Of course such would be against tradition, but a step forward when it comes to human rights. Sort of like contraception, slavery, and a thousand other things. Bravo.
What great thinking that is; to call the murder of humans, "Human rights".
If Justin is now supporting Bartholomew, let that be another indicator. 
The Ecumenical Patriarch was correect in his sentaments on Abortion. We are Orthodox Christians believe that abortion is a grave and terrible sin. No question about it, and the Patriarch believes this as well, however...
What is the Church's role in secular, civil society? American Governance is based on Republican/Democratic principles that are secular in nature as we are a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country akin to the Roman Empire at the time of Christ.
Christ said "Render unto Cesear the things that are Cesears and unto God the things that are God's." This has always been the Orthodox position.
To force a secular society like America to legally ban Abortion where the moral issue is not readily seen is legally disasterous. The Pro-Choice position with its regulation and restriction of Abortion services service our country well.
Also, as a staunch pro-lifer because I am a Greek Orthodox Christian I want to end abortion through prayer, fasting, discussion, the strength and beauty of our faith NOT BY LAW! as this makes for bad religion and bad government.
The EP was correct in his stance and remarks. Grow up people, and stop being reactionary when you don't know or truly understand our faith oe the comments of the EP.
As for human rights being atheistic, I disagree. Thomas Jefferson, and a whole host of others before him and since have stated that human rights are inalienable right given to us by God. Period. The unborn also have these rights, but until man, through prayer, fasting and discussion realizes this, and not through the enactment of law, will both the unborn and the born be truly protected by the evil of man.
God Bless
Peter
