Meeting of Central and Eastern European Leaders

The Baptist House hosted a special gathering on January 19–20. Leaders of Baptist unions from Central and Eastern Europe – representing the countries participating in the Acts 1:8 cooperation – came together to seek a common consensus on several important issues that concern us all.

Guests from Poland, Bosnia, Slovakia, Transylvania, Romania, Croatia, and Serbia arrived in Budapest at the invitation of the Hungarian Baptist Union. Under the leadership of President János Papp, we discussed a number of matters related to the functioning of the European Baptist Federation (EBF) that are of shared concern, raise serious questions, and call for reconsideration. We were also honored by the presence of Charles Costa, President of the Lebanese Baptist Union, who currently serves as President of the EBF. The significance of the meeting was further underscored by the high-level Hungarian representation: alongside President János Papp, the delegation included General Secretary László Ottó Varga, Vice President for Mission István Durkó, Foreign Affairs Secretary Lajos Téglási, and Acts 1:8 Coordinator Péter Kovács.

Earlier, President János Papp had prepared a working paper identifying operational challenges and questionable theological practices that we have been observing within the EBF for some time – issues that pose a threat to the unity and future of the federation. After reviewing this document, the National Council unanimously expressed its support for representing these concerns. As a result, the paper was translated and distributed in advance, enabling substantive and meaningful discussion with the participating leaders during the in-person meeting.

While the discussions released a great deal of accumulated frustration, the atmosphere throughout remained genuinely friendly and brotherly. There was a shared commitment to do everything within our power, together, to ensure that the EBF fulfills its mission with clarity and credibility – as a strong and living fellowship that represents, unites, and supports its national member unions.

Within the EBF, there are national unions that adopt and practice significantly more permissive positions regarding women in leadership and gender-related issues than those held by unions in our region. The theology promoted by the EBF-supported International Baptist Theological Study Centre (IBTS) also plays a role in this, as its operation and value framework have become sources of serious tension. In addition, concerns were raised about the lack of transparency in the EBF’s operations, disproportionate representation, and the unjustified dominance of certain unions in shaping priorities and decisions. All of these matters were addressed during the discussions. Our aim is to speak out together, with one voice, for meaningful change, and to represent those theological values and practices in which we hold a more conservative and biblically grounded position. Thanks be to God, not only was the atmosphere excellent, but we also reached agreement on most issues; only fine-tuning remains.

At the same time, the meeting provided an opportunity to further strengthen the Acts 1:8 cooperation, to review shared plans and directions for collaboration, and– under the leadership of Péter Kovács – to present the developed support opportunities.

There is strength in unity, especially when it is brought about by the Spirit of God. This special unity was something we experienced over these two days, and we look forward to continuing this journey with joy.