The Faith Church (Hit Gyülekezete): Pentecostalism, Christian Zionism, and Israel

ABSTRACT: Faith Church (Hit Gyülekezete) is a Pentecostal religious movement that emerged in Hungary as a semi-underground church in the latter years of the Cold War. Its roots are based on a series of contacts with foreign, primarily American, evangelical churches. The church combines elements of evangelicalism and Pentecostalism, but a central theme of the church is its philosemitism. It fits comfortably into the world of Christian Zionism, belief in the continuing covenantal role of the Jewish people. In this regard, Faith Church has been highly active in promoting its outlook in Hungary, including a deep connection to the Hungarian Jewish community, social and political activism to combat antisemitism in Hungary, and to encourage good relations with Israel. This Field Notes essay contributes to scholarship on Hit Gyülekezete by exploring its relationship to Jews, Zionism, and Israel.