Communication leaders and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) advocates from across the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) gathered on February 7 at Wong's Multipurpose BLDG. Mission Compound, General Santos City, for a meaningful day of fellowship, learning, and renewed commitment to mission.
The SMM-wide Communication and PARL Grand Fellowship brought together local church communication coordinators, PARL representatives, and Adventist legal professionals under the leadership of Pastor Elmer Romano, SMM Communication and PARL director. The gathering aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the media ministry and religious liberty advocacy—two vital arms of the Church’s mission in today’s complex social landscape.
Gracing the event were Pastor Jibil Simbah, PARL director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (headquartered in Silang, Cavite), and Rhoen Shane Peralta Catolico, Communication and PARL director of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), headquartered in Davao City.
A United Front for Mission
In his message, Simbah emphasized that religious liberty is not merely a legal concern but a spiritual mandate deeply rooted in the gospel commission.
“Religious liberty is about giving every individual the freedom to respond to God’s call without coercion,” Simbah stated. “It is not only a constitutional right—it is a biblical principle. When we defend religious freedom, we are protecting the space where the Holy Spirit can work freely in the hearts of men and women.”
He encouraged church leaders to build positive relationships with government officials, community stakeholders, and civic organizations, noting that public affairs work must always reflect Christ’s spirit of grace and integrity.
“We must be known not only for what we believe,” he added, “but for how we relate—with respect, wisdom, and Christlike diplomacy.”
Catolico, on the other hand, highlighted the crucial role of communication in amplifying both mission and liberty. Speaking to the coordinators during the Sabbath morning session, he underscored that communication is not optional in ministry—it is foundational.
“Communication is mission,” Catolico said. “If we do not tell our story, someone else will tell it for us—and perhaps not accurately. Every church communicator is a digital missionary. Every post, every photo, every caption either builds bridges of hope or misses an opportunity.”
He challenged participants to move beyond passive reporting and embrace intentional storytelling that reflects the Church’s identity and values as an Adventist influence.
“Our task is not just to inform,” he continued. “Our task is to influence for Christ. When communication and religious liberty work together, we protect the mission and promote it at the same time through our influence!”
Adventist Lawyers Offer Practical Guidance
A significant highlight of the fellowship was the active participation of the Adventist Lawyers residing in Southern Mindanao. The legal professionals conducted lectures addressing religious liberty concerns, church-state matters, and practical legal safeguards for local congregations.
In an open forum segment, participants were given the opportunity to raise questions—from worship rights in workplaces to concerns about public permits and institutional policies. The Adventist Lawyers provided clear explanations and contextual legal advice, helping church leaders better understand their rights and responsibilities.
Judge Chalmer Gevieso, also a church elder of the General Santos City Central Adventist Church, emphasized that “Religious liberty is strongest when churches understand both their rights and their obligations,” he explained. “We must be responsible citizens while faithfully upholding our convictions.”
Strengthening Local Leadership
Pastor Elmer Romano expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and the spirit of unity evident throughout the fellowship.
“This gathering reminds us that we are not working alone,” Romano said. “Communication and PARL are interconnected ministries. When our communicators tell the story of God’s work and our PARL advocates safeguard the freedom to do that work, the Church becomes stronger and more effective.”
The event also fostered fellowship among coordinators from different districts, encouraging collaboration and mutual support, demonstrating the vibrancy of ministry within the Southern Mindanao territory.
A Call to Active Engagement
Both guest speakers concluded with a challenge for renewed dedication.
Catolico urged the participants to view religious liberty not merely as a defensive ministry but as a proactive witness.
“We are called to be ambassadors,” he said. “Let us defend freedom not with hostility, but with humility and courage grounded in Christ.”
Catolico likewise appealed to communication leaders to embrace excellence and intentionality.
“In this digital age, silence is no longer neutral,” he said. “If we are absent from the conversation, we surrender influence. Let us communicate with clarity, creativity, and consecration.”
He encouraged local churches to align their media efforts with broader mission initiatives and to cultivate a culture of ethical, responsible, and mission-driven communication.
Looking Ahead
The SMM Communication and PARL Grand Fellowship concluded with prayer and a collective commitment to strengthen the partnership between media ministry and religious liberty advocacy.
As the Church continues to navigate rapid technological shifts and evolving social dynamics, the fellowship served as a reminder that the mission remains constant: to proclaim the everlasting gospel while safeguarding the freedom to do so.
By bringing together communicators, PARL leaders, and legal professionals under one roof, the Southern Mindanao Mission demonstrated that effective ministry today requires unity, preparation, and unwavering faith.
In the words shared during the gathering, “Communication tells the story. Religious liberty protects the space. Together, they advance the mission.”
Photos by SePUM Communication
