Calvin Synod Herald, 1988 (88. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1988 / 1. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 6-REFORMATUSOK LAPJA their values to the end of raising the moral level of society, of enriching its cultural life and of taking part with their activity in the work of performing our tasks to solve our economic, social, cultural and moral problems in the service of our common interests.” Budapest - On December 28, 1987, a live half-hour radio program on Hungarian Radio was held with the listeners invited to make comments or address questions to a panel composed of Secretary of State Imre Miklós, (president of the State Office for Church Affairs), Bishop Elemer Kocsis of the Reformed Church, Chief Rabbi Alfred Schoner of the National Council of Rabbis of the Hungarian Israelites, Bishop József Cserháti of the Roman Catholic Church and President József Szakács of the Council of Hungarian Free Churches. Playing a prominant place in the telephone calls were reaction to the nationally televised Midnight Mass Christmas vigil and the discussions in Parliament concerning increased recognition of and participation by the churches in the goals of the government. Among the topics discussed were the idea of worship services on television, the problem of religious instruction in the congregations, and concern about occurences of anti-semitism. Budapest - On January 8, 1988, Dr. Fanning, senior minister of Trinity Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas, visited Budapest and presented the leaders of the Baptist Church with a check for $90,000.00 to help in the construction of a new Baptist Theological Seminary in Budapest. In addition, he presented them with $2,500.00 to help underwrite the cost of the Baptist Youth choirs travel to Scotland to attend the 1988 youth conference there. Hungarian Church Press The Reformed Church in Hungary 1987 Synodical Council On December 3rd and 4th of 1987 the Synodical Council of the Reformed Church in Hungary met to review the activity of the last four years. Evidence of the role of the church in Hungarian society today was emphasized by topics which were deemed appropriate and on the agenda for this church conference. Amongst them, reflections on social and political trends in Hungary. "Everybody agrees that socialism today, both in our country and in the other socialist countries, is facing a new period of practice and theory," said Bishop Dr. Karoly Toth, president of the synod, "and that the conditions for the ideological activity of the Marxist parties have essentially changed. This, in fact, means that the era of a monolithic ideological unity is gone for ever, and that an atmosphere of tolerance is developing.” "We are headed toward the full recognition of ideological and social pluralism," continued the bishop, and he went on to say that Hungary has been a pioneer among socialist countries in this area. Part of this "new” role of the church in a pluralistic society is the possibility of service by the church in mission work related to alcoholics, “drifting” youth, telephone counseling, care for the blind and deaf, and with Gypsies. Bishop Toth also reflected on the state of the Church, and noted that membership is shrinking. He made two observations concerning congregations; first, that “consciousness of faith in our church members has grown weaker”, and that “hardly any congregations in our church (are) without recent construction programs... reconstruction programs... (or) building of new churches". The problem of "sects” within the Reformed church was also addressed, a direction of religious enthusiasm which seems to be "growing” in Hungary. Also on the agenda: a 25% increase in "contributions” from local churches to support The Reformed Church, in response to the effects of inflation, which will be used to cover the increased cost of the church schools and institutions, and to give a long-overdue raise to staff. The Reformed Church is also looking into the possibility of establishing a new secondary school (high school) in Hungary, but this will depend on funding and the support of local congregations. Hungarian Church Press ATTENTION MINISTERS 1987 Income Tax Guide The Minister's Guide for 1987 Income Tax was mailed by the United Church of Christ Stewardship Council in January. If you didn’t receive a copy, call United Church Resources, 1-800-325-7061. One Great Hour of Sharing United Church of Christ congregations around the country will celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing on Sunday, March 13. This all-church offering provides immediate aid for victims of disaster in the United States and overseas, help for refugees, social services for persons overseas, and development assistance in many countries. If we are to truly be "Partners in God’s New Creation,” we must share what is ours. Please share generously this year during One Great Hour of Sharing.
