Reformátusok Lapja, 1970 (70. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1970-10-01 / 10. szám
14 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA NEW YORK, N.Y.:—'The Executive Council of the United Church of Christ called for “all members, ministers and leaders” of the two-million- member denomination to join in study and revision of the draft plan of union of the Consultation on Church Union. The Council, is the governing body of the church between biennial meetings of its General Synod. At one session it received “with appreciation” the draft plan adopted by COCU March 13 in St. Louis and approved information and orientation programs within the United Church over the next two years. The Council expressed the hope that a revised plan of union may emerge at the 1972 plenary session of the Consultation for transmission to the churches for their decisions. The United Church is one of the original members who formed the Consultation eight years ago. The United Church body also urged the 7,000 local churches, health and welfare institutions, state and regional organizations and national agencies of the church to join in a program of information, counseling, support of community services, and legislation against drug abuse. The statement adopted by the 21- member Council included alcohol and nicotine as “the most widely used and abused drugs.” It also called attention to the “enormous traffic in medically sanctioned drugs which alter the minds of people who need them to get through the day.” The United Church body avoided across-the-board condemnation of drug users and stressed that there is “no single, simple remedy.” It emphasized medical and social treatment rather than “indiscriminately punitive measures.” The action program stressed aid to pastors of local churches—to help them understand addicts and to develop “a ministry of counsel and support that may help to fortify young people and adults against the pressures toward addiction as well as to reclaim those who have developed physical or emotional attachments to dangerous drugs.” The seven-point program also calls for: ... an information program on drugs, abuse, addiction, therapy and prevention; ... support of rehabilitation programs under public and community auspices; ... cooperation o f church - related health and welfare agencies with remedial and preventive programs; ... support of legislation and public policies for more effective control of drug traffic; . .. development among church members and the community at large of “the understanding and discipline which will make for a more wholesome value structure throughout our society”; ... opposition to the “moral climate” that leads people to seek escape in drugs from “spiritual emptiness, discrimination, poverty, inadequate housing, restricted opportunity, institutional failure, and repression.” UCC—O.ofC. RECONCILIATION IN NIGERIA New York—Dr. John Coventry Smith, former general secretary of COEMAR (Commission on Ecumenical Mission and Relations of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA), and one of the presidents of the World Council of Churches, has made the following statement on reconciliation in Nigeria. “In the aftermath of the tragic war in Nigeria, we look forward with gratitude and hope to the development of this African nation. We are grateful to God that the tragic war has ceased. We are grateful for the moving of God’s Spirit in the hearts of many Nigerians, and we are grateful for the strong words of reconciliation spoken by leaders of Federal Nigeria. We place our hope in reconciliation between those who overcame in the struggle and those who were overcome. This reconciliation depends substantially upon the speed and efficiency with which the leaders of Nigeria alleviate the desperation, hunger and fear of the people who were overcome. Relief that is massive, swift, efficient and friendly wiU save countless lives and give tangible strength to the desire of Nigerian leaders to build their nation with brotherhood. Finally, we in the Christian community reaffirm our concern and love for our brothers in all parts of Nigeria, and reaffirm our readiness to provide aid for the needy and support for the destitute under the guidance of Nigerian leadership.” RPPS The President’s Page URGENT NEED The home of the Rev. István Csákány, a Hungarian Reformed Missionary in Kenya, Africa was completely destroyed by fire on September 8,1970. The Rev. I. Csákány and the Rev. Dr. John Pásztor were commissioned by the Reformed Church of Hungary in July to work in Kenya, Africa: Rev. Csákány in the Maassai Rural Development Center of Olooseos (P.O. Box 24860, Karen, Kenya) and Dr. Pásztor in St. Paul’s United Theological College (P.O. Limuru, Kenya). At the end of August, Hungarian Reformed church leaders from 6 countries visited them, prayed for them, and promised to support them. Then came the tragic news: the Csákány family lost everything in the fire — except their faith and determination. What shall be our response? It is recommended to use IPorld- Wide Communion Sunday (Oct. 4) or any other Sunday in October for a special offering to help them. Send your contribution to the Synod Treasurer as soon as possible, and write a few lines to the Csakanys’. ***** PASTORS' RETREAT Pastors’ Retreat will be held on October 19, 20 and 21, 1970 at the KRISHEIM STUDY CENTER of the United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pa. The retreat will start at 4 P.M. on Oct. 19 and conclude at 10 A.M. on Oct. 21. The Krisheim Study Center is located at Mermaid Lane and McCallum Street in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. It is a place of authentic natural and architectural beauty — quiet and secluded — yet within minutes from airport, railroad station and turnpike. (Map and information will be sent to all who register BEFORE OCTOBER 12.) At the same time rates are substantially below hotel-motel charges ($16.00 per day for room and board!).
