Will 2012 be a turning point in Turkey’s relationship with its religious minorities?

Feb 20, 2012 … The coming year could mark a pivotal time for Turkey in its journey toward substantive religious freedom, according to Dr. John Graz, secretary general of the International Religious Liberty Association.

Turkey, currently seeking to become a full-fledged member of the European Union, is in the process of re-writing the country’s constitution. In doing so, says Dr. Graz, Turkey’s leaders have a chance to make significant strides forward in the country’s treatment of minority religions.

Turkey has a secular government and a constitution that guarantees individuals the right to choose their religion. However, Dr. Graz points out that Turkey’s small non-Muslim population–less than one percent of the total population–has long endured official discrimination, tough regulations, and the failure of the government to return property confiscated from Christian churches over the years.

“A new Turkey is being born,” he said. On the same day, a leader of Turkey’s tiny Assyrian Christian Church–one of the world’s oldest Christian communities–also met with the parliamentary committee, and asked for the return of buildings and the ability to train and educate church leaders.