STORY
From the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency
January 31, 2025
Ohio Conference
Download
There are many in the United States who are afraid for their futures, and for the lives of family members. As a Christian denomination in the U.S., the Seventh-day Adventist Church supports the rights of all persons, no matter their country of origin — the equal rights provided in the U.S. Constitution and fair treatment as immigrants and refugees in this country.
As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that “we are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation” (Fundamental Belief No. 14).
“We maintain our allegiance to the biblical principles of equality and dignity of all human beings in the face of historic and continuing attempts to use skin color, place of origin, caste, or perceived lineage as a pretext for oppressive and dominating behavior. These attempts are a denial of our shared humanity and we deplore all such aggression and prejudice as an offense to God” (Seventh-day Adventist Church statement “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism”).
The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female — all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and margination by law or the implementation of the laws or policies are diametrically opposed to the Bible. Therefore, it is inhumane and robs people of their God-given dignity in Christ to have policies that make them afraid to go to church and school because of the threat of being deported.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America encourages its churches and schools to be warm and welcoming places for all people. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
In light of the fact that we have a shared humanity, in light of the fact we all are created equal, in light of the fact we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and in light of the fact that Jesus said, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV), our appeal is for us, as Adventists, to show our immigrant families that we love them by lifting up our voices and standing by their side in these times of uncertainty.
Our appeal to our policymakers and government leaders is found in The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (p. 92): “All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have.” Therefore, let our laws and the implementation of our laws treat all of God’s children, who are created in His image, with the dignity and decency they deserve.
G. Alexander Bryant, President
Kyoshin Ahn, Executive Secretary
Judy R. Glass, Treasurer/CFO
***
Guidelines for pastors and school leaders, through the document "Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Activity on Church and School Property," from the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Office of General Counsel, can be found by clicking here.
share this
Related Stories
The Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cleveland, “Heaven for All!,” recently joined churches worldwide in celebrating World Adventurer Day. Although the church’s “Little Stars” Adventurer Club is less than a year old, the children led a special Adventurer Sabbath during the worship service. They participated in the opening of the service, presented a musical selection, recited Scripture-based poems, assisted with the collection of tithes and offerings, offered the prayer for the offering, and introduced the congregational hymn. The celebration also marked an important milestone for the club. Adventurers completed the Little Lamb and Busy Bee levels and advanced to the Early Bird and Sunbeam levels. Each child received a Bible storybook and a pin recognizing the completion of their level. Following the worship service, club members completed the “My Church” Adventurer Award by meeting church leaders, asking questions about their roles, and learning more about how the church serves its congregation. The children also received commemorative gifts. The special Sabbath highlighted the involvement of the church’s youngest members in worship while encouraging their continued spiritual growth and engagement in the life of the congregation.
The Greater Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church concluded its 10-day evangelistic series, “A Better Tomorrow,” with a baptismal service celebrating individuals who publicly committed their lives to Jesus Christ. The series was presented by Pastor Israel Okyere and hosted by Pastor Michael Opuni. Throughout the 10-day event, community members gathered in person and online to study the Bible, strengthen their faith, and learn about God’s plan for their lives. Each evening featured messages centered on practical and biblical themes, including spiritual awakening, transformation, assurance, commitment, and decision. Through preaching, prayer, and fellowship, attendees were encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ. The series concluded with a baptismal service in which several individuals publicly professed their faith through baptism. Family members, friends, and church members gathered to witness and celebrate the occasion as the candidates entered the waters of baptism, symbolizing their new life in Christ. Following the series, the Greater Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church affirmed its commitment to supporting the newly baptized members in their spiritual growth while continuing its mission of sharing the gospel throughout the community.
A conference departmental leader and ministry partners are highlighting the power of service-driven outreach through a featured discussion on "Christ's Method in Action," showcasing efforts to meet practical needs while building stronger, healthier communities. The program, presented on 3ABN Today, features Pastor Delthony Gordon, Adventist Community Services (ACS) Director for the Ohio Conference and pastor of the Beavercreek Seventh-day Adventist Church, alongside Nicole Braxton of AMEN Free Clinic. The discussion focuses on collaborative approaches to community engagement, compassionate service, and improving access to essential resources. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through hands-on ministry and community partnerships. The conversation highlights how faith-based organizations and healthcare-focused outreach initiatives can work together to serve individuals and families facing challenges. "Christ's Method in Action" illustrates a model of service that seeks to build trust, foster relationships, and create meaningful opportunities for positive change throughout Ohio communities using the important outreach arm - Adventist Community Services. The program serves as an example of the ongoing commitment of community organizations, volunteers, and ministry leaders who are working to provide practical support and hope to those in need. For more information about Adventist Community Services in Ohio and related outreach initiatives, visit www.ACSOhio.org , or email acs@ohioadventist.org.
STAY UP TO DATE
GET CONFERENCE'S LATEST
Receive monthly updates from the conference, and get a heads up on upcoming events.
Contact Us
