Hungary govt recognises EMIH in 'highest category church'

The Hungarian government has signed a comprehensive agreement with the Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation (EMIH), under which EMIH gains recognition as a religious community "in the highest category", deputy PM Zsolt Semjen said on Sunday. Semjen spoke at the inauguration ceremony of a new synagogue in Szentendre, north of Budapest, and said that the new status will ensure that EMIH receives the same state financing for educational, welfare or cultural services as central or local government agencies.