Evangelical churches decertified under new Hungarian constitution
All but one of the evangelical churches in Hungary have been decertified under the new Hungarian constitution, losing their official status, tax exemptions and freedom to run schools.
The new constitution, brought in by the Fidesz government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, came into effect on 1 January 2012, despite widespread opposition and protests on the streets of Budapest.
The constitution now grants state recognition to 14 religious groups but all other groups become decertified, including over 300 Christian groups or denominations, such as the Methodists, Episcopalians and all but one of the evangelical churches.
Approved churches include traditional Catholic, Reformed, Lutheran and Orthodox congregations, as well as some Jewish groups.
The United States has asked for the law to be withdrawn.
Links
Christian Concern: Religious Freedom
