The so-called political change happened 20 years ago in Hungary. Unfortunately, it has held that what the worst in Communism is what comes after the fall of Communism. The dictatorship was taken over by a new kind of neo-capitalism. The social and economical tension is increasing. Unfortunately, there are ethnic conflicts more and more often, especially with the momentous gipsy minority. As a result of the global economic crisis, there is a growth of unemployment, social dissatisfaction, which gives ground to the spread of radical political trends. This was well proven by the results of the latest EU-elections.

While during the decades of the communist dictatorship there was some kind of false equality without freedom, now with the extreme capitalism uninhibited liberty reigns without any responsibility and solidarity. In this hopeless situation the community of the churches of Hungary have increased responsibility.

Can we - as salt and dough - become the conscience of society? How can we fulfill the prophetic mission of the church for social justice, reconciliation, conservation of the created world? Can the church serve as a bridge over the chasms of the split society? Whether the church is a mirror, reflecting social divisions or the model of a solid Christian community that can be followed?

Because of the brokenness of the society, in the midst of the grim battle of the political forces, the cooperation of the ecumenical churches is essential. A humble yet important manifestation of this is that the Ecumenical Council of the Churches in Hungary organized “The Week and the Celebration of the Creation” for the first time. Similarly to the Ecumenical Prayer-week we have published a booklet for the congregations, training and diaconal institutions of the member churches, in order to strengthen our dedication and cooperation for the preservation of the created world. Unfortunately the greatest church in Hungary The Roman Catholic church did not get involved in this important, innovative effort. It would be desirable that a wider, international collaboration happened for the cause of creation-protection. The World Council of Churches could take up the catalyst’s role in that.

We can all experience the numerous signs of the ecological crisis (change of climate, pollution), and feel the urge to intervene. We can only find a way out into a healing catharsis by a common, ecumenical effort.