Magyar Egyház, 1959 (38. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1959-10-01 / 10. szám
I 10 able leadership here. A situation developed which was the basic cause of all our later tragedies. None of those who were leaders at that time now serve in positions of importance. We inherited this serious mistake and our troubles stem from it. 2. HISTORIC ERRORS IN TIFFIN The General Convent of the Church in Hungary decided to transfer its American congregations to the Reformed Church in the U. S. The agreement was signed on October 7, 1921 in Tiffin, Ohio. I have always believed that the Tiffin Agreement was not the only solution for the Church in Hungary was not really forced to give up its congregations. It made no provision for the further care of American congregations or to see that the terms of the agreement would be fully complied with. As a result, our American congregations could not be kept in one body and a great barrier developed, that of the affiliated and nonaffiliated churches. The positive side of the Tiffin Agreement is that the affiliated congregations were able to finally win their right to existence in the 78th paragraph of the Evangelical and Reformed Church’s constitution as a “Magyar Synod”. None of those responsible for the Tiffin Agreement are now in positions of leadership. 3. HISTORIC ERRORS AFTER THE TIFFIN AGREEMENT This was the dark age of our Hungarian American life when the affiliated and independent groups fought. How wonderful it would be if this period could be expunged from our history. Few of those responsible for the actions of this time now hold positions of responsibility. We have inherited the cursed spirit that breaks out time and again in warlike episodes. 4. HISTORIC ERRORS IN 1941 On Labor Day of 1941 a great union conference was held in Ligonier. I presided as the representative of the General Convent of the Reformed Church in Hungary. We have never been closer to actual unity. We all signed what we named “The Historic Document of Hungarian American Reformed Life.” We called for fraternal cooperation that led to complete fraternal work together. After Pearl Harbor we all broke the agreement innumerable times. The dream of union was not born anew, indeed, it could not again be born anew. For this we stand before the judgment seat of history. We needed more brotherly love, the fire of our tradition, and unanimity. 5. OUR HISTORIC ERRORS IN 1949 With the conclusion of the Second World War we again were seized by the fire of the Holy Spirit. We sought union, organic union. We agreed with responsible officials of the Evangelical and Reformed Church as well as the Congregational Christian Churches to have our union plans acceptable to all. Our Synod, in its MAGYAR EGYHÁZ meeting of May, 1949, agreed to accept the text of the new united Constitution. This action was noted on page 63 of the printed Minutes. This agreement was to have been studied and accepted by the Diocese of the Free Magyar Reformed Church in America. The then Arch Dean, however, informed the President of the Magyar Synod that this matter would not be discussed at their meeting. For this failure we all stand before the judgment seat of history. Since then ten years have passed. The United Church oof Christ is practically an operational body. We could all be a part of it together as a distinct Magyar Reformed Church with our own constitution. We have come to the final opportunity to make up for the errors of the past. What a tragedy to find that the atmosphere is charged because of a far off little congregation. Wouldn’t it be time to put aside every ancient wrong and grievance? What an immeasurable Magyar tragedy! We need a tremendous spiritual change, an awakening to responsibility. No matter what our fate may be, may God spare us from one thing. That we should leave here as Luther left Zwingli, without even shakink hands, and muttering, “Another spirit dwells in you.” There is but one spirit in us, the ancient, blessed Magyar Reformed spirit. Fellow bearers of the same spirit, how long will you walk apart? Bearers of the same spirit, will you learn in this, the last hour, that when the Spirit is one, there can be only one way!-----------oOo----------MISSIONS SUNDAY Official Communication Dear Brethren: November 1st will be our Mission Sunday this year. The Hungarian Reformed Church in America assumed a God-given responsibility for our brethren having no pastoral care. In the course of the last year we have been able to organize new churches and support missionary stations among Hungarian Reformed people in this country. Your prayers and your donations supported the creation of a separate Mission Fund. For our extended services we need your continued support and help. We are convinced that the first step towards the unity of all Hungarian Reformed Churches in this country is to be found in more Christian service and in a more adequate missionary program. On November 1st a guest minister will occupy the pulpit in all our churches. You will have the opportunity to donate for the Mission Fund. In the October issue of the Magyar Egyház, every member of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America will find an envelope which can be turned over to your local treasury or can be sent directly to the Treasurer of the Mission Fund, Mr. Albert St. Miklossy, 23 Evergreen Avenue, Fords, New Jersey. Your prayers and donations will be greatly appreciated, BISHOP ZOLTÁN BEKY. I
