New Church Law?

Last fall the Hungarian Parliament passed a law affecting the Open Bible Churches and many other churches in Hungary.  According to the law, only 14 major denominations would be recognized by the Hungarian government as churches and would be eligible to receive the rights of churches in Hungary.  Among those denominations were the Roman Catholics, Reformed Church, Baptist Church and three Jewish groups.  Among those not included, in addition to Open Bible, were the Church of God, Free Christian Church, Life Church, Salvation Army--in fact, all the churches INSTE works with.

Throughout the fall and into this winter, the churches have been praying.  We were not certain exactly how the new law would affect all the smaller churches, but we heard that unrecognized churches would need to register as organizations just like clubs and civic groups.  There were fears that rights to baptize, marry, evangelize in public and ordain ministers would be ended.  Memories of persecution under Communism are still fresh, so many, many people have been asking God to intervene.

On Monday, we were pleased to hear that Hungary's highest court nullified the law!  However, representatives in Parliament have made it known that they will write a new law this week and have it ready to be passed into law next week, between Christmas and New Year's.  We are praying for God to once again intervene.  Please pray with us.