Apology from Hungarian Bishop for Supporting Presidential Pardon
Reformed Bishop Zoltán Balog Apologizes for Supporting Presidential Pardon
In a recent development, Reformed Bishop Zoltán Balog has publicly apologized for supporting a presidential pardon granted to Endre K, a former deputy head of a children’s home in Bicske, near Budapest. Balog expressed regret and apologized to all affected persons in a video message posted on reformatus.hu.
Balog, who serves as the pastoral president of the Synod of the Hungarian Reformed Church, admitted that he had been asked to give his opinion on the matter and had agreed with granting the pardon to Endre K. However, he emphasized that the final decision was not made by him.
Addressing recent press allegations, Balog clarified that he did not submit the request for the presidential pardon, but was one of the individuals whose opinion was sought. Despite initially supporting the pardon based on preliminary information about Endre K, Balog conceded that he had made a mistake and apologized for his error in judgment.
Furthermore, Balog called a meeting of church officials to address the attacks directed at him and the church in light of the controversy. He revealed that the majority of officials present at the meeting expressed their support for him in a secret vote, with 86 percent endorsing their backing.
In response to the controversy, the prime minister’s press chief denounced “left-wing press reports” linking Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to the issue and holding Balog responsible for the clemency granted by President Katalin Novák. The press chief labeled the reports as “fake news” and reiterated the government’s non-interference in church matters, stating that they respect the autonomy of the church.
It is important to note that Balog emphasized his rejection of the crime of paedophilia, stating that the Reformed Church shares this stance. He affirmed that his support for the pardon was based on incomplete information and expressed remorse for any distress caused by his actions.
The controversy surrounding the presidential pardon and Balog’s involvement continues to unfold, with the Reformed Bishop reiterating his apology and commitment to upholding the principles of the church.
