As a member of the Northern New England Conference and the Corinna Seventh-day Adventist Church I would like to address the recent speculation and reporting concerning the NNEC. I offer clarification on several points to ensure that our church family and wider community are properly informed.
We write this not in a spirit of contention, but in the spirit of truth, Christian love, and mutual respect—seeking peace and understanding, as we are called to do in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Clarifications:
To report that Ron Kelly or anyone at this point has been appointed as the next NNEC executive secretary is false information. We understand that many names are often discussed in times of leadership transition. Our president Gary Blanchard will prayerfully consider and invite someone who he believes to be the best candidate for the position. When someone is chosen, I’m sure we will all be informed.
Roger Belanger is the pastor of the Corinna church and has been for the past six years, since the church body was moved from the Dexter church to Corinna. If and when Conrad Vine’s membership is transferred there we will be happy to let you know If and when that happens, we will consider ourselves blessed.
There is no collaboration between the Northern New England Conference or its churches and conspiracy theorists or schismatic groups. We categorically reject such accusations and association. The NNEC remains committed to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: to lift up Jesus Christ, proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages, and call people into a loving relationship with God and each other. Any suggestion otherwise misrepresents the intent and spirit of our churches.
In addition, we respectfully note that the vague innuendo suggesting the NNEC is “ideologically extreme,” “divisive,” or associated with drama or hostility is not only inaccurate but also unhelpful and unnecessary. We believe such veiled language distracts from the real work of the gospel and does not reflect the spirit of Christian dialogue. Our churches are made up of sincere believers striving to walk humbly with God, serve our communities, and stay grounded in the Word of God.
We understand that rumors and opinions can sometimes take on the appearance of fact when left unchallenged. For that reason, we gently but firmly correct the record—not to shame or discredit others, but to bring peace through clarity.
There were many other untrue, and misleading statements made, I implore you to check the facts before you swallow other peoples opinions, assumptions and surmisings.
God bless us all as we seek and stand for truth though the heavens fall.
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