News July 2005

Nigerian Delegates to World Church Session Thank US Congressman for Visa Help

L to R: Pr. Joseph Ola, Pr. Hakeem Smith, Mrs. Yetunde Smith, Mrs. Ellen Bartlett, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Pr. Jacob Umoru, Mrs. Blessing Umoru, Pr. Kingsley Anonaba, Pr. Iliya Kwarbai

St. Louis, Missouri, USA… Four Nigerian delegates and two of their wives personally thanked United States Congressman Roscoe Bartlett for his help in securing visas to attend vital church meetings in the US.

The four leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria originally had their application for visas denied, and we dismayed at the prospect of not being able to attend the church’s world session which is only held every five years.

“It was looking like we were not going to be able to get the visas,” explains Pastor Hakeem Smith, leader for the Adventist church in south-west Nigeria. “Our church members began to pray, and then with the help of the congressman we were asked to return to the US Embassy for more interviews. I knew things were very different this time because as soon as I went into the office I was told ‘welcome, pastor.’ The official told me that he was satisfied that we all planned to return and would not overstay our visas. Then he asked if we would all come back and give him a report of our church meetings.”

Pastor Joseph Ola who heads up that section of the church in Nigeria says he was very pleased with this decision. “I feared that I would not be coming with my regional church leaders. They have gone through fire, but have come out on top,” he comments.

Congressman Bartlett, who is himself a member of the Adventist church, says he was very happy to help. He had contacted the US State Department, and after a call to Nigeria and further interviews the visas were issued. “I told the State Department that in order to be terrorists they would have had to join the church twenty years ago and be the best actors in the world,” he observes. “I explained this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I would personally guarantee that everyone would return. As far as I know, no-one has even not returned home after our church sessions, and I promised that if anyone didn’t go back then I would go instead!”

Attorney James Standish who represents the Adventist church to the US Congress expressed his delight that through liaison with Congressman Bartlett’s office many delegates had been able to receive visas. “It is so important to the church to have world-wide representation at this world church session,” he notes. “I am especially pleased that visas have been secured for the vast majority of those needing to attend, and want to personally thank Congressman Bartlett for his generous assistance. We appreciate his help on Capitol Hill, not just in this instance, but in many other areas such as religious liberty and in improving our society.” [Jonathan Gallagher]

Religious Leaders Appreciate Adventist Values, Pray for Success

Some of the religious leaders with representatives of the Adventist church

St. Louis, Missouri, USA … Religious leaders visiting the Seventh-day Adventist world session have commended the church for its values, praying that the organization’s work will be successful. Representatives from various faith communities shared their experiences of Adventists and applauded the church’s stand on vital issues.

Dr. Lynn Jost of the Mennonite Brethren College spoke of the value of promoting peace shared by Mennonites and Adventists, stating that “our prayer is that through these sessions you will grow in three distinctive Christian qualities that we share with you: the qualities of peace, praise and purpose.” He concluded by praying that “you represent God so clearly that the world will find God’s love irresistible.”

“I like to see what Jesus is doing through others,” added Most Reverend Robert J. Hermann, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis. “I am thankful for the values we share together. I appreciate what you’re doing and what the Lord is doing through you. I have a lot to learn and as I learn from you I will be keeping my eyes and ears and mind open.”

Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger, Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, said he was glad for “the great opportunity to have you here in the home city of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. I appreciate the strong stand Adventists have in taking Scripture seriously, and the stand you take on life. I commend you for your zeal in community and in taking the gospel to the world. I pray that the Lord will bless you mightily as you bring many people to the Lord.”

Rabbi Susan Talve commented that she was “probably the only non-Christian here, but as a vegetarian and Sabbath-keeper I feel very much at home. While there are places where we have different ideas, I have appreciated what you are doing here. Nothing speaks more to my heart and gives hope to our world. As Rabbi of the only congregation within the city limits I share with you the belief that we have to address real people and real issues such as racism and poverty. The fact you have brought so many people here in God’s presence and in God’s will to do his work means we will all benefit.”

In a letter to the session, Dr. Denton Lotz of the Baptist World Alliance spoke of his organizations appreciation of the Adventist church’s religious liberty stand. “Your defense of religious freedom around the world has won the acclaim of many governments and churches. The Baptist World Alliance joins with you in supporting religious freedom for all people.” He added that “We rejoice in this tremendous gathering of Seventh-day Adventist and join with you in praying God’s blessings on this world at war.” The Alliance was represented at the session by Mr. John Truex.

On behalf of the Presbyterian Church USA, Executive Presbyter Paul T. Reiter, addressed the session and expressed his hope that it would be successful.

