Bold on Climate, Silent on Abuse: Abuse Survivors and Advocates Call Out Templeton Foundation for Recognizing Ecumenical Patriarch

The Templeton Foundation awarded its 2025 Prize to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, despite concerns raised by abuse survivors and advocates regarding his silence on clergy sexual abuse within the Orthodox Church. The recognition, which highlights the Patriarch’s work on environmental issues, has drawn criticism from those who argue that his leadership should also address the suffering of abuse survivors.

Survivors and advocates have written to the foundation, expressing distress over the Patriarch’s lack of public response to clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse. Bojan Jovanović, General Secretary of the Union of Christians of Croatia, stated that he has repeatedly reached out to the Patriarch, seeking acknowledgment and action, but has received no reply. Similarly, Sally Zakhari, Executive Director of Coptic Survivor, emphasized that institutions claiming moral leadership must demonstrate their commitment by protecting people.

The group began contacting the Templeton Foundation leadership in April, when the Patriarch was announced as the 2025 recipient. Their letters detailed repeated efforts to engage the Patriarch on the issue of clergy abuse and urged the foundation to reconsider its decision. The advocates noted that the Patriarch’s silence on this matter has caused significant pain for survivors, particularly those who have directly approached him.

The concerns are not isolated. Previous Templeton Prize recipients have also faced scrutiny for their actions or inactions. Advocates argue that the foundation’s decision to honor the Patriarch overlooks the responsibility of religious leaders to address systemic issues within their communities. They believe that the recognition undermines the credibility of the Patriarch’s leadership and fails to uphold the values of justice and accountability.

Survivors and advocates stress that environmental justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals are interconnected. They argue that true climate justice cannot exist without addressing the harm caused by abuse. This perspective aligns with the biblical call to protect the vulnerable, a theme found in Proverbs 31:8-9. The advocates believe that the Patriarch’s silence on abuse contradicts the moral authority he holds within the Orthodox Church.

The Templeton Foundation has not publicly responded to the concerns raised by survivors and advocates. However, the controversy highlights the tension between recognizing religious leaders for their environmental work and holding them accountable for their stance on abuse. The issue raises questions about the criteria used to select recipients and the importance of addressing all forms of injustice within religious institutions.

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