Magyar Egyház, 1957 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1957-08-01 / 8-9. szám
10 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ “It is now exactly 20 years ago that definite shape was given to the plan to form a World Council of Churches. In July, 1937, the so-called Committee of Thirty-five met at Westfield College in England and worked out the first concrete blueprint for the council,” Dr. Visser’t Hooft told the committee in his annual report. However, he continued, “to remind ourselves of these beginnings is not merely to glance backward, but to realize that the men and women of 1937 had grasped a deep truth about the ecumenical movement. It is the truth that there is no true unity without renewal, that the unity which we seek in the World Council is unity which manifests the wholeness and integrity of the Church.” Dr. Visser’t Hooft pointed out that there are many activities of the council which seem to have little direct relation to the main purpose for which it exists — the furthering of the unity of the Church. “From the point of view of Faith and Order it can be asked whether the concern for unity has now become only one among a large number of concerns of the WCC.” Insisting that it is important for this question to be studied carefully, Dr. Visser’t Hooft added that “we may and must hope that, as the churches help each other to become more truly and more purely the Church of Christ, they will inevitably also be led to take definite steps toward the full manifestation of its unity.” Looking back to the Suez and Hungarian crises, Dr. Visser’t Hooft outlined the main concern of the WCC when it deals with an international situation, citing three points: Does the crisis involve fundamental issues of international relations on which the WCC member churches have spoken and of which they should be reminded? How can best help, spiritually and materially, the members of our fellowship involved in the crisis? What should be done to ensure that this crisis does not weaken the fellowship between Christians? “Each crisis offers a specific opportunity for an expression of true Christian solidarity. Thus the Hungarian tragedy has become an occasion for a more widespread expression of concern and solidarity through sacraficial giving than we have yet had at any time in the history of the inter-church aid work of our council,” Dr. Visser’t Hooft told the committee. The Central Committee sent a fraternal message to Professor László Pap, former dean of the Reformed Theological Seminary, in Budapest, expressing hope that he will be able to participate in future meetings. The chairman of the Central Committee, Dr. Fry, recalled how the Executive Committee had expressed “the hope and expectation that the question of leadership of the Hungarian Reformed Church would be solved in such a manner that leaders will have the full confidence of their congregations.” (E.P.S.) SCRIPTURES FOR HUNGARIAN REFUGEES Hungarian refugees will receive a copy of the Scriptures in their own language in the country where they settle. The United Bible Societies in London have announced that all the Bible Societies in countries where Hungarians are being received have arranged to provide the Bibles. Several societies are giving money to produce the Scriptures in countries where the Bible societies are not self-supporting. The Bible societies in each country will see that available supplies are distributed equitably. E.P.S., Geneva WORLD WIDE COMMUNION by the Rev. Charles A. Darocy On the first Sunday of October thousands of Christian congregations throughout the entire world will join at the Table of Grace. What a colorful scene this will present. In far off India native believers will kneel at altars festively decorated. In our own United States Christians from many denominations, celebrating the Holy Communion in many ways, will be one in the fact of their gathering at one time to commemorate the life and death and resurrection of the Prince of Peace. It is especially important to remember that as our modern world is made into one community, for better or worse by fast communications and diplomatic alliances the Church of Christ must regain its unity or perish. No one believes it possible that the differences that separate us are insurmountable. By the same token no one believes that these differences can be resolved by immediate action. But all who are sincere in professing faith in Him who called upon his followers to be one cannot but rejoice at the prospect of our making this united pledge of allegiance to our heavenly founder. As congregations of the Magyar Reformed Church this year join unitedly in this worldwide effort we call upon our people to gather in praying for the Church wherever it may be. Especially do we remember our brethren behind the Iron Curtain and the many millions throughout the world. May they, with us, realize this day the vast power of the Spirit of God without whose presence our worship becomes of no avail. When the bread is broken and the wine is poured out, we share in the mystery of the Incarnation of God. This revalation of the presence of Jesus Christ with his people cannot but move us to gladly accept whatever responsibility the Almighty will lay upon our shoulders. The world badly needs our great Redeemer, our prayer and service together cannot but impress the pagan world about us of our sincerity and love for all mankind. We fill our churches on Easter Day and Christmas. Let us consider the occasion of World Wide Communion a red letter day, for on this day we remember anew that the work of Christ extends to all nations and all peoples. As His witnesses we gather in humility to receive the blessing given freely unto them who live and serve Christ, through whom all believers are one family of faith.
