Magyar Egyház, 1957 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1957-12-01 / 12. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 15 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES by the Rev. Charles A. Darocy Here in the United States the various Protestant and Orthodox denominations work unitedly through the National Council of Churches of Christ. The Council is just what its name implies: not a super-church, but rather an organization of churches working together to attain their objectives. It is imperative that Protestant cooperation be achieved. Especially in state and national affairs we all realize the validity of the claim that a united Protestantism can achieve far more than the denominations working alone. When matter of legislation involving the churches are brought before the public, invariably we wonder how our local church can do anything. And by itself it usually cannot. But in fellowship with others of like mind its voice can really be heard. The growing power of the papal church in our land makes it imperative that we seek means of presenting the Protestant views on a multitude of subjects. Our very inability at times to clearly express our position has led to failure in matters vital to our continued success in community life. The National Council therefore fulfils a vital role in serving as spokesman for Protestantism. This alone would make it worthwhile to have this organization in existence. But there is a far more vital task before us. Protestantism is never to be thought of as a purely negative force, its positive values must be presented in a manner that is appealing and attractive. The Council serves thus as an agency for winning our nation’s millions of unchurched people to a new relationship to God. The Council, on a national and international level, constantly reminds men of the tremendous role of evangelical Christianity in American life. It leads meetings of people of varied backgrounds, always seeking to exemplify in its life and work the Savior it serves. The denominations which participate in the Council do not lose their freedom of action. They are not told what to do or what not to do. They are however, given the opportunity of sharing in all the advantages of a great organization and are enabled to make their unique witness through democratic assemblies. The Council does not take the place of the churches, it serves them as an agency of cooperative Christianity. For the crises that arise in American life the Council is always prepared. Its agency, the Church World Service, has long worked among our Magyar friends in exile. The refugees were aided largely by this great international organization which was able to serve on a large scale when its services were most needed. Our loyalty to the cause of Christ is furthered by participation in its work and fellowship. Our role in responsible Christian service in enhanced when we, with millions of our fellow Protestants, join in this great enterprise of faith. The National Council deserves our support and its activities need our cooperation. WHAT IS THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES AND WHAT DOES IT DO? What Is the National Council of Churches? A fellowship of thirty four nationwide churches, with more than 40,000,000 members, that desire to cooperate in all their common tasks. It is a practical expression of the unity of spirit and purpose which Christian people have because of their common loyalty to Christ, even though they belong to different denominations. The Council is not something apart from the churches but the churches themselves doing together those things which can be better done unitedly than separately. Why Is the Council Important? Because co-operation among the churches is necessary to meet the moral and spiritual crisis of our time. The Council is the means of effecting a united rallying of Christian forces, a united planning in all areas of Christian activity, and a united Christian impact upon the life of the nation and the world. This process of mutual reinforcement strengthens each church in the Council. What Churches Belong to the Council? Thirty four national denominations, representing most of the major historic bodies of American Christianity, except the Roman Catholic. These include Baptists, Brethren, Congregationalists, Disciples, Eastern Orthodox, Evangelical United Brethren, Lutheran, Methodists, Moravians, Presbyterians, Reformed, and others. How Was the Council Created? Directly by the churches themselves. It came into being in 1950. After many years of increasing co-operation in various activities through thirteen interdenominational agencies, the denominations now transferred their co-operative work to one agency — the National Council — representing the interests of all. What Is the Spiritual Center of the Council? Faith in Jesus Christ as Divine Lord and Savior. This recognition of the Deity and Lordship of Christ is imbedded in the constitution of the Council. Doctrinal formulations are outside the province of the Council since each communion reserves these to itself. The Council simply takes its stand upon the common ground of the historic Christian convictions held by the cooperating churches.
