C. Ellen White’s Position In Europe [1885-1887]:

Mrs. White served as a missionary in Europe for two years. During this time she had to meet the wedding band issue there.WBEGWSDAC 7.3

In Basel, Switzerland, a series of meetings was held late in 1885. A Brother A. V. [a European SDA minister] was preaching on the subject of plainness of dress. One evening he denounced the wearing of jewelry, including the wearing of rings. One worshipper spoke up to inquire if he included the wedding band. He responded, “Yes, everything.” It created no small stir, because in Europe the wearing of the wedding band was not viewed as a matter of ornamentation, but rather, as a token of marital fidelity. The question was referred to Mrs. White. According to her son, W. C. White (who was present), “She said that where the wearing of the wedding ring was demanded by custom as a matter of loyalty, our preachers should not press the matter of its being laid aside.” ^{2William C. White [WCW] letter to D. C. Babcock, Aug. 6, 1913, p. 1.}WBEGWSDAC 7.4