Cape Town, South Africa…[Raul Lozano/IAD Staff]
During the 6th International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) World Congress recently held in Cape Town, South Africa, special recognition was given to Jose Hayasaka for his commitment to religious liberty leadership in Mexico and for his persistent endeavors aimed at getting a Conscientious Objector Law passed by the Mexican Congress.
In front of more than 600 attendees, Hayasaka received two commemorative plaques, one from IRLA and another for Liberty Magazine.
“To serve my church in this capacity has been a privilege and at the same time a great responsibility,” said Hayasaka. “I feel honored to represent and work in the religious and governmental environment on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
Hayasaka, who has served the church as legal representative in Mexico for over 26 years, said he can see a far greater progress in general for the evangelical movement in the country than 25 years ago.
“I am pleased that the Seventh-day Adventist Church enjoys a better image before the people and the authorities,” he said.
Pastor David Javier, president of the church in South Mexico commented on Hayasaka's committed service.
“[Hayasaka] has been a significant link between the Church and government and his good relationship with government officials has resolved many problems that come up,” said Pastor Javier.
Hayasaka, who resides in Mexico City, has also been responsible for the Asociación Civil Filantrópica y Educativa, which is equivalent to the moral representative of the Adventist Church in Mexico. He has also served as advisor to Evangelical organizations in Mexico for more than 15 years.
Hayasaka is married and has four grown children.
Resources
The IRLA was founded in 1893 by Seventh-day Adventist church leaders and has developed into a non-sectarian organization dedicated to safeguarding religious civil rights around the world. For more information on IRLA go to www.irla.org.
