The Catholic Church, the largest religious congregation in Hungary, has committed to staying open. Noting that masses can be still be held in line with the new government restrictions.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference (MKPK) said “churches, as places for spiritual renewal and prayer, are especially important and will continue to be open.”
The MKPK noted that those who cannot attend mass in-person could participate in the services online or on television. Those who are elderly and feeling ill are exempt from their religious obligation of attending mass and should stay away from the community.
In contrast, the Reformed Church, the second largest religious congregation in Hungary has decided to shut its doors. Due to the second wave of the pandemic the church has called on its members to revert to what they did during the first wave in the spring.
The presidium of the church noted that Reformed communities should revert to online services and meetings. Weddings and funerals should be held in line with the government’s new restriction measures.