Browsing by Author "Berecz Ágnes"

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    Konfliktuskezelés Técső református egyházközségében 1780-1825 között
    (Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem Hittudományi Kar Egyháztörténeti Kutatóintézet, 2026) Berecz Ágnes
    This study examines the first surviving protocollum of the Reformed Congregation of Técső, located on the eastern border of Hungary (now Ukraine), and the conflict situations that occurred there and how they were resolved. These situations can be classified into four distinct categories (with some exceptions): between the parish and the diocese; between the parish and its members; between members of the congregation; and between married couples belonging to the congregation. The presbyterial council takes its decisions after hearing the persons concerned in person, demonstrating careful preparation and gradualness. Initially, the decisions were warnings and admonitions. If necessary, this process was repeated, while the congregation’s elders and the pastor worked to bring about positive change on a personal level. Only then were harsher sanctions taken, such as pastoral warnings, referral to the city council, temporary denial of the sacrament, burying relatives without singing or bells, loss of parish office and drafting a personal obligation (reversalis). The most severe punishment was a public confession of repentance before the whole congregation. A milder form of this was ‚privata poenitentia’, which took place on weekdays in front of church officials only. There was also a growing assertion of civic consciousness and morality, and it can be verified that, from the end of the 18th century to the first third of the 19th century, the strictness aimed at controlling private lives gradually weakened. (More precisely, the interpretation of the ‚private sphere’ expanded over time.) In summary, the conflict management methods of the Reformed Congregation of Técső are exemplary in that, in all cases, decisions were made by the congregation according to rules based on biblical principles, with the aim of maintaining the purity of community life.