Counsel #21 — Adventist Religious Liberty Institutions

Picture: Counsel #21 — Adventist Religious Liberty InstitutionsCCW 129.1

The mission of Adventist religious liberty institutions such as the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department (PARL) and its counterpart International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) is to champion religious freedom and social responsibility for all people.^{[191]https://www.adventistliberty.org/test-article} This includes promoting the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a credible and trustworthy voice in the public sphere and advocating for the Church's positions on social issues, ethics, and religious freedom in a way that is respectful and informative.CCW 129.2

These institutions highlight the positive impact of the Church's services on communities around the world. This includes education, healthcare initiatives, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid. Through initiatives such as fostering dialogue, Adventist religious liberty institutions demonstrate the relevance of the Adventist faith. These initiatives impact contemporary issues and concerns in discussions and conferences with government officials, religious leaders, and the public on matters of shared interest, such as family values, environmental stewardship, and peacemaking.CCW 129.3

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJVCCW 129.4

"We are not doing the will of God if we sit in quietude, doing nothing to preserve liberty of conscience." Ellen White in Testimonies to the Church, vol. 5, p. 714CCW 129.5

Reflect: Considering today’s political and social milieu, what do you see as potential challenges faced by religious liberty institutions in today's world?CCW 129.6