Adventist church leaders from Russia and Ukraine urges peacekeeping, prayer Kiev/Moscow | 12.03.2014 | Religion + State A common statement released by top Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries invites Adventist church members and “all people of good will” to participate in the “ministry of reconciliation” as political turmoil in Ukraine deepens. Pro-Russian separatists in Crimea voted last week to secede from Ukraine and join Russia, just days after thousands of Russian troops began patrolling the disputed Black Sea peninsula. A region-wide referendum for
New Adventist Church president reaffirms cooperation with China's Protestant organization <br> Wilson hosts China Christian Council representatives at world headquarters, accepts invitation to visit China Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 11.07.2010 | Religion + State Seventh-day Adventist world church President Ted N. C. Wilson affirmed that his church will maintain a cooperative relationship with China's officially recognized Protestant organizations, the China Christian Council (CCC) and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). "Although the Adventist Church has distinct doctrines, we are certainly open to cooperating with fellow Christians who are lifting up Christ," Wilson said following a meeting with representatives of the China Christian Council a
Norwegian ambassador, Paulsen meet at Adventist church headquarters <br> <br> Countrymen focus on commonalities despite religious differences Silver Spring, Maryland/USA, | 13.05.2010 | Religion + State The ambassador of Norway to the United States of America, Wegger Christian Strommen, visited recently the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters. He praised Seventh-day Adventists for their international humanitarian work and denominational unity. Ambassador Strommen was hosted by fellow countryman Jan Paulsen (born 1935 in Narvik, Norway), since 1999 president of the denomination, along with a group of church leaders during an April 26 protocol visit. Strommen was appointed ambas
Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine Against Involvement of Churches in Politics Kyiv/Ukraine | 02.05.2010 | Religion + State The Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine (CEPCU) published on April 21 a statement expressing its position on the role of the church in the society and on its attitude about politics. In the document, the heads of the Protestant churches expressed concern over the fact that certain politicians attempted to use the authority of the council and the Evangelical Protestant churches for their own political interests, reports the Kyiv based Institute of Religious Freedom (IPC). "It
Russia and Vatican to Establish Full Diplomatic Ties Rome/Moscow | 17.12.2009 | Religion + State Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Pope Benedict XVI agreed December 3 to establish full diplomatic relations between Russia and the Holy See. According to the Religion News Service (RNS), this step is "likely to be seen as healing decades of mutual suspicion and tension". "During the meetings both parties expressed their satisfaction at the cordial existing relations and it was agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Russian Federation," read a statement
Russia: Proposed amendments trouble country's religious liberty advocates <br> <br> Measure seeks to restrict missionary activity Moscow/Russia | 15.12.2009 | Religion + State Religious liberty advocates in Russia say proposed amendments to a national law seek to regulate free religious expression in the country and endanger profession of faith provisions in the Russian constitution. The amendments to the 1997 law called "On Freedom of Conscience and Association" specifically target so-called "missionary activity" in the country, experts say. If passed, the anticipated amendments will "not only contradict the constitution, but also violate the right to freedom
Switzerland minaret ban would be discrimination against religion, says Amnesty London/UK | 26.11.2009 | Religion + State A ban on the construction of minarets would breach Switzerland's obligations to uphold freedom of religion, Amnesty International (ai) said ahead of a referendum on November 29 on a constitutional amendment. The proposal, which was initiated by 16 individual members of the traditionally strong Swiss People's Party (SVP) and the Federal Democratic Union (EDU), will ask Swiss voters if they wish to add the sentence "The construction of minarets is forbidden" to Article 72 of the Constitution.
