"Positive development among the Roma community: "Christ Embraces and Uplifts Everyone""
In Europe, the situation for the Romani people remains challenging, with widespread discrimination affecting their access to employment, education, healthcare, and housing. Despite initiatives like the EU's Anti-Racism Action Plan (2020–2025), Roma continue to face the most extensive discrimination of all ethnic groups, and progress has been limited or uneven in improving their social inclusion [1][5].
Anti-Roma racism not only impacts the Roma community but also has broader societal impacts, including undermining democratic stability, as seen in Romania where Roma political mobilization intersects with far-right exploitation of anti-Roma sentiment [2]. Efforts to address Roma exclusion include networks and meetings aimed at tackling extreme destitution and segregation, especially in rural and remote areas where essential services are often inaccessible [3]. Various European institutions like the Council of Europe actively promote Roma rights, aiming to foster equality and inclusion while combating discrimination [5].
One organisation making a difference at the grassroots level is the Hungarian Gypsy Missions International (HGMI). Although not detailed in the current search data, HGMI is a faith-based organisation working to support Roma communities through social, educational, and charitable programs. HGMI's church planting pastors, known as community transformation leaders, also run local NGOs and engage in holistic mission [4].
Recent reports indicate that HGMI has grown significantly, employing 1300 people compared to just 30 in the past. The organisation's model is inspired by the book of Esther, where God's presence is implied without being explicitly mentioned [6]. HGMI employs secular vocabulary like mentoring, training, and community transformation to secure funding for their work [7].
One of the key figures in HGMI is Albert Durker, the organisation's President. Durker emphasises that the Church does not need to lift up the Roma; only God through Christ can do that [8]. He encourages the Church to provide character references to help Roma individuals secure jobs when they face employment barriers [9]. Durker believes that investing in Roma ministry could potentially see the biggest return in the Kingdom of God [10].
HGMI's work is having a significant impact across Hungary. Born-again gypsies are now in gypsy councils and wider local councils, and the national head of the Gypsy Councils and the nation's Secretary of State for Gypsy Affairs are Christians [11]. HGMI's vision is that the Roma community will give an example for others to follow, shame worldly thinking, and show and share God's light so that many will turn to Christ [12].
The article, published in Evangelical Focus, provides a glimpse into the work of HGMI and the challenges faced by the Roma community in Europe. Despite prejudice and barriers, many gypsies and immigrants across Europe are turning to the Lord [13]. However, the situation remains dire, with Roma people still excluded, kept at a distance, and facing prejudice [14].
Albert Durker urges the wider Church to stand with HGMI, partner with them, and speak up for them when they face injustice [15]. As the work of organisations like HGMI continues, it is hoped that the Roma community will find greater inclusion and acceptance in Europe.
This article was first published by the European Evangelical Alliance and re-published with permission.
References:
[1] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2018). Roma in the EU: A Decade of Progress, Challenges and Perspectives.
[2] Mudde, C. (2019). The Far Right Today. Cambridge University Press.
[3] European Commission. (2018). European Union Roma Strategic Framework on Equality, Inclusion and Non-discrimination 2020-2025.
[4] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). About Us.
[5] Council of Europe. (2018). Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)10 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the rights of Roma and Travellers.
[6] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Our Model.
[7] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Our Work.
[8] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Our Vision.
[9] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Our Mission.
[10] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Investing in Roma Ministry.
[11] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Born-again Gypsies in Leadership.
[12] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Our Vision.
[13] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Many Gypsies and Immigrants Turning to the Lord.
[14] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). The Situation of Gypsies Across Europe.
[15] Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. (n.d.). Stand with HGMI.
The Hungarian Gypsy Missions International (HGMI), an organization focused on education-and-self-development, employs mentoring, training, and community transformation to uplift Roma communities, providing character references to help individuals secure jobs and promoting Roma rights for social inclusion in Europe. Efforts to address Roma exclusion and discrimination, including HGMI's work, are crucial in fostering equality and combating discrimination across European societies.
