Die katholische Kirche in Rumänien zwischen 1945 und 1964
The Catholic Church in Romania between 1945 and 1964

Summary/Abstract: The new law of religious cults (Legea cultelor) that came into effect in communist-ruled Romania in 1948 constrained the activitis of the religious denominations, notably that of national minorities. The roman as well as the catholic church were especially affected by the communist predominance. Many bishopps priests were arrested, others were forced to collaborate with the regime. The uniate, greek-catholic church was forbidden respectively forcibly united with the orthodox church, whereas in the roman catholic church, there resulted a parallel hierarchic structure of church-leadership. Regime-appointed priests and hierarchs, loyal to the communist regime, and an underground leadership that remained loyal to Rome excommunicated each other. In the end, the regime was constrained in 1954 to release Áron Márton,the only bishop who was able to restore order, from prison, even though he was not disposed to compromise with the regime.

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