Hungary Expands List Of Recognized Churches

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s coalition government has expanded the list of churches the nation formally recognizes from 14 to 32.

The newly recognized ones include five Buddhist groups, Methodists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Church of Latter Day Saints and two Islamic communities.

Opposition parties boycotted Monday’s vote, but the center-right Fades party and its tiny ally, the Christian Democrats, mustered the required two-thirds majority.

The requests of 66 other religious groups were rejected.

Formal recognition gives churches tax-free status, qualifies them for government support and allows them to collect donations during services and do pastoral work in jails and hospitals.