Memorandum of Commitment between the Church of Scotland and the Reformed Church in Hungary

Christians in Hungary and Scotland can trace their connections over many centuries. With both countries embracing the Calvinist Reformation, and committed to its principles, relationships developed and blossomed as people in both countries sought to be faithful to Christ in following a new spiritual path.

The Church of Scotland and the Reformed Church in Hungary have links going back to the early days of the Reformation. Since 1841, with the arrival of the first missionaries, a special relationship developed between the two churches, manifested in the Scottish Mission in Budapest, an outreach of love, which celebrates its 175^th anniversary in 2016. The ties became even stronger with the establishment of a bursary scheme which has enriched the witness of both churches. The year 2015 marks 150 years since scholars first came in 1865 from Hungary to Scotland. Sharing people remains important, and while the Church of Scotland Bursary Programme continues, both churches also welcome further theological exchanges. Today, we face new challenges in Europe, and beyond. Our churches dedicate themselves to walk alongside, learn from, and work with each other as we seek to strengthen our communities in creatively sharing the love of Christ.

Cooperation among experts of different areas of Church life has been developed in recent decades, and common ministry addressing our contemporary situations continues to be important. This includes such fields as church review and reform, social reconciliation, commitment for ethnic minorities and for Reformed churches in Central & Eastern Europe and the Carpathian Basin (especially the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, Ukraine), cooperation between Youth Assemblies, resourcing missionary congregations, Roma ministry, work with refugees, priority areas and eco-congregations. Cooperation in international ecumenical organisations in Europe, like WCRC Europe, CPCE, and CEC brings us together in sharing fellowship based on deep spiritual truths and our shared beliefs. 

On the occasion of the 150^th anniversary of the Church of Scotland Bursary programme, the Church of Scotland and the Reformed Church of Hungary take the opportunity to remember and reinforce our longstanding and revitalised links. Both churches give thanks to God for this relationship and look forward to the future, in Christian solidarity, as we seek to walk together in the footsteps of Christ and continue to pray for each other.

Budapest, 18 March 2015.