Greek Orthodox Church disagrees with crucifix Ban

4/12/09

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece, has openly expressed his disapproval of the European Union’s court decision to keep crucifixes out of school classrooms in Italy. The court ruled thinking students could believe they were learning subjects in the context of a single faith. The Italian government is looking to appeal the decision soon.

The Archbishop, leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, feels that the European Union has ignored the role of Christianity in the history of European development. He noted that majorities also have rights, not just minorities.

Helsinki Monitor, describing themselves as activists for human rights, is attempting to pass into law something that would remove icons and other religious items from schools and courtrooms in Greece–even hoping to eliminate the traditional Christian oath given by those in the witness box.

For the Greek government and many Orthodox Christians living in Greece, this has been quite a trying time, one where the Church hopes its reasoning will prevail.

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