News: April 2007

Meeting in progress

United Nations Wakes up to Religion

New York, New York... The United Nations (UN) is waking up to the role that religious organizations can play in meeting its goals--particularly in the area of social, development and peace issues.

"It's intriguing that the UN has finally discovered religion," said Jonathan Gallagher, UN representative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "In recent meetings, particularly one on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, speakers have recognized the role faith organizations can play in improving our world."

"There is no better time than now for inter-religious dialogue and peace," said the Ambassador of the Philippines, Hilario G. Davide, speaking at the Report on Interreligious Dialogue held at the UN on April 18.

The meeting, organized by the Committee of Religious Non-governmental Organizations at the UN, will not be the last to urge UN member states to reflect on steps toward more peaceable, cooperative relations among world religions and faith groups. Davide highlighted upcoming high-level dialogues on religion to be held at the UN in May.

"Only five years ago this would have been unheard of," observed Azza Karam, Culture Advisor for the UN Population Fund, "but now inter-faith dialogue is mushrooming. Many UN agencies are waking up to working with faith-based organizations."

Emmanuel Kattan, of the Alliance of Civilizations, promoted the importance of cross-cultural understanding and inter-faith dialogue. "Religious communities are sustaining concrete roles in education, with youth, and in the media. The contribution of religious non-government organizations has to be realized and built on."

Commenting on how the perceived role of religious organizations is changing, Adventist world church spokesperson Rajmund Dabrowski noted a rising interest in the contribution of religious organizations. "From a communication perspective, many multi-national organizations are realizing that faith communities play a vital role in their communities, and can contribute much to the development of society," he said.

"It is worth noting that the UN is also recognizing this role that the church can play. Of course, unlimited religious influence over the UN would be counter-productive; however, the new-found openness to the role played by organizations of faith should be commended," Dabrowski said.[PARL News/ANN]

John Graz (L) makes a presentation to Larry Miller

Mennonite Leaders Visit Adventist HQ

Silver Spring, Maryland… Leaders of the Mennonite World Conference visited the Seventh-day Adventists Church world headquarters on April 24.

General secretary Larry Miller and associate executive secretary Pakisi Tshimika of the MWC were welcomed by Adventist church vice-president Lowell Cooper.

"We're interested in learning more about your structure and practice, both in the global and local areas," said Miller. He gave a brief background on the Mennonite church, which has some 1.5 million baptized members in 65 countries.

"Well-known for their activities to promote peace and non-violence, the Mennonite church has a heritage which has much to offer the world," said John Graz, director of the Adventist church's Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department. An inter-church conversation is planned with the Mennonites, he continued, during which information will be shared regarding the beliefs of the two churches. "We are particularly interested in this conversation, especially in relation to issues of peace," he concluded.

A protocol luncheon provided the opportunity for the two visitors to dialogue with eighteen Adventist leaders. [PARL News]