Fraternity-Testvériség, 1963 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1963-10-01 / 10. szám
4 FRATERNITY an intangible something. Before, I mentioned the American spirit and the Hungarian spirit. I feel that I have both, but there are times when my Hungarian spirit overwhelms my American spirit. My wife expressed it this way recently. We had gone to a ministers’ meeting in Passaic after six years in the Air Force. When we were leaving the home she said, “You know, we’ve been gone from these people for six years, and I feel as if we had just been gone from them a day.” My wife is a non-Hungarian whose Hungarian spirit has grown over the years. This, then, as I see it, is the sole valid reason for this Association continuing. We receive a spirit here. But just as in any organization, so here, examples must be set, and it has to start from the top and work down. We come to Ligonier to receive a spirit, but this morning at the Communion Service there were only 51 present — 14 women, six children and 12 ministers among them. The recharging of our spiritual batteries should begin with this service, and then perhaps a greater love might prevail throughout the rest of the day. Furthermore, if ministers are not going to exhibit a spirit of unity, then the congregations will not have it either. And I am not speaking of the unity which exists while we’re slapping each other on the back at our parties. We’ve got to have unity in the smoke filled rooms where church policy and church politics are discussed. The layman or presbyter is not a stupid animal which can be goaded anywhere. He looks to his pastor as the shepherd of the flock to guide and lead him. We ministers have got to stop playing religious football and start setting the example. We are all interested in furthering Christ’s cause. If this can best be done in one group such as this, then let’s stop arguing and be together for Him. However, if we can further His cause better by being apart and showing others how great our love is for each other, then let us continue to love each other and work independently. There can be diversity and still be spiritual unity. I feel that the Presbyters’ Association should continue. However, I feel it should examine itself and consider some changes. If it is satisfied with the present arrangement of speeches — fine; but once the Hungarian language goes, it will die. I personally don’t feel that it has to be that way.
