Calvin Synod Herald, 2005 (106. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2005-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 7 However, with the 1934 merger of the Reformed Church and the Evangelical Synod of North America, most Hungarian churches were aligned into a new Magyar Synod, a few opting to stay in the area Synods. In the later years of the E&R church, the issue came up again. As many German heritage churches became more Americanized, the denomination dropped its subsidy of the German language magazine, and the Hungarian. They pushed for the extinction of Magyar Synod as well. But the Hungarians had come across the pond 50 to 150 years later, and the language was still significant in singing the songs of Zion. With the 1956 revolt in Hungary resulting in an influx of new Hungarian émigrés, and with later escapees, the churches became the center of new lives in the New World. Still others came by dribs and drabs, and also a number of ministers fluent in both languages (young and intelligent, they picked up English skills quickly - and who with American accents from the deep South, down East, Harlem or Joisey can fault the Hungarian accent?). Nevertheless the theme is repeated, they must be assimilated! A number of years ago the possibility of restructuring the Synod to include Biblical Witness Fellowship churches, and perhaps others, was seriously and prayerfully considered. At that time, Calvin Synod refrained as it endeavored to respect the familial ties that bind the UCC churches in covenant. But with insulting disregard, several Calvin Synod churches were lured away and absorbed, without its permission, by other conferences. Increasingly, as the years have passed, Calvin Synod has suffered the onus of disrespect in other ways (even General Synod ‘97 apologized on the floor for General Synod ‘95’s unkind treatment of Calvin Synod’s delegates), and its perspectives have been ignored. The Synod and BWF are in considerable agreement on important issues addressed by the churches. There are numerous other congregations and members who stand with the Synod on refusal to recognize same-sex unions, or to ordain and install ministers and lay officers who are not celibate singles or faithful in marriage. It is because the UCC persistently funds activities for undesirable programs, in support of such as these, that OCWM support is sent by only one or two congregations on their own initiative. The rest want no part of it, meeting real needs elsewhere. The most important reason Calvin Synod insists upon its continuation is theological. The UCC has abandoned its confessional heritage in all but name, while the Synod stands firmly on its Reformation heritage. During the years of Counter- Reformation, Muslim rule and massacre, Habsburg persecution, Nazi terror and Communist oppression, the Hungarian Reformed Church throughout Europe drew upon its confessional heritage as a bastion of strength, a source of solace, unity and God’s grace. While other walls collapsed, the Church stood strong - and survived the years of chaos. Calvin Synod is unwilling to give up this powerful faith for the whims and fads of the day that have tarnished the United Church of Christ Rev. Albert W. Kovács Bible Witness Fellowship Calls for Unity after Synod Dear Concerned Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Many of you have contacted us in the aftermath of Synod about the future direction of your church. We are encouraging everyone to join with us in a first step toward wherever the Holy Spirit is taking us next. Several churches in North Carolina j oined together immediately following Synod and issued the “Lexington Confession.” We are strongly urging everyone to sign on to the “Lexington Confession” as a vital first step in coming together. We are confident that as we realize our unity in Christ on a nationwide basis the Holy Spirit will continue to lead us. You can sign on to the “Lexington Confession by taking a copy of the Lexington Confession to your local Church leadership and ask them to vote to support it either by Congregational meeting or by Consistory Meeting as your local Church government allows. If your Church formally supports it please notify the Southern Conference Renewal Group by August 31 or soon after. The goal is to list every UCC church across the nation that supports it on the website. The Confession is enclosed and can also be found at: www. southemconrenew.org. Email your church affirmation to: Rev. John Roberts, pastor at Hedrick’s Grove UCC in Lexington, North Carolina, at jdroberts@lexcominc.net AND to Rev. Bob Thompson, pastor at Corinth UCC in Hickory, NC at pastor@crucc..org. Please include the correct name of your church, address, telephone number and website to facilitate networking and to help people in your area find you. You can also send the information to Rev. John Roberts, Hedrick’s Grove UCC, 3840 Allred Road, Lexington, North Carolina 27292. Yours in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, Rev. David Runnion-Bareford Executive Director, Biblical Witness Fellowship PO Box 102 Candia, NH 03034 1-800-494-9172 areformer@aol.com www.biblicalwitness.org THE LEXINGTON CONFESSION Hedricks Grove UCC Lexington, NC July 7, 2005 We, the undersigned, pastors and laity of the United Church of Christ, having reviewed reports of the actions of General Synod 25 of the United Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia, gather {Continued on page 8)
