Czech Republic

The Czech Government will pay over three billion to Churches in compensation for property that was taken from them during the communist era. When communists came to power in 1948 Church property was destroyed or given to third parties, Christians were persecuted and Priests were imprisoned and executed. The compensation is “an act of justice," said Prime Minister Petr Necas.

Property confiscated from the Catholic Church during the previous communist regime is now in on its way to being returned. After years of negotiation, the Parliament has agreed to return the land over the next thirty years. While this could be vetoed by the President, it is a huge “win” for Catholics in the country.

In a pledge to “end the legacy of Communism” the Czech Republic’s parliament approved a plan to return property to churches that were stolen during 1948-1989. Though, this is a victory for reversing persecution against Christians during that era of Communism, the fight is not over as this was a narrow win and there are already pledges to “block the legislation in the Senate.”