Calvin Synod Herald, 2001 (102. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-01-01 / 1-2. szám
6 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD EDITORIAL Rev. Albert W. Kovács, Asst. Ed. Recent news articles eulogizing Tibor Dömötör were carried in local national media of the American Hungarian community, which were very flattering in their praise of a man who was a discordant note among Hungarian Protestants. A self-styled “bishop” of a so-called denomination with just one church, he most certainly was not recognized either as a doctor or minister by the Hungarian Reformed churches’ pastors in America. While the passing of anyone is a loss to family and friends justice and history demand a factual accounting, especially in response to the exaggerated adulation of this controversial figure. It seems that the grandiose monument to be erected for him, as proposed in his funeral brochure, would endeavor to perpetuate his undeserved fame. Perhaps these words will set the record straight and cause someone else to seek out the rest of the story. Chapter I. Many years before he was removed from the roll of ministers by the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, but he continued to act as a minister, without legitimate authorization. He never was elected to high ecclesiastical office by his peers (except perhaps by the small coterie of dissidents with whom he associated). He did not participate in the meetings and functions of the American Hungarian Reformed Ministerial Association with the other pastors. His relationship with Calvin Synod was fraught with contention, especially in the later years. When several ministers were still involved with disciplinary action by the Synod, he granted them a specious “authorization” for ministry in his unrecognized denomination. With his approval and support, one of those dismissed by the Synod attempted to organize a schismatic church, to aggravate his former congregation. At the same time this minister was encouraged by him to interfere with and proselyte among the members of a nearby Hungarian Presbyterian church, served faithfully by one of this Synod’s faithful women ministers. Due to his interference with our churches and his censure by a federal court, the Herald/Lapj a endeavored to cease publication of ads promoting his nursing home, but was threatened by him with legal action. The American Hungarian Reformed Ministerial Association also took action to deny a listing of him and his denomination in the Bethlen Almanac. However, another threat of legal action arose, against the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America which published it, so it was included. The local Ohio newspapers revealed that there were allegations of mishandling money dispensed by the federal government for his nursing home, and he was legally prohibited from further participation in the administration of the home. Chapter II Unfortunately, the book is not yet closed on this distasteful chapter. At the opening of the New Year a letter across our desk serves to perpetuate this anarchial mockery of true Reformed presbyterial government. It declares, “Bishop Domotor appointed me Deputy Bishop many years ago. I will assume the role as acting bishop. (Ed. italics). The letter’s heading and signatures both read, “Reverend Dr. Stephen T. Szilagyi, Acting Bishop”. In our revered presbyterial order, its historic principles cherished and guarded by genuine Reformed churches and ministers, their officers are not appointed in some hierarchiai manner, but are duly elected in regularly called meetings of and by their peers, both elders and ministers participating. Any other procedure is patently out of order among us and the action completely invalid. Further, a perusal of the Yearbook of the United Church of Christ reveals that Rev. Szilagyi is a member and minister of its Western Reserve Association in Ohio Conference. As one of its ministers, holding membership also in one of its churches, he is ineligible for membership and ministerial standing in another denomination, and certainly then no ecclesiastical office in one as he claims to have done “many years ago.” We wonder how this will play out. Chapter III The good apostle Paul challenges division in the church with the reminder, that, “There is one body and one Spirit,... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Eph. 4:4-5) Our churches today face an increasingly anti- Christian climate outside and even more dangerous apostasy inside, among ministers and members. In these difficult times, we cannot afford to tolerate the errors of the past that have perpetuated the division of the Hungarian Reformed churches in this nation. We owe it to our churches’ present membership and their posterity, as true descendants of the great Reformation, to work to develop unity among us and lay the groundwork for eventual union - soon. If not, Why not? If so, When? Lord, bless us with open eyes so we may see how! Now it is time to write anew, but not just another chapter. No, we who are under the guidance of the one Spirit, through the reconciling power of Jesus Christ, are called upon to write a totally new book, about our efforts in the new millennium to unite the Hungarian Reformed churches in the United States. To God be the Glory! / with your personal Round Tuit. \ Guard it with your life. These Tuits have been hard to obtain, especially the round ones. It is an invaluable item. It will enable you to be more efficient. For years people have said “I’ll do this as soon as I get a round to it.” l Now you have a Round Tuit of your very own j \ and many great things / \ should be accomplished. / 'v A Round Tuit in 2001 A.D. / From your Editor Em. y'