US court rules against "I Believe" car license plates Washington D.C./USA | 13.11.2009 | Religion + State A US federal judge has ordered South Carolina not to issue cross-adorned ''I believe'' car number plates, ruling it violates the constitutional separation of church and state. US District Court judge, Cameron Currie, ruled that the state legislature - which voted unanimously last year to approve the number plates that include a cross in front of a stained glass window - had clearly given favoured government treatment to a single faith, and ordered to halt its issue. "Whether motivated by
US Lawyer appointed as new UN liaison for Adventist World Church <br> <br> Religious liberty expert hopes to secure church a 'seat at the table' Washington D.C./USA | 26.08.2009 | Religion + State A veteran Seventh-day Adventist religious freedom advocate and lawyer will return to employment at Adventist World church headquarters to serve as the protestant denomination's liaison to the United Nations, the church's Executive Committee announced last week. James D. Standish, Esq., served as Director of Legislative Affairs at the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters for seven years. He spent the past year as executive director of the United States Commission on International R
Adventist officials investigate student unrest in Uganda Luweero/Uganda | 30.07.2009 | Religion + State Seventh-day Adventist Church officials in East-Central Africa are investigating circumstances behind the shooting of two students July 26 when local police used live fire to quell a riot at a church-run secondary school in Uganda. The students remain in "stable condition" at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, the East African nation's capital, said Esther Mugerwa, education director for the Adventist Church in Uganda. Five other students are also recovering after reportedly sustaining minor injurie
Adventist Church activities in Honduras continue in wake of ousted president Tegucigalpa/Honduras | 30.07.2009 | Religion + State Leaders remain cautious as situation develops Seventh-day Adventist Church services and activities have continued uninterrupted in the wake of an interim government coming to power after the ousting of the nation's president several weeks ago. The overthrow sparked demonstrations in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, where residents now follow a curfew and have noted an increased military presence. "So far all of our churches throughout Tegucigalpa and the rest of the country have conti
Adventist appointed religious liaison for Obama administration Washington, D.C.,/USA | 29.04.2009 | Religion + State A Seventh-day Adventist Christian will help U.S. President Barack Obama's administration consider the concerns of faith communities as it makes policy decisions, the White House announced recently. The Obama administration appointed D. Paul Monteiro, a lawyer and former Senate staffer, to serve as religious liaison in its Office of Public Liaison & Intergovernmental Affairs (OPL-IGA). "The president is serious about involving the views of faith communities in [policy] discussions -- from
Adventists Played Important Role in Obama Inaugural Events Washington D.C./USA | 25.01.2009 | Religion + State Seventh-day Adventist Christians played important, visible roles in the inaugural festivities and early celebrations for President Barack Hussein Obama, the first African-American elected as chief executive of the United States of America. Moments after President Obama’s inaugural address, Seventh-day Adventist pastor and U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black gave the invocation at the inaugural luncheon held in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall on January 20. The next morning, Wintley Phipps, a note
Historic Obama inauguration preserves tradition of prayer Washington D.C./USA | 20.01.2009 | Religion + State U.S. Senate chaplain on spirituality of nation's leaders; an Adventist's privilege Government officials and United States citizens who have gathered in the nation's Capitol today for the inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama celebrated many firsts, but they'll also rely on a framework preserved for more than 200 years, bolstered by such standbys as the inaugural prayer, says U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black. A prayer isn't something to take a red pen to, he says. Unlike speeches,
More Cooperation Planned Between the United Nations and World Religions New York, N.Y./USA | 17.12.2008 | Religion + State Representatives from the United Nations and religious leaders met together with non-government organizations in New York December 16 to promote greater cooperation between the UN and religious groups worldwide. The intent in the words of the organizers is “to explore new ways and means to advance cooperation between the world’s religious communities and the United Nations.” In his welcome, Dr Sunggon Kim, a Korean Member of Parliament and permanent director of the International Peace Corps of
