Reformátusok Lapja, 1971 (71. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1971-05-01 / 5. szám

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

11

Calvin Synod Meeting, Buffalo, New York, April 26-23, 1971

FIRST WORDS of Bishop Beretz

First of all, my first word is a word of gratitude and thanks to Dr. Butosi, President of our Synod, for the fine work he’s done.

I am, according to an official count by Dr. Szabó, the ninth elected president of Calvin Synod. I have big shoes to fill. When I was walking down, someone saw my tie-pin, which has a cross on it and said to me: that cross ought to be on your shoulders. I said it would be pretty soon and I know the kind of cross Dr. Butosi and all the rest of the presidents have to bear.

Now it’s kind of ironic that I was elected president and then all of a sudden the title of Bishop was bestowed. I never liked titles — I’m from Sárospatak, and we didn't particularly care for titles, whether it was Bishop, superintendent or what. I don’t even like to be called Reverend, personally, and I still don’t use it and everybody gets irritated with me for not using it. For instance the airline hostess said to me: “Well, why don’t you let us know who you are and when you use Reverend, we know who you are. We have need of it, not you.” I think this was the spirit in which the Bishop title was bestowed, not that the president needs it, but our Synod and our work needs it.

Now as far as I am concerned, those who voted against the title of Bishop, they certainly will not offend me if they continue to call me Árpád, Mr. Beretz, or whatever you want to call me — I certainly

won’t be offended and I can assure you, my concern and love doesn’t depend upon any titles.

But I do think that in the next four years, or two years, excuse me, that wasn’t a speech to be re-elected in two years, we will have problems in our Synod. I’ve been in the Council for four years, and I know what kind of problems we face.

This is also my 25th Anniversary as a member of this Calvin Synod. It was twenty-five years ago that I first came and applied for membership. Rev. Dr. Takaró was chairman of the Church and Ministry Committee and Rev. Daroczy was President of our Synod, so this is a particularly auspicious occasion.

I shall try to do my best, to do honor and justice to the office of Bishop-President. Thank you very much.------------- <• ^ ------------Mother Love

Pure as the gushing mountain stream, Flowing in timid moonbeam.

True as the blue sky is above,

Patient is that mother love.

Gentle as the evening breeze,

Rustling softly through the trees.

Peaceful as a balmy day,

Kind and loving in every way.

Far reaching as the starry sky,

Knows the answer to every why.

Serene and blessed by the Lord above, Forgiving is that mother love.

Margaret Fekete Csóványos