Referred to as the “largest and most diverse Adventist session ever,” the Toronto quinquennial convocation (June 29-July 8), apart from its regular church business sessions, election of new leadership and presentation of reports, will be also known for its spirited discussion on the Divorce and Remarriage Amendment to the Adventist Church Manual. The Amendment is the product of the Church Manual Committee’s revision of a report from the Divorce and Remarriage Commission, a multinational group appointed following the church’s 1995 gathering. While the document more clearly defines causes for divorce, such as “abandonment by an unbelieving spouse” and “physical violence,” it doesn’t substantially alter the church’s previous position on divorce and remarriage. As before, the only allowance for remarriage is adultery/fornication (whose definition now includes “incest and child sexual abuse,” as well as homo-sexual practices).

In Toronto, the Adventist Church released official position statements on such issues as gambling, religious liberty, evangelism, and proselytism.

The church stated that gambling is “incompatible with Christian principles” and that the “addictive quality of gambling is clearly incompatible with a Christian lifestyle.”

The document on religious liberty, evangelism, and proselytism stated that Christians shouldn’t use material enticements to convert new members. “Conversion is an experience of the Spirit, and should therefore in no way be connected to offering and receiving material inducements,” the statement said. The statement also says that Adventists will not inappropri-ately proselytize or use unethical means of persuasion or force in their evangelism. Inter-church relationships were also addressed, including respect for other than your own religious groups.

“Individuals need to be truthful and transparent when dealing with other religious groups,” the statement says. “Terminology should be used which avoids offending other religious communi-ties.”

“Seventh-day Adventists affirm the right of every child to a happy and stable home environment, and the freedom and support to grow up to be the person God intended,” says the third official statement released by the Adventist Church. Entitled “Statement on Well-being and Value of Children” the document included a Children’s Bill of Rights, aimed at “articulating more clearly [the church’s] commitment to promote the welfare of children everywhere,” according to a church spokesperson.

The unveiling of the Adventist postage stamp was one of the highlights of the Toronto Session. Featuring a gold-embossed Adventist Church logo and a picture of the sun breaking through the clouds over the Canadian Rockies, the stamp represents Adventists as a people of hope. The stamp is the first in North America to honor the work of the Adventist Church.

In his concluding remarks, President Paulsen challenged the church to remain focused on the real mission of the church as symbolically stated in the Session motto: “Almost Home.” He said: “Go forth in the light of that vision that means so much to Adventists, remembering we are almost home. Go forward with God, confident our destiny is secure in Jesus Christ.”