Mission History

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary

In 1518, the Lutheran Reformation reached what is today Hungary. For the next 80 years, the Lutheran tradition was built and developed by the followers of Luther and Calvin together. However, once these traditions became established churches, the Lutheran and Reformed (Calvinist) communities developed independently.

Protestants in Hungary, as in many countries at the time, faced the effects of the Counter-Reformation as laws and regulations limited their religious freedoms. In Hungary, huge Lutheran congregations, as well as church buildings and schools were lost. Under the Hapsburg’s rule, the Protestants were called the “secret enemy of the empire” as they fought wars for their independence.

The emperor signed the Deed of Tolerance in 1781, granting religious freedom to all. After the declaration, Hungarian Protestants began to rebuild their churches, which were fully recognized after the restoration of the sovereignty of Hungary in 1867.

Again under communism, the Lutheran Church was oppressed and nearly abolished, as state-controlled registration restricted the activities of the church and church members. However, today the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary is able to hold sessions regularly, govern their own sessions, and re-open their schools. In recent years, the number of diaconal institutions has grown and there are five centers for continuing education and formation.