The leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II visited the U.S. in October to support a resolution condemning Turkey’s 1915-1917 Armenian genocide. Voting on the resolution has been postponed indefinitely.
What good do you hope will come out of a U.S. resolution condemning the genocide?
It shows that similar crimes will never be forgotten, and that humanitarianism and justice and truth are always victorious. We believe that through [this resolution], the relationship between Armenians and Turkey will become normalized by freeing Armenians as well as Turks from deep-felt emotions.
Five Christians (one Armenian and four others) have been murdered in Turkey in the last year. Will this resolution make life more difficult for Christians in Turkey?
We are convinced that similar events will stop taking place when the truth is available to the Turkish people. It has only been in the last ten years that Turks have been able to speak openly about the genocide. We are convinced that this process will continue on wider levels and that in the end, Turkey itself will recognize and condemn the Armenian genocide. Our people have no hatred toward the Turkish people. Neither do they have any feelings of revenge. They simply are concerned that righteousness and truth be established in the life of mankind and for our people as well.
CT has spoken with Armenians in Turkey whose safety is at risk right now. What would you say to encourage them?
One year ago, we were in Constantinople, and we spoke about the Armenian genocide. We’ve had the opportunity to meet with everyday Turkish men and women as well as Turkish authorities, and we do not see a danger. In no uncertain terms, we do not share the position that recognition of the genocide will create a more difficult situation for the people of Turkey. We are not that pessimistic.
How can evangelicals encourage and support the Armenian community?
Put into practice the commandment of the Lord: Love one another and serve one another with love. By serving humanity, you are serving God.
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Related Elsewhere:
PontificalVisit.org has extensive information about Karekin II’s visit and reprints of press coverage.
The resolution has been shelved, but supporters say it’s not dead yet.
More articles on Armenia and Turkey are available in our full coverage areas.
