Calvin Synod Herald, 1991 (91. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1991-09-01 / 5. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- 3 -REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA FROM THE PRESIDENT Ultimate Matters by Paul H. Sherry Many years ago, I heard a story about Heinrich Heine, the German poet. He was standing with a friend before the cathedral of Amiens in France. “Tell me, Heinrich”, said his friend, “why can’t people build piles like this anymore?” “My dear friend,” replied Heine, “in those days people had convictions. We moderns have opinions. And it takes more than an opinion to build a Gothic cathedral.” We of the United Church of Christ have opinions about many things. Indeed, we often have differing opinions, sometimes causing us discomfort but also serving to reinvigorate. Heine reminds us that, as important as opinions are, convictions about ultimate matters are far more important. But if we are to retain our God given humanity, if we are to be a faithful church, we dare not lose our convictions about ultimate Gospel matters. Our convictions, as Christian people — that the truth be told, that hungry people be fed, that the afflicted and bereaved find solace, that peace with justice be pursued, that the full humanity of all persons be honored, that the revitalizing hope for the beloved community be renewed and affirmed — these convictions are and will remain the way to our future. General Synod 18 was upon us. Synods are times for many and varied opinions. This one was no different. But I hope that General Synod 18 will also be a time for renewed conviction. In and through the continuing presence of the Suffering One and the Saving One, I pray that lives will be renewed and worlds transformed. BALTIMORE (AP) — Presbyterians on 6-10-1991 rejected a report on human sexuality that would have given the church’s blessing to premarital sex, homosexuality and bisexuality. In an action watched closely by other Protestant denominations, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S. A.) also voted 534-31 to send a letter to its 10,500 churches affirming the sanctity of the marriage bond and past church statements declaring homosexuality to be wrong. LET THERE BE LIGHT! Appropriate message after Und World Convention. — Lamb with the Flag of Victory symbol in the Rose Window of First Church in Cleveland. * LEGYEN VILÁGOSSÁG! Üzen a kép! A II. Magyar Református Világtalálkozó jelképe: a zászlós Bárány. A clevelandi Első Egyházunk Templomának kőrózsa ablakában. “Let it be said that in Baltimore the 203rd General Assembly heard the cry of the church for an assembly that listens to the grass roots,” the assembly said in its letter to churches. A week before the Southern Baptist Convention, in a resolution aimed at the Presbyterian Church, urged all Christians to uphold the biblical standard of human sexuality. Magyar Calvin Synod did the same more than a month before with unanomious voting. Goodbye to New York, Welcome to Cleveland On June 21, staff of the United Church Board of Homeland Ministries gathered at its New York City offices for a Goodbye Day, farewell to the approximately 45 people who will be relocating to Cleveland as the Board transfers all its offices. When the Homeland Board reopened for business on July 8th, it occupied three full floors at 700 Prospect Avenue, making it the building’s largest tenant. Also expected to be settled in Cleveland much of the administrative staff of the United Church Board for World Ministries, and program offices related to education and interpretation for world ministries in the United States. The Pension Boards has two employees in Cleveland but its New York staff will retain their New York offices. A Song — A song for When Walls Come Crum Down — Tune "Austria”by Haydn. Let thy Spirit teach and guide us, Heav’nly Father, gracious Lord; May we be obedient ever Unto thy eternal Word, Taking it to be the Power That delivers us from strife. Finding in it thy dear Promise That affords abundant life! Tho’ the foes of thy dominion Strive their kingdoms to ensure, In our hearts there is assurance That God’s ways alone endure! All the edicts of earth’s tyrants Have their time, then pass away; He who made the hills shall prosper. As shall those beneath his sway! Let the storms of evil ’round us Bring us darkness, cause deep night, Yet our faith shall not be broken, Morn shall dawn with glorious Light! Then all they who in Christ trusted Shall arise to sing the praise Of God’s Son, our true Redeemer, Victor o’er all nights and days! Amen. — F. H. Erdey — Geentown UCC Church Lebanon, Ohio Note: the writer was bom in Hungary, one land which saw “walls come down!” Presbyterians turn down changes on sexuality
