wfn.org | North American Adventist Church Holds Race Summit

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

November 2, 1999
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

Adventist Church in North America Holds Race Summit

Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (ANN/APD)   The Seventh-day 
Adventist Church in North America's race summit, held at 
the Church's Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, 
from October 27-30, brought together a wide representation 
of lay members, pastors, educators, and leaders to 
discuss the furthering of race relations in the different 
areas of church activities.

Held by the Church's North American Division and under the 
leadership of its president, Alfred C. McClure, the summit 
worked towards forming initiatives to develop, promote and 
better model the ministry of Christ in achieving racial 
harmony. This was effected through presentations, work 
groups, seminars and much inter-personal interaction 
throughout the four days of meetings.

"The Church in North America has recognized the need for 
such a frank and open discussion on race relations," said 
Kermit Netteburg, church spokesman. "This summit is part of 
an intentional strategy to provide forums to better aid 
racial harmony, and the recommendations adopted will 
assist the Church in its inclusive attitude of racial 
harmony."

Recommendations voted by the summit include the 
development of a strategic plan for the Church that will 
look at ecclesiastical structure, church congregations, 
and a program of education that will present "practical 
pathways to inclusivity."