Calvin Synod Herald, 1999 (99. évfolyam, 2-4. szám - 100. évfolyam, 9-12. szám)
1999-07-01 / 4. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- 5 -AMERIKAI MAGYAR REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA BISHOP'S REPORT 1999 Continued from Page 4 and either justify or nullify such actions according to the UCC and CS Constitution and by-laws. Either way, we still must assess our relationship with the denomination on account of the aforementioned topics that have caused division and separation among local church members and prompted many congregations to pull out of the UCC. It is time for the Calvin Synod to clarify its relationship to the church autonomy paragraph 15 in the UCC Constitution and by-laws and its binding or non-binding application to our churches. If it’s binding, we become nothing more than a loose federation of churches, disjointed body parts without accountability to one another, and we can all act like Israel at the time of the Judges where “every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges17:5,18:1,19:1). If it is non-binding because of inherent historical and ecclesiastical structures, then we can maintain our Synod-Presbyterian system and act as one construct for church leadership (John 21:15-16; Acts 6:1-7, Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 12:28). It’s time to resolve and put this identity and authority issue behind us and concentrate on the work and commission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ. ARCHIVES Part and parcel of our living identity is the historical Reformed Church archives collection encompassing documents, books and publications. The Calvin Synod opposed and still opposes the relocation of these materials to the American Hungarian Foundation’s museum in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The move has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and mistrust about our relationship to people and organizations we hold dear to our hearts. Certainly our Reformed presence in Ligonier, PA has been diminished; hopefully not beyond repair. But, particularly in the light of a new initiative to expand the physical plant of the Bethlen Home “to provide a retreat and conference center..”, it begs the question; why was the archive collection regarded as an orphan child and sent off to a foster home? Why could there be no room created at the site which every Hungarian Reformed church member regards as their spiritual home in America? Is it because the religious and spiritual aspect of our collective identity is not valuable anymore but easily jettisoned for the sake of convenience without any regard to consequences? The Calvin Synod was permitted to reclaim fifteen boxes of materials from a prepared list in which we laid claim to a greater portion of the original collection. These are housed at the Hungarian Reformed Church in Pittsburgh, PA. As a result of moving the archives, the Conference Council met with members of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, the Bethlen Home and the Strategic Planning Committee this past March, where we aired our anguish and concerns, and sought answers to our future relationship with both organizations. The meeting was cordial and conciliatory with promises of better cooperation in the future. The archives move has raised questions in our minds about the Reformed identity of the HFRA. Is it simply a moniker indicated some loose affiliation to our churches or does it have more than an historic connection behind it? Are they truly one of us or simply a business working at cross-purposes to the mission of the church? Does the one who holds the “purse-string" so easily forget its roots, the purpose for its existence, its obligations to the Reformed people who gave it birth, and nurture, support and sustain it? Does it exist for itself or for its constituency? In an attempt of reconciliation, the HFRA has dedicated a page in their Fraternity publication for church-related news. Hopefully, this is not based on appeasement but upon a genuine effort to rebuild our strained relations for the benefit of our churches and the Federation. Therefore, let me encourage our pastors and churches to submit articles of interest for wider distribution. Another issue that has become a bone of contention is the chaplaincy at the Bethlen Home. Although recent efforts have recognized the need and importance of involving and garnering church input and direction, we were left out of the process of recommending and choosing individuals for the position. We would much appreciate participating in the selection process to help avoid decisions based on internal politics and personality differences. CHAPLAINCY IN DEBRECEN, HUNGARY A Reformed Chaplaincy program has been started on the campus of Kossuth Lajos University, in Debrecen, Hungary, by Dr. James Findlay, Professor of History at the University of Rhode Island. Other Conferences of the United Church of Christ are supportive of the project and ask for the Calvin Synod’s involvement as well. We are requested to provide 4-6 thousand dollars per year for three years. The idea is sound and the need is great. The question is whether we would back the initiative and provide the necessary resources. I encourage our Synod and churches to help fund the project. The program is slated to begin operating in the Fall semester of 1999. It is truly good news that some of our United Church of Christ brethren awakened to the potential and possibilities for strengthening the Reformed witness among the impressionable and searching youth of Hungary. I look forward to closer work with the proponents of this effort. CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Szabó has been requesting to be replaced as editor of our Synod paper. In his advanced age the task is too much to bear. On behalf of the entire Calvin Synod, I thank him for the great, conscientious and meticulous effort he expended in managing and editing the paper, and for soliciting additional financial support from the wider Hungarian community. Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz, Bishop Emeritus, has volunteered to assume the responsibilities of the editorship. The printing and mailing will continue to be done in Ohio. Rev. Albert Kovács also volunteered to collate materials. We thank them for their willingness to assume these responsibilities. YOUTH CAMP Rev. Zoltán Süttö has volunteered to be the new summer Youth Camp Di- Continued on Page 5
