About Us

The Department

First organized as the Religious Liberty Department in 1901, PARL (Public Affairs and Religious Liberty) supports religious liberty internationally as one of the fundamental principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and as a God-given right. PARL represents the world headquarters of the Church on government issues, has an office at the United Nations, and hosts many diplomatic meetings to reinforce relations between the Church and different countries.

PARL also initiates and maintains open communication with religious leaders and government officials to strengthen understanding and broaden knowledge about the Church's beliefs and principles. The Department supports other international organizations which champion religious freedom, and gives strong promotion to the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) with chapters in many countries providing seminars and congresses around the world. PARL administrators survey legislation concerning religious freedom generated in other countries and communicate with those leaders, striving to prevent the passage of restrictive laws.

PARL advances the principle of religious freedom for every individual. Our offices are situated throughout the Seventh-day Adventist organization worldwide.