The new Synod of RCH was constituted on 17th February and elected its Presidents and Vice-Presidents. The General Synod as the highest legislative body of RCH is also responsible for the "sound doctrine" and the priorities of the life and ministry of the Church. Unlike the Presbyterian order, RCH’s Synod is composed of hundred standing members elected for a period of 6 years which we normally call “cycle”. The 14th cycle of the Synod began its service six years ago on 25 February 2015. Looking back on the past six years we collected highlights of the life and ministry of the Church under the guidance of the outgoing Synod. We focus, in a sense of gratitude to God and to our partners, on those moments and priorities which involved international cooperation.
The church has shown support for its neighboring countries, partnered with other churches and aid organizations, issued a declaration about the Armenian genocide, worked towards ecumenical mission partnerships, helped refugees in need, aided people with disabilities or disadvantages, and advocated for the environment. Some highlights include the growth of the Refugee Ministry, as well as the Roma Ministry, the inspiration given and taken from the young people during the Starpoint Youth Festival, the solidarity expressed by the RCH to brothers and sisters in the Middle-East and so much more.
New Synod, New Presidency
At its constituting meeting in 2015, the General Synod elected its Ministerial and Lay Presidents. Dr. István Szabó became new Presiding Bishop, and represented RCH with Dr. Pál Huszár who was re-elected as Lay President. The new General Secretary, András Gér was also elected with the mandate of heading the Synod Office with its various departments and coordinate the implementation of the decision of the “Parliament” of RCH.
New Presidency of RCH elected
At its constituting meeting on 25th February the new General Synod elected its ministerial and lay Presidents for the coming 6 years. The outgoing Presiding Bishop Gusztáv Bölcskei has been succeeded by Dr. István Szabó.
Together in Unity – Support for the Hungarian Communities Outside of Borders
The Hungarian Reformed Church is composed of the Hungarian-speaking reformed churches in the Carpathian Basin who are all registered in their respective countries separately. Over the past six years RCH celebrated unity with these churches and supported them through hardships, involving ecumenical partners as well.
International Ecumenical Solidarity for the Ukraine
In March, 2014 Bishop Sándor Zán Fábián addressed publicly the threat reality and proximity of the Ukrainian war. The ecumenical solidarity with the Reformed Church in Sub-Carpathia became stronger with the crisis. In January, a WCRC Europe delegation visited the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia and was deeply impressed by the work of the church despite the many challenges they face.
Empowering Communities in Ukraine
International visitors recently travelled to Transcarpathia, Ukraine, with members of the RCH, to attend a consultation initiated by the Swiss Reformed Church Aid HEKS and hosted by the Diaconal Coordination Center (DCO) of the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia (RCT).
Bridges Beyond Boundaries
The year 2019 marked the tenth anniversary of the unity of the Hungarian-speaking Reformed Churches in and around Hungary. On May 17 2019, the session of the Common Synod took place, followed by festivities on the next day. Ecumenical representatives from the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) attended in honor of this celebratory event.
Celebrating 10 years of Unity
On 17 May, 2019, the Common Synod of the Hungarian Reformed Church gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hungarian Reformed Unity declared on 22 May, 2009. Members of the Synod overviewed the past decade and gave thanks for all the blessings and welcomed one of the Hungarian-speaking Reformed church bodies in the USA.
Communique
Communique was issued by the Presidium of the General Convent about the issue of the legal representation of the Hungarian Reformed community, with a special focus on Croatia and Serbia.
The One Body of Christ
For a second time, the Korean Presbyterian Church of Minnesota (part of PCUSA) came to Transcarpathia on a Vision Trip.
Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ joins the Hungarian Reformed Church
On the tenth anniversary of the unity of the HRC, the Calvin Synod Conference of the UCC officially joined the HRC. In honor of this event, the Bishop of the Calvin Synod Conference, Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai, shared a letter of thanksgiving.
Ministry Among The Marginalized
Ministries serving RCH's longstanding commitment for the marginalized grew prominently with the support of the Aid Organization of the Swiss Protestant Churches, also known as HEKS/EPER. The continuation of HEKS’s support provides a steady financial background for the Refugee Ministry, and also supports the work of the Roma Ministry in the integration process. The two ministries experienced much success and development in the past term and just recently RCH signed another six years with HEKS.
