Reformátusok Lapja, 1971 (71. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1971-02-01 / 2. szám
10 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA we must also work in our church to meet the needs of our fellowman. One of the main goals of the Christian churches is to create Christian communities which proclaim the Gospel and live by the teachings of Jesus. By obeying this principle ecumenical relationship between Hungarian Roman Catholics and Protestants is possible in theory. However, this does not exist in practice, because even the Hungarian Reformed churches cannot unite within their own religion. At the present time the Hungarian Reformed churches in America are divided into four groups: 41 churches in the Calvin Synod, (U.C.C.), 25 churches in the Hungarian Reformed Church in America (Független), 21 churches are Presbyterian and 10 churches belong to other American synods. In all probability the United Church of Christ, in which the Calvin Synod is situated will merge with the United Presbyterian Church in 1973. In theory this merger will create a possible union among the majority of Hungarian Reformed Churches. But, to see what happens in practice, we must wait three years. Dispute over title to property is often the greatest stumbling block in the ecumenical cooperation among Protestant churches. There are cities where Christian service would be more effective if two near-by Hungarian churches of common background would unite. There are a few small churches where the congregations would have the opportunity to help people of their own background through sister congregations. This can be done by looking into the future 10—15 years and come to the realization that just as people die so do churches where there are no young people. You know well what happens with the property of a dead person who made no will and had no children or relatives. The state confiscates his belongings. What happens with the property of a Hungarian church not belonging to a Hungarian synod? When the doors are closed and the last ones did not make a will, a non-Hungarian Synod will acquire the property and smile that the stubborn Hungarians forgot about the welfare of their own people. Many Protestant congregations have the right to decide what to do with their property. In the U.C.C., according to the by-laws, the congregations have the right to join other churches and transfer their property. The Presbyteries often help uniting small churches even if the Presbyterian Church has a disadvantage as far as the property is concerned. Here Christian mission is placed over property rights. In the Hungarian Reformed Church in America (Független) the rights of the congregations to their property is similar to that of the Roman Catholic congregations. If the members decide to unite with another church, their property remains with the Synod even if the congregation goes. Most of the Hungarian Roman Catholic Churches are under the direction of the local diocese. Cooperation with the Protestants often depends on the attitude of the local bishop. However, cooperation is possible even in the training of ministers and priests. A Seminary in Rochester, N.Y. (C.R.D.S ) is a good example of this inter-denominational cooperation. We should learn more about each other by visiting different churches. Christ was neither Roman Catholic nor Protestant. The future depends greatly on the present leaders and on their cooperation with each other. At the present time, the Hungarian scout movement (Cserkészet) is providing the best Hungarian reinforcement in America. The young scouts accept each other as brothers and sisters, regardless of their religious affiliations. If their spirit could be transferred to other organizations and even churches then there would be ample replacement for leaders and membership in the churches. Some people seek religious and cultural cooperation with Hungary. Due to the political situation in Hungary, close cooperation would undermine the strength of the politically sensitive Hungarian emigration. Though as Christians we cannot separate ourselves completely from the fate of our homeland, we must realize that our political and religious aims are in total conflict with each other. We are safe to promulgate that as far as the future of the Hungarian churches in America are concerned we can depend only on ourselves. We must make our own resources and realistically figure out the best way to utilize our remaining decades in the service of God and our fellowmen. The leaders and members of our churches can find many meaningful missions, if they try to do their best in applying the Christian principle of love. Paul Kantor Prayer at Eventide I bring Thee now, O God, the parcel of a completed day. For I have wrapped it in my thoughts, tied it with my acts and stored it in the purposes for which I live. As the evening falls and while I seek Thy face in prayer, grant unto me the joy of good friends, the curative power of new interests, the peace of the quiet heart. Bestow upon me, Eternal Spirit, light — as darkness comes — Light not of the sun but of the soul, not for the eye but for the mind. Light by which to judge the errors and the wisdom of the day’s work. Light for the path that the soul must find in the tangled ways of the coming days. And grant Thou again the healing touch of sleep. Amen. Percy Roy Hayward
