[mnehring]

Why is it an insult? It seems the Orthodox church at least has the right to request them. It may be turned down, but there is a case to be made there.

[jtal]

come and get ‘em.

the sad thing is the west would probably roll over and surrender if there was ever another Lepanto.

[raybbr]

Why? So they can burn them?

Turkey has a Christian population but I doubt they are behind this.

[norge]

The bones of SANTA CLAUS????!!!!!

[taxcontrol]

Use this as leverage. State that the bones will only be returned when four conditions are met.

First, the Orthodox Church is given the authority and funds to rebuild the church and provide for their own security including armed guards.

Second, the Turkish government recognizes the location as a historical religious site in law and by treaty with Italy.

Third, the Orthodox Church is allowed to freely practice their faith without interference at the location and is so recognized by Turkish law.

And fourth, the Orthodox Church believes conditions one through three have been met and formally request transfer of the relics.

[MuttTheHoople]

HO! HO! HO!

[paulycy]

[Bon mots]

Sure!
First, give back Constantinople and the Hagia Sofia!

[HighlyOpinionated]

As soon as Turkey becomes a FREE non-secular-muzlim Nation, THEN, maybe they’ll get the bones back.

All they will do is destroy them to the hurt of every Christian, Orthodox and Catholic.

[Between the Lines]

There are two churches at Saint Nicholas' shrine in Bari, one Roman Catholic and one Orthodox. The Italian government returned the Orthodox church to the Russians last year.

It seems the Turks want in on the action.