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September 2002 Adventist World Affairs | Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

(News and Analysis from the Department of Public Affairs of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church)

In this issue:
-US: Adventists Commemorate September 11 at United Nations
-Geneva: Adventist Observers Report Major Challenge for World Council of Churches
-US: Coalition for Freedom of Religion Meets EEOC Chair
-Ukraine: New Hope for Sabbath-Keeping Students in Ukraine
-US: Bill to Get Politics Involved in Churches Move Ahead
-US: UN Liaison Team Targets Local Churches
-US: New Intern Begins Assignment at UN

ADVENTISTS COMMEMORATE SEPTEMBER 11 AT UNITED NATIONS

New York, New York, USA. Seventh-day Adventists commemorated the anniversary of September 11 at the United Nations in New York while attending the U.N. Conference entitled "Rebuilding Societies Emerging from Conflict: A Shared Responsibility."

After observing a period of silence and prayer, Adventist church leaders then issued a statement read by Robert E. Lemon, treasurer at the Adventist church's world headquarters. In the statement read outside the UN building in New York, Lemon spoke of those who died, including members of the Adventist church, during the attacks on September 11.

"Seventh-day Adventists stand with all others gathered here in New York to mark the first anniversary of September 11," said Lemon. "Like everyone else, we were appalled at the attacks that took so many lives and caused such terrible destruction. We also grieved the loss of friends and loved ones, and suffered together with the families that were torn apart by the events of that horrific day."

Lemon also called for the rejection of violence and condemned the use of religion for terrorist objectives:

"In the events of September 11, we see the tragic results of the hijacking of religion for evil ends, the taking of innocent lives for some perverse attempt to make a statement. We totally reject the use of violence in attempting to resolve the problems of this world, and call on all people of good faith to do all they can to live together in harmony, toleration, and mutual respect."

He concluded with a re-commitment of the church to peace and Christian values as expressed in the life and work of Jesus Christ:"On this first anniversary we can think of no better place to be than to stand here and commemorate the lives lost, and to reaffirm our commitment to peace and goodwill to all. Our message is that of Jesus Christ who came to save humanity, to end such acts of evil, and to establish his eternal kingdom when he will "wipe every tear from our eyes," where there will be "no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away."

Adventist participation at the Conference was coordinated by the Adventist Church's U.N. Liaison Office of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department that represents the church at many U.N. summits, conferences, and committees. It advises diplomats, U.N. leaders, and non-government organizations of the church's global program of education, health, and spiritual development from the perspective of religious freedom and human rights based on moral and ethical principles, emphasizing a commitment to an improved quality of life based on Christian values and beliefs. [Jonathan Gallagher]

ADVENTIST OBSERVERS REPORT MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Geneva, Switzerland. Seventh-day Adventist observers Drs. John Graz and Bert Beach report major challenges for the World Council of Churches (WCC). Attending the membership study group on August 28 the two Adventist observers heard the final report on Orthodox participation in the WCC, as well as details of a growing financial crisis.

"The Orthodox are strong in their position and they know they play an essential role for the future of the WCC," says Graz, director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department. "Their understanding is so opposed [to the WCC position] on the role of women, homosexuality, and proselytism that we cannot imagine future coexistence without concessions. I would not be surprised if the WCC accepts the demands of the Orthodox churches. A WCC without them will be the visible failure of ecumenism."

Graz added that he foresaw increased problems in the area of religious freedom. "The liberals [of the WCC] want unity so much that they seem ready to adopt a low profile to save its process. We may be disappointed if we hope they will fight to defend religious freedom. Sacrificing religious freedom will not be a great deal for them. From my point of view-and I hope I am wrong-the danger of the tensions between the Protestants and the Orthodox is that the Protestants will be tempted to give up the values that made them great in order to save the WCC."

The WCC is also facing a major financial crisis with a large budget deficit for the current year. The implications of such a situation together with the debate over Orthodox participation gives grave cause for concern for the future of the WCC, says Graz.

Graz and Beach were the Adventist church observers at the WCC Central Committee meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, August 26 to September 3. [AWA Staff]

COALITION FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN THE WORKPLACE MEETS EEOC CHAIR

Washington, D.C. USA. Members of the Coalition for Freedom of Religion in the Workplace met Cari Dominguez, chair of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Representing the Adventist church and serving as co-chair for the Coalition was attorney James Standish, director for legislative affairs.

The meeting covered a number of serious issues that face religious believers in the workplace. Every year the Adventist Church receives over 1,000 requests for help from believers in the US who have been fired or disciplined because of their faith-usually because they cannot work on their Sabbath or Saturday, explains Standish.

Standish is working closely with other non-governmental organizations in pushing for the Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2002 to be passed in Congress.

"The meeting also gave representatives of a broad spectrum of faith communities who attended the meeting the opportunity to discuss issues of interest to them," Standish said. Discussions included the EEOC manuals, operations at EEOC offices around the country, and most importantly, the desperate need for passage of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act. More information are available on http://ola.adventist.org. [Viola Hughes]

NEW HOPE FOR SABBATH-KEEPING STUDENTS IN UKRAINE

Ukrainian authorities have recommended that educational institutions schedule all major exams on weekdays rather than on Saturdays or Sundays, which are holy days for many religious groups.

