Allowing the Patriarchate to flourish, and reopening the Theological School on the island of Halki, would underscore Turkey’s progress on human and minority rights. Turkey should view the Patriarchate not as a threat, but as an important asset ­– a bridge to Europe.
特别是伊斯坦布尔的大公宗主教长制（Ecumenical Patriarchate）可以作为基督徒和穆斯林和平共处的范例。对于东正教而言，大公宗主教长制在很多方面相当于麦加。允许主教长制推而广之，重开霍基岛（Island of Halki）的神学院将会充分体现土耳其在人权和少数民族权益方面的进步。土耳其不应该将主教长制看成是一种威胁，而应将其当作一项重要资产－一座通往欧洲的桥梁。