Amerikai Magyar Reformátusok Lapja, 1912 (13. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1912-08-17 / 33. szám
XIII. ÉVFOLYAM, 33. SZÁM. NEW YORK, N. Y. 1912 AUGUSZTUS 17 VOL. XIII. NO. MEGJELENIK MINDEN SZOMBATON Felelős szerkesztő: HARSÁNÁL LÁSZLÓ new yorki ref. lelkész. PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDA' Entered as second-class mater Oct. 28, 1910 at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. What the Americans Owe to the Hungarians The case of the First Hungarian Presbyterian Church of New Brunswick which has again brought to the surface those questions, which if they were decided, such a case as the one mentioned above would not present itself, that is, it would not be possible that a congregation would ignore altogether the helping hand of the presbyterian church which has led it over the difficult paths, and, instead of following their own judgement, be subject to the whims of their pastor. in order to put a light on these questions, and give an idea of the duties to be performed, it is necessary that we should decide what our American brethren should to beter the Hungarian work. We believe that everyone is aware of the fact that there is a great difference between the aid that the Presbyterian Church and that which the Hungarian National Church offers through the Hungarian Goverment. The Presbyterian Churches here in America are so rich and powerful, that they would really feel ashamed of themselves if in the knowledge of their power, they would not help the foreigners, who come over here, especially those, who are of the same faith with them and locking spiritual guidance, are forced to join some other denomination. or fall into the hands of atheistic societies. Knowing this our American brethren have done everything in their power to help us Hungarians and have been willing' to help us along both spiritually and financially. Over against this the Hungarian National Church, whose financial conditions are not as good, has obtained the protection of the Hungarian Goverment. who helps the former along financially and otherwise, and does everything in her power to prevent the Hungarians from being Americanized. The aid, the protection therefore differs, whereas the Presbyterian Church tries to aid and protect her Hungarian brethren owing to their religious obligation, the Hungarian National Church has only a political motive and it is not Christian love which leads her to help her own kinsman. These were the conditions in the past and they are the same at present. In order t c’"nge t ese conditions it is the duty of o , A v. ican brethren to hear our opinion and strive to reach the point where the Hungarian American Protestants must not only honor their benefactors, but on their side gain what they have lost through immigration, viz, LOVE. We know, are aware of, and thank our American brethren for what they have done for us. We know that they have sacrificed money to further the work among the Hungarians, but it is not only money and advice that they need, but are sorely in need of such love which is capable of understanding their troubles and sharing their joys. It is necessary that the Hungarian Con- presrations should be bound closely to their pastors. The pastors should po hand in hand with their American Colleagues, and be on friendly terms with those of our American brethren, who in us only brethren in faith and not i who are striving hard for a living, ha\ no knowledge of the American langu and no one to aid and protect them, i often despised by the American people they would pome to us, if they wo share our joys, if they would see in not only brethren in faith, then our c gregations would appreciate much bel the aid which they are already receivi We all know, that the churches un the protection of the Hungarian Gove ment can only stand while the immigi ion lasts, for the children of these migrants, will consider America at th birthplace and themselves Americans. We cannot force these children or pect them to join the church under 1 protection of the Hungarian Go verme when the American Church stands mi closer to them and can understand th mode of thinking better. But in the meanwhile we think it c duty to enlighten our American brethr of the fact that the results which will time be reached, should, by our combin efforts be quickened. Let our American brethren come amo us therefore, let them get acquainted wi our people and strive not only moral and financially to aid our Hungarii brethren, but try to love and understai them And if this is done then surely the tin will come when our congregations w develop and grow stronger with the aid. Lad. Harsanyi.