Adventist Church in Serbia requests protection from international community Belgrade/Serbia | 05.12.2008 | Religion + State Members fear for their safety as churches are vandalized, threatened Criminals broke windows, scrawled threats on walls and destroyed private property at five Seventh-day Adventist churches in Serbia in November, prompting church leaders in the region to appeal to the international community for help. The latest acts of violence came after a year of escalating crimes against Adventists in Serbia, according to a statement released by church leaders in the South-East European region. "We
Vietnam grants Adventist Church official recognition Ho Chi Minh City/Vietnam | 03.11.2008 | Religion + State 'Dream come true' for members; first constituency meeting since 1975 The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vietnam received official recognition last month, granting the church in the Southeast Asian nation legal status to operate, church officials said. Leaders met in Ho Chi Minh City October 22 to 24 to elect officers during the first church constituency meeting in the country since 1975. The church's Executive Committee for the country is now seeking funds to purchase land for establishin
President of Romania Visit Adventist Church in Spain Madrid/Spain | 15.10.2008 | Religion + State The president of Romania, Mr. Traian Băsescu, visited the Seventh-day Adventist Romanian Church in Madrid, Spain. The head of state was accompanied by Mr. Lazăr Comănescu, the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Maria Ligor, the Romanian Ambassador in Spain, various secretaries of state, deputies and members of the European Parliament. President Băsescu visited the Eben-Ezer church, one of fourteen Romanian Adventist churches in the region of Madrid. More than 2,00
Croatian Parliament limits Sunday shopping Zagreb/Croatia | 24.09.2008 | Religion + State The Croatian Parliament ruled in July that stores must close on Sundays, an act carried out in deference to the wishes of the Roman Catholic Church. The law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009. The Catholic Church makes up 90 percent of Croatia's religious population, and the Associated Press reports the church has made its presence felt in the Croatian government with continued lobbying for the passing of Sunday legislation. The law permits stores in gas, bus and train stations to remain ope
Lithuanian Parliament recognizes Adventist Church Vilnius/Lithuania | 29.07.2008 | Religion + State The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, granted the Seventh-day Adventist Church's application for state recognized status on July 15, qualifying the church for state subsidies and certain tax exemptions, as well as excusing theology students and clergy from military service. "State recognition for the Seventh-day Adventist church in Lithuania means that its contribution to public life and culture is recognized," said Bertold-Vinston Hibner, president of the Adventist Church in Lithuania. "I h
Iraqi president affirms Christian presence, roots Baghdad/ Iraq | 21.05.2008 | Religion + State Iraqi President Jalal Talabani invited the Seventh-day Adventist and other Christian churches to a formal dinner at his residence in Baghdad last month to discuss issues related to Christian citizens and their religious institutions. Baghdad Adventist Church Pastor, Fawzi Benjamin, represented the Adventist Church during the April 26 event. There are 171 Adventists in Iraq worshiping in three churches. In his after-dinner address to leaders of various churches, President Talabani acknowle
World church president reaffirms Adventist Church's non-combatant position Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 12.03.2008 | Religion + State Healing and saving are first business of church, Paulsen writes Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church, has reiterated the church's long-held position on non-combatancy in an article published in the March issue of "Adventist World", the church's international journal. In the article, "Clear Thinking About Military Service" the General Conference president explains that deciding to carry arms puts "the spiritual and moral foundations of your life in serio
Adventist Christian elected judge of international criminal court The Hague, Netherlands | 24.01.2008 | Religion + State Ugandan law professor considered expert on human rights, criminal law reform A Seventh-day Adventist law professor was sworn in as one of the 18 judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague, Netherlands, on January 17. Dr. Daniel D. Ntanda Nsereko, most recently a professor of law at the University of Botswana where he also headed up the Department of Law, was nominated to the ICC by the Ugandan government and endorsed by the African Union last year. Nsereko and two oth
