Hungarian Reformed churches may quit global body over ‘mocking’ tone and ideological bias

In a joint letter, ten Reformed church districts from the Carpathian Basin are protesting to the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) over its ideological one-sidedness, lack of genuine theological dialogue, and disrespectful and mocking tone toward Hungarian Reformed Christians. In their letter, they announced that they are reviewing their membership in the global organisation.

Offensive publication and disrespectful tone

The Hungarian Reformed community particularly objected to a publication released for the 20th anniversary of the Accra Confession, which contained offensive language about Hungarian Reformed Christians.

“We reject the disrespectful and mocking tone toward Hungarian Reformed Christians expressed in the publication released last autumn for the 20th anniversary. […] We strongly request that publications and documents created on behalf of our community show respect even toward those who represent different viewpoints.”

One-sided ideology and absence of theological dialogue

Based on reports from Hungarian delegates who attended the assembly in Thailand, Reformed leaders expressed serious concerns about the substantive aspects of the event. They find it particularly problematic that political activism took centre stage instead of a biblical foundation.

“We learned with regret that the majority of plenary statements represented a one-sided ideological viewpoint, and genuine theological dialogue was absent. We find particularly concerning the consultation around bioethical and moral issues that ignored our community’s divisions and completely lacked a biblical-confessional approach.”

Scripture as the starting point

The letter emphasises that while standing for justice is part of the church’s mission, its authentic representation can only be ensured on the basis of Scripture.

“We believe that the church’s mission includes standing for justice, but we are convinced that as a community of Christian churches, we can only ensure its authentic representation if our starting point is Scripture and theological dialogue about it.”

Transparency issues

The letter writers also raised organisational and procedural concerns, particularly regarding the lack of transparency.

“We consider it essential that community decision-making and procedures and decisions made on personnel matters occur in a transparent manner. We note with regret that the final versions of the resolutions adopted by the assembly have still not been made available, now for several months.”

Membership review

The key section of the letter announces the Hungarian Reformed community’s intention to reconsider their membership.

“What we experienced in the period leading up to the assembly and at the assembly itself now compels us to review our membership in the community and the fundamental questions of our participation. More than a hundred years ago, we joined a community that showed respect for theological and ethical positions based on Scripture and our accepted confessions.”

“We see that currently this organisation respects neither the biblical approach, nor our Reformed confessions, nor our church. We must make a serious decision regarding our membership; therefore, before doing so, we are initiating dialogue with the WCRC’s global and regional leadership on theological and organisational matters.”

The letter was jointly signed by the ten Reformed church districts of the Carpathian Basin, expressing their unified position on concerns regarding the WCRC and the conditions for future cooperation.

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Featured image: the Debrecen Reformed church, photo: depositphotos.com