Sárospataki Füzetek 21. (2017)
2017 / 2. szám - RESEARCH PAPERS-FORSCHUNGSMATERIALIEN - Pándy-Szekeres Dávid: Elements of a triangular relationship: the presbyterian church in canada, ethnic Hungarian congregations of the presbyterian curch in canada and the reformed church of hungary
Dávid Pándy-Szekeres Report on the persecuted situation of the Hungarian minority in Rumania, the refuge situation in Hungary, an estimated 40,000 having arrived by the end of 1988. WCC makes appeal for support for these refugees, PWS&D contributes [$2000] as well as Hungarian communities in Canada. “In the light of our particular ties of fellowship with the Reformed churches in Hungary and Rumania and the natural concerns of the many Canadian Presbyterians of Hungarian origin, we make the following recommendations:” Recommendation 17 (adopted) That the government of Canada be asked to protest in the strongest terms the well-documented repressive policies of the Rumanian government in relation to political expression, religious freedom and discrimination against ethnic minorities. Recommendation 18 (adopted) That the PWS&D Committee be asked to monitor the needs of the Hungarian churches as they care for the refugees, with a view to drawing their needs to the attention of Canadian congregations as seems necessary. 1991 Report on the situation in Eastern Europe, [last paragraph:] The enormous changes in Eastern Europe present new opportunities and challenges for the churches. There are many signs of religious renewal across the whole area. But the churches may also have an important public role to play. Because of their good nationalist credentials, the churches are in a position to play an important mediating and reconciling role in the midst of the divisions of the newly emerging Eastern Europe. This is a situation where a genuine ecumenism might be an important influence for peace and justice. Recommendation 6 (adopted) That members, congregations and church courts be urged to strengthen their ties with the Christian churches of central and eastern Europe. Recommendation 7 (adopted) [second half:] that the government of Canada be asked to convey to the government of Rumania the continued concern for the security and freedom of the ethnic and religious minorities within Rumania. Recommendation 8 (adopted) That churches of central and eastern Europe be assured of our prayerful support as they work for the peace and reconciliation in a difficult time of transition; and that Bishop Tőkés and Bishop Csiha of the Reformed Church in Romania be sent a message of encouragement and fellowship. 1992 Report on situation, economic hardships, etc. [paragraph:] At the same time the churches of eastern Europe are experiencing a remarkable re-awakening, after 1989 184 Sárospataki Füzetek 21, 2017-2