HEKS
Refugee Integration in Focus
The RCH and Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) have cooperated on a Country Program (CP) for Hungary to be in effect from 2017-2020. This was the second CP between the two organizations and will focus on the RCH’s Roma Mission as well as the Refugee Integration.
Renewed Joint Commitment for the Marginalized
Recently, RCH signed the Chuch Cooperation agreement for another 4-year project period with HEKS. The project continues the service to refugee populations and to the Roma communities.
Cooperation with HEKS Continues in Roma Ministry
Claude Ruey, President of the Board of Trustees of HEKS paid a short visit in Hungary on June 6, 2015 and met colleagues of the Roma Ministry and Pál Huszár, Lay President of the Synod of RCH. The President also engaged in a discussion with Coordinators of the national Roma ministry of RCH and it was confirmed that the ministry activities in the congregations would continue to receive support in accordance with the agreement signed by the Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS), and the Reformed Church in Hungary.
Renewed Commitment for Cooperation
The historic partnership between Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS) and the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) continues as members of both organizations gathered in Budapest June 23-24, 2016, to discuss their ongoing partnership work in the region. The meeting focused on the wildly successful three-year Country Program (CP) in Hungary and the future priorities for continuing it for the next four years.
Evaluation and Planning
RCH hosted a video conference with HEKS representatives to review the outgoing period of Church Cooperation and to plan the new Country Program focusing on social change in terms of integration of Roma and Refugees.
Roma Ministry
Building Bridges in the Eighth District
Rev István Lakó, the Assistant Pastor and Roma Mission Leader of the Reformed Congregation at Salétrom Street, in the eighth District of Budapest, talked with the RCH about the unique ministry happening at YOU+ME. He discusses how this ministry is different from other Roma outreach projects by and the tangible ways in which it has impacted the community in central Budapest.
Roma Mission Conference in Berekfürdő
On April 8, 2017, International Roma Day, many people gathered together in the Reformed Church in Káposztásmegyer for a day of common prayer– a mixture of 360 congregation members, pastors, experts, and volunteers. Among other Roma Mission Conferences organized by the RCH, theater performances raising awareness for human trafficking were performed in local congregations.
In Peace for God, each other, ourselves
In light of International Roma Day, Reformed Roma communities in the Carpathian Basin gathered to worship and pray for one another. This year, reconciliation is the focus of the event.
Churches Together for Roma and Sinti
The conference, organized by the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) in cooperation with the Reformed Church in Hungary reflected on the churches’ history, relationship and interaction with the Roma and Sinti communities.
Jesus Wants to Purify Our Hearts
Under the motto “Create in me a pure heart, O God” the Reformed Great Church in Debrecen hosted the 5th annual Protestant Roma Mission Conference with over 1500 participants.
Refugee Ministry
Representatives Of Ecumenical Agencies Visited Hungary Amidst Refugee Crisis
Amidst the current refugee crisis, representatives of major international ecumenical organizations embarked on a solidarity visit to Hungary in September, 2015. In order to strengthen efforts to support refugees, delegates from WCC, the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) met with Hungarian church leaders, government officials and members of international organizations.
Traveling the Path of Refugees
International partners from the PCUSA visited the RCH in the Spring to deepen ecumenical ties between the American and Hungarian churches while tracing the path of refugees through Hungary, Greece, and Germany. The delegation, led by the PCUSA Moderator, also consisted of representatives from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), as well as local pastors and leaders from the wider PCUSA denomination.
Courage and Hope at the Reformed Table
The RCH invited international ecumenical partners to a follow-up consultation to the January Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (EKiR) meeting 2016, regarding the refugee crisis as a challenge to the European partner churches. The consultation then focused on the immediate situation regarding migrants and refugees in countries heavily affected by the current crisis.
Recognition of Kalunba Graduates
In recognition of the graduates of the interpretation course, there was a small ceremony, following a charity concert featuring internationally renowned guitarist, Ayman Jarjour in support of Kalunba Social Services Ltd.
True Examples of Partnership
Thanks to the generous support of partner churches and organizations of the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH), Kalunba Social Services Ltd. has reached the minimum balance of 120 000 EUR needed to continue their work among refugees, and in this way, also supporting the work of the RCH Refugee Integration Unit.
