Bertalan Péter - Az ellenállástól a kompromisszumig - Állam és egyházak

This monograph by Péter Bertalan examines church policy during the Kádár era, covering the period from 1957 to 1968. The author takes an original approach, drawing mainly on documents of the State Office for Church Affairs held in county archives, supplemented by church archival material and memoirs.

The book analyses the situation of several historical churches and, in an objective style, highlights the points of friction. It shows the everyday struggles of political life, giving a voice to representatives of both the state and the churches.

The Second Vatican Council opened new paths in church policy. Ecumenism and the search for understanding between Christian churches presented the state with fresh challenges. The work argues that the essence of Christianity remained unchanged, while its growing universality and social sensitivity brought new dimensions.