Modern Unitarianism has its origins in 16th century Transylvania. The name Unitarian comes from one of the founding beliefs, that God is one (not three persons in one, as Trinitarianism has it). Another founding belief stemming from our Transylvanian roots is that no one has the moral right to impose his or her beliefs on another person. We are committed to religious freedom.

With several of our theological and philosophical roots in that area of the world, it is not surprising that we take an ongoing interest in European Unitarianism. During the Ceausescu regime in Romania, the Hungarian-speaking community (much of it Unitarian) in Transylvania was severely persecuted. Little could be done while Ceausescu remained in power. However, after his regime was replaced, a major Partner Church Program was initiated by the Unitarian Universalist Association in North America to provide recovery support to Transylvanian and Hungarian Unitarianism.

Bela Bartok Interior Courtyard Doors to the Sanctuary at Centre Rear Photo by Rod McLeod

In 1999 Josef Kaszoni became the minister of Budapest I. His pulpit at Budapest II was filled by Czaba Razmany who is also minister of Budapest III.  In September of 1999 four members of Toronto First met with Czaba in Budapest. They enjoyed dinner and pleasant conversation with Czaba, his associate minister Adrienne and a young member of the Budapest II congregation.  Our Partner Church committee has invited Czaba to visit us here in Toronto as well as at the CUC meetings in Montreal in May 2001. A successful Partner Church Sunday offering is making this all possible. Czaba will take part in a Sunday service at First so take this opportunity to come out and meet him and learn more about our Partner Church in Hungary.

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