Talking Turkey Part 2

In Part 1 we discussed how the real purpose of the Pope's trip to Turkey revolved around efforts to re-unify Rome with the Eastern Orthodox churches. Bartholomew I, the Patriarch of Constantinople, and other Orthodox leaders seem to be warming to the idea. They need to do something if their churches are to survive in anything resembling their present form.

The Orthodox are fighting the same demographic and social trends that face Western Christianity, with the additional burden of severe government restrictions. Turkey calls itself a "secular" state but since 99% of the population is Muslim, other faiths are not exactly welcome. Churches are not allowed to own property, the Orthodox seminary was closed so they have no way to train new priests, and Christians are routinely harassed in many small ways. The Patriarch is required to be a Turkish citizen, born in Turkey, despite the fact that the office has historically been one of international leadership.

Meanwhile, Turkey would like to join the European Union, but its lack of religious freedom is an obstacle. Back when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger, Benedict spoke out against this idea on the grounds that Turkey is neither European in character, nor culturally Christian. He was never against friendly relations between Europe and Turkey; he just didn't see Turkey as a proper addition to the "European" union. Last week it was widely reported that he has now reversed this stance. Not exactly. The Pope's spokesman said that the Vatican is not taking a position in the matter, and if Turkey meets the same human rights standards as other EU member states then it should be considered for membership.

This is a very big "if." What the Pope really means is that he will support Turkey's membership in the EU if it will grant religious freedom to the Orthodox and other non-Muslim faiths. This looks to me like the beginnings of a Big Deal. If he can pull it off, B16 will be a hero to the orthodox leadership and will have taken a big step toward unification.

It is hardly a sure thing yet, but I feel sure that furious negotiations are going on behind the scenes. Soon after he gets back to the Vatican, Benedict is also scheduled to meet with the head of the Greek Orthodox church. Coincidence? I think not.

Finally, there is the Muslim question. The news coverage of this trip would make you think that Benedict was there to apologize for remarks he made in September questioning the Islamic commitment to reasoned dialogue. This was met with violent protests throughout the Mideast; a nun was killed in Somalia. As I've written before, I think the Pope knew exactly what he was saying and what the reaction would be. He is trying to jump-start a process that is the only long-term solution to the coming confrontation between East and West. He knows it will be a long fight, and will probably not be concluded by him. He's beginning a game that his successors will have to finish. We should hope and pray for their success. All our futures depend on it.