Bethlen Almanac 2000 (Ligonier)

Cikkek - Articles

language, and at the same time, we were conscious to stand on our biblical and confessional traditions. Nevertheless, with the help of the Holy Spirit we also wished to move beyond mere traditions, and to address our age according to its needs and potentials, in an open and ecumenical spirit while remaining faithful to our basic values. We also expressed that the nourishing of Hungarian language and culture, as well as directing our mission help toward Hungary, is an indispensable part of our existence. At the same time, while we wish to keep and respect our Hungarian roots, we also desire to be an open church, that would welcome with love our neighbors who seek God irrespective of their non-Hungarian background. Finally, we applied the “Jesus Model” to ourselves by claiming that it would not be enough just to endure each other as different groups, but we need to cultivate a conscientious effort to always help and encourage the “other” group in keeping their language, and finding a home amongst us.

The next section presents the Model with its twenty practical steps (items) recommended to reach the vision described above. The first eight items contain requirements needed by both language groups. Most important is to endeavor in an intentional way to reach reconciliation in supporting each other, in practicing “agapé” (self-giving) love. Both groups must be willing to walk the extra mile; otherwise they will fall back into competition and self-defensive wars. We agreed that before anything else, even before our Hungarian profile, we want to be the church of Jesus Christ. The ethnic values are God’s dear gifts to us; not only the Hungarian but the English as well. Both should enjoy full support and freedom. At the same time, the Hungarian needs will gradually diminish, and in time, that group will comprise the minority in the church; therefore we ask for a distinct support and respect of the Hungarian values. The church’s most important gathering is the worship service. We suggest that, if possible, there should be separate Hungarian and English worship services; yet similar to each other, and expressing a common spirituality. Let there be songs we both share, occasional bilingual worship services; and the same pastor for both groups, who would serve as a bridge between the different language-speaking parts of the congregation.

As far as other spiritual works are concerned, such as Sunday school, confirmation, Bible study, church organizations, conduct the work in either language, as necessary. Yet, even for a single student it is worthwhile to offer a separate class in Hungarian.

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