A glimpse of the realities of secular Turkey, where government officials seem to be suffering from a strong dhimmitude hangover. Let them into the EU! From the Barnabas Fund, with thanks to Ali Dashti:
Ephesus Protestant Church at Selçuk is to be sealed by the local council on the grounds that the corrugated roofing and metal poles of the veranda contravene building regulations. This is likely to be followed by a fine of $1,000 and the forced demolishing of the veranda.
Although at least 20 buildings in the neighbourhood have a similar construction, only the church and one immediate neighbour have been targeted by the council. The veranda was already in place when the church fellowship bought the building which they now use for worship.
The chief civil engineer of Selçuk told church leaders that even if they were to demolish the veranda, there were other issues which the council would then raise with them requiring the demolishing of other parts of the building.
The church leaders believe it is the Christian training activities which take place at the church that have incurred the hostility of the local council. They fear that the council intends eventually to demolish the whole church building.
UPDATE: You may be more familiar with Selçuk’s ancient name: Ephesus. It is one of the ancient Christian sites that was conquered by the Muslims. Turkey would love you to visit. They like the money that comes in from American tourists who are thrilled to see the ruins of famous New Testament sites. If you know of a group planning a tour to Turkey, have them let the Turkish government know that modern, living Christians in Turkey deserve the care and concern of Turkish officials as much or more than long-dead, buried ones.