Boardman pastor asks Senators to back anti-persecution resolution

I love reading news stories about concerned Christians who are voicing support for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.  Today the Valley's Homepage is highlighting an article by Marc Kovac concerning the persecution of Christians in Turkey.  Here's part of the article:

By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS — A Boardman clergyman is hoping state lawmakers will take a symbolic stand against persecution of Eastern Orthodox Christians by the Turkish government.

“In Turkey, one is not allowed to express his religious freedom,” said the Rev. Thomas M. Constantine, from St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, Glenwood Avenue. “One cannot wear a cross or any other religious symbols. A clergyman must wear secular clothes and is not allowed to celebrate freely. Many Christians in Turkey must worship secretly.”

Father Constantine testified Tuesday in Columbus before the Senate’s state and local government affairs committee in support of a resolution offered by Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 urges Turkish officials to “respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Eastern Orthodox Church,” which has existed in Istanbul since the mid-1400s.

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“It is our prayer the persecution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate cease, as well as the persecution to all the Christians,” Father Constantine said. “We pray that there will be religious freedom in Turkey. The passage of this resolution is a major step in that direction.”