Hello friends and fellow believers. To their credit, the Lake Region (regional) Conference issued this statement on January 31,
Why We Love This Statement
“The Lake Region Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms the sacred worth of every human life.” Ameneth. We are very encouraged to see this pro-life affirmation. We are also opposed to abortion.
“Scripture teaches that all people are created in the image of God and are therefore deserving of dignity, respect, and compassionate care.” Indeed.
“Guided by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we uphold non-violence, justice, and reconciliation as essential expressions of our faith and witness in the world.” Like you, we decry the violence of inner-city youth and we uphold the rule of law. This is a consistent witness of our faith.
“As spiritual leaders entrusted with the care of our churches and communities, we believe it is our responsibility to speak when human life, dignity, and peace are threatened.” Agreed. It is our duty to oppose abortion and the activist violence & riots that disrupt community peace.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Love this.
“As a Conference that serves congregations and members throughout the Midwest, including our local Adventist church family in Minneapolis, we are especially mindful that this tragedy has touched a community we shepherd directly.” We are not in Minneapolis, but along with you we decry the riots and partisan obstruction there, which has led to unfortunate tensions and violence. We encourage everyone to comply with the laws of our land.
“We are in communication with local church leadership and stand ready to provide prayer, pastoral care, and practical support during this time.” Amen, this is what the Lord asks us to do. We should pray for saints, enemies, and leaders alike (Matthew 5:44; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).
“We are deeply grieved by the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis that claimed the lives of Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good.” Indeed. These wouldn’t have happened if people would not try to obstruct officers of the law. As Adventists who uphold God’s law, we of all people should respect the laws of our country.
“These deaths have left families and neighborhoods mourning and have raised serious concerns about the use of lethal and unwarranted force.” It is sad. As to whether the consequences were warranted or unwarranted, we will wait for the investigation results.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to all who are carrying the weight of this loss.” As we should. Surviving family members carry the sense of loss, and law enforcement officers may carry guilt, remorse, and trauma to their graves.
“As followers of Christ, we believe that grief must be accompanied by faithful action.” This is too vague to respond to.
“To love our neighbors means not only to comfort the hurting but also to seek justice that honors the dignity and rights of every person.” Amen. "For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him" (Isaiah 30:18).
“Every family deserves answers.” Too vague.
“Every community deserves trust.” Too vague²
“Every life deserves protection.” Agreed. We should not be defunding police or giving sanctuary to non-citizen criminals. This endangers law abiding citizens.
“We therefore call for independent, transparent, and thorough investigations and urge civic leaders and authorities to uphold accountability, fairness, and respect for human life so that trust may be restored and future harm prevented.” We agree. Accountability comes from the rule of law. We support the rule of law and eschew chaos.
“We invite our churches and members to respond faithfully by praying for those affected, our civic leaders and those supporting peaceful efforts that promote healing and reconciliation, and working alongside local partners to strengthen compassion and care for the vulnerable.” Amen. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed (James 5:16).
“Our faith compels us to be both peacemakers and advocates for righteousness.” Amen. Righteousness and lawlessness represent opposite, incompatible ethical and spiritual states in Scripture. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
“As Jesus taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." May the God of all comfort draw near to the brokenhearted and guide us toward healing, justice, and lasting peace.” We love Scripture and we love the perfection of God’s justice (Isaiah 42:1-4).
As you can see, we love this statement. We hope there will be more like it.
From your favorite pro-life, anti-chaos, pro-Law of God, anti-partisan, pro-rule-of-law, anti-woke, pro-conservative SDA online publication.
Ps. We had asked ChurchMouse to respond to this statement (or ‘scribbble’ as he called it), but he was traveling in Edinburgh, dining on tea, crumpets and porridge. He promised to send us a delightful prose in the next 30-days.
Stay sharp, love God and walk in Truth!
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“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).