02/14/2022 Turkey (International Christian Concern) – After eight years of delay, non-Muslim Turkish foundations will soon be able to renew their governing bodies, a process needed for the minority Christian organizations, churches, and ministries operating in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced at the end of January giving his commitment to the finalization of the updated laws.

The previous regulations were suspended in 2013 after the Turkish government vouched for improved procedures and more functionality and transparency, and then no actions were taken. One member of the non-Muslim foundations consulted by Erdogan suggested it may take between three and four more months until the process was finalized. However, the impending updated regulations have now been verified by the Turkish President and the Director General of the Foundations.

There are about 167 non-Muslim foundations registered in Turkey, with only 19 being Jewish communities. All others are various Christian communities, including a large Armenian population. Once passed, Christian ministries will be able to update their elders, leaders, and governing bodies.

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