Is this the Beginning? New Hungarian Constitution Revokes Nation's Recognition of...Jehovah's Witnesses

[Bluebell]

In the News:

Hungary's currency plunged to fresh lows against the euro on Thursday

Investors have become increasingly concerned about the country's ability to pay its debt

so is this the reason for this?

New Hungarian Constitution Revokes Nation's Recognition of Islam & Other Religions

The new Hungarian constitution withdraws official recognition and tax exempt status from over 300 religious denominations. Included on the new black list are: all denominations of Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as several Catholic orders, Episcopalians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Methodists and others.

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=288543

[retroHelen]

When this law was first put before their parliament on 23 December, it was to restrict religions that were internationally recognised as less than 100 years old

http://www.politics.hu/20111223/fidesz-submits-new-church-bill-recognized-religions-must-be-at-least-100-years-old/

I hoped that our organisation's legal representatives could fight the ban over this wrong application of the law to us and the fact Hungary is supposed to be an EU country and abide by it's rules. However then I was amazed to see that Anglicans were then listed as banned and they have been there since the 1800's and Internationally recognised since King Henry VIII, unless the Anglicans fight the Bill for the same reason we would, this seems a bit odd. There are still Protestants of the Lutheran faith allowed.http://wwrn.org/articles/35947/

I googled some of the other denominations there are there and It was only a few weeks ago that the Anglicans in Budapest - from St Margaret's Church (Scottish Saint/Queen) were singing carols in the street and encouraging the public to come and join in!

Hungary is a cash-strapped troubled economy in the EU (perhaps not in the EU for much longer as it's finances are under EU investigation) , so it's taking tax exemption status away from many of the religions. As Jenni/Samira says: "Is this the beginning?": which is similar to what many of us said on this thread:http://www.jwtalk.net/forum/read.php?49,49279,49279#msg-49279 " regarding tax exemption of religions in cash-strapped countries.

[analynandmichael]

I am from Hungary and the situation can easily lead to a civil war too. i wonder what if my country will prove to be the north king ?? is this good or not? just so glad to be here among you dear fellow believers and read your outstanding thoughts !

[LeslieDean]

it is indeed a privledge to be here! I love to see the different scenerios that may bring this system toppeling down!