International Concerns Over Expulsion of Foreign Christians from Turkey
The expulsion of foreign Christians from Turkey has attracted scrutiny from both the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the European Parliament. Many of those expelled, including ordained ministers, have been identified as national security threats, a claim disputed by international observers.
Since 2020, more than 200 foreign Christians have faced expulsion, affecting approximately 350 individuals. This has left numerous Protestant congregations in Turkey without spiritual leaders, as many expelled have dedicated years, even decades, to serving in the country.
In a recent development, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) addressed 20 cases concerning the barring of Christians from Turkey. Subsequently, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning these expulsions, which it described as being based on “unsubstantiated national-security pretexts and without due process.” Read more.
USCIRF has also expressed concerns, recommending that Turkey be placed on a Special Watch List for religious freedom violations. Vicky Hartzle, Chair of USCIRF, stated, “Turkey’s arbitrary labelling of foreign-born Protestant Christians as national security threats is meant to intimidate the Christian community and prevent them from gathering for worship. Everyone, regardless of residency status, has the right to freedom of religion or belief under international law.”
Hartzle further noted the importance of maintaining diplomatic pressure, “The US administration should maintain the momentum President Trump made in his September meeting with President Erdoğan and push for tangible improvements to Turkey’s religious freedom record, including an end to its repressive tactics against Christians.”
ADF International, an advocacy group, is representing many of the Christians who have been denied re-entry into Turkey. Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy at ADF International, emphasized, “We hope that the US government and the international community will continue to stand up for this fundamental right and call on Turkey to put an end to the targeted expulsions of Christian missionaries.
“Peacefully practising the Christian faith is no reason to be labelled as a security threat and expelled from the country these individuals lawfully built their lives in.”
Despite these international criticisms, Turkey maintains that it has acted properly and views external interest in the matter as interference in its domestic affairs.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