Dominican Republic President meets with national Adventist Church Leaders Santo Domingo/Dominican Republic | 04.12.2007 | Religion + State Top Seventh-day Adventist leaders met with Dominican Republic's President Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reina on November 22 to discuss the church's work on the island and worldwide. The one-hour private meeting at the National Palace was the first such meeting between national leaders and a religious non-Catholic organization, Adventist leaders said. "We had the opportunity to meet with President Fernandez and tell him about the Adventist Church's work in educating youth, strengthening families, ser
Principality of Liechtenstein Plans Separation of Church and State Vaduz/Principality of Liechtenstein | 13.11.2007 | Religion + State Liechtenstein plans to reorganize the relationship between Church and State. Prime Minister Otmar Hasler has presented a concept for disentangling Church and State. Constitutional amendments and new laws will govern the new relationship between the State and the various religious communities. Under the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein, which entered into force in 2003 after a popular vote on a partial revision, the Roman Catholic Church continues to enjoy a special status. Th
Kenya: Presidential Elections Planner Caters To Adventists, Muslims Nairobi/Kenya | 02.11.2007 | Religion + State Kenyans won't have to choose between worship services and civic duty during this year's presidential elections, according to remarks made by Samwell Kivuitu, chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya, during a press conference earlier this month. To accommodate the country's Muslims, Kivuitu said, the December Election Day will not fall on a Friday -- the Muslim day of worship -- as it did in 2002. Kivuitu also indicated government officials would consider Seventh-day Adventists in choosi
Adventist Guidelines anticipate potential tension of church mission, social legislation Silver Spring, Maryland/USA, | 17.10.2007 | Religion + State Adventist Guidelines anticipate potential tension of church mission, social legislation[img id=1044 align=right] Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders took action on October 15 at their Annual Council Meeting in offering guidelines for instances when the church's beliefs are at odds with social legislation, particularly with hiring practices at church institutions. Meeting at the Adventist world church's headquarters near Washington, D.C., the church's executive committee approved a docume
British Government backs voluntary schools for faith minorities London/United Kingdom | 14.09.2007 | Religion + State The British Government is to back the establishment of more minority-faith schools and make it easier for about 150 low-cost private religious schools to come into the maintained education sector. They include 115 Muslim schools and 37 schools that serve ultra-orthodox Jewish communities. But the Government is not offering a blank cheque, reports Margaret Holness, Education Correspondent of the Anglican weekly newspaper "Church Times". The new schools would have to conform to the duty placed
Madagascar's President Calls on Adventists to be "Green" Antananarivo/Madagascar, | 09.05.2007 | Religion + State "I have a vision for our country," Madagascar's president, Marc Ravalomanana, told some 30,000 Seventh-day Adventists gathered on May 5 for the opening day of an outreach effort in Mahamasina (Sacred) Stadium in Madagascar's capital. Referring to the effects of deforestation on the island country, Ravalomanana urged those gathered to help make Madagascar a "green island" once again. He indicated that the Adventist Church can and is playing a significant role in the environmental development
South Africa: Adventist Church Reaffirms Marriage as Biblically Defined Heterosexual Union Bloemfontein/South Africa | 12.12.2006 | Religion + State Following a decision by the South African parliament last week legalizing same-sex unions in South Africa, the Seventh-day Adventist church in that country issued a statement upholding marriage as an exclusively monogamous and heterosexual institution. The statement, which was passed unanimously during a year-end executive committee of the church's Southern Africa Union, recognizes South Africa's constitution, which now prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. "On the other
Fiji: Adventist Church calls for Peace and Dialogue Following Military Coup Suva/Fiji | 09.12.2006 | Religion + State Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fiji have joined other Christian denominations in condemning military commander Frank Bainimarama's military coup. In a swift takeover this week, Bainimarama ousted the democratically elected government under prime minister Laisenia Qarase. Church leaders in Fiji report that so far there has been no physical violence and that the citizenry have been able to maintain business as usual. They have appealed to the island nation's leaders to reject t
