Roma of Romania

The Roma, or “Gypsies”, often conjure images of colorful wagon caravans of dark-complected and brightly dressed families. The term Gypsy is considered derogatory by most Roma people because it stereotypes them as marauding fortunetellers and thieves. Many Roma are working hard to avoid connections with this negative image, while at the same time seeking to preserve their unique cultural heritage. The traveling Gypsy caravans can still be seen in parts of Europe, but the majority of Roma are no longer considered nomadic. It is estimated that there are 7 to 9 million Roma living throughout Europe with the largest concentration of 2 million living in Romania.

A history riddled with discrimination and hatred

The origin of the Roma people is obscure and has little recorded history. Most historians believe that the Roma originated in Northern India and migrated throughout the world, concentrating in the Middle East and Europe around 1,000 A.D. Roma history is riddled with persecution similar to that of the Jews. Early hatred was fueled by the myth that the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus were forged by Roma. This slander developed into the widespread middle-age belief that the Roma were children of Satan, and from the 1300’s through 1850 nearly half of the European Roma were enslaved. In the mid 18th century, the Holy Roman Emperor, Karl VI, attempted to exterminate the entire Roma population; as did Nazi Germany in the 20th century when approximately 1 million Roma were systematically incarcerated and murdered in concentration camps.

Today, discrimination continues in Europe where Roma are often candidly classified as lazy criminal elements of society. This pervasive discrimination toward the Roma is especially strong in the former Soviet bloc countries. For example, there are recent incidents in Romania of Roma being barred from businesses and being victims of mob violence. Within the Romanian media, Roma are usually mentioned in association with crime or social problems, and in one recent poll, over half of Romanians said that they do not want Roma as neighbors.

It is hard to determine why and when the discrimination against the Roma started, but it’s clear today that it affects all areas of their lives. Throughout Europe the Roma are given little encouragement towards employment, education, health care, and social services. During Communist rule significant effort was made to integrate the Roma into mainstream society. The Communists virtually abolished the Roma’s nomadic lifestyle, but the Roma were never conformed into model comrades.

A low sense of cultural value has permeated the Roma people to the point that they are convinced that these traits are just part of their genetic makeup. Thus the negative Gypsy stereotypes—that of sojourners, fortunetellers, and thieves—have become accepted roles by many Roma. I spoke with a respected older Roma gentleman, named Oli, who lives a “normal life” in a Romanian village—he has a family, a clean house, a garden, a steady job, and has integrated with his Romanian neighbors. We were discussing his upstanding character and how he broke free from the usual Roma mold. During our conversation he chuckled and said, “It is in our nature to steal—it’s just the way we are.” In many ways what Oli said is very true; it is human nature to sin. However, I believe what Paul the Apostle said holds true to all believers, even those with the vilest past, “When we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of our flesh.”

Context—could I survive like this?

One of the Roma’s biggest challenges is their poverty, which includes many factors—lack of education, poor health, poor sanitation, unemployment, and discrimination. Even within Romania, one of the poorest nations in Europe, the Roma’s poverty rate is twice as high as the average Romanian. Less than one third of the male popluation is employed full-time, and most jobs held by Roma are menial. Affordable housing is scarce. Many families occupy abandoned homes with no public utilities, and reside without proper legal documentation. If Romanian law was to be strictly enforced, thousands of Roma families would be evicted.

Roma have suffered much during Romania’s transition from a Communist to capitalist economy. The majority of their population is young and typically unable meet the standards required to enter the educated labor force. Some have found other methods for survival such as begging and digging though the neighborhood garbage, but some of the poorest starve.

Religion

The Roma tend to accept the religion of the culture in which they are living. There are those who adhere to the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, and even Muslim faiths. In addition, Roma are often attracted to the demonic supernatural world, and they are well known for fortune telling and casting spells.

In spite of the strong grip that Satan has on the Roma, God’s heart is seeking out the souls of the lost Roma people. The door for God’s good news of freedom, redemption, and purpose is open, and I have personally witnessed receptive Roma hearts. Though there seems to be a pervasive attitude of overwhelming defeatism and extreme pessimism within their culture, I personally believe that there will be a great revival among the Roma people and it will be fanned into a flame that will ignite Romania for Christ.

The challenge

The challenge on the horizon is daunting, but we know with Christ all things are possible.

As believers we know there is one eternal solution - new birth and life through Jesus Christ. The secondary and possibly more a difficult challenge will be in changing the Roma mentality, no longer to be conformed to Satan’s destructive plans, but rather transformed and thus liberated by the renewing of their minds through the truth found in His word. The truth is they can overcome their spiritual and material condition; the challenge is showing the Roma the pathway to freedom. So, just as Christ deals with us in compassion and in truth advancing His Kingdom, we seek to minister to the Roma with the mind of Christ.

The political climate in Romania is favorable for working with the Roma. Romania is aggressively pursuing entry into the European Union (EU). In order to fulfill the EU‘s strict requirements, many alterations must be made concerning the conditions of the underprivileged, of which a large part are Roma. Because of this, Romania’s government is very supportive of organizations addressing the needs of the Roma.

Regardless, all is in God’s hands, and we look forward to watching Him direct and guide our efforts. Please pray with us that He would establish His Kingdom in the Roma of Romania, and that more laborers might be called to bring about the fruit of the harvest. There have been very few outsiders able to penetrate the Roma culture and we desire to rely solely on the power of the Holy Sprit to break all barriers so that a personal Jesus will be received by the Roma people. The Roma may be given little hope from the world, but we are confident that with Jesus all things are possible.

Sources:

Denton, James, 2003. “Roma Political Participation in Romania, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Assessment Mission February 2003” National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Washington D.C. Retrieved March 12, 2004 from http://www.accessdemocracy.org/library/1629_ro_romaparticip_022803.pdf

Fonseca, Isabel, 1995. “Bury Me Standing, the Gypsies and Their Journey” Vintage Departures: New York.

ICCV (Institute for Quality of Life), 2004. Untitled research paper. Retrieved March 12, 2004, from http://www.rroma.ro/download/iccv_report_english.pdf.

Kemp, C., 2002. “Gypsy (Roma): Health care beliefs and practices” Refugee Health, 1-10. Retrieved June 23, 2002, from http://www.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/gypsy_health.htm

Ringgold, Dena 2000. “Roma and the Transition in Central and Eastern Europe: Trends and Challenges” a report for The World Bank: Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 12, 2004, from http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000094946_0010050532596

Robinon, B.A., 2002. “The religion and culture of the Roma” Religious tolerance (pp. 1-8). Retrieved March 11, 2003, from http://educate.si.edu/migrations/gyp/gypstart.html

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Vivian, Carrie & Dundes, Lauren 2004. “The crossroads of Culture and Health Among the Roma (Gypsies). Journal of Nursing Scholarship, First Quarter 2004.