Magyar Egyház, 2009 (88. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2009-02-01 / 1. szám
10. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Global Reformed church leaders celebrate Calvin by planning merger The 16th century Reformer, John Calvin, continues to influence the Christian church today. At an historic meeting in Geneva, Switzerland later this month, leaders of two global Reformed church organizations will gather to plan their merger into one worldwide communion of churches. “This move towards unity is a fitting tribute to Calvin by his modem day heirs,” ” says Peter Borgdorff, President of the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC). The meeting of the executive committees of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council marks the first time the two groups have met in the city where Calvin urged the diverse factions of the church to join in “visible unity”. “How appropriate that these meetings should coincide with celebrations of the 500th anniversary in 2009 of John Calvin,” adds WARC’s President, Clifton Kirkpatrick. “It is proof of his enduring legacy for the worldwide church.” A group of 40 leaders from 37 churches will gather at the John Knox Centre (21-31 May) to lay the foundations of an organization which will unite 75 million Reformed church members around the world. Discussions will focus on plans for the merger of the two organizations to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). “We will be looking at ensuring the financial base of the new organization in light of the current financial climate. This means shaping the structure so that we can meet the challenges of today while planning for the future,” says Borgdorff. “The objective,” Kirkpatrick emphasizes, “is sustainability.” The joint executive committee will receive proposals for the staff structure for the WCRC, the location of the organization’s offices and the budget. Programme discussions will include decisions about the future directions of WARC’s flagship initiatives — Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth; Mission; and Theology and Ecumenical Engagement. Reformed church Christians propose sacramental union Representatives of Reformed, United and Presbyterian churches from diverse traditions have voted to form a union which is unprecedented in its inclusiveness and overcomes longstanding divisions among some churches. The executive committees of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC), meeting jointly for the first time last week in Geneva, approved a draft constitution for a new organization to be called the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). Use of the word “communion” implies that member denominations of the new organization will accept the ordination of each others’ clergy and respect the rites of each tradition. The draft constitution for the new organization says “no individual or church may claim precedence or dominance over another.” The move signals a significant step towards unity among Reformed churches which have splintered into separate denomina-The proposal to merge came in February 2006. The organizations’ executive committees approved the proposal at meetings in 2007. In October 2008, WARC and REC affirmed a draft of the constitution and preliminary plans for transition. At the time WARC’s president, Kirkpatrick, hailed the move towards unity between the two organizations as “a very significant moment to witness to the reconciliation we find in Christ.” Decision points on the joint executive committee agenda include approving the programme for the Uniting General Council (UGC) to be held on the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, United States, June 18-28, 2010. UGC programme highlights include plans for a worship service lead by Indigenous peoples at a traditional American Indian meeting place on the banks of the Grand River followed by a Pow Wow (traditional dance). Issues of the rights of Indigenous peoples are expected to be discussed during the UGC. The meeting of the joint executive committees will culminate with committee members participating in a worship service at Cathedral St-Pierre on 31 May to mark the Calvin Jubilee. A copy of the draft agenda for the joint executive committee meetings is available at www.warc.ch (Executive Committee May 2009) World Alliance of Reformed Churches News Release Daily news reports will be posted to WARC’s www.warc.ch (News Releases) To register to receive news releases by e-mail, send a message with “Ex Com News” in subject line to warc@warc.ch ***** The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) brings together 214 churches in 107 countries - united in their commitment to making a difference in a troubled world. The WARC general secretary is Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. WARC's secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland. tions over the years since the Protestant Reformation was launched in 16th century Europe. “The decision is in line with John Calvin’s commitment to Christian unity,” says Setri Nyomi, WARC’s General Secretary referring to the early church reformer. “It signals that Reformed churches today are ready to do their part.” The draft constitution will be presented for approval by delegates of the two organizations at the Uniting General Council to be held in Grand Rapids, United States in June 2010. REC’s president, Peter Borgdorff, who led the process of drafting the constitution, declared it an important signal that Reformed churches are “seeking to overcome their divisions and come together as one body in the tradition of Biblical teachings which describe the Christian church as one body made of many parts.” Other decisions made by the joint executive committees on the final day of meetings, Friday 30 May, included approval of a proposed new programme and staff structure, elimination of the current budget deficit by 2011, and a draft budget for the new organization, subject to approval at the June 2010 general assembly.
