Pave the Way Foundation Urges Israeli Government to Affirm New Greek Orthodox Church Leader

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- Gary L, Krupp, Founder and President of Pave the Way Foundation, a worldwide non-sectarian organization dedicated to achieving world peace by enhancing relations between the religions through historic gestures of good will, has issued a letter to H.E. Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister of the State of Israel urging him to "move the government of Israel to quickly affirm the election of Theophilus III as the next Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem."

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem was elected unanimously as the 141st primate of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem on August 22, 2005 and officially enthroned as Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine on November 22, 2005. Nearly one year later, he remains unable to discharge his duties and begin his tenure.

The affirmation process for the Patriarch requires the approval of the Jordanians, the Palestinians and the Israelis. Theophilus III has been legally elected by the Greek Church. He has been affirmed by both the Palestinians and by the Jordanians. The Israeli government has not yet provided affirmation. Moreover, the Israeli government has been keeping the former Patriarch under continuous police protection in the official residence of the Patriarchate. The new Patriarch has been denied access to official business records, assets and his official residency. This action has caused undue friction between religious groups. Further complicating matters and stressing the Israeli government's resources, a court case to challenge this delay has been filed in the Israeli high court.

"It is the right of any religious group to elect its leadership," states Gary L. Krupp, Founder and President of Pave the Way Foundation. "We feel that the Greek Church has made its decision to elect Theophilus III as their new Patriarch. In the interest of cordial, improved relations between the religions in the region, and the essence of the mission of Pave the Way Foundation, we urge the Israeli government to quickly approve the affirmation of Theophilus III putting aside all known and any unknown agendas."

About Pave the Way Foundation
Pave the Way Foundation is dedicated to achieving peace by bridging "the intellectual gap" in tolerance and understanding, by enhancing relations between religions through cultural, technological and intellectual gestures.

The Foundation has a simple yet monumental vision: To enable all the world's religions to mutually realize that extremism, politics and personal agendas must not be allowed to poison the true benevolent message common to all faiths. Bigotry and hatred must be abolished by the faithful embracing their similarities and savoring their differences.

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