Magyar Egyház, 1961 (40. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1961-05-01 / 5. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9 Se ^(ZittyuC,,, TO OUR NEWLY CONFIRMED YOUNG PEOPLE “Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed.” — 2 Timothy 3:14. During the months of May and June our churches luelcome with joyful hearts the new crop of young members who profess their faith before their respective congregations. While we extend to them a heartfelt welcome, we also exhort them not to forget their confirmation vows, to be faithful and to grow in wisdom and understanding. Newly confirmed members know well that confirmation is an important milestone in their lives. They step out of childhood into spiritual manhood and womanhood; they receive all the rights and privileges of a full member with the exception of the rights of election, as the practical results of their confirmation. For this reason confirmation is often mistaken for graduation, especially since confirmation follows a period of intensive preparation and training-My young friends, confirmation is only the beginning of an adult discipleship with a great many responsibilities as well as rights, which previously were fulfilled by your parents (and godparents). These responsibilities were, or should have been, in full view while you prepared conscientiously for adult church membership. Now that you have the basic knowledge which is a prerequisite for confirmation, you should have a burning desire to learn more about our faith. You may now continue your studies on a more mature level, increase your wisdom and understanding through intelligent discussion in Sunday School sessions and youth meetings, and through your actions manifest your Christian principles. An active participation in the great mission of the Church is of vital importance. Do not increase the rank of “dead wood.” The great Apostle encouraged his beloved Disciple “to continue in what he learned and believed.” As you attest to your faith, it is of foremost importance that you continue your studies, your systematic reading of the Scriptures, your participation in worship add fellowship. This is the minimum. A great deal more is necessary for an active Christian. You must put your faith into action, not necessarily by going into dark Africa, but where it is natural for you and where the need presents itself. Through common effort you may increase your faith and. strengthen your witness in your own home, as well as in your circle of friends. In your own home it is most likely that you have the help of your parents, but among your friends this assignment may not be so easy.often you may come under un-Christian influence. You must counter-balance it. In groups it is often the less educated and the religiously uneducated who lead you astray. Young people are naturally influenced by the crowd. You like to be one of them, you “hate” to be different. But, think, if they can influence you, why couldn’t you influence them? You have a higher standard. Stand up for ívhat you know to be right, for what you believe in. And if you cannot change their ways and you cannot act according to your faith and conscience, perhaps, you do not belong there in the first place. And at a later period, in the not too distant future, you will start serious friendship or courtship with the opposite sex. It is never too soon to be serious about your religion, even if it is only a friendship. Yes, you may decide the faith of your children now! Will you be faithful to Christ and His Church at the time of marriage? Or will you sell the birthright of your children even before they are born?! And finally, regardless of whether you are a boy or a girl, the Church needs leaders and workers of both sexes. Do not think that you are “too old” for Sunday School or youth activities and do not wait until you are “old enough” to be active in the several organizations of your congregation. Christ is looking for you in the eternal present. Will you be faithful by responding to His call? “I will give you the crown of life.” That is God’s promise if you be faithful unto death. He will give you eternal life. Not because you will not stumble or commit errors and sins, no — inspite of these; only because you fought the good fight and kept the faith. To do this you must recharge your faith and spiritual energies from time to time: so — continue in and refresh what you have learned, witness for ívhat you believe in now and at all time. Stephen Szőke. CHANGES IN QUOTA SYSTEM URGED BY NATIONAL CONSULTATION Disciminatory regulations in national quotas governing the admission of immigrants to the United States were sharply criticized in a statement issued by the National Consultation on Immigration Policy in the U.S., held in Washington, D.C. “We are critical and ashamed of the present basis of our quota system,” the delegates declared unanimously, urging its “abandonment or drastic revision.” Several speakers during the two-day sessions had recommended that the system be based on the 1960 census and not that of 1920 as at present. In addition, they said, every effort must be made “to eliminate all racial and regional discrimination in the application of quotas.” The Consultation also expressed its firm conviction that the same standards of jutice applied to native-born Americans should apply to naturalized Americans. Following an opening statement by National Council of Churches President J. Irwin Miller, in which he emphasized the Christian obligation to give others in need “a welcome and a home,” delegates heard three addresses on migration and immigration problems. Speakers were Sen. Kenneth B. Keating (R., N.Y.), Dr. Roswell, P. Barnes, secretary in the U.S. of the World Council of Churches, and Dr. Paul C. Empie, executive director of the National Lutheran Council. Other speakers and panelists included Rep. Francis E. Walter (D„ Pa.), Rep. John V. Lindsay (R., N.Y.), the Hon. John Hanes Jr., former Administrator of the Brueau of Consular and Security Affairs, and the Hon. Felix Schnyder, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This first national consultation on immigration policies was co-sponsored by Church World Service and the Department of International Affairs of the National Council. The Hungarian Reformed Church in America was represented by Bishop Beky who submitted the Church’s suggestions concerning a new immigration law.
