The “moral revolution” of the Reformation “sets an example and serves as a benchmark for all of us”, Kövér said. Looking back at the moral revolution of the Reformation in today’s Europe facing cultural, demographic, identity, economic, social and political challenges “gives hope to us all”, he added.

“It gives us hope that as creations of God we will always be able to survive by renewing ourselves … and that by holding on to the eternal truths of the Word [of God], we will survive for the next 500 years, too.”

Kövér said that looking back at the Reformation also gave Hungarians hope that they could establish a “nation-building state” for themselves which could provide safety and refuge to all Hungarians.

Human Resources Minister Zoltán Balog described the Reformation as “thanksgiving” and a “critical confrontation with ourselves”.

But the Reformation cannot be celebrated as a victory over the Catholic Church, he said. “Our faith says we are all part of one church, even if we are torn apart,” the minister said.

He said that although the anniversary of the Reformation could not be regarded as a celebration, “we can give thanks for all that we owe to … this movement” such as strengthening faith, direct trust in God, a national language, cultural and economic strength and reformed science.

The anniversary will be marked by close to 400 events nationwide this year.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Máthé Zoltán