It is with a deep sense of loss and shock that Seventh-day Adventists in India mourn the demise of Archbishop Alan de Lastic. He was a kind friend, a devoted leader of Christians, and a champion of the cause of religious liberty.

Archbishop Alan de Lastic was killed in a tragic road accident during an official visit to Poland. The Archbishop was well-known for his effective leadership of the Christian community at a challenging time, often voicing his concern in the corridors of power in New Delhi about the increasing spate of attacks on Christian mission workers around India and places of worship. He was one of the main speakers at the World Conference on Religious Freedom, organized by the International Religious Liberty Association at new Delhi, November 15-18, 1999. Speaking at that meeting, Archbishop de Lastic said that “Without that word ‘freedom’ there is no religion.” Speaking of the need for patience and restraint, he said that there must be “no retaliation, only forgiveness.”

The members of the executive committee and office staff of the Southern Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventists share a sense of loss with the Indian Catholics. Breaking the sad news at a morning worship, Dr Justus Devadas, director of the Adventist Church’s Religious Liberty Department, said, “He was a good friend who listened with patience to all who went to see him. He never hesitated to make known his displeasure when Christians became targets of attack. The Christian community in India has lost a great leader and a fearless man of God.”