Magyar Egyház, 1975 (54. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1975-04-01 / 4. szám
8 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Reformed Federation of America, a fraternal organization that has supported an orphange and a home for the aged; less well-known but equally important is its service as sponsor or co-sponsor of many educational and cultural undertakings during its long and distinguished service since 1896. As partial recognition of the role played by the Church and its leaders, György Borshy Kerekes has served and Dr. Zoltán Beky is currently serving as the elected president of this fraternal organization. In addition, Sándor Daroczy has served and Lajos Nagy is currently serving as superintendent of the Bethlen Home. Individual churches within our denomination also have undertaken major projects whose services extend beyond their own members. The Church in Miami, Florida has constructed apartments for those who wish to live near a social and cultural center affiliated with their Church. In Akron, Ohio, the Church has provided both money and leadership for the construction and operation of The Lorantffy Care Center, a home for the aging. The Ontario, California Church has sponsored Freedom Park, a residential -community. In these fifty years, the Church can look back to great material accumulation and the use of its assets to provide greater service to its members and all those in need. During our first half century, we have not only made progress as a denomination but have tried continuously to restore the unity of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. As early as 1929, the Western Classis, in a formal document, stated that the solution to the problem of division in the Hungarian Reformed groups in America was a reunion under the two creeds of The Reformed Church of Hungary, namely, “The Heidelberg Catechism” and “The Second Helvetic Confession.” It went on to propose that such a union should be a self-governing, self-supporting, independent denomination based on a church structure similar to one that existed in Hungary. The hope for this union rises periodically like flames in a fire, only to be extinguished leaving behind ashes of another failure at agreement. The idea of union, however, is ever-present and, hopefully, the current discussions will move us in that direction. Those congregations that join us will have had their freedom restored. They shall regain full control over their material possessions. Since we already share a common creed, there will be no need for changes. Since Árpád György served as president of the Calvin Synod of the United Church of Christ, we have entered into a new era of brotherhood. This has continued under the presidency of Dr. Janos Butoei and Bishop Arpad Beretz. While keeping our independence, we can achieve maximum cooperation in church and missionary activities. There has never been an era of better relations than exist today between these two denominations. Let us hope that they shall ever remain so. Let us also make use of the best opportunity we have ever had toward reunion. Let us give thanks to God for our many blessings over this past half century. Let our past and present leaders be blessed. Let all our members be blessed a thousand-fold for their perseverance. We recognize that God’s spirit was made manifest in our members’ sacrifice, endurance and faith that made this denomination a living reality. Let us remember those who served and passed on. Let us embrace as true brothers those who have walked the long road of service and are still with us. Let us ask God’s blessing on those who will follow us so that they shall not only take over to preserve the inheritance that their forebearers struggled to create but shall go on to add their faithful stewardship to God-given talents. The official Coat of Arms of The Hungarian Reformed Church In America. “Arte et marté dimicandum. . .”
