Government Rejects "Ecumenical" Title Used

The Vatican Embassy in Ankara organized a reception in celebration of Pope John Paul II’s twenty-fifth year as spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. In a statement issued by the prime ministry and signed by Prime Ministry Undersecretary Fikret Uccan, it was stated that the authorities of the Fener Greek Patriarchate are limited to providing religious and spiritual services to the Istanbul Greek Orthodox minority. The statement pointed out that the Patriarchate is a Turkish organization, thus precluding the unacceptable use of the word "Ecumenical."

Sedat Gunec / Ankara / TURKEY