On their Facebook page, the South Central (regional) conference posted a statement yesterday about voting rights. Here’s the statement:

Some Online Comments:

“For all those saying this is inappropriate? Remember that this church was founded on the abolition movement, religious liberty (for all), and supporting public policies that improve the social fabric (as misguided as temperance was). The SDA movement was progressive and political”
“As a SDA, and a person of color. I would like say this to this woke conference that no one is denying anyone to vote, especially me since I've been voting here in Georgia for many years. BTW...Showing your id to vote, is not racist. Perhaps the racists is the South Central Conference, please stop speaking for us, thank you.”
“No one is being denied the right to vote. Redistricting needs to be done in some cases to prevent the gerrymandering that has gone on for years. The church needs to stay out of this.”
“So what exactly is this letter saying? As far as I know, if you are a US citizen you have the right to vote. If you have to show identification to prove you are a citizen, I don't see the problem. Why would redistricting cause any issue? You still have that right. These are genuine questions, not arguments. Im not looking for opinion, I'd like facts.”
“This is pure politics dressed in holiness robes. Gerrymandering voter districts by race is illegal! That it has been done, and a slight bit of it is now being UNdone, is not a civil rights issue to begin protesting.”
“I wonder where the similar outrage post was when Virginia, California, New York, Massachusetts, etc. were all making similar redirecting changes. Strange how SDAs had no concern with politics then?”
“Thank you for this statement! HOWEVER!! This is NOT the stance of “the church“ by and large ( that a party or candidate is not endorsed). We need to address that. We are here because of “the church’s“ participation in what got us here in the first place.”
“Not like some SDA members care what is voted for. We voted on “no” women pastors but here we are.”

Commentary

“While the Church does not endorse political parties of candidates . . .” This is false for three reasons:

The SDA church ethos tilts politically left and has for over three decades. A March 4, 2016 Adventist Review article acknowledges this.

Much has been said about ADCOM making statements over the last 30-years. These statements attempt to speak for the church without input from the church (members). Why do they do this? It’s a way for the Church to be political without admitting that they are being political. Very sneaky.

Regional Conferences openly support left-wing politics, and Adventist PARL units do as well. They may try to hide it, but the efforts are ineffective and their political bias is visible to all.

When Charlie Kirk was killed, regional conferences unleashed a tidal wave of scorn for him, and made threats about withdrawing support from SDA ministries who weren’t sufficiently hostile towards Kirk.

Our advice? Be liberal with your generosity, conservative with your character, and avoid politics like a vegan at a Texas barbeque.

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“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).