Magyar Egyház, 1994 (73. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1994 / 3. szám
10. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ upon it, whereupon the Commons, indignant at this disregard of their rights, demanded its annulment, as it had not obtained their consent. Courtenay was not to be defeated thus, however. He procured an order from the king directing the Chancellor of the University of Oxford to banish Wycliffe from Oxford. The chancellor replied that to put such an order into execution, would be to produce a serious disturbance, as Wycliffe followers were prepared to defend him with arms. The reformer, however, voluntary submitted to the royal command, and retired to his rectory of Lutterworth. There he carried on his war against the pope with renewed vigor. Urban VI. summoned him to Rome, but he refused to go, pleading his age and feebleness as his excuse. He was seized with a stroke of palsy as he was celebrating the service in his church, and died at the age of sixty. His influence upon his own countrymen did not ended with his life. The work he began went on until it culminated in the Reformation. His writing were widely circulated in Bohemia, and produced the conversion of John Huss “and Huss”, as Southey well says, “prepared the way for Luther”. AMERICAN HUNGARIAN REFORMED PRESBYTERS ASSOCIATION 1994 ANNUAL MEETING The 48th annual meeting of the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyters’ Association took place on September 4, and 5, 1994 in Ligonier, Pa. in the Ramada Inn. Those who arrived Saturday afternoon or early Sunday morning, attended Church service at the Covenant Presbyterian Church with Rt. Rev. Dr. Butosi preaching. His sermon topic was “What makes the Church, Church?” It is not the edifice but the people who make up the Congregation. He added that missions should be a concern for a Church. The meeting began at two o’clock, with a brief devotional lead by president Paul J. Szaniszlo. Roll call resulted in 63 present, representing 23 Churches. The secretary, Mrs. Helen K. Dodge, passed out the minutes of last year’s meeting, and it was approved. The president gave his report on his Church visitations and participation in conferences. Vice president of the Eastern District, Mr. John Nagy, reported on anniversaries of Churches within the area. Mrs. Janet Vegh, vice president of the Central District, gave her report indicating that most Churches are small and lacking in youth. She and her family spent five weeks in Hungary this past summer. Mr. Julius Pongracz, vice president of the Lakeside District, reported on his Church’s activities of this past year. Mr. Robert Bone, vice president of the Western District, also report on his Church’s activities. Other reports were heard from delegates of representative Churches, summarizing their activities. The main speaker for the afternoon was Rev. Dr. Aladar Komjáthy of Pittsburgh. His topic was “What is Wrong With Us, Ministers?” He mentioned that in the 1950’s there were a few American born second generation ministers educated in the U.S. Upon leaving seminary, there was no place for them in our Hungarian Reformed Churches, so they served in English Congregations. Some Churches relied on obtaining ministers from Hungary, who were not well versed in the English language or customs. A Presbyter should be a watchman of the Church. If the pastor does not preach the Word of God, the Presbyters have the right to speak up. American Hungarian ministry requires special training and the minister should learn from the wisdom of the world. The questions raised by the Presbyters were very interesting. Some of the questions asked: is there a requirement of continuing education for ministers? It is available to those who wish to continue. Also asked, is there statutes of cannon for ministers, such as performance record for ministers and accountability? What provisions can be made so ministers of small Churches could improve their livelihood? A second profession would be desirable. He answered some of the other questions. Then Dr. Komjáthy suggested that the Bishops should have Deans to visit the congregations, so as to relieve the burden of the Bishop. In the early evening hours, and later, many joined in the fellowship in one of the hotel rooms where refreshments were available. On Monday morning, after a brief devotional, the recommendation committee presented their report and it was approved by the assembly. Then the nominating committee presented their slate of candidates for officers, and it was approved. Elected: for president, Mr. Miklós Juhasz of Linden NJ; vice presidents, Eastern District, Mrs. Helen K. Dodge of Carteret, NJ; Central District, Mr. Wilburn Roby of Pittsburgh; Lakeside District, Mr. Julius Pongracz of Lo