"We Encourage the People to Stay"
The Reformed Alliance in Germany was one of the international partners that supported the work of Kalunba. Isabel Metzger, journalist of the reformiert-info.de, interviewed Dóra Kanizsai-Nagy for an update on their situation since July 2018.
Radical Hospitality
RCH delegation of 5 volunteers and students participated at the 18th Annual European Refugee Highway Partnership Roundtable which is took place in Malmö between 3 and 7 February, 2020.
Toward a World of Neighbours
The ecumenical journey toward a joint vison for Europe continued. RCH representatives joined the workshop on the invitation of Church of Sweden that brought together 70 representatives from various churches, ecumenical organizations, religious communities and civil organizations from across Europe in Malmö between 27 and 30 January, 2020.
Mutual Understanding Is Part Of The Work
Eszter Kállay, a teacher at Kalunba Social Servies Ltd. shared her thoughts and experiences teaching disadvantaged children as well as the plans for the future, when face-to-face interaction will be possible again.
RCH’s Nominee Elected by CCME
The Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) at its general assembly on 16th October, 2020 elected RCH’s nominee, Ms Angela Canadey, as substitute member of the new Executive Committee. Dóra Kanizsai, head of RCH’s Refugee Ministry retired as Vice-Moderator.
Ecumenical Relations
Being devoted to a Calvinist heritage, it is a vital part of RCH’s identity to promote the unity of Christian churches. Be it here in Hungary in the form of visits or local congregations for example from the Church of Scotland, or across borders, RCH recognizes that co-operating and joining forces with other Christian churches or denominations is highly beneficial for any Christian community. Conferences, agreements, partnerships, and visits marked the previous six years.
Together on the Way
The Protestant Churches in Hungary and the Evangelical Church of Rhineland, Germany hosted the Second conference of Protestant Synod Members from around Europe organized by the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) on 30 January to 1 February, 2015 in Budapest, Hungary.
Memorandum signed with the Church of Scotland
Rt. Rev. John Chalmers, Moderator of General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Presidium of RCH expressed their commitment to a revitalized partnership by signing an agreement on the occasion of the 150 Years Jubilee of the Scottish-Hungarian Bursary Scheme.
Celebrating an Outreach of Love
The Church of Scotland (CofS) and the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) have links going back to the early days of the Reformation. In celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Scottish Mission in Budapest, the CofS and the RCH came together for a Jubilee celebration in September, 2016. The Jubilee included a visiting delegation of Scots, a multi-media exhibition at the Mission, and a historical website highlighting the unique partnership between the two churches throughout the years.
Ecumenical Journey for Mission Continues
The Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH), the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) came together in Budapest in May for an exchange program hosted by RCH. This meeting happened one year after the three churches PKN-ECCB-RCH met in Utrecht, Netherlands to lay the groundwork of a three-year partnership project for the benefit of the European Region of the World Communion of Reformed Churches that focuses on finding new ways to carry out mission in a secularized environment.
The Calvin Connection
Each year since 1997, a group of students from Calvin College, a Reformed Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, has come to Hungary for a semester abroad at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary. The students immerse themselves in Hungarian life and studies, while being transformed through vital service-learning placements. The RCH spoke with two faculty members at Calvin College to learn more about the history of this remarkable partnership.
A Year Focused on Reformation
In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Debrecen has been selected as a City of the Reformation, where ecumenical guests from around the world gathered at the end of January of 2017 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, as well as the 450th anniversary of the Debrecen Synod.
WCRC Leadership Creates a Bold Vision for the Future
In 2017 the General Council Meeting of the World Communion of Reformed Churches took place in Leipzig, where delegation of RCH was also present. Through various meetings, conferences and visits RCH enjoyed the fellowship of its partner churches from around the world.
RCH journeys with PCT
The first meeting of the Taiwan Ecumenical Forum, organized and hosted by the PCT, took place between 28-30 November, 2018 at the Presbyterian Bible College in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Around 150 participants from across Taiwan and other parts of the world gathered together for the Taiwan Ecumenical Forum (TEF) to journey together with the PCT in pursuit of justice and peace for the people of Taiwan and the Asia Pacific. Among the invited ecumenical participants, RCH representatives were present as well.
