28 August, 2017

Religious Liberty Congress Passes Resolutions, Honors Advocates

Leaders and participants at the 8th International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) World Congress reaffirmed their commitment to promoting religious freedom and seeking peaceful coexistence as the three-day conference concluded in Hollywood, Florida United States, on August 24. The more than 550 attendees, guests, presenters, and government officials from 65 countries discussed the relationship between religious freedom and societal stability, including protection of other human rights and economic development. They recognized that threats to religious freedom and other beliefs are serious and are on the rise.

25 August, 2017

Seventh-day Adventist Church president’s statement on END IT NOW

Every day, thousands of innocent people around the world—many of them children—experience abuse. Abuse comes in many forms—domestic violence, rape, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation (FGM), and many other horrific forms. As Seventh-day Adventists, we condemn abuse in all of its forms and embrace the healing ministry of Jesus “to preach the gospel to the poor . . . to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives . . . To set at liberty those who are oppressed . . .” (Luke 4:18-19, NKJV).

25 August, 2017

“If We Don’t Protect Religious Freedom, We Don’t Deserve It”

The Protestant Reformation is not a historical event frozen in a distant past, said a panel of leaders and scholars at the International Religious Liberty Association’s 8th World Congress in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States, on August 23. On the contrary, the watershed 16th-century occurrence must be revamped and rethought if we are to make the most of its core principles, they said. “It is important we include the Reformation in the context of religious, peaceful coexistence,” said Andrews University Professor of Church History and International Religious Liberty Institute director Nicholas Miller, who moderated the panel. “After all, reformers Luther and Calvin also persecuted Anabaptists.”

24 August, 2017

Religious Leaders Discuss Responses to the Global Movement of Refugees and Migrants

With the unprecedented massive movement of migrant and refugees around the world today, religious freedom experts and advocates at this week’s 8th International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) World Congress discussed the ongoing global response so far and explored ways to better address the needs of millions--including their religious rights--who are forced to flee from their homes and cross borders.

23 August, 2017

Threats to Religious Freedom Call for Doubling Advocacy Efforts

“Religion pours $1.2 trillion into the US economy every year,” said social scientist and director of International Religious Resources at Pew Forum Brian J. Grim. “That is 50 per cent more than America’s six largest oil companies.” Grim’s startling fact-sharing was part of an introduction to an updated report on the state of religious freedom around the world, on the opening day of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA)’s 8th World Congress in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States, on August 22.

22 August, 2017

Loma Linda University Launches Diagnostic Medical Sonography Bachelor’s Degree

Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions has introduced a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, expanding the program from a certificate degree to meet the needs of the industry that is increasingly seeking graduates of a four-year program. Applications are now being taken for the program’s first bachelor’s degree co-hort. The priority deadline to apply is October 15, with a final deadline of December 15.

18 August, 2017

Prayers for Barcelona as 13 Killed, Dozens Injured in Attack

A van has killed 13 people and injured more than 80 others in a popular tourist area of Barcelona, Spain, in what police are treating as a terrorist attack. It is the latest in a series of horrific vehicle related attacks in several European cities over recent months. Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across Europe have been quick to express their sorrow and horror at yet such another incident and are calling for prayers for those affected by the incident.

16 August, 2017

“You Are Here to Change the Future”

The auditorium housing South America's largest Seventh-day Adventist Church on the campus of Brazil’s Centro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo (UNASP) was packed to standing room only on Friday evening. Students, faculty and community members joined more than 800 GAiN attendees for a vespers service featuring dynamic music and a message by Erton Köhler, president of the South American Division, a region of the Church encompassing eight countries.

14 August, 2017

What Fossil Whale Bones Tell Us About the Flood

“My research on fossil whales and sediments does not prove the Genesis Flood,” said Geoscience Research Institute senior researcher Raul Esperante, “but it does give support to it.” Esperante, a Seventh-day Adventist paleontologist and professor, addressed hundreds of Adventist professors, high-school science teachers, and church ministerial directors, during the North-American Division Faith & Science Conference in St. George, Utah, United States, last month.

9 August, 2017

Millions for Mission

Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) will invest millions in at least 42 mission projects, it was announced during the organization’s annual convention in Houston, Texas, United States, on August 5. The money, coming from the special offering traditionally raised on the Sabbath of the convention, will help fund self-supported schools and ministries, outreach and evangelistic projects, and health and nonprofit initiatives around the world. “Your offerings will make an impact for eternity,” said Debbie Young, from Quiet Moments Ministries, who introduced three of the projects to the audience just before the offering was taken on Sabbath morning. “They have the potential of changing lives for Christ.”

7 August, 2017

Called, Chosen, and Committed

Over 1,700 Seventh-day Adventist laypeople have gathered in Houston, Texas, United States, for the 2017 Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) Convention. The annual event of the organization which turns 70 this year is taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. It has brought together historical ASi supporters in their golden years, a thriving under-35 generation of committed Adventist entrepreneur hopefuls, and everything in between.