National Reformed Pastors’ Conference of Romania
The National Reformed Pastors’ Conference of Romania is a fraternal and professional organization for Hungarian pastors serving in the country.
Following extensive preparations, the National Reformed Pastors’ Association was established in Hungary in 1907, as pastors had not previously had a community where they could discuss matters concerning their life and ministry. However, historical events led to Transylvania being separated from Hungary and annexed to Romania, which meant that pastors living in the region were removed from the previous organization. In response to the new situation, efforts were made to establish a new Pastors’ Conference, but the newly reorganized Conference could only operate for a short time before being banned by the emerging communist regime.
In 1990, the National Reformed Pastors’ Conference of Romania was founded. Like our Church, it operates in a dual minority status: in a country that is predominantly Orthodox, we form a minority both as Reformed believers and as Hungarian speakers.
All active and retired pastors, as well as those in civilian occupations who maintain their pastoral status, are members of the National Reformed Pastors’ Conference of Romania by default. Currently, our membership numbers nearly one thousand.
In our Church, only those who have completed appropriate university-level training can become pastors. Our only theological training institute is located in Cluj-Napoca, where students undergo a six-year program. Upon graduation, they first serve as assistant pastors, and after their assistantship year and final examination, they are ordained and assigned to ministerial service. The majority of active pastors serve in congregations, though we also have school chaplains, hospital chaplains, and pastors serving in other institutions.
The Three Main Areas of Our Pastoral Conference’s Activities
- Spiritual and Faith-based Support:
• We assist the work of ecclesiastical bodies,
• Organize discussions on issues affecting pastors,
• Strengthen pastoral fellowship,
• Provide pastoral care to those in need. - Professional and Academic Development:
• We encourage pastors to pursue further studies,
• Support self-education,
• Keep records of pastoral academic contributions. - Support and Assistance:
• We pay attention to the concerns of pastors, especially retirees
• Offer aid to large families and colleagues in distress.
Structure and Events
Our work follows the organizational model of the Church, operating on three levels. Hungarian-speaking congregations in Romania belong to 24 church dioceses, which are grouped into two districts, each led by a bishop. The national church is governed by the Synod. Likewise, the Pastors’ Conference operates at three levels: national, provincial, and district.
• At the national level, we organize a conference every two years, providing an opportunity to discuss current church-wide topics, as well as allowing pastors—who often live and work far apart—to meet personally and exchange professional experiences. This year, our conference will take place on April 1–2, focusing on Strengthening Youth Ministry.
• At the diocese level, an annual conference is held.
• At the district level, we organize at least four meetings per year.
We are looking forward to our upcoming conference in Kisdisznód / Michelsberg / Cisnădioara on June 14–18, 2025, and warmly welcome all of you!