Calvin Synod Herald, 1993 (93. évfolyam, 2-6. szám)
1993-09-01 / 5. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- 8 -REFOMÁTÜSOK LAPJA Historic Letter From Across the Ocean and from "Behind the Mountainous Forests" of Transylvania We have often quoted gratifying words from the pens of our brother ministers from Erdély, from Carpatho-Ukraine, and other successor states. Now, our sister publication, "Christian Observer" received a remarkable response. We take joy in pubhshing these lines written to a bi-monthly, which is published by a non-Hungarian denomination and sent to a number of Hungarian churches in Transylvania. "We are enjoying receiving the Christian Ofoserverpublications, regularly; twice a month. Since then, we have been steady readers of your publications. We consider them very substantial, edifying, encouraging, and at the same time, rich in information. We are fully aware what difficulties you have to face each month in order to ensure that Christian Observer publishes... That is why we are deeply impressed that you take a keen interest in our Reformed Churches and congregations in Transylvania. You understand what we eagerly seek for in our restoration work; after 40 years of complete isolation from western culture, our aim is to rebuild links, contacts, and to reintegrate in western culture - to make ourselves (our people, traditions and culture) to be known in your country and to you. Our goal is a constructive interaction with Christians of like faith in the USA, in Europe, and in other countries. For that we need ways for a regular exchange of information and news. In this respect, your publications are wonderful messengers of hope and encouragement. We are oceans apart in thought and action but the gap can be bridged. As concerning our congregation's life in Salonta, we keep up close a friendly relationship with several Reformed congregations in Hungary and Holland and Scotland. Our little town, Salonta, has a population of 20,000 people, Hungarians and Romanians. Seven thousand five hundred people attend regularly the Sunday worship services. We have 750 pupils at the weekly Bible classes held at the schools. Our children also meet at Sunday school activities. Our young Christians have their weekly meetings on Saturdays. We have two choirs, a children’s choir and that of the adults. One hundred twenty children have been confirmed this year, giving evidence of their faith. The Reformed Women's Association began its activity in January. We all try to do our best to take a more and more active part in the life of the members of our congregation, organizing various festive services, activities, meetings. Before closing my letter, I ask you again to help us contact with a Reformed congregation similar to ours. Thank you for your attention. Some other time I shall write more about our life and work. May God’s blessing be with your work and service and for caring about us Reformed people in (Transylvania) Romania." Miklo Ferenc, 3650 Salonta, Str. Cheile, Turzii, Nr. 9 Jud. Bihor Romania Editor's Note: How much more all this goes to congregations of the same "Household of Faith" with Hungarian background?! Presbyterian Church in U.S.A. Elects New Moderator David Lee Dobler, 43, a pastor from Anchorage, AK, was elected moderator of the 1993 General Assembly Church (USA) General Assembly in Orlando, FL. Campaigning on a platform of "Missions, Missions, Missions," Dobler beat out contenders from Kansas and Puerto Rico to win on the third ballot by less than one percent of the votes. One of the youngest moderators ever elected in the PC (USA), Dobler has served the Jewel Lake Parish in Anchorage since 1985. When questioned from the floor on homosexual orientation, Dobbler stated, "The definitive guidance of 1978 was appropriate in both content and form." He continued, "Scripture is clear and consistent.” "We must carry the Bible with one arm and wrap the other around our brothers and sisters...We have to learn and relearn how to disagree and hang on to each other." Homosexual Ordination Ban Stands The court approved plans to conduct a three-year church-wide study and dialogue on issues surrounding homosexual orientation. However, the Assembly also affirmed the current ban on such ordination. By a vote of 396,155 - 7, the Assembly approved a resolution developed by the Representative Committee on Human Sexuality in answer to 20 overtures regarding issues related to homosexual orientation. ye are the salt of the earth; Sut f the suit has lost its savor, zuherezoith shaft it Se salted? It is thence-forth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be throzon under the foot of men.