Dutch Adventist Elected in National Parliament The Hague/The Netherlands | 30.11.2006 | Religion + State The elections for the national parliament in the Netherlands, held on November 22, 2006, brought significant changes in the country’s political landscape. One of the new parties that made its entry into the 150-seat parliament was the Party for Animal Welfare (Partij voor de Dieren/PvdD), which was able to get enough votes for two seats. This makes the Netherlands the first country in the world in which a party for animal welfare is elected into a representative body of the people. In a numbe
Church Representative Calls for More Openness to Religious Groups at UN New York, NY/USA | 07.11.2006 | Religion + State Seventh-day Adventist Church representative to the United Nations Dr Jonathan Gallagher called for more openness to religious groups at UN-sponsored meetings, particularly large conferences. "We need to make such gatherings more faith-friendly," he said, "so that we can engage the membership of these large religious communities around the world." He added that frequently religious groups did not seem to be attracted to the current agenda. Gallagher was speaking on November 2 at a forum pla
United Kingdom: Discrimination, The Law and The Christian London/United Kingdom | 01.11.2006 | Religion + State Christians are not free from discrimination and they should be prepared to withstand it, said Richard O'Dair, an employment and discrimination law specialist, at a recent meeting of Christian business professionals. O'Dair contributed to a breakfast panel of five discussing, "Discrimination: How Should We Fight It? Is Litigation the Answer?" The meeting was held at The Law Society's Hall, Chancery Lane, in London. The discussion was organized by "Level Seven"-- a group of business profession
United Kingdom: Adventist Schools Lead in Multifaith Enrollments Watford, Hertfordshire/UK | 26.10.2006 | Religion + State The British government is proposing new religious-based schools that receive government funding will have to make at least 25 percent of their admissions available to "non-believing" students. Seventh-day Adventist educators say they have always welcomed pupils of all faiths. Education Secretary Alan Johnson announced October 17 that the government intends to introduce an amendment to the United Kingdom's Education Bill to make new faith schools more inclusive. This follows an announcement m
Adventists In United Kingdom Seek Greater Faith Guarantees After Meeting Tory Leader Watford, Hertfordshire/UK | 26.10.2006 | Religion + State The president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Britain and Ireland, Pastor Don McFarlane, has called on David Cameron, leader of the nation's Conservative Party, to help ensure greater freedom for Christians to express themselves publicly and speak in harmony with their values and convictions. The call came in a letter to Cameron following an October 19 meeting between Cameron and two parliamentary colleagues and leaders from several churches, including McFarlane. McFarlane stated
Adventist Lawyers Plan First-Ever Conference in South Africa Capetown/Washington, | 25.10.2006 | Religion + State Issues confronting Seventh-day Adventist lawyers world-wide will headline a first-ever conference for church members who practice law to be held in Cape Town, South Africa on February 26, 2007. The one-day session will precede the Sixth International Religious Liberty Association world conference, church officials said. It is expected that this event--the largest held for Adventist lawyers--will draw hundreds of lawyers from around the world, with a particular concentration on Africa, where
United Kingdom: Adventist Schools Lead in Multifaith Enrollments Watford, Hertfordshire/UK | 20.10.2006 | Religion + State The British government is proposing new religious-based schools that receive government funding will have to make at least 25 percent of their admissions available to "non-believing" students. Seventh-day Adventist educators say they have always welcomed pupils of all faiths. Education Secretary Alan Johnson announced October 17 that the government intends to introduce an amendment to the United Kingdom's Education Bill to make new faith schools more inclusive. This follows an announcement m
Indian Minister Visits Adventist World Church Headquarters Silver Spring, MD/USA | 02.08.2006 | Religion + State Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs visited the world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church July 5. The ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs which formed to connect with the 25 million Indian diaspora. During a protocol reception, Adventist church leaders warmly welcomed Ravi, who, despite a stringent schedule, reserved time to discuss issues of societal development with Adventist church representatives. Signalling a spirit of cooperation between Adventists and Indian
