Although Turkey is a secular state, it is a predominantly Muslim country, and much of its Christian heritage has been lost,

ignored, or forgotten, that country may soon become a heritage site for Christian pilgrims. These plans were announced at a press conference on Monday, March 23, in Izmir, which is modern day Smyrna.

The Association of Izmir, a group of persons from various faith traditions in Turkey, is petitioning the government of Turkey to endorse a program that would promote pilgrimage by Christians to Ephesus, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Pergamum, Sardis, Thyatira, and Smyrna (Izmir) -- all of which are mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three and are located in what is modern western Turkey.

Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary Neville Callam, who was invited to address the press conference, told journalists of his hope that "people in this part of the world will recognize the importance of these sites to Christians."

Callam stated: "For Christians, this is a holy land, and being a heritage site would help Christians to connect with western Turkey."

Source: By Michael Ireland hief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service