Tristan Azbej on Hungary’s Mission to Support Persecuted Christians Globally

At a press conference during the conference “Shared Responsibility: Cooperation Between States and Religious Communities,” held as part of Hungary’s EU presidency, Miklós Soltész addressed critical questions facing European leaders. He emphasized the need to recognize the dangers facing the continent and to identify those who can help respond, including churches, which he said can offer significant support, even to non-believers.

Soltész pointed to “war hysteria,” the rise of ideologies against the natural world, and flawed migration policies as some of the pressing threats to Europe.

Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for Programs to Aid Persecuted Christians, highlighted Hungary’s cooperation with churches, not just domestically but in foreign policy, particularly through its international aid efforts. He recalled the 2016 launch of the Hungary Helps program, which has since supported Christian and humanitarian initiatives in over 60 countries. Through 350 grants and donations, the program has helped 2 million people persecuted for their faith.

Azbej provided four reasons for Hungary’s commitment to the program, addressing criticisms from Western political actors. First, Hungary has experienced church persecution in its history, fostering “natural solidarity.” Second, universal humanity calls for aid to Christians, followers of the world’s most persecuted religion. Third, it is in Europe’s interest that people live peacefully in their homelands to prevent migration toward Europe. Finally, he stressed that Hungary must represent this cause, as no one else is doing so.

György Hölvényi, MEP for the KDNP, pointed out that indifference is the biggest challenge facing European churches. He criticized the lack of legal frameworks for cooperation with churches in the EU, noting that the Treaty of Lisbon remains unfulfilled in this regard. This indifference, he argued, sends a troubling message to those who oppose Christianity, especially in the Islamic world, and blinds European leaders to the essential role churches play in society.