The Seventh-day Adventist Church is placing a renewed priority on public affairs, launching an International Association of Adventists in Public Affairs May 15. The inaugural event took place on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., and brought together more than 30 Adventists who participate in public life—from legislative directors in Congressional offices, to lobbyists and politicians.

“We have more people in public affairs than we’ve ever had before, and we want to hear from them,” says James Standish, director of legislative affairs for the Adventist world church and organizer of the gathering.

The association is intended to facilitate networking among Adventists in civil leadership and familiarize them with some of the church’s areas of interest in the legislative realm—such as religious freedom and human rights.

“We are developing a more coordinated approach to dealing with legislative issues than the ad-hoc approach we’ve had before,” says Standish. “We are making a difference.”

John Graz, public affairs and religious liberty director for the world church, also spoke at the meeting, saying plans are underway to start a chapter of the association in many other countries.

It’s important that the church works closely with people already in civil leadership, says Standish. “Every one of these people is a key to opening a door for us.”