Adventist Church President Receives Indian Ambassadors; Plans Visit

Silver Spring, Maryland, USA… "We are delighted to welcome to our headquarters Ambassadors Ronen Sen and Raminder Singh Jassal of India," stated Dr. Jan Paulsen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on January 4.

The visit of the head and deputy head of mission of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., was opportune, since Paulsen plans to visit India shortly. During a private interview and during a protocol luncheon, both visitors and hosts spoke on common themes of societal development.

"While we are a confessional community, we also are very much involved in the wider community," Paulsen commented. "We have a strong emphasis on education, and our health program is a signal as to the value we place on the healthy quality of life. We serve the community without favoritism, and reaffirm out intent to be of service to the people of India."

He went on to commend the leadership of the country for "reaching out to all members of society and holding together such a conglomerate people with fairness and freedom," adding that he looked forward with anticipation to re-visiting the country.

In his response, Ambassador Sen spoke of his appreciation for the opportunity to visit, stating that "in this very short time I have benefited from this interaction." Admitting the challenges posed by such a large nation, he affirmed that "what keeps us sane is the essence of our civilization heritage and our respect for differences, especially in religious beliefs. I hope that by our very existence we disprove the 'clash of civilizations' idea. We prefer the dialogue of civilizations and celebrate the richness of diversity."

He also stated that "the work of the Adventist Church is greatly appreciated," and that any problems that might exist would be met "by our resilience to overcome. We too believe in making life better, in lifting people from poverty, giving them a sense of dignity, while also respecting and celebrating diversity." Ambassador Sen concluded with the assurance that the president's upcoming visit would be "warmly received."

Ambassador Jassal also added his words of appreciation, while Dr. Eugene Hsu, a vice-president for the Adventist Church and master of ceremonies for the event, concluded the program with a message thanks to the visitors. [Jonathan Gallagher]

Tahiti: President Oscar Tumaru Commends Adventist Church

Tahiti, French Polynesia... A Seventh-day Adventist delegation led by church mission president Pastor Marama Tuarihionoa met the President of the French Polynesia Oscar Tumaru on January 25, 2006. The meeting was held in the context of the visit of Dr. John Graz toTahiti.

President Tumaru commended the Adventist Church for its work in favor of the youth. He showed his interest in religious freedom in the world. According to the President the Polynesian people are religious and tolerant. Religious pluralism is a fact and a factor of peace in Tahiti.

Adventists are well known in French Polynesia for their youth activities and most of the problems due to Sabbath observance in schools and colleges have found a solution. Graz was invited to lead a one week evangelistic program in the main church in Papeete. He was invited to preach in a Protestant church, met the Archbishop, the Vice president of the Assembly and the Protestants and Jewish leaders. French Polynesia has 35 churches and 4552 members in a population of 253 000 inhabitants. Adventists are teachers and also are ministers of the government, advisors in various government ministries, and are known to contribute to the well-being of the people. Graz thanked the President of French Polynesia and the religious and political authorities for religious freedom and the good relations between religions. A free society can not survive without religious freedom and mutual respect, he concluded.

Ecuador: New Religious Liberty Association Proposed

Quito, Ecuador... Seventh-day Adventist leaders meeting in the capital of Ecuador are proposing the formation of a new religious liberty association, the first for the country.

"This is a vital necessity," comments Pastor Leonel Lozano, the president of the Adventist church in Ecuador. "While religious freedom is guaranteed in the constitution, there are still many inequalities in the way religious groups are treated. We need a well-organized association that will take up the cause of religious freedom for all members of society."

Participating in the January 27 initial consultations was Dr Jonathan Gallagher, deputy secretary general of the International Religious Liberty Association. He agrees with the assessment, adding that "we can bring to the country the expertise developed in the international community. We are here to help the development of a better atmosphere towards religious freedom and human rights."

In the fist stages of the the new association, the planning group will be led by Dr. Winsther Miranda, a lawyer and legal advisor to the Adventist Church in Ecuador.