Partner Church

In 1993, our congregation became a Partner Church to Parochia Unitariana, a Unitarian church in the tiny town of Janosfalva, Rumania. The First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City, and the Unitarian Church of Davenport all partner with Parochia Unitariana of Janosfalva. 

Janosfalva is the Hungarian name and is within the ancient borders of Transylvania. The town’s full name is Homorodjanosfalva, meaning John’s Woods by the Homorod River. Transylvania, with King John Sigismund at its head, was the country where religious freedom and tolerance were first protected. However, since WWI when Romania absorbed eastern Hungary (including Transylvania), the Hungarian speaking minority (including Unitarians in Transylvania) became the target of severe and systematic oppression. 

The Partner Church program is a way for UU churches to extend a helping hand to the people of Transylvania. Repression and discrimination are much reduced under the current Rumanian government and, with the help of Partner Churches, the villages of the region are enduring their hardships and remaking their communities. The members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities contribute annually to Parochia Unitariana. 

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HomorodJanosfalva Church - Photo by Barb Robinson

Association Ministry

Chalice Lighters Program
UUSC
Partner Church

Altar hanging embroidered with names of all families and family members in the Janosfalva church - Photo by Barb Robinson

Traditional logo of Transylvanian congregations - photo by Barb Robinson

Rev. Sandor Simo greeting congregants after Sunday service - photo by Barb Robinson