Counsel #10 — History Of Adventist Religious Liberty

Picture: Counsel #10 — History Of Adventist Religious LibertyCCW 118.1

Seventh-day Adventists have championed religious liberty since the 1800s.^{[176]We would rather be classed with infidels in opposition to the tyranny of a religious despotism, than to be found on the side of those who call themselves Christians while promoting [religious despotism]. We know exactly where we stand, we know precisely what we are doing, in our opposition to the religious amendment to the United States Constitution, and to any sort of religious legislation under any Constitution." ~ A.T. Jones, Adventist religious liberty advocate in The American Sentinel, February 1888, page 14.4.} In the 19th century, Adventists opposed Sunday laws and in 1889, formed the National Religious Liberty Association (later the international IRLA). "Liberty" magazine, launched in 1906, remains the oldest on religious freedom in the Americas. The church's Department of Religious Liberty, established in 1901, has advocated for religious rights ever since. Notably, the 1963 Sherbert v. Verner case, involving an Adventist's Sabbath observance, led to a key First Amendment ruling. The International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), founded in 1999, further promotes religious freedom through international statements. Today, the church maintains an office near the United Nations (UN) and participates in its Human Rights Council.^{[177]https://www.adventistliberty.org/history}CCW 118.2

“For freedom Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1 ESVCCW 118.3

“The doctrine that God has committed to the church the right to control the conscience, and to define and punish heresy, is one of the most deeply rooted of papal errors.” Ellen White in The Great Controversy, p. 292CCW 118.4

Reflect: What does the A.T. Jones quote reveal about the lengths Adventists were willing to go to defend religious freedom?CCW 118.5