In reviewing the GC Agenda, and considering certain events that have occurred within the last few months it is clear that a new pattern is emerging. Pastors are being censored/banned/fired and this GC Session 2022 Agenda provides a window into the future legitimacy of these actions.

GC SESSION 2022 Agenda

On pg 53, Line 24:

Authorized Speakers—Only speakers worthy of confidence will be invited to the pulpit by the local church pastor, in harmony with guidelines given by the conference…

On Pg. 61 Lines 9-10:

It also explains the role of conference leadership and explains who may be invited to speak at the local church.

On Pg. 66 Lines 1-4:

Only speakers worthy of confidence will be invited to the pulpit by the local church pastor, in harmony with guidelines given by the conference.* The local elders or church board may also invite speakers, in consultation with the pastor, and in harmony with conference guidelines.

The statements above are proposed changes to chapter 10, page 120, of the church manual in the section entitled “Importance of Maintaining Unity.”[1]

Before CV19, (BC) these declarations would have held benign meaning and probably would have provoked little or no reaction. Practically speaking, they convey a watchful concern to guard the flock from theologically errant or radical pastors/speakers. After CV19, (AC) these words have come to convey something entirely different. Looking back, we see growing problem and it is therefore appropriate to evince concern for the future.

BC, in the space of three years, two prominent pastors, Dr. Walter Veith and Doug Batchelor were censored.

In 2012, the incident [2] of Dr. Walter Veith was especially ironic; a Roman Catholic turned Adventist apologist was reported to the government for preaching the Three Angels’ messages by an Adventist (eventually) turned Catholic apologist.
In 2015, the Florida Conference President (Cauley) canceled Doug Batchelor’s evangelistic series at Spring Meadows Church, stating his messages were “polarizing.”
AC in 2022, within the space of three months, Pastor Stephen Bohr[3], Dr. Conrad Vine and the pastor from Zambia[4] have been censored/fired.
Also ironic is that Dr. Ganoune Diop maintains his position as global director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty. His ecumenical resume, is truly not in harmony with Bible or Spirit of Prophecy guidelines, nor is he a speaker worthy of confidence in maintaining the Three Angels’ messages; the very purpose of the existence of the SDA Church.

The reason for suppression of each of these pastors is different. Doug Batchelor was deemed polarizing, Dr. Walter Veith was presumably dumped for being a conspiracist, Stephen Bohr’s views were not endorsed by the hosting conference(s), Dr. Vine blew the whistle on financial conflicts of interest and the Zambian pastor spoke his untimely and inconvenient truth about the SDA president of the country of Zambia meeting with the Pope on Sabbath.

Aside from this, some conference wide pastors have refused to accept government/church policy during CV19 and have suffered reprisals. In evaluating each case no uniformity of action from censoring leaders is evident. The Agenda’s proposed changes therefore seem vague and offer the opportunity for select leaders to ban whomever they arbitrarily deem “unworthy of confidence” or justify unfair decisions “in harmony with conference guidelines.”

Some may suggest that the conference owns church facilities and therefore should be permitted to make the final decision regarding speakers. The body of Christ should gently remind those in power that the aggregate church purchased infrastructure jointly over time, across countries, and through generations of members. The conference may legally own facilities, but spiritually, it stewards them on behalf of God’s people. For noteworthy speakers, internet popularity and the ability to rent other facilities provide a workaround. But what about everyday conference pastors, such as the Zambian pastor, who do not have online presence, alternative facilities or a venue for redress?

In addition, there are plenty of other ways to censor such pastors. Practically speaking, non-routine performance reviews, revoked and re-assigned responsibilities, removal of additional speaking opportunities, re-appropriated funding for special projects and outright firing effect the same restrictions.

In the new AC climate, suppression creates an environment of fear. The overall effect on the body of Christ may come via pastors who no longer preach by the unction of the Holy Spirit. Instead, there will be unction by certain leaders in power; i.e. “if I don’t like your message, I will cancel/ban/fire you.” Brethren, isn’t that known also as a state-sponsored church? Is this the future the body of Christ anticipates? Aside from the points mentioned above, what incentive remains for a pastor to prioritize his vocation if his flock is indifferent to his financial, emotional, and familial well-being?

What is the church manual criteria for prohibiting a pastor or speaking from the pulpit? Under the church manual heading “Local Church Officers and Organizations” there are vague guidelines. Page 71 lists those who refuse unity and those who refuse to cooperate as unfit leaders of God’s people should not be placed in leadership. But there really is no mention of disciplining pastors or speakers; presumably that policy is elsewhere covered in an official capacity. One would imagine violating the 28 fundamental beliefs or renouncing the Bible or Spirit of Prophecy would be a significant reason to discipline or remediate a pastor’s.

But the point is this, since the Agenda amendments are proposed to the church manual, this subject should be clearly delineated by the delegates. The proposed changes will have real consequences, maybe dire consequences, in the rubber-meets-the-road world we all live in.

Delegates must take the responsibility to address the abuse of power against constituents and pastors. They must delineate clear lines around the statements above and a clear path of redress in the case of religious megalomania.

In closing, the words of John Donne often seem an appropriate meditation in these times.

“No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.”

****

Natalie Furman volunteers in medical missionary projects. She is passionate about getting out the Three Angels' Messages, especially The Great Controversy.

[1] https://www.adventist.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/seventh-day-adventist-church-manual_2015_updated.pdf )

[2] https://spectrummagazine.org/article/2015/08/17/florida-conference-calls-doug-batchelor-polarizing-influence-discourages-speaking

[3] https://www.fulcrum7.com/blog/2022/5/20/rocky-mountain-conference-cancels-stephen-bohr

[4] https://www.lusakatimes.com/2022/02/26/sda-disown-pastor-who-condemned-hh-for-visiting-the-pope/