Public Affairs and Religious Liberty

THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT

To foster a clearer understanding of the Christian’s duty to God and government, represent the Church before international entities, and network with non-governmental organizations; inform the Church of significant trends in the religious and political world that impact liberty; and positive action to protect and promote religious freedom as the fundamental human right. This includes freedom of conscience and belief, freedom to worship, and freedom for the unrestricted activities of the Church.

PARL helps create an environment where the gospel can be freely shared and lived out without coercion or discrimination. By engaging with leaders, institutions, and society at large, PARL strengthens the Church’s witness as a community of faith committed to truth, justice, service, and peace. Through advocacy and dialogue, this department safeguards the space needed for mission and ensures that Adventists can live their faith boldly and openly.

• • Advocates for the protection of freedom of religion and belief in public life.

• • Represents the Church in dialogues with government officials, policymakers, civic organizations, and interfaith groups.

• • Educates members about their rights and responsibilities as Christian citizens.

• • Provides guidance and assistance for members facing challenges to their religious liberty in the workplace, school, or community.

• • Promotes respect, peace, and cooperation across cultural, religious, and social boundaries.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church strongly believes in religious freedom for all people. A person’s conscience, not government, should dictate his or her choice to worship–or not. We believe that fighting religious oppression and defending an individual’s right to worship according to his or her conscience—regardless of that person’s religious affiliation—is in everyone’s best interest.

Who are the PARL members?

1. Public Servants. Those who are in government service and are serving in the community.

2. Adventist Professionals. Those brothers and sisters who serve even there in their own efforts and those who hold those Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Identification Cards.

What is the aim and purpose of PARL work:

1. Represent the Church in governments, international organizations, and other religions,

to maintain good relations.

2. Monitor important world events including religious and political events that affect our freedom.

3. Promote and maintain religious freedom throughout the world and help members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who are discriminated against or persecuted because of their faith.

4. Share in the community who Adventists are, what they do, including portfolios of church services– health, education, humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, women’s ministry, family ministry , youth ministry, children’s ministry, media work, etc.