A resolution urging the Republic of Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1543)
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 8, 2012
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of State, in all official contacts with Turkish officials and representatives, should emphasize that Turkey should: (1) end all forms of religious discrimination; (2) allow the rightful church and lay owners of Christian church properties to organize prayer services, religious education, clerical training, social services, and other religious activities; (3) return to their rightful owners all Christian churches and other places of worship, monasteries, schools, hospitals, holy sites, and other religious properties, including artwork and manuscripts; and (4) allow the rightful church and lay owners of Christian church properties to preserve and reconstruct all Christian churches and other places of worship, monasteries, schools, hospitals, holy sites, and other religious properties within Turkey.
Source last updated: Dec 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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