Magyar Egyház, 1965 (44. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
1965-10-01 / 10. szám
10 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ MAGYAR CHURCH Renewed Confidence Renewed confidence in the future of the American- Hungarian Reformed Churches: this was the induced spirit of the 20th Annual Conference of the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyters Association, held on Labor Day weekend, September 5th and 6th, in Ligonier, Pa. The momentum of this spirit was so great, so real and so much alive that it swept through all the remaining meetings in Ligonier for the rest of the week. Confidence, co-operation, and togetherness echoed from every corner, terminating in the adoption of the six point resolution recommended by the Eastern Section meeting held on August 21, 1965 and presented to the National Conference by the Vice-President (for the Eastern Section) John C. Nemesnyik. Resolution 1. We profess our unshakable faith in the Hungarian Reformed tradition and heritage to the extent that we should endeavor to retain it and share it with others in our community. 2. The Hungarian Reformed Presbyters Association should commission the writing of a paper on “Our Hungarian Reformed TraditionandHeritage.” 3. We should endeavor to inculcate a greater spirit of cooperation and communication amongst all Churches of Hungarian Reformed background. 4. We feel that organic union of Hungarian Reformed Churches is necessary in order to maintain our heritage and to render greater service and contribution in the future. Therefore, we recommend that laymen and ministers unite in an all-out effort to make organic union a reality in the near future. 5. We recommend that each section Vice-President form his own Committee and visit Elders’ meetings of other Churches in his section throughout the year, to implement the resolutions of the National Meeting held in Ligonier. 6. We recommend that the above points, if accepted by the National Meeting together with any other resolution passed by the National Meeting, be presented immediately to the coming National Minister’s Meeting for their consideration and comments. Highlighting the Conference in this spirit of cooperation and togetherness (which can be considered a first positive step toward unity and assurance of our future) was the report by the Rev. Joseph Kecskeméthy, secretary of the Hungarian Reformed Federation on “Our Youth Camp.” His eloquently presented report gave assurance that the Hungarian Reformed Federation, together with the Hungarian Reformed church bodies are taking immediate steps to create a Youth Camp at Ligonier, Pa. It will provide a place where “all” the youth from all “the Hungarian Reformed Churches can learn, work and play together.” This report and its intent were unanimously adopted by the Conference. The meeting included an inspiring and informative discussion on “The Elder and the Minister.” The topic was introduced by the Rev. Dr. Aladár Komjáthy, (Passaic. N.J.), and Dr. Sándor Kiss, chief elder of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. Constructive comments were made among others by Stephen Lippoczky (S. Norwalk, Conn.), Sándor Csik, Rev. Alexander Daróczy, John Szabó (Passaic), Ernest Szucs (Cleveland), Dr. Stephen Haller, Rev. Gyula Paal, László Eszenyi, Charles Kiss, Sándor Dombrády (Detroit). The discussion led to the realization that unavoidable circumstances of the past created practices which no longer should exist. • The Minister should devote his time and energy to the ministry and not burden himself with tasks that others can and should do. The Minister should take close to his heart the teaching of his people. The Minister should be ready and willing to divorce himself from things which do not add to his ministry. • The Elder must assume the full responsibility of eldership. Aside from maintaining a church in it physical aspect, the Elder must teach and aid his pastor in his ministry. The elders must recognize the needs of their ministers and provide accordingly. Recognition must be made of the fact that the Minister and the Elder are not the servants of the people, but servants of God. • The time has come when most of our Churches can have and should have ministerial aids in the services of Assistant Pastors, trained Directors of Christian Education, qualified youth leaders, and Choir Directors, etc. We should endeavor to elect men as elders who fully understand and appreciate the responsibility of eldership. Serious consideration should be given to a training program for elders. 9 Ministers and Elders should strive to retain the high perspective of ministry in the Hungarian Reformed tradition. The greetings of the congregations and elders of the Reformed Church of Hungary were conveyed by the distinguished Chief Elder of the Cistibiscan District, Professor Dr. Kálmán Ujszászy. In his message he revealed what it means to be an elder today in the Reformed Church in Hungary, what it means to retain the Hungarian Reformed faith amidst the challenges and difficulties and changes of our time. On the recommendation of the President, Joseph Benedek, the meeting voted to suspend with the usual appointment of a Resolution Committee and accepted for discussion the six point recommendation of the Eastern Section. Many delegates responded to the discussion in favor of accepting the six points in the form of a resolution. In a moving speech supporting the resolution Elder John Szabó (Passaic, N.J.) said that “there are no problems too great in communication, cooperation and union which cannot be overcome if we attack these problems in a true Hungarian Reformed Christian spirit.” A.K.