Radical Faith
In continued partnership with the United Evangelical Mission, the Reformed Church in Hungary was represented at the General Assembly in Parapat, Indonesia. Following their visit to Budapest and Debrecen, Hungary in November 2017, the secretary general, Rev. Volker Dally and the deputy secretary general, Jochen Motte invited the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) to the General Assembly of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) held every other year.
A Sign of Peace and Partnership
The Church of Lippe, Synod Committee for Ecumenism, World Mission and Development made a partnership visit to Budapest, Hungary. On 21-24 June 2018, the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) hosted the delegation with the common conviction to strengthen and expand the partnership. The aim of this partnership visit was to provide an opportunity for the delegation to learn about the current focus of the RCH, as well as to evaluate and plan new fields of cooperation.
WCRC Europe Council met in Budapest
The Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Europe (WCRC Europe) convened for a meeting in 2018 to reflect on the events since their last council meeting in October of 2017, as well as to continue discussions surrounding common responsibility on migration and refugee situations throughout Europe, currently and into the future. Forty representatives from thirty churches, including WCRC President, Rev. Najla Kassab, General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Chris Ferguson, and Executive Secretary for Communion and Theology, Rev. Hanns Lessing, attended the WCRC Europe council meeting in Budapest from 12-13 April 2018.
I was a stranger and you welcomed me
From June 18-19, 2019 the Evangelical Church of Westphalia (EKvW) held an International Ecumenical Conference, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, on the topic of Church and Migration. 52 ecumenical guests from 22 countries gathered in Haus Villigst, Schwerte, Germany for the conference, where the Reformed Church in Hungary was also represented.
Historic Partnership with Korean Churches
The historic partnership between RCH and the Korean partners strengthened during the six-year term with visits, solidarity and support. RCH also collaborates with missionaries from Korea, who are involved in different fields of ministry for example in the service among Roma and refugees.
In Solidarity with Korean Christians
The Reformed Church in Hungary fully supports the efforts for peace and reunification of the Korean National Council of Churches as it addresses US President Obama.
Edified by Each Other’s Faith
In 2016, the Presiding Bishop Dr. István Szabó traveled South Korea to meet with partner churches and discuss the strong ecumenical ties that exist. During his trip, Bishop Szabó attended the Synod meetings for the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) and the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK) partner churches and also gave a lecture on ecumenical relationships. During his time in South Korea, Bishop Szabó was aided on the ground by two RCH Korean mission partners - Chae Hwa Jeong from the PCK and Rev. Kim Seon Koo from the PROK.
Friends in Need
During the worship service of the Korean-speaking Reformed Congregation in Budapest, the Ministerial President of the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) handed over the 11,000 USD donation raised for the support of the survivors of the May boat tragedy, as well as of the bereaved families and orphaned children.
The journey with Myungsung Church continues
From April 7-9, 2019, Rev. Dr. Hana Kim of Myungsung Church in South Korea paid a visit to its partner, the Great Church in Debrecen, as well as to church officials of the national church of the RCH. The visit provided space for discussions to expand the partnership on a national church level.
The Middle-East and Hungary Helps Program
Through many years of mutual collaboration, the partnership of the Reformed Church in Hungary and the Reformed churches in the Middle East grew stronger. The support for persecuted Christians and renovation, rebuilding of churches and schools showed the commitment for helping the suffering Brothers and Sisters in the Middle-East. With the establishment of Hungary Helps, the partnership has been solidified even more.
Synod Issued a Declaration on the Armenian Genocide
The Synod of the RCH issued a declaration on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and on the Protection of the Christians Currently Suffering Persecution at its meeting in April, 2015. The Synod asks the responsible leaders of the nations to prevent violence and defend the people entrusted to them from discrimination against on account of their nationality or religious beliefs.
Building Bridges Between East and West
RCH Ecumenical Officer, and Co-moderator of WCRC Europe’s Task Force on Migration and Refugee, Balázs Ódor, attended a conference in Lebanon in November, 2016, with the FMEEC. It was FMEEC’s third International Conference on Evangelicals and Christian Presence in the East, seeking to bring churches from the East and the West together. Questions of a Cross-regional approach of reformed Churches to Migration were part of the discussions as well as the necessity of an open dialogue between the East and West.
Hungary Helps Agency established
The Hungary Helps Agency has been established. The task of the new agency will operate within the framework of the State Secretariat for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Realisation of the Hungary Helps Programme. The agency’s goal is to coordinate programmes to help persecuted Christians, State Secretary Tristan Azbej announced in Budapest.