Nepal: Adventists Welcome Secular State Declaration Kathmandu, Nepal | 20.06.2006 | Religion + State Protestant Mainstream Seventh-day Adventists in the Himalayan nation of Nepal are among those welcoming a recent series of reforms, including the designation of the country as a "secular" state. Previously, Hinduism had been the religion of Nepal. The changes followed what one media report called a decade-long armed conflict between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and previous governments, the 2002 suspension of the nation's democratically elected government and a 19-day protest in the
Adventist Leaders Meet U.S. President Bush at White House Washington, D.C.,/USA | 05.04.2006 | Religion + State Religious liberty and humanitarian concerns were the highlights of an April 4 meeting between leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and U.S. President George W. Bush. At the invitation of the president, the 45-minute Oval Office session included Pastors Jan Paulsen, Adventist Church world president; Matthew Bediako, secretary of the world church; Don Schneider, who is both president of the Adventist Church in North America and a vice president of the world church; and with James D. Stan
Serbia: Law May Discriminate Against Religions Not Approved by State Belgrade, Serbia | 18.05.2005 | Religion + State The basic human right of freedom of conscience may be under siege in Serbia, as the government is reportedly waiting for input from the Serbian Orthodox Church on a proposed new law detailing religious rights. A formerly public process is now shrouded in secrecy, religious leaders and human rights watchers say. "At the moment there are no statements for the press and no information," Religion Minister Milan Radulovic told the Forum 18 News Service on May 12. "When the time comes, all will be
Radio Address of President Bush to the Nation Washington D.C./USA | 10.04.2005 | Religion + State The following is a transcript of radio address of President Bush to the nation: THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week I have been in Rome to attend the funeral mass of Pope John Paul II. The ceremonies were a powerful and moving reminder of the profound impact this Pope had on our world. And on behalf of America, Laura and I were honored to pay tribute to this good and holy man. During nearly three decades on the Chair of St. Peter, this Pope brought the gospel's message of hope and love
Analysis: Bonhoeffer and pope – parallels Washington D.C./USA | 10.04.2005 | Religion + State By Uwe Siemon-Netto, UPI Religious Affairs Editor Sixty years ago this Saturday, Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged at Flossenbuerg concentration camp in Bavaria, just days before U.S. forces liberated the camp. The Allies arrived too late to save him and fellow members of the German resistance against Hitler. Only days before his execution, Bonhoeffer had told the other condemned prisoners, "Let us calmly go to the gallows as Christians." When the great Protestant theologian was led
U.S. Senator Clinton Lauds Adventists for Supporting Religious Freedom Washington D.C./USA | 08.04.2005 | Religion + State "Religious liberty is one of the most important issues on the world's agenda today," said United States Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York who made the case for both freedom of religion and the right not to choose one at a dinner sponsored by the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) and "Liberty" magazine, both religious freedom outreaches sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "Those of us who are people of faith are so aware of what that means in our lives tha
Nobel Guardian Rules Out Peace Prize for Pope Oslo/Norway | 04.04.2005 | Religion + State by Alister Doyle A guardian of the Nobel Peace Prize April 3 ruled out a posthumous award to Pope John Paul and experts say the Pontiff's conservative moral teachings had probably prevented him from winning in liberal Scandinavia. For many Roman Catholics, the Pope's absence from the list of laureates is one of the biggest gaps in the history of the Prize, first awarded in 1901. Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi never won in what is often called the worst omission. Yet in Norway
U.N. Secretary-General Saddened By Death Of Pope John Paul II. New York, N.Y./USA | 04.04.2005 | Religion + State UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II, SPIRITUAL GUIDE, TIRELESS ADVOCATE OF PEACE Following is the statement of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the death of Pope John Paul II, issued 2 April: I was deeply saddened by the death of Pope John Paul II. Quite apart from his role as a spiritual guide to more than a billion men, women and children, he was a tireless advocate of peace, a true pioneer in interfaith dialogue and a strong force for critical
