European Baptists have long promoted the separation of church and state, a concept they derive from Matthew 22:20-22 ("render unto Caesar") and Anabaptist teachings. Romanian Baptists are parsing the concept as they deal with a shrinking population, machine politics, and the higher prices that come with membership in the European Union.
They refuse subsidies for pastor salaries. However, Baptist Union president Otniel Bunaciu estimates that between 20 and 30 of the denomination's 1,800 congregations have accepted funds from local governments for projects such as parking lots and insulation. "While larger churches may have several Western partners who can support their efforts," said Bunaciu, "many of the small churches do not have such friends and would accept support from local authorities."
Politics have also been part of the problem. "At every
election, local authorities have made significant donations to churches
to get electoral support," said former Baptist Union president Paul
Negrut. "Some churches have completely discredited themselves by taking
money from everyone."
Source: Susan Wunderink, Christianity Today
Comments |  RSS |
|
