Reformátusok Lapja, 1959 (59. évfolyam, 1-22. szám)
1959-07-01 / 13. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 17 Hungarian Reformed Church, which endured great suffering against almost insurmountable odds, that the dynamic and vital will to witness, certainly will not permit the education of the youth of Magyar churches in that tradition to be overlooked on the college level. Still another Hungarian department will be established on the college and university level. Thus an appreciation of that Hungarian Protestant tradition be available through the language to American youth of Hungarian ancestry as well as to other American college students. August J. Molnár our Professor at Elmhurst, 111. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT of the Eastern Classis of the Magyar Synod We in the Eastern Classis of the Magyar Synod believe in destiny. We are convinced that it was not by chance that the mother church had given over her charge to the Reformed Church in the U. S. A. with love and care. We believe that we were destined to become members of a wonderful fellowship as comprised by the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and the United Church of Christ. This feeling of security, of belonging in the Household of God, gives us much to be thankful for. We feel at home! The words of Paul gain added significance as it comes to pass in the life of the churches in our classis and synod: “Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Yet as we rejoice and give thanks to God, we wonder and ponder as to what lies ahead. We have no apology for the past. It speaks for itself. Much has been accomplished, more could have been done. Yet, humbly we can say: “We have felt the hand of God . . . and with His touch our hearts throbbed to the tempo of His call, and we, the small, the lowly, the insignificant, became the DAVIDS to conquer the GOLIATHS of indifference and hate.” We have blended together our sacred heritage and the tradition of the Ev. and Ref. Church, and have emerged to the point, if given the opportunity, of being in a position to enrich and strengthen the United Church of Christ. I feel that the Magyar Synod was called into existence for such a time as this. It would be difficult for us to think of the plight of some of the refugees, if it were not for the pastors of the Magyar Synod. God in His infinite wisdom ordained the Magyar Synod to exist so that when the time was ripe, He was able to say, “these, too, are my people”, your flesh and your blood; stretch forth your hand and welcome them as a brother. I am writing this report in English to show my brethren that our right to exist (as a Magyar Synod) is not bound by our limitation of the English language, but rather that our problems and even our aims may, in som respects, be different than that of other synods. Where else can you find the same situation — a group of people composed of four generations, the first and the last speaking only the Hungarian language? Because of our peculiar situation, our problems are many, and the understanding and cooperation of the General Council is most needed. We are most fortunate in having a true man of God, Dr. James E. Wagner, as president of the Church. His understanding, concern and love of our people assure him that his name will be inscribed in indelible ink in the annals of the people of the Magyar Synod. Yet, to be true to ourselves, we have to observe that help comes too late! I would commit a sin of omission if I would not mention my sorrow that I cannot give a report of our Miami church. It had been my pleasure to represent the Classis and Synod at a consistory meeting in Miami. The tribute given, the praise and love for the Magyar Synod extolled, makes one wonder at their sanity to think that the same church, the same consistory could change their tune to the extent of wishing to dissolve their relationship with the Magyar Synod, and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. The only comparison that comes to mind is the tumult of the Palm Sunday crowd of coronation to the sordid stupidness of crucifixion. Yet, it is not only sorrow that fills our hearts . . . there is so much to be thankful for — the concern and love of our beloved president, Rev. Stephen Bessemer. The wise decision of the General Council to send Rev. Bessemer to Europe, and his guidance and concern of the last four years have been of immeasurable value. For all these we are eternally grateful. So as we reflect, ponder and hope . . . our limitedness comes into focus, for we could have done so much more for the work and the glory of our risen Lord. It is with determination and faith that we surge ahead in the hope that we will be found faithful to the duties set before us. MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN CLASSIS Bethlehem, Bridgeport, Coatesville, Fairfield, Miami, New York, Passaic, Perth Amboy, Rossville, South Norwalk, Trenton, Wallingford, Woodbridge