H.M. Queen Elisabeth II. Leads Tributes To Pope London/U.K. | 03.04.2005 | Religion + State Her Majesty The Queen led tributes to Pope John Paul II as she expressed her "deep sorrow" at his death. She praised his work in promoting global peace and goodwill as she led tributes from Britain. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "The Queen has conveyed to the Holy See her deep sorrow on receiving the news of the death of his holiness Pope John Paul II. "Her majesty remembers the untiring efforts of Pope John Paul II in promoting peace and goodwill throughout the world. "The
Statements From U.S. Political Leaders On The Death Of Pope John Paul II: Washington D.C./USA | 03.04.2005 | Religion + State Former President Bill Clinton: "Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. In speaking powerfully and eloquently for mercy and reconciliation to people divided by old hatreds and persecuted by abuse of power, the Holy Father was a beacon of light not just for Catholics, but for all people. In more than 170 visits to over 115 countries, from the Balkans to the Middle East, from Central Africa to Asia, he was tireless in his efforts to defend human rights
President George W. Bush Washington D.C./USA | 03.04.2005 | Religion + State President's Statement on the Death of Pope John Paul II The Cross Hall THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home. Pope John Paul II left the throne of St. Peter in the same way he ascended to it -- as a witness to the dignity of human life. In his native Poland, that witness lau
Berlin Court Granted Jehovah's Witnesses Legal Status | 25.03.2005 | Religion + State A Berlin court ruled on March 24 that Jehovah's Witnesses are entitled to the same privileges enjoyed by Germany's major Roman Catholic and Protestant (Lutheran) churches, ending a 15-year legal fight about the group's public status. The administrative high court in the city-state of Berlin granted Jehovah's Witnesses the title of "a corporation under public law" with the right to collect taxes and construct buildings after rejecting the arguments of lawyers that they were not a lawful group
Australia: Adventist Church leader affirms church, state separation Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia | 26.08.2004 | Religion + State A Seventh-day Adventist Church leader says other denominations should be congratulated for refusing to sponsor political parties or candidates in the upcoming Federal election. Pastor Ray Coombe's comment comes in response to criticism from the director of the Christian Democratic Party in New South Wales, Phil Lamb. According to Mr Lamb, most church leaders privately support a bid by the Reverend Fred Nile for a seat in the Senate, "but in a recent request for a public statement of suppor
Iraq: Religious Affairs Ministry Officials Visit Adventist Headquarters In Baghdad Baghdad, Iraq | 11.08.2004 | Religion + State Church leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Iraq met and hosted a visit from the newly formed Ministry of Religious Affairs. This ministry has three separate branches, one each for Shia, Suni and Christians. The ten-member team of Ministry officials visited the Church headquarters last week to discuss the future of the Adventist Church in Iraq. Basim Fargo, Secretary-Treasurer for the Church in Iraq commented that, "one of the officials had studied in the Adventist school in Mosul year
Latvia: Adventist Church Signs Agreement With State Riga, Latvia | 16.06.2004 | Religion + State Seventh-day Adventists in the Baltic nation of Latvia are on the verge of full legal status as an agreement between the church and the Latvian government is signed and waiting approval from the Latvian parliament, the Saeima. Church leaders expect that the deal will either be ratified or postponed. Discussions between religious denominations and the Latvian government have been ongoing for many years. When the Latvian state signed a concordat with the Catholic Church, the government promised
Spanish Protestants denounce discrimination before European Parliament Madrid, Spain | 01.03.2004 | Religion + State In a letter sent to the European Parliament and to Spanish parliamentary groups, as well as to international institutions, Spanish evangelicals denounced the alarming lack of religious neutrality on the part of the Spanish government. The Federation of Religious Evangelical Entities of Spain (FEREDE) draws attention to the inequality and discrimination that Protestants suffer in the country and calls for international support to lobby parliament and the government that emerges from next Mar
The Right to Communicate is a basic Human Right Trondheim/Norway | 30.06.2003 | Religion + State In his keynote speech at the opening of the 12th Assembly of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) in Trondheim (Norway), Kenneth Kaunda, founding President of Zambia, stated: "In most countries of Africa, communication is a major problem. Churches should help establish communication systems, which are essential for the development of human society." Kaunda’s appeal has found a large echo in the hearing "Called to communicate – the Churches’ witness in the Information Society", organised
