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• Szociális munka – Spiritualitás – Egyházak: A szerkesztő előszava a különszámhoz

  Judit Kozma

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  212

  The purpose of the editorial foreword is to present the special issue, to summarize the lessons I have found in the studies on the relationship between social work, spirituality, and churches, both in general and here and now in Hungary. The relevance of and interest in the topic is that nowadays the role of churches in social care is expanding both in Hungary and in other European countries, while their missionary role is steadily decreasing. This situation is creating tensions between those who believe that the state should have primary responsibility for the social rights of citizens and those who would rather see the responsibility for the welfare of individuals falls to the individuals themselves, then to their families, the local community, the parishes, and only as a last resort to the state. In a tense political climate, it is important to highlight the values and ethical principles that fundamentally unite believing and non-believing social workers, i.e., the spirituality that is at the core of all genuine social work, and to detach the issue from the political substrate that makes the conflict between social work rooted in religious faith and social work rooted in science seem irreconcilable.

• Kezek Evangéliuma – Sztehlo Gábor öröksége

  Annamária Buda

  Views:

  113

  Gábor Sztehlo, an evangelical pastor, is one of the leading figures of the 20th century. From the beginning of his career, he was known for his work in building churches, organising congregations, and establishing folk schools in Hungary. During World War II, Sztehlo was involved in the work of the Good Shepherd Association, which saved children of Jewish origin. Under his guidance between 1944 and 45, "hidden" children’s homes were run in 32 villas and apartments in Buda and Pest, with well-organised daily schedules and basic supplies, subjected to constant harassment by the Hungarian nazis. By the end of the war, he had rescued 1500 children and 500 adults. His service was outstanding in the rescue of Jews, recognised by the State of Israel with the "Yad Vashem" medal, and he was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Later, Gábor Sztehlo set up Gaudiopolis in the Pax Children's Home which was an example of children's republic as a pedagogical method. In the 1950s, he organised the diaconal work after the nationalisation of church property.