Below is a message addressed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America from President of the Inter-American Division, Elie Henry–IAD News Staff
August 26, 2022 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America
Hello brothers and sisters, I am happy to greet you on this last Sabbath of the month of August.
It has been a month full of wonderful activities, events, projects and special days… and today in Inter-America we join the Adventist family around the world in the EndItNow initiative, which is organized every year by Women’s Ministries. This may be something that we rarely talk about in church, I’m referring to the “abuse of power.”
There are people inside and outside the church who have suffered this evil which has led them to live with painful experiences or in unpleasant situations, but because of fear, shame or some other reason, they have not talked about it with anyone. However, it is a matter that should be considered not only today, but on an ongoing basis.
All church members have the responsibility, first, to educate ourselves on what to do when we detect abusive behavior, how to help and where to refer those affected. But we must also pray for any such cases and get involved in prevention.
There is even greater responsibility for those who hold any leadership position in the church, whether as an elder, teacher, department or youth club director, pastor – any leadership role, we need to double our efforts to speak more about these issues, even from the pulpit. We must respect all people and ensure that the church is a safe place for everyone. We must help potential victims and their families and of course pray for them too.
Let’s practice Paul’s advice in his letter to the Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 1-3:
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)
Happy Sabbath