Ecumenical Relations
As the RCH does not claim to be the only realisation of Christ's Church, its very identity is in conformity with the Reformed traditions and Calvin's teaching to be ecumenically committed. At the same time, the RCH does not support ill-advised, ungrounded compromises or ecumenism without well-established principles. It is dedicated to real collaboration, shared witness and a unity that accepts every party's unique and versatile identity and acknowledges each other as being fully Church. The RCH is dedicated to the "Communion as unity in diversity".
When it comes to "ecumenical" relations, in Hungarian there is a difference between the notions of ecumenical as "inter-church" and "international" relations. The RCH has close working affiliations to all mainline churches in Hungary, including the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches as well as the Jewish faith communities. The RCH is also open for inter-confessional cooperation with other churches and faith communities based in Hungary. The RCH is a founding member of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Hungary since 1943 and the Ecumenical Youth Office (together with the Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches since 2000). The RCH is also an active member of the Council for Christians and Jews.
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Ecumenical Council of Churches in Hungary (ECCH)
The Ecumenical Council of Churches in Hungary (ECCH) is an organization of ten Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican churches, plus a cooperative forum for these churches and another 18 churches and church-related organizations, including the Roman Catholic Church.
The Reformed and Lutheran Churches in Hungary established the ECCH in 1943. Its formation was prompted by critical issues of that cruel era in European history: the world war, fascism, and of course, it was also inspired by the global and European Ecumenical movements, such as Christian student movements and the formation process of the World Council of Churches.
Today, the Council organizes studies and programmes in the fields of theology, socio-ethics, mission, youth, women, interreligious dialogue, national relations and international ecumenical relations. It also organizes festive events, such as national memorial days, Reformation Day events and prayer days.
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Ecumenical Youth Office
The Ecumenical Youth Foundation (Ökumenikus Ifjúsági Alapítvány - ÖKI) was founded by the three major Hungarian churches to activate young Christians in overcoming denominational differences, playing an active role in their communities' or peer groups' lives through participation in projects focusing on youth problems. The ÖKI collaborates with the Catholic, Reformed and Lutheran youth organisations and other denominations to reach out to young people beyond the church in the form of nationwide programmes. One of these is the "72 Hours Without Compromise" programme, which involves volunteer work. The "Common Point" Mission targets young people attending music festivals.
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