“It’s perhaps not surprising that guests from other faiths visiting our session have commended Adventists,” comments Dr. John Graz, director of the Adventist world church’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department. “To some degree, it’s what’s expected. But we really appreciate the specific endorsements of some of our values, especially as they relate to important issues in our world. We also thank them for their prayers on our behalf.” [Jonathan Gallagher]

Church Releases Statements Reaffirming Tolerance and Respect for All Peoples

July 5, 2005 St. Louis, Missouri, United States .... [Wendi Rogers/ANN]

Three reaffirmation statements on subjects in which the church places high priority were released by the Seventh-day Adventist Church during the world church's business meetings: "On Being Transformed in Christ - an Affirmation of Christian Values and Quality of Life;" "Religious Extremism - A Danger to Religious Liberty;" "and Respect for all People - Making Churches and Community Safe."

In introductory remarks to a press conference regarding the statements on July 5, Ray Dabrowski, director of communication for the world church, said the Adventist Church is saying "No'" to methods of religious extremism. "This is not the way society should relate to one another."

On the statement of respect for all people, "We as Seventh-day Adventists have zero tolerance" on human trafficking, exploitation of women and children, sexual abuse and family violence, he said.

And, in response to being transformed in Christ, Dabrowski said, "Quality of life is at the center of Adventism."

"Seventh-day Adventists believe the Christian lifestyle is not simply a cognitive, intellectual experience distanced from, separate from, love," said Mark Finley, a general vice president of the world church, regarding the theme of the meetings and statement on being 'transformed in Christ'. "Adventists believe that the community will be a better place because we are here -- that's our goal."

He added that Adventists "recognize the condition of the world, but we look optimistically to the future."

Responding to a question on whether drug and alcohol problems persist among Adventist youth, Finley said there is a broader question. "Are Adventist youth immune" to such things? "Certainly Adventist young people are not immune." There is a strategy for educating and helping young people -- through the church's education systems, world youth departments, temperance societies and Pathfinder clubs, he offered.

"The release of the statement is new," Finley responded to a question on why the statement is being released. "The values are not new. We felt we needed a clear statement, a restatement of the previous position ..."

Jonathan Gallagher, associate director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the world church, spoke on the statement on religious extremism. Two dangerous directions mentioned in the statement, he said, are an anti-religious kind of secularism and the growth of religious fundamentalism, or religious extremism.

"Religion extremism infects all kinds of belief systems," he said. There can be a 'We are right, you are wrong' attitude, "and 'because we are right, we have the right to persecute you, to intimidate you, to harass you, to even kill you.'"

He added, "When religion is hijacked, we see a great deal of impact on society." There are extremists in many religions, he said. "There are even extremist Adventists, but I hope none have endorsed violence."

While Adventists promote freedom of belief, he said, that's not saying that the church agrees with the beliefs of others organizations. "We're not endorsing their beliefs, but endorsing their right to believe."

"We call on everyone, both inside and outside our faith community, to work wisely and effectively to reduce religious intolerance and extremism," the statement reads.

The statement on respect for all people says, "Seventh-day Adventists, as Christians, seek to live by the highest moral and ethical principles of conduct in their relationships with fellow human beings."

"It means we must stand with others," against issues of human trafficking, exploitation of women and children, sexual abuse and family violence, said Karen Flowers, associate director of the world church's Family Ministries.

"The church," she said, "does not intend to work only within its own parameters, but rather to network with the wider community."

Source: Adventist News Network

Sir James Carlisle Calls for Adventist Commitment at World Church Session

Sir James Carlisle, Lady Emma, daughter Faith, son Mark

St. Louis, Missouri, USA… Sir James Carlisle, governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda, spoke with passion and conviction on July 1 to the Seventh-day Adventist world church gathered in session at St. Louis.

Expressing his conviction that Adventists should be more involved in community, Sir James urged his audience to stand firm for their faith. As head of state, "I decided not to serve alcohol at state functions." The reason--knowing the damage alcohol does to human body, he says.

He also is committed to observing the seventh-day Sabbath, noting that "a number of people objected to my appointment due to my refusal to work on Sabbath."

When invited to be knighted by the Queen of England, Sir James also had to decline because the ceremony was on Sabbath. Later he did receive the accolade, being invited by the Queen to Buckingham Palace, which was, he says, "even better."

The governor-general and his family were welcomed by Dr. John Graz, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Adventist world church, who praised him for his clear endorsement of Adventist values and principles.

Sir James is also highly committed to religious liberty issues. In January 2003, at the time of the formation of the first organization in the country to be dedicated exclusively to promoting and defending religious freedom, he called for strong Adventist support.

"As a Seventh-day Adventist, I believe we are to be model citizens in society, promoting and defending essential values," he said. "Religious freedom is one of our most precious values, and brings great benefits to society. We also need to remember that we cannot please everyone, we simply do what is right, whatever the hostility we may have to face."

Sir James was appointed Governor General in 1993 and is the recipient of many awards of distinction. He is also active in his local church, identifying his faith as a positive contribution to his leadership role in the country. [Jonathan Gallagher]

Dr. John Graz, Sir James Carlisle, Dr. Jonathan Gallagher
[Photos: Ana Gallagher]

Dr Jan Paulsen re-elected GC President

Dr. Jan Paulsen with his wife Kari gives his acceptance speech
[Photo: Ana Gallagher]

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