Greek Orthodox Church joins opposition to EU court’s ban on classroom crucifixes

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Comments: 9

Athens, Greece, Dec 4, 2009 / 06:55 am (CNA).- The head of the Greek Orthodox Church has voiced his opposition to a court ban on crucifixes in classrooms in Italy and will hold an emergency synod to lay out a plan of action to combat the ban. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece said that the European Court of Human Rights (EHCR) had ignored the role of Christianity in Europe’s history. According to the BBC, he added that majorities, not only minorities, have rights.

The Orthodox Church fears the EHCR ruling could trigger similar rulings about the public display of Christian symbols in other countries.

The self-described human rights group Helsinki Monitor is seeking the removal of icons of Jesus from Greek courts and an end to Christian oaths in the witness box. It also wants Christian symbols to be removed from Greek schools.

The EHCR had ruled that the display of crucifixes in Italian public schools violates the European Convention on Human Rights’ protections of the right to education and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

According to the court’s ruling, the crucifix’s presence in the classroom could be interpreted by pupils as a religious sign and they would feel “that they were being educated in a school environment bearing the stamp of a given religion.”

The Strasbourg-based court argued that this situation could encourage religious pupils but could be disturbing for pupils of other religions or were atheists, “particularly if they belonged to religious minorities.

The ruling caused outcry across Italy and the Italian government plans to appeal it.

Comments: 9

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Francis
UK 02/12/2010 05:21 AM EST

Just a technical point. The ECHR is not an institution of the EU but of the Council of Europe. An argument could be made that they are both as bad as each other but it is best to keep the distinction in mind.

Published by: Thomas G. Dimitriadis
Lakeland, Florida, USA 12/22/2009 03:29 PM EST

In the namke of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The European Court of Human Rights,(for some) is another arm of Secular Humanism like the government of Turkey. They both try in all manner to eradicate the Christian Faith. As the Lord said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Didn't the Godless Bolsheviks try to do the same in Russia and fail. "Lord Have Mercy."

Published by: Heather Robinson
Canberra A.C.T. Australia 12/09/2009 07:24 AM EST

I find that neo's comment is inexplicable.

Published by: neo
phillipines 12/06/2009 05:15 AM EST

I just want to remind the people who despise the catholic religion.That If not beacuse of the The Roman Catholic Church.Christianity will be recognized around the world.Think of That!!!

Published by: H.J.d"cruz
karachi 12/05/2009 03:01 AM EST

The attitude of the E.U.its radical seculaist institutions and some politicians in the west are promoting an atmosphere of discrimaination .It is for this reason that Islamist are taking advantage of the situation to promote their own agenda.

Published by: Raymond Peringer
Toronto, Canada 12/04/2009 11:01 PM EST

The EHCR cites the European Convention on Human Rights’ protections of the right to education and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. By that logic the Court should be abolished as it fails to protect the freedom of thought, conscience and religion of the vast majority. That's what happens when ideologues are given legal authority.

Published by: Stephen
USA 12/04/2009 11:48 AM EST

Without the important role that Christianity in particular the Catholic Church played throughout Europe's history, it wouldn't have become the great and prominent continent that evolved over the past two thousand plus years. Many of Europe's great universities, hospitals, charitable organizations and institutions were in fact initiated by the Catholic Church through it many religious orders. In his infinite wisdom, love, hope, and mercy perhaps God will use this ban on crucifixes by the EU to unite the Holy Roman Catholic Church with the Greek Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations. As they say God really does work in mysterious ways. May God have mercy on us.

Published by: Diane
Edmonton 12/04/2009 11:25 AM EST

May God bless the Orthodox for standing up to this grievous situation! +++

Published by: Loci Lenar
USA 12/04/2009 10:27 AM EST

The EHCR ruling is not only disrespectful but illustrates a position of being discriminatory by putting any reference to Christianity into a second class status. The court ruling in banning crucifixes in classrooms in Italy is absurd and should be overturned as soon as possible.

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