Voices from the Middle East
As part of a developing partnership of solidarity with churches in the Middle East, four young people from the region attended this year’s Starpoint Youth Festival in Debrecen, Hungary. During their time in Hungary, the delegates sat down with the RCH to discuss their experiences of church in their homeland and what it was like experiencing a Christian festival of this scale in Europe.
Solidarity Visit to Syria and Lebanon
After several months of planning, on the 4th of December 2017, an eight-strong delegation of the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) left for Lebanon and Syria to express our solidarity and show our support to our borthers and sisters in the Middle East.
Growing Partnership in the Middle East
Through many years of mutual collaboration, the partnership of the RCH and the Reformed churches in the Middle East only grows stronger. A highlight of this long-standing partnership is the visit of Syrian church leaders to discuss opportunities of further cooperation.
Faith for Peace and Reconciliation
A public lecture organized by the Hungarian State Secretariat for the Aid of Persecuted Christians was held at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church (KRE) with guest lecturers, Rev. Joseph Kassab and Rev. Haroutune Selimian, two church leaders from Syria.
Scholarship for Christians from the Middle East
The Hungarian Government invites young adults from the Middle East to apply for the Scholarship Program for Christian Young People. The core mission of the Scholarship Program is to educate young people, helping them to gain the resources necessary to contribute to rebuilding their home countries.
Life Returning to Syria
In late March, 2019, a sizeable delegation visited the Evangelical churches of Lebanon and Syria, signing memoranda of commitment to support our organically developing partnership.
The Persecuted Becoming Peacemakers
In late March, 2019, a Hungarian Reformed church delegation visited both Lebanon and Syria. The delegation of church leaders and mission workers met with representatives of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon and the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East. In Syria, they saw first-hand the achievements already implemented within the humanitarian, social, and reconstruction projects funded by Hungarian church and state aid, projects which promote efforts for local residents to stay in their homeland.
Christian Solidarity at Test in Syria
The delegation of the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) continued its travel from Lebanon into Syria. The delegation visited local congregations in Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo in 2019 to learn more of the ministries of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) and the Armenian Evangelical Community in Syria.
Christians in Syria: God With Us
We have been contributing to the rebuilding of a church building and a congregation centre in Aleppo, Syria: the roof structure of the Armenian Evangelical community’s oldest church has been renovated partially with the help of Hungarian Reformed funds, and the Arab-speaking Presbyterian community’s new congregation center is planned with support from the government of Hungary. The locals feel that these instances of support prove that God is indeed taking care of them in a tangible way.
HRCA Donation Campaign for Syria
The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA) continues to foster cooperation with the churches in the Middle East by resuming the donation campaign inviting Hungarian Reformed Church (HRC) congregations to dedicate an offering to the community and humanitarian programs of the Reformed communities in the region, with special focus on Syria.
Reformed Schools’ Campaign for Syria
In 2019 we celebrated the 10 year Reformed Educational Fund that aims to express and strengthen the solidarity within the Hungarian Reformed Community by supporting Reformed educational projects throughout the Carpathian Basin. In gratitude for the past 10 year, now the fund will support the renovation of the Armenian Evangelical School in Damascus.
School for Christmas
The students and teachers at the Damascus school of our Armenian partner church awaited Christmas under a roof in need of repairs, in dilapidated classrooms with inadequate heating. This matters because education is of key significance when it comes to the peaceful coexistence of various groups and religions in the Middle East. Our on-the-scene reporting covers the beneficiary of 2020’s fundraising by the Reformed Educational Fund in the Carpathian Basin.
Hungary Supports Armenian Civilians
The Hungary Helps Agency, in cooperation with the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA) and the Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA), provides an emergency fund for the rehabilitation and humanitarian support of civilians in Armenia.
Help Reached the People of Artsakh
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) has been sheltering displaced families from Artsakh in Armenia with the support of the Hungary Helps Agency and the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid. Hungarian support for Armania is a symbolic sign of unquestionable solidarity.
HEKS Conference on Church Cooperation
In January, HEKS/EPER, the aid organization of the Swiss Protestant Churches, held a conference in Zurich, Switzerland, focusing on the cooperative work with the Fellowship of Middle East Churches (FMEEC). Representing the RCH, Rev. Balázs Ódor led a workshop detailing the partnership and cooperation between the RCH and the churches in the Middle East through HEKS.
