Changes in the Role of Churches and Religious Organizations in the Field of Social Self-Reliance in Hungary (1867–2016)

The purpose of this paper is to review the most important trends as found in rendering social services by churches. The typical purposes pursued by religious associations in the era of Dualism and the changes detectable in the activities of the civil sector in Horthy-era were the first examined topics. The paper relies on the empirical research that I conducted in 2014, and that analysed the activities of the largest charity organizations in Hungary. It was possible to conclude that in Hungary there was an exemplary tradition of developing cohesive civic activities in the area of charity. Their efficacy depended on the ability of the organizations to solicit from the donors to help others.