It is a joy to be together in person. After much correspondence, phone calls, and computer work, we were finally able to meet in person at our annual general meeting held on September 27. On this occasion, our Women's Association enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Budapest Unitarian Church. The male members of the local council cooked, and the young people served, in a charming manner. So we, the women, were able to meet peacefully in the sanctuary.
The meeting was opened with a prayer by Dr. Szabolcs Czire, senior minister of the Budapest Unitarian Church, helping us to tune in spiritually. Afterwards, the hostess of the event, Dr. Zsófia Pap Zomboriné, introduced the president of the Women's Association of the Unitarian Church in Budapest, Krisztina Tóth-Hídvégi, who greeted the attendees.
Dr. Rev. Ilona Szent-Iványi delivered her welcoming speech on behalf of the Unitarian Church in Hungary, while I greeted those present as president of the Hungarian Unitarian Women's National Association. Csilla Dimény, president of the Unitarian Women's National Association, delivered her welcoming speech, which was read aloud by the hostess of the event.
Following the welcoming speeches, Rev. Dr. Enikő Ferenczi, a mental health expert, gave a presentation entitled "Women's Self-Awareness Maps: Inner Journeys with Biblical Women," bringing the fates of biblical women closer to us.
After a coffee break with rich hospitality and joyful conversations, there was a sing-along led by Rev. Aba Bartha-Pál.
Before the annual reports, ICUUW President Dr. Tina Huesing personally greeted those present in a video message and encouraged us to achieve real change in our world by supporting and strengthening each other. We warmly welcome the president's encouraging words. The ICUUW has two board members from Hungary: Erika Orbán and me, Mária Zsuzsánna Bartha, and we were both in attendance.
As president of MUNOSZ I reflected on ICUUW’s 4th Convocation in Kolozsvár, Romania, last September. MUNOSZ had participated with a large delegation of 16 people. It was good to meet our sisters from around the world, to establish and deepen relationships, and to strengthen friendships.
I also reported on the important advocacy work of ICUUW at the United Nations and the Spring Seminar held in March, in New York City at the 4th Universalist Association. The ICUUW brochure was read and distributed and attendees were encouraged to visit the ICUUW website.
MUNOSZ is committed to creating equal opportunities, which is why we are members of GONDVISELÉS, PROVIDENCE our church-based social organization, which professionally organizes assistance for those in need. ICUUW partnered with Gondviselés to help Ukrainian refugees, and the organization participated in the 4th convo. We in MUNOSZ participate in collecting donations and delivering them to their destination. Local women's associations identify families in need of support. They promote the education of children, especially girls. We are grateful for their selfless work.
The reports of the local women's associations followed. With a wide variety of activities adapted to local conditions, the women always find ingenious ways to help.
The general meeting was delighted by a performance by the Budapest Unitarian Choir, conducted by Zoltán Frank. The choir was introduced by Viktória Rózsa, who invited the audience to sing along. And so, with songs in our hearts, our annual general meeting came to an end.