Openly advocates for his defense Ecumenical Patriarchy said his lieutenant governor Pennsylvania, John Fetterman, who is running for the Senate against Republican nominee Dr. Oz. The Pennsylvania primary battle is seen as pivotal to which party will ultimately succeed in gaining control of the Senate after November’s midterm elections. In addition, this match is also of interest to Greece, as Dr. Oz maintains an extremely close relationship with Turkey, given that he has voluntarily decided to become a Turkish citizen and serve in the Turkish army. In fact, as his critics point out, he chose to vote in Turkey’s latest election, having done nothing of the sort in the US election.

After intense behind-the-scenes lobbying by prominent lobbyist Mike Manatos, John Fetterman made a statement of particular relevance to the interests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and all issues of Orthodox Christianity. As the announcement notes, “The US Constitution guarantees everyone the right to freedom of religion. This is an American value, but also a shared value that I share with the Greek American community. Of particular concern to me is Turkey, which, like bipartisan rulings in Washington, restricts 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 Vetterman promises 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 regard, he calls on the Turkish government to:

• to protect the religious freedoms of the Greek Orthodox Church.
• recognize Bartholomew as Ecumenical Patriarch.
• not interfere in the election of a successor to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
• return confiscated property to the Church.
• turn Hagia Sophia back into a museum.
• allow the opening of the Theological School of Halki.

The senatorial candidate went on to praise the Ecumenical Patriarch, stating that Mr. Bartholomew “was a pioneer of interfaith dialogue, calling on Muslim leaders to condemn the September 11 attacks 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 received recognition for his outstanding stance in the fight against climate change.”

Finally, John Vetterman claims he is aware of Turkey’s attitude towards the Ecumenical Patriarch and strongly supports President Biden and Secretary Blinken in their commitment to protecting religious freedom for religious minorities in the region. As he states: “I look forward to supporting the Orthodox community in this struggle and to promote joint action by all religious leaders.”

Source: APE/MEB