wfn.org | Canadian Stamp to Commemorate Adventist World Synod 2000

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

January 2, 2000
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

Canadian Postage Stamp to Commemorate Adventist World 
Session 2000 in Toronto

Toronto, Canada.        Canada Post announced that its stamp 
program for the year 2000 will include a special 
commemorative stamp to coincide with the opening of the 
Seventh-day Adventist Church's World Session in Toronto on 
June 29, 2000.  

The December 1999 announcement has been welcomed by 
the Adventist Church in Canada and the world headquarters of 
the Church located in Maryland, USA.

"What an exciting development," says Gerry Karst, a Canadian 
and assistant to the president of the world-wide Adventist 
Church. "Hats off to the movers and shakers who 
accomplished this.  Adventists in Canada and around the 
world will be proud of this public recognition by
the Canadian postal service."

The campaign for an Adventist World Session 2000 stamp 
began in 1997 and was spearheaded by Barry Bussey, 
secretary of the Adventist Church in the Ontario region. A 
long-time stamp collector, Bussey organized a grassroots 
letter-writing campaign that targeted every member of
parliament, mayors of major Canadian cities, and other 
national leaders.  

Other religious and charitable organizations also lent their 
support to the effort, often referring to past, positive 
involvement with the Adventist Church.  Writing to Canada 
Post in support of the stamp issue, the Society for 
International Ministries said that it had a good relationship 
with the Adventist Church in its development and relief
work in the Sudan and "appreciated their cooperative spirit."

According to Bussey, the project was about more than just 
securing a special stamp issue.  "That's just a small cog in a 
big wheel," he says. "This is an opportunity to highlight the 
Adventist Church, to get involved with the community, to let 
Canadian society know we're here. I am so pleased that I 
could have a small part in helping Canada know more about 
the Adventist Church." 

Ivan Grose, Member of Parliament for Oshawa, was one of the 
politicians who supported the bid. In a letter to Canada Post, 
he noted two Adventist institutions within his district, saying "I 
am very familiar with [the Church's] good works, not only 
locally, but nationally and internationally as well.  I can think 
of no more worthwhile subject for a special commemorative 
stamp. I encourage you and your colleagues to look favorably 
on this very worthwhile project."

The design of the 46-cent, first-class stamp will not be 
disclosed until its release. It is based on material and 
information provided to Canada Post by Bussey and his 
Canadian team.  Ray Dabrowski, communication director for 
the world church who assisted with information and supported 
the project, welcomed the successful outcome of the stamp 
decision.

"We are all anxious to see the stamp, but, like everyone else, 
will wait until the release early next year," said Dabrowski.
An estimated seventeen stamps, commemorating various 
aspects of Adventism, have been issued by countries around 
the world, from Pitcairn Island to Zimbabwe.  The Canadian 
stamp will be the first honoring the Adventist Church that has 
been issued in North America.