Directions to Orthodoxy - Turkish spokesman rejects title of "Ecumenical" Patriarch

The ministry spokesman, Namik Tan, explained to reporters that the term "ecumenical," implying a universal role in Church leadership. That implication would violate the principles of secularism that inform the Turkish republic, he argued. This post has been viewed 1189 times.

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Turkish spokesman rejects title of "Ecumenical" Patriarch
Posted on Fri Dec 01 2006

Ankara, Dec. 1, 2006 (CWNews.com) - As a November 30 press conference in Ankara, the spokesman for Turkey's foreign-affairs ministry asked Pope Benedict XVI to refrain from using the title "Ecumenical Patriarch" in reference to the Orthodox prelate Bartholomew I of Constantinople.

The ministry spokesman, Namik Tan, explained to reporters that the term "ecumenical," implying a universal role in Church leadership. That implication would violate the principles of secularism that inform the Turkish republic, he argued.

The Turkish government spokesman made his remarks only after Pope Benedict had joined with Patriarch Bartholomew in a public celebration of the feast of St. Andrew-- the most highly publicized event of his 4-day visit in Turkey. On November 29, when he met with the Patriarch at the church of St. George in Phanar, Pope Benedict had spoken of his gratitude for the invitation extended by "the Ecumenical Patriarchate." Again on November 30, during a talk for the feast of St. Andrew, he spoke of "Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I."

The Pontiff did meet with the Orthodox prelate again, briefly, on December 1, after the Turkish spokesman's press conference. During that meeting, however, his conversation with the Patriarch was not public.

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