Sárospataki Füzetek 21. (2017)
2017 / 2. szám - TIMELINE-ZEITLINIE - Rácsok Gabriella: Laudation of Robert Edson Bailev
TIMELINE I ZEITLINIE Gabriella Rácsok LAUDATION OF ROBERT EDSON BAILEY The Sárospatak Reformed Theological Academy is part of a wider spiritual community. Several outstanding scholars and church personalities have committed their lives to this institution. It is a privilege for the academy to honour and appreciate this commitment by granting honorary professorships. On 10 September 2017, at the opening ceremony of the new academic year, Dr. Robert Edson Bailey (Presbyterian Church, USA) was awarded this title. What follows below is his laudation: “In different parts of the world, we try to live our faith as Christians in different countries and cultures, in different denominations. We know about this fact, but this idea is not necessarily present in our everyday lives. Sometimes, however, it does happen that people find ways to one another, for example, Hungarian Reformed people to North American Presbyterians. Not just in general, but person to person, community to community. These are very special, mutually enriching, constructive encounters, especially when a person as open-minded, as Robert Edson Bailey, a minister not being afraid to make sacrifices, and willing to serve others, is one of the partners in such an encounter. His willingness and dedication is well characterized by the fact that near the age of 90, he undertook all the troubles and pains of this long trip. This is at least the twentieth time that he has visited us, not only to attend this ceremony but also to visit those here in the Carpathian Basin who have become important to him and to the Church he represents. He is not here just for a holiday, but he has immediately attached working days to his visit, which days will be real feasts for the hosting communities (whether they are congregations or other church institutions). He still and again contributes to the lives of our communities. 2017 - 2 Sárospatak: Füzetek 21 191
