wfn.org | Dialogue between Reformed and Adventist Churches

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March 31, 2001
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD

Conversation between Reformed and Adventist Churches
Will Facilitate Exchange of Ideas

Geneva/Switzerland.     A series of conversations
between two Christian World Communions, the Seventh-
day Adventist Church (SDA) and the World Alliance of
Reformed  Churches (WARC), will provide a forum for
exchanging ideas, said Dr. Setri  Nyomi, general
secretary of the WARC, on a visit in February to the
world headquarters of the Adventist Church in Silver
Spring, Maryland/USA.

Nyomi, a 46-year-old theologian from Ghana, met with
Adventist leaders at an informal gathering, telling
them that he has experienced the positive witness of
the Adventist Church close to home through his
father-in-law, who is an Adventist Church member.
Nyomi also expressed special appreciation for the
work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency
and their decades of humanitarian work on the
continent of Africa.

Nyomi's visit comes on the eve of a planned dialogue
between representatives from the Adventist Church and
those from the Alliance. Dr. Bert Beach, director of
inter-church relations for the Adventist Church
worldwide, says that papers presented at the meetings
will probe issues of identity, including how the
Adventist Church views itself in relation to the
Reformation. Other papers will explore how Christians
respond to issues of injustice in the world.

The meetings, running from April 1 to 7, will take
place in Switzerland.

Calling the upcoming conversation "a very important
new chapter" in fostering mutual understanding, Nyomi
said one of the central topics under discussion will
be "what Christians do for society, and why we do
it."

The Alliance has become increasingly known for its
willingness to speak out strongly on issues of social
justice, offering a Christian perspective on problems
ranging from economic inequity to racial
discrimination to environmental concerns.  This
social awareness caught international media attention
in 1982 when the Alliance voted to expel a number of
South African churches for their pro-apartheid
stance.

When asked how Christians can be a strong force for
social justice without being drawn into partisan
political processes, Nyomi says that the right
motivation is paramount.  "When people suffer,
Christians must respond," he says.  "On some issues,
the government may welcome your message; on others,
the opposition may say 'Amen.'" But, Nyomi adds, the
message should never be affected by political
considerations or allegiance to a particular party.

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches, founded in
1875, represents some 75 million Christians in 108
countries.  Its 215 member organizations are
primarily Presbyterian, Reformed, United, and
Congregational churches.

While the Seventh-day Adventist Church with its 11
million members is a comparatively strong Christian
denomination, it is extraordinary in its worldwide
missionary thrust. Rooted in more than 200 countries,
the SDA Church is today the most widespread
Protestant denomination.

For more information about the World Alliance of
Reformed Churches, go to www.warc.ch

Information about the Seventh-day Adventist Church
are available on the Web at www.adventist.org