[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 154 (Friday, September 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      WELCOMING HIS ALL-HOLINESS ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOSH GOTTHEIMER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 19, 2025

  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to welcome the Ecumenical 
Patriarch of Constantinople, His All-Holiness Bartholomew, to 
Washington, D.C. this week, and to congratulate him on receiving the 
distinguished Templeton Prize.
  His All-Holiness has been a steadfast leader for the Orthodox Church, 
and especially for my constituents in New Jersey. He continues to 
encourage us all to reach toward peace, to love and respect our 
neighbors, and to uphold our values as a Nation.
  At a time when hate and intolerance are surging across the country, 
His All-Holiness's focus on religious freedom is a powerful reminder 
that we must work together and respect one another. In the greatest 
country in the world, there should be no room for intolerance or hate 
of any kind.
  As His All-Holiness Bartholomew has said, ``We have it in our power 
either to increase the hurt inflicted on our world or to contribute 
toward its healing. The choice is ours.'' Together, we must work toward 
a world filled with healing and hope.

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