In recession-hit Hungary, churches take over state schools

Warsaw, Poland, September 8 (ENInews)--Local government officials in
Hungary are handing state-owned schools over to churches, unable to afford their
upkeep during the economic recession, according to church sources.

"Churches are entitled to run schools in Hungary as public service
providers, receiving the same taxpayers' money as public sponsors," said Balazs
Odor, ecumenical officer of Hungary's Reformed Church, in an interview with
ENInews. 

"The school system has its own problems here, which affect church-run
schools as well. However, it's generally true that the wellbeing of church
schools is better looked after since each has a community behind it," he added.