Die Wirkung des Friedensvertrags von Trianon auf die lutherische Kirche in Ungarn

Abstract

Hungary was defeated in World War I. As a consequence of the Peace Treaty of Trianon, signed on June 4, 1920, the country lost two-thirds of its territory and more than half of its population. The end of the war, which was a national tragedy for the Hungarians, caused enormous damage to the Hungarian Lutheran Church as well. 62.9% of the members of the religious community were transferred to foreign countries. Out of 901 congregations only 244 remained within the new borders of Hungary. The Church's schools and other institutions suffered similar losses. The leaders of the Lutheran community felt deep pain because of the partition of their country and their church. They did everything they could to lessen the detrimental effects of the peace treaty on their parishes. They were supported by all the Lutherans who cared about the future of their church and their country. However, their efforts could not alter the outcome of the international political games. Nevertheless, in spite of the dramatic losses, they could accomplish that the Hungarian Lutheran Church remained viable.