Covenanter Witness Vol. 55 - Rparchives.org

Detmold-A Significant Reformed CongressRev. J. T. Hoogstra"The International Congress of ReformedFaith and Action" met specifically to discuss thetheme of the Congress: "The Lordship of JesusChrist"as related to society, education, and theChristian's relationship to His changing world. Themeetings were held in "die wunderschoene Stadt"Detmold, Germany, July 30-August 7, 1955, underthe auspices of the "International Society of Reformed Faith and Action," an international societyof Reformed Christians seeking to promote the Reformed faith in the world.One hundred ninety signed participants fromabout nineteen nations, and many visitors, attended this Congress. From the point of view of numbers this was a very successful Congress. The delegates themelves added inspiration to the Congress:from Austria, East Germany, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, England,Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. Sucha wide representation gives the lie to a popularnotion that Calvinism is restricted to a few nations.This Congress was composed of men and women ofall strata of society: the commercial, the profesthe clerical and the professorial.sional, industrial,This also gives the lie to another fallacious notionthat the Reformed (Presbyterian) faith is suitableonly to an intellectual aristocracy. This Congressmade it evident that our faith addresses itselfprimarily to the hearts of men and women, and thatit must be strong also at the grass roots if it isto be vital at all. Later on when the question ofliterature was discussed it was specifically mentioned that the man on the street should be reached.The tone of this Congress was the recognizedneed of a mission for the Reformed faith in a topsyturvy world. People from behind the iron or theecclesiastical curtain of Rome feel the Reformedfaith is masculine and supplies a real need to famished souls. Speeches at the Congress delineatingthe Protestant situation in various countries wereconsistently good and appreciated. This Congressdid more than hear speeches. It decided upon a definite plan of action.A Mirror of Current Reformed FaithDetmold was an innovation in the manner of conducting a Congress. Detmold is a sequel to theMontpelier Congress, held in that city of France.It was felt that Bible study had not come to itsown in that Congress, and consequently attemptswere made to rectify that lack at Detmold.To do justice to this phase of Reformed pietythis Congress devoted its morning sessions tothe study of selected passages from the "Epistle tothe Colossians." After a passage was introduced inplenary sessions the Congress resolved itself intonine groups, membership of which was determinedby language. Those who could use the English wellwere put into the English groups. There was, forexample, in one group: Anglicans, Presbyteriansfrom Scotland, Reformed from the Netherlands,South Africa, and the United States. After these406group discussions the Congress reconvened in plenary session, and a summary of the discussions wasgiven. It was amazing what agreement there wasin joint Bible study. There was also a very positiveattempt to make the Word of God relevant to ourday.This innovation showed definite weaknesses,such as the question of more forceful, or less forceful personalities, but with improvement it was feltthis approach could become a powerful means ofmaking Reformed congresses an all participatingcongress. Each person had a chance to speak, atleast in a group.The discussions based upon the various topicssoon revealed that there is also a Reformed varietyas well as unity. One thing becomes evident at aninternational Reformed congress differences inbackground and in historical development. There is aDutch slant of Calvinism, and also a German orScotch. To recognize this is to recognize the needof such a congress.The value of a congress is that it becomes acrossroad of all traditions, and a meeting place ofthose who have been traveling independent roadsfor decades. Such a congress also indicates that itsmembership may have been influenced by its ownisolation from other movements in the Reformedworld. New contacts serve as a corrective and asan inspiration to learn from each other.Proposed ActionThis Congress has adopted the reading of aconstitution that stipulates that membership in theInternational Society of Reformed Faith and Actionrequires agreement with the second clause: "In accordance with the historic Reformed Confessions offaith the Association submits unconditionally tothe authority of Holy Scripture as the Word of God,thereby recognizing it as the sole standard of reformation in this and Church."every age of theThe association accepts the three symbols of theancient church: Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed,and the Athanasian Creed.There are already a few regional societies constituent members of the International society: "TheCalvinistic Society of France," that shines with alustre in its accomplishments, and the "CalvinisticAction Committee" of America. The former has already done a tremendous amount of successful work,among which is the present publication of a newedition in modern French of the Institutes of theChristian Religion, by John Calvin. This is a greatproject and unquestionably urgent. The CalvinisticAction Committee in America is also seeking aidto help this important project which our Frenchco-religionists cannot do unaided financially. TheFrench Society also publishes a magazine that hasbecome known internationally.There are already several translation societiesin various countries organized to translate Reformed writings into several languages. There can be(Concluded on next page)COVENANTER WITNESS