Clericalism or self-defense?

The political struggles of the Catholic Circle of Szeged 1911–1914

Abstract

The second half of the 19th century saw a change in the relationship between churches and the state, on the one hand, and churches and society, on the other, in many parts of Europe. In Hungary, following the ecclesiastical legislation of 1894–1895, the Roman Catholic Church sought to protect and strengthen its position, partly by emphasizing its traditions and historical significance, partly by proclaiming renewal. An important phenomenon was the strengthening of relations between the clergy and the congregation through the proliferation of newly established religious social organizations. Over time, these associations also became a means of achieving the political and public goals of the church. The Catholic Circle of Szeged (Szegedi Katolikus Kör), founded in 1908, continued its vigorous political struggle to protect and strengthen Catholic interests in 1911 and in 1914. In these two years, by-elections were held in the 1st district of Szeged. Both elections became of national importance. The main reason for the public interest was that the Szeged group of the National Party of Work (Nemzeti Munkapárt) was split along denominational lines during the election campaign, and almost the same happened in 1914 as well. István Tisza, Károly Khuen-Héderváry, Vilmos Vázsonyi, Károly Eötvös are significant figures from national politics taking part in the events, but the main role was played by local men who were spokesmen of the Catholic Circle of Szeged. They spoke up publicly, emphasizing the non-political nature of their circle, together with the importance of loving our neighbors and keeping the peace among denominations, while they fought against not only the pro-government Jewish candidate of the district, but also against those who supported him, hiding behind the idea of defending Christianity, that is, Catholicism. In 1911 they succeeded in winning their case, but in 1914 they reached a dead end and finally failed.