The Voice of Truth (Golos Istiny), a Seventh-day Adventist periodical in eastern Ukraine, reports that the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science made the recommendation this summer in a letter sent to all public schools, institutes, and universities in the country. The action comes in response to a petition submitted by Ukrainian Adventists on behalf of students and parents who worship on Saturday.

"We are so happy that our voice has been heard in this case," says Valery Ivanov, communication director for Euro-Asia. "This recommendation allows students to follow their convictions in celebrating the seventh day. It is important not only for Adventists in Ukraine but also for Jewish people, Sabbath-keeping Pentecostals, and other groups who honor the Bible Sabbath."

Although the Soviet Union was officially atheistic, school exams were rarely scheduled on Sundays even during the Communist era. However, Saturday was often a day for school and work, and this practice has continued in many former Soviet nations. Students who don't attend classes or take exams on Saturdays can fail their courses and lose the opportunity to attend universities.[ANN]

BILL TO GET POLITICS INVOLVED IN CHURCHES MOVES AHEAD

Washington, D.C. Supporters of a bill designed to get churches involved in politics are stating that the bill will be brought to a vote in the House in late September. Currently, organizations that benefit from nonprofit status are permitted to speak out publicly on any issues that they desire. They are not, however, permitted to become involved in electioneering - which includes the endorsement of specific political candidates or parties, and donating money to political campaigns. This prohibition has angered some, who would like churches to become more deeply involved in the political process. In order to accomplish this goal, they have introduced a bill designed to get politics involved in the churches, and churches involved in politics, by lifting the prohibition on electioneering.

The bill has received very little support among the religious community. There is good reason for this. Many religious groups are concerned that a change in the law will result in a trend towards turning houses of worship into surrogates for political parties and will place undue pressure on churches to endorse political candidates and donate funds to political parties. When we look at the results of politicized religion, whether in Islamic nations, or in the history of Europe, there is ample reason to oppose moves designed to combine politics with houses of worship. For more information, visit http://ola.adventist.org. [James Standish]

UN LIAISON TEAM TARGETS LOCAL CHURCHES

New York, USA. On the weekend before 9/11, Dr. Jonathan Gallagher (UN liaison director) and Viola Hughes (UN liaison specialist) visited the Old Westbury congregation in Westbury, New York, September 7, to conduct a religious liberty seminar and talk about international issues that impact religious freedom and human rights. At the 11 a.m. sermon hour, Gallagher
challenged members of the Adventist faith to be involved in advocacy for religious freedom, and he stressed the importance of being a witness even in times of persecution and difficulty. During the afternoon breakout session where Viola conducted two case studies involving violations of human rights and religious liberty in Nigeria and Jordan, attendees requested more information on how they can actively participate in the cause for religious freedom.

Following the Old Westbury visit and the UN conferences that took place on Sept. 9-11, Gallagher and Hughes attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the Greater New York Conference on September 14 at Madison Square Gardens where more than 3,000 Adventists were present. Gallagher spoke of the importance of having an Adventist presence at the UN, and he challenged each member present to get involved in religious liberty and speak up on human rights violations. Also attending the celebrations were Don Schneider, president of the North American Division (NAD); Manuel Vasquez, vice president for multi-lingual ministries for the NAD; and Nikolaus Satelmajer, associate ministerial secretary from the General Conference.
For more information on how to get involved, visit http://un.adventist.org. [AWA Staff]

US: NEW INTERN BEGINS ASSIGNMENT AT UN

New York, New York. USA. Newly appointed U.N. liaison officer, Mindi Rahn, began her assignment representating the Adventist Church to the United Nations on September 9. Mindi attended her first-ever UN Conference on "Rebuilding Societies Emerging from Conflict, " September 9-11, 2002, and she had the privilege to meet Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Under Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information at the United Nations.

"It's a sobering experience to be here and to start work this week when such significant things are happening," she says. "For me it's an incredible privilege to represent the church in this way and to realize that young people like myself are given such important responsibilities."

A native of Tennessee and a graduate of Southern Adventist University, Mindi has traveled to Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, Turkey, and she has a strong desire to learn about international issues that affect God's people and God's church.

The Church's U.N. internship program was realized in 2001 when two graduates of Pacific Union College staffed our office in New York. "Our volunteer interns Samantha and Matt did superb work this past year in providing an Adventist voice at the U.N.," said Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, U.N. liaison director for the Adventist Church. "They made great use of the many opportunities to share who we are and the God we believe in. I believe Mindi will likewise be a wonderful witness at this high level of influence, and I would like to ask for the support and prayers from the Church on her behalf."

The Adventist Church currently holds consultative status at the United Nations and frequently provides advice on issues of religious freedom, human rights, health, women and family issues, and education. The internship program provides a valuable educational experience for Adventist young people while keeping the church involved in major world affairs.

Picture and more information available at http://un.adventist.org. [Viola Hughes]

Copyright © 2002 Public Affairs and Religious Liberty. All rights reserved.
AWA may be reprinted or quoted providing acknowledgment is given.
Director, John Graz; Editor, Jonathan Gallagher; Advisor, Eugene Hsu; Managing Editor, Viola Hughes. Contributors: James Standish, Bert Beach, Samantha Burchard, Matthew Mills, Mindi Rahn, Jorhena Thomas, Division PARL directors; Proofreader: Becki Timon.
12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. Tel: +301.680.6683; Fax: +301.680.6695. Email: HughesV@gc.adventist.org.