination and courage." He had also said that they were practicing their religious obligations and duties with great liberty.Having expressed previously that the religious freedoms in Turkey were complete, Bartholomeos said this time that Turkey could not still provide a complete assurance on religious freedom. He also specified that he was optimistic that Heybeliada Preachers School would be opened soon.Answering the questions of Reuters news agency, he said that they had freedoms in respect of fulfilling all religious services but they did not have any right to administer the churches, foundations, monasteries, cemeteries and schools.He also asserted that as a result, most of these were covered by the State administration and financially abused. He added that they did not have any financial and administrative independence and any right to administer themselves. He also emphasized that he supported the EU membership of Turkey.Â