The 33rd meeting of the Synod of the ECCB

The 33^rd meeting of the synod of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren met from 19-22 May, 2011. The meeting included delegates from all over the Czech Republic and several international guests. The activities began with a meeting prior to the opening service which included the international guests, members of the synodal council, the presidium, and staff members of the central church office. International guests came from Hungary, France, Italy, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea, and the United States. They represented churches, denominations, and other church related organizations.

Following this meeting at Hus House everyone moved to the Emmaus Abbey a few blocks away near Charles Square. The synod began with a worship service in the church of the abbey. Worship was led by a variety of people representing the synod and the wider church and included the Lord’s Supper. Following worship the synod continued its work by dealing with procedural matters like noting delegates and visitors, electing the clerks for the meetings, electing the Presidium and the new President of the Presidium. The previous President had served for many years so the election of a new president represented a significant change for the synod.

Following dinner there were four presentations about work with and for the Roma throughout the Czech Republic. Speakers included a social anthropologist, a teacher, a worker of a Diakonia Center, and the director of the General Bishops office of the Evangelical Church of Augsburg Confession in Slovakia. The presentations covered issues ranging from education, history of the Roma people throughout the Czech Republic and central Europe, and the important place faith has in the life of many Roma. Discussions also focused on ways in which the church has worked with and for the Roma which included our successes and struggles. The Thursday evening session closed with prayer and a song.

Friday morning began with a presentation to Hebe Kohlbrugge honoring her long time service to the churches in the Czech Republic and Holland. She wrote a book about this important work done by her and her which spanned many decades. She spoke about her fond memories of Prague and the Czech Republic and her joy at many years of fulfilling ministry. After her presentation some of the international delegates conveyed greetings from their churches to the synod. The synod conducted routine business which dealt with budgets and contributions to the work of the denomination. There was also a presentation about a report done regarding the recreational centers of the ECCB. Following lunch the international delegates attended a presentation at the Diakonia central offices which presented more in-depth material about work for and with the Roma. During this time the Synod delegates met for committee work. The synod has four committees which deal with Theology, Education, Church Legislation and Financial matters, and the regulations governing the work of the synod.

Although the international delegates left Saturday the synod continued its work throughout the day. They discussed issues related to church order, service and work of ordained clergy, and heard reports from the various committees. All the new clergy were introduced prior to the lunch break and following lunch the synod concluded its work together. The synod came to an official close with a worship service Sunday morning, 22 May at Kliment Church in Prague, which included the Lord’s Supper.

The 2^nd session of the 33^rd Synod will meet 7-10 June. 2012.