Magyar Egyház, 1998 (77. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1998 / 3. szám
4. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ forward to working together to the greater glory of Christ. He also noted that the Staten Island congregation accepted the services of Mr. Les Martin, who is slowly concluding his second semester studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. He also shared with us that Mr. Stephen Szabó, Chief Elder of the Synod, would celebrate his 20th year of service as lay minister of the Cliffside, NJ congregation. Bishop Forro indicated that in Warrenville, the congregational church life seems to have stopped, since the pastor, Rev. Muzsi is unable to conduct worship services because of his regular job. He also spoke of the congregational life in Rochester, N.Y. where worship services are held. The Council expressed thanks and appreciation to Bishop Forro for his report. Mr. Vanyi, Chief Elder of the New York'Classis reported, that with the election and installation of Rev. Drotos, congregational life seems to have settled down. Church membership loss was minimal if any. Mr. Vanyi also reported that due to his involvement with the New York Church, he was not able to visit the Classis congregations as he planned, but in the near future he would be able to make up his visits. The Council also expressed thanks and appreciation to Mr. Vanyi for his report. Before lunch break, the following committees have been named: Recommendations: Mr. Stephen Szabó, Rev. Imre Bertalan, and Rev. Andor Demeter. Financial: Mr. Anthony Beke, Miss Priscilla Hunyady and Mr. Zolten Ambrus. Nominating Committee: Rev. Stefan M. Torok, Mr. Balint Balogh and Mr. László B. Vanyi. Following the lunch break, we continued the meeting with the report of the Western Classis. The Very Rev. Andor Demeter reported that the mission of the congregations is being fulfilled, duties and obligations are met. The main object of the Classis still remains the same, to care for one another, to care for the congregations, to supply the spiritual needs of the members and fulfill the mission that Christ gave to His church. Dean Demeter also reported on the difficulties in Ontario, California, saying that the California Courts threw out the case against the church this past Wednesday. However, this does not mean that the same individuals may not institute another case against the church. The Council expressed thanks and appreciation to Rev. Demeter for his report. At the conclusion of the Dean’s reports, a report on the status and financial condition of the Magyar Egyház Official Publication was given by Mr. Stephen Szabó. Bishop Forro also requested information on the Youth Conference. Miss Priscilla Hunyady camp coordinator reported first on the financial accounting of last year’s camp as well as on the plans of this year’s camp, which will be held in August. She encouraged each Dean to communicate the importance of youth participation at these conferences. Miss Hunyady was commended for a job well done as our representative and co-camp director and was elected to continue in this capacity in the future. On behalf of the Ministerial Qualifying Committee, the Rev. Imre Bertalan spoke to the Council, emphasizing the need to produce pastors to our congregations who will understand the language of our people, who will associate themselves with the members, yet who will be fully qualified and theologically prepared to bring the word of God to our people. He indicated that these principles would lead the Committee in the future. Bishop Forro requested the Rev. Ambrus Batiz, Ecumenical Secretary to report to the Council of his participations and actions from the many organizations our church is represented. Rev. Batiz summarized his report in that, some of the organizations we associate with are just too liberal and we should consider stepping out from them, while others are unreachable for us because of the distances of their conferences or meetings, that we cannot properly evaluate their work. Rev. Batiz was commended by the Council for his good work. Bishop Forro offered the following recommendations for consideration before the Council which were’ adopted by the Recommendation Committee: 1. The member congregations of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America should support the request of the Vancouver, BC congregation to solicit financial assistance toward the building of their church. Unanimously approved. Further Bishop Forro requested that the Council members to show good faith in this matter to contribute $500.00 toward this cause from the General Fund. This motion was also unanimously passed. 2. Bishop Forro also requested the Council to decide on the organizations where the Hungarian Reformed Church in America will keep membership status: Church Affiliated World Alliance of Reformed Churches, World Council of Churches, The World Alliance of Hungarian Reformed Churches, and Consultative Convent of the Hungarian Reformed Churches. Lay Organizations: The American Hungarian Associations. Unanimously approved. 3. With majority vote the Bishop’s Council adopted that the item of Consultation on Church Union with the Calvin Synod of the United Church of Christ instead of a final vote, would be kept on the agenda as an open item for the future. The Financial Committee approved the report of the treasurer. * * * The Nominating Committee made the following report. 1. Nomination for Bishop: Rt. Rev. Alexander Forro 2. Nomination for Chief Elder: Mr. Stephen Szabó
