The European Parliament, the highest representative body of the 27 countries of the European Union, adopted a resolution demanding that the Turkish authorities stop deporting foreign Christian leaders and journalists.

The resolution was approved by 502 votes, with 2 votes against and 59 abstentions, Evangelical Focus reports.

The European Parliament condemned the fact that in recent years at least 300 foreign Christian pastors, missionaries and members of their families have been deported from Turkey and denied re entry because of the application of administrative measures N-82 and G-87, which classify them as a threat to national security without evidence.

The resolution adopted by the European Parliament states that the current Turkish state’s bias toward Christians is obvious, since everyone has witnessed the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, the destruction of Christian churches and the constant pressure on Christian communities, illustrating a broad and systematic pattern of restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

Among those who made the greatest efforts to demand that Turkey respect Christians is Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands Bert Jan Ruijssen. Defending the resolution during the plenary session, Bert Jan Ruijssen stressed, “You carry the good news of the Gospel, a message of peace and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Then you are considered a threat to national security and are no longer allowed to enter the country. This is the harsh reality for missionaries working in Turkey.”

The lawmaker believes that as the EU strengthens ties with Turkey again, the European Parliament must clearly state that Turkey is obliged to stop persecuting churches, guarantee freedom of religion and belief, and allow Christians to share their faith freely.