Hungary Joins 'Red Wednesday' Initiative
Red Wednesday is a worldwide action initiated by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic Pontificial Foundation, in 2015. Hundreds of churches, monuments and buildings will be illuminated tonight in red light in a global call for religious freedom and solidarity with the persecuted Christians.
Peacemaker from Pakistan visits Hungary
Eric Sarwar, Presbyterian minister and church musician from Pakistan, serving as a musical peacemaker in an Islamic context visited our Church to deepen relationship.
Helping Hands in Pakistan
The Presbyterian organisation Tehillim Pakistan has started a food supply campaign for day labourers and marginalized poor Christian families amidst of COVID-19 lockdown in Karachi. Also Muslim families in need received food packages and support.
Hungarian Reformed Church Aid
With their seasonal and all-year-long projects, the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid has a very active term behind them. Supporting the needy, they didn’t only help between the Hungarian borders, but overseas as well. From Christmas wish list to scholarships, HRCA had many programs for emergencies and campaigns.
HRCA Medical Team serves to Rohingyas
The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA) aims to help and serve among Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong, Bangladesh. In 2018 the HRCA has launched a donation campaign in order to support this mission. The HRCA medical team is the third fastest team of volunteer doctors in responding to emergencies. Since 2008 they have been involved in many international medical missions around the world.
Warm Homes in Cold Times
The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA) helps people in deep poverty to keep their homes warm in the cold season. HRCA started the firewood project also this year to save lives. The call for donation went out to the congregations and individuals in the country, but HRCA can also rely on the support of RCH’s Partner Church, the Evangelical Church in Rhineland which contributes 7500 EUR annually to the project.
HRCA Promotes Social Responsibility of Startups
The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid Foundation (HRCA) and the Startup Campus have signed a cooperation agreement in 2020. HRCA and the incubator for startups aim to promote the awareness of social responsibility as widely as possible in the sector of startup companies offering them opportunities to join social projects of HRCA. In all this the two partners want to draw attention to the social activities carried out by HRCA.
HRCA is Getting Ready for Christmas
The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid has launched two national fundraiser campaigns to provide support for socially disadvantaged families, children and elderly people. HRCA is expecting durable food and hygiene products to fill the Love Boxes, while through the program called Christmas Wish List, donors are invited to fulfil Christmas wishes of children in need.
Voicing Wishes
A campaign titled ‘Voice the wishes!’ was launched by the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, joined by seven well-known actors and actresses. The popular artists convey the Christmas wishes of needy children this time in the 'secret mission 2020'. But those who listen closely to the public service advertisements of HRCA will recognize familiar voices of superheroes. The goal is very noble: encouraging people to help make as many children’s wishes come true as possible.
Eco-Congregation
The Eco-Congregation Movement of RCH strives for the Protection of Creation and promotes an ethical economy that respects the basic principles of nature. Thinking about the future, the congregation launched several projects to raise awareness and mobilize people for the sake of health and protection of nature. This includes events, pilgrimages and campaigns popularizing for example eco-friendly travelling, like cycling or conserving and planting fruit species that can adapt to regional conditions.
Cyclists of Hope
“Bicycling for your neighbor!” goes the motto of a group of Hungarian cyclists from the Carpathian Basin, who set out on bike during the Week of Creation, travelling from east to west. The cycling relay, taking place between Beregszász (Berehove, Ukraine) and Sopron, Hungary, is part of the Ecumenical Pilgrimage in Europe, whose final destination
Ecumenical Project in Hungary wins RJA
On 5 September 2011, state and church representatives of Hungary signed an agreement for the collaboration of planting and conserving fruit species that can adapt to regional conditions that have grown in the Carpathian Basin for a long time. The Plant Native Fruit Trees in Church Gardens project was co-founded by Churches and the State, and the Eco-Congregation Movement serves as the operative coordinator for the project in Reformed Church.
A Future with Hope
The 12th Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) met from 6-10 October 2018 under the heading ‘On the way to economic and ecological justice’ in Katowice (Poland), hosting 85 participants from 22 countries of Europe and overseas. RCH was represented by Boglárka Szűcs, coordinator of the Eco-congregation movement of RCH.
