Magyar Egyház, 1970 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1970-10-01 / 10. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 15 WORLD ALLIANCE OF REFORMED CHURCHES: GENERAL ASSEMBLY August 20-30, 1970 Very few people realized in advance, the hardships, that the 20th General Assembly of the World Alliance of the Reformed Churches indicated. True, it was the first time such a meeting was held in Africa, and as such it was a very symbolic and meaningful event in our modern age. It is also true, that there were more African and Asian delegates in Nairobi, than in any previous Assembly. But the total number of delegates, accredited visitors and others was less, than at previous conferences. Out of 75 countries only 62 sent one or more delegates, representing 113 churches. Three hundred fourteen official delegates, 41 corresponding members, 26 consultants, 65 accredited visitors, 50 staff members and many others constituted this years General Assembly. Only Red China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, Russia, and those who live in the Sovjet Union, our Hungarian Reformed Brethren who live in Sub-Carpathia, were not allowed to travel to Nairobi. The message of this General Assembly will he printed and a special volume published on the reports of the four sections and here I would like to underline some events, which inspired my heart. Among them, first of all, is the fact that the World Alliance of the Reformed Churches, and the International Congregational Council voted to unite and merge, thereby creating a stronger world organization of Calvinists. The seal upon this union was the ecumenical service in St. Andrew’s church in Nairobi, When Dr. Eugene Carson Blake, general secretary of the World Council of Churches delivered the sermon, and the delegates all participated in Holy Communion. Unity today is so essential, that other churches, Christians all around the globe, can learn a lesson from this union. How wonderful it would be, if our Hungarian brethren, especially in the United States of America would seek each other and unite their efforts for the kingdom of our Lord?! Another memorable event was Sunday, August 23rd, when all delegates travelled to the historic Church of the Torch at KIKUYU for a divine worship service. The Presbyterian Church of East Africa is very strong among the “kikuyu-s” and the service touched the hearts of delegates and natives alike, who filled the church to capacity, while others heard it outside on the lawn. A visit around the mission compound to see the various institutions, opened the eyes of everyone to the great work which the Presbyterian Church carries on in Africa, school, hospitals, home for the aged and orphans, a training center, etc., etc... Still another great experience, not only for us Hungarians, but I think, for the other 270 people, who took time out of the busy schedule of the conference, was when we went to visit the Maasai Rural Development Center at Olooseos. The Rev. István Csákány, minister of the Reformed Church in Hungary is working there now. He did not learn much of the Maasai language yet, but with his love and zeal, he has already won many friends there. The Reformed Church of Germany is helping him. How wonderful it would be, if Hungarians in America, Canada, and elsewhere, could stretch out their helping hands and assist him in this great work. They especially need our prayers and help now, for the house, in which they lived burned completely to the ground, and all their personal belongings perished with it! In spite of this tragedy, they still have their faith in God, and strong determination to serve the people in Africa, regardless of this misfortune. Dr. János Pásztor, the other Hungarian minister, was released by the Reformed Church of Hungary, too, and received by the Presbyterian Church in East Africa, to teach at the Theological Seminary in Limuru. The Pásztor’s have three children, and the Csákány’s one daughter. To know them better and to talk to them was a most wonderful experience. The General Assembly elected the following officers: Dr. William P. Thompson, president, he is the stated clerk of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., a lawyer, and dedicated Christian, whom the delegates cheered with united acclaim; — the retiring Dr. Marcel Pradervand’s successor will he the Rev. Edmund Perret, former pastor in Geneva; — the Rev. Dr. James I. McCord, President of the Department of Theology will be succeeded by Professor Jan M. Loch man; — The Department of Cooperation and Witness will be headed by the Rev. Dr. Raymond V. Kearns, United Presbyterian Church in the USA. The next General Assembly was invited by the Church of Scotland. It was ONE HUNDRED years ago in 1875-77, that the foundation of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches was laid in Scotland, and it would be fitting and proper to celebrate the centennial there. Dezső Ábrahám
