The Establishment of Evangelical Congregations Puconci, Križevci and Hodoš Following the Patent of Toleration

Abstract

The contribution focuses on the period of the end of counter-reformation measures when the Patent of toleration was issued in 1781, which among other things allowed also the establishment of evangelical congregations, construction of liturgical venues and upkeep of ministers and teachers. Religious communities in towns of Puconci, Križevci and Hodoš were among the first communities in the Prekmurje region to gather the relevant documentation and request permission to establish congregations. All three requests were granted, so that in 1783 they took up organised liturgy and educational activities. The contribution highlights the first years of the newly established congregations that included the construction of churches or oratories, schools, and activities of ministers and teachers.