Jubilee Earth Day
We are cutting the branch we sit on. The epidemic reveals our fragility. And urges us to think in new structures and with new imagination, promoting a circular and ethical economy that respects the basic principles of nature. An article by the Coordinator of the Eco-Congregation Movement, Boglárka Szűcs.
We Live in an Uncertain Time of Creation
Boglárka Szűcs, coordinator of the Eco-congregation Movement of RCH, speaks about the topic of the this year's Week of Creation and the positive aspects of COVID-19 in terms of sustainability and protection of Creation.
People with Disabilities and Disadvantages
RCH welcomes people with disabilities and disadvantages and seeks to support them. Besides the Roma and Refugee Ministry and HRCA, RCH made significant steps towards helping people with disabilities and disadvantages with releasing a statement on the acceptance of disabled brothers and sister in the church.
Welcoming Those of all Abilities
The RCH Synod met for the sixth meeting of the 14th cycle on the 16-17th November, 2016. They discussed the importance of welcoming people with disabilities into the church, appointing new members to the HRCA Board of Trustees, the upcoming Reformation Jubilee, as well as the Starpoint Youth Festival.
Accessible Church
A statement regarding the acceptance of our disabled brothers and sisters in the church was adopted at the recent November Synod meeting. The statement was prepared by experts from the Transtibiscan region and it was suggested that institutions and congregations should implement it in their missions.
Let's Erase the Differences
Church members support the start of the school year for five hundred disadvantaged children by joining the latest fundraising campaign of the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA).
How Inclusive Are We?
‘Real integration is only possible if we prepare not only the people with disabilities for independent living, but also their environment to embrace a helping attitude,' reminded the head of the Diaconal Office at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Youth of the Church
The establishment of the Youth Assembly’s aim was to ensure that the Youth were involved in the church, so that church leaders could receive some feedback from youth in regards to the mission of the church. Every two years, thousands of Reformed youth from across the Carpathian Basin and the world gather to worship, praise, and develop in faith together at the Starpoint reformed youth festival. The events in the past term were exceptionally successful, as many of those who attended are already looking forward to the next one.
2015 Youth Assembly of RCH and Starpoint
The Youth Assembly of the Reformed Church in Hungary in April and the Starpoint Reformed Youth Festival in July brought together young people of faith from across Hungary and the world to meet and share their love for life, faith, and God in 2015. Both of the youth gatherings centered on the theme of trust; youth who participated left feeling revitalized and energized in their beliefs.
God is the Same Around the World
A youth delegation of eight people from the Hungarian Reformed Church, including members from Romania, Ukraine, and Hungary, participated in the Canada Youth International Visitor Program of the Presbyterian Church in Canada in July, 2016. The youth spent one week touring Canada and learning about its history, followed by one week at the Canada Youth 2016 gathering. The groups’ time in Canada was a wonderful opportunity to see faith in action in an international context, and all those who experienced it came back to Budapest energized about the church in the wider world.
Youth Develop Deep Bonds of Community
The highlight of the year was the Starpoint Youth Festival, organized in Debrecen, where the Reformed youth from the Carpathian Basin and beyond gathered. Among the Hungarian participants more than 40 ecumenical youth delegates attended the five-day-long event from various partner churches of RCH.
Starpoint 2019: Unity and Community
This past week the Reformed Church of Hungary hosted 31 internationals from 11 different countries and from 17 different partner church’s for the Starpoint Youth Festival, many of whom are members of the World Communion of Reformed Church.
Let’s Float the Ark Again!
“Ark Camp”, a series of inclusive summer camps organized by RCH for socially disadvantaged children, with the support of dozens of professionals and volunteers, will take place in 2020.
"Ark Camps" Started
In 2020 nearly a thousand youngsters get the opportunity to have fun under safe circumstances in Arc Camp, organized by the Reformed Church in Hungary. The camp, which is free of charge and is located by Lake Balaton, started on 3 August, with special attention paid to the current pandemic measures. From 2020 on, Arc Camp can also be supported by individuals and businesses.
Covid-19
Over the past year, we have had to face unexpected situations month after month, yet we have experienced that our Heavenly Father has not left us alone. Church events has been suspended and worship services moved online, but social distancing only strenghtened Christian solidarity within and without Hungary.