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A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNITARIANISM IN TRANSYLVANIA By Bill Christmann One striking thing about the Transylvanian Unitarians is the importance to them of their history. It is really necessary to take a look at that history in order to
understand their connection to us and to appreciate their present situation. How did a group of people in largely traditional Christian Europe become Unitarians? How did this group of Hungarians become reluctant Romanians? The answers lie in Transylvania’s tumultuous history. Transylvania lies between Austria, Hungary and what once was the Ottoman Empire. Beginning in the 15th Century, Austria and Hungary, and occasionally the Germans, sent armies and settlers to the area to stave off frequent incursions by the Turks. Transylvania was dominated by each of these groups at various times; and each has left its mark on present day Transylvania. Only for about 150 years, during the 16th and 17th centuries, did Transylvania enjoy relatively independent status as a principality. It was during this time that Unitarianism was born. The Protestant Reformation had swept across Europe. In Transylvania, a prominent minister and theologian named Francis David felt that the reforms of Luther and Calvin had not been completed. Along with some other Christian doctrines, he rejected the dogma of the Trinity as having no basis in scripture. During David's time, John Sigismund was Prince of Transylvania. Influenced by David, Sigismund became converted to what would later be called Unitarianism. David also espoused the principle of religious tolerance. As a result of David's teachings, Prince Sigismund held a Diet (or council) at Torda in 1568 at which he issued a decree that read, in part, ". . . in every place the preachers shall preach and explain the gospel each according to his understanding of it, and if the congregation like it, it is well; if not, no one shall compel them, but they shall keep the preachers whose doctrine they approve." At the time, this was truly revolutionary. Unfortunately, three years after the conference at Torda, Sigismund died. He was succeeded by a Roman Catholic prince who quickly put an end to tolerance. Both David and Sigismund are looked upon as great Unitarian heroes in Transylvania. In 1579 David was convicted of "religious innovation" and was sentenced to life in prison. He died within the year. In 1671 Transylvania lost its independence and became part of Austria. Catholicism became the state religion. Unitarian churches and schools were seized. Unitarians were barred from holding public office and were forbidden to build any new churches. In Transylvania, the entire period from the sixteenth to the early twentieth century was filled with wars and revolutions too numerous to mention. At the outbreak of the First World War, Transylvania was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During the closing weeks of World War I, Romania entered the conflict on the side of the Allies. In the view of many Transylvanian Hungarians, this was done only after the outcome of the war was a foregone conclusion. Nevertheless, Transylvania was given to Romania as part of the spoils of war. Following World War II Romania became a Communist republic as part of the Soviet Union. The government seized many of the assets of religious organizations and imprisoned many of the clergy or put them to forced labor. They allowed churches to exist but banned any meetings other than Sunday services. The government began a systematic effort to settle Romanians in previously Hungarian communities in order to undermine Hungarian culture. Since the fall of Communism, things have slowly improved. However, the Hungarians still perceive injustices. For many years the state religion was Eastern Orthodox. It has has been supported by the government in many ways. Recent reforms, which were necessary for admission to the European Union, have resulted in some government support for the Unitarian denomination. The Hungarians still feel that government policies are designed to destroy their ethnic identity. This is, perhaps, not an unbiased assessment, but it is a common perception. The Transylvania Unitarians have endured much for their religion and for their cultural identity. Perhaps the recent entry of Romania into the European Union will bring about welcome changes, such as increased economic opportunities and greater access to the Europe of the 21st century. Here are some links to on-line information about Transylvania, its history, anthem and countryside: http://www.hungarian-history.hu/lib/rum.htm http://www.webenetics.com/hungary/szekhimn.htm http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=521#index |
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