Fraternity-Testvériség, 1964 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1964-10-01 / 10. szám

2

FRATERNITY

opinion as to what we should do now and possibly set a goal

for our future.

First of all, in order not to be misunderstood, let us get

some facts straight. I enjoy a Hungarian folksong as much, if not more, than any other person in this room. I learned to read and write in Hungarian and I know many Hungarian patriotic songs and poems. I am extremely proud of my Hungarian heritage. But, I am an American, an American of “Hungarian descent”. I was born in this country, raised in this country and fought for this country during World War Two. I will honor it and protect it for the rest of my life. Therefore, my concern for the Hungarian Reformed Religion is

in no way connected with any nationalistic aspiration. Nor should any member of any Hungarian Reformed Church in America utilize his church or his position in the church for

a political or a Hungarian nationalistic motive.

A highly spirited, completely unified, evangelistic Magyar “Református” life in America has not yet started. We have yet to show others all over the world how the teaching and the practice of the Hungarian Reformed spirit can produce a wealth of good Christian living. We have yet to show those who have branded us as “Hunkies” that we are not irresponsible people with a distorted practice of religion. Our missionary work has not yet begun. We have a great deal of responsibility facing us both here and abroad: A united effort for a complete Christian education program for our young ones; a nation-wide brotherhood; very serious consideration for the training of Hungarian Reformed ministers here in our country for our future congregations. I assure you that no other denomination is concerned with the fact that the training of ministers in Hungary is at a dangerously low point, that many a Reformed Congregation behind the iron curtain is without a pastor. These problems (and many others) lie ahead of us. However, we can overcome them “united”, but not “divided”.

We were put on this earth to give to others the best of ourselves. If we quit now, we have nothing to give. The real “Magyar Református Élet” is a good, clean, unadulterated religion which many an expert has praised. Don’t throw it away! Keep it, preserve it, cherish it and teach it to others!

To those of you laymen church leaders and especially you ministers who say that you must change the name of your