During the ten days of the Seventh-day Adventist World Session in Toronto, June 29 to July 8, the Adventist church will release official position statements on a number of key social issues-including gambling, child welfare, and proselytism.

“These statements are an important reflection of the Church’s role in society-our faith is not just a series of academic beliefs, but a living faith that has real implications for the choices we make and the way we relate to others around us,” says Gerry Karst, assistant to the Adventist Church president and a member of the administrative committee that voted the statements.

Jonathan Gallagher, news director for the Adventist News Network who will be introducing the church statement on gambling, says that the Adventist Church has long recognized its responsibility in identifying and responding to social concerns in a way that is consistent with the church’s Bible-based beliefs. “Over the last 150 years, Adventists have developed a wholistic ministry, concerned not just with the spiritual health of individuals, but their physical, emotional and social well-being too.” 

The three official statements will be released during a series of press conferences at the SkyDome in Toronto where Adventist spokespeople and experts will make short statements and be available to take questions from the media. 

Ray Dabrowski, communication director for the church worldwide, says that the Session in Toronto is already attracting much media interest.  Several news conferences are also planned during the Adventist World Session.  “There is much interest in the election of the world leader of the Adventist Church.  As soon as we are able to do so, we will call a news conference to introduce the newly elected president,” says Dabrowski.

Other press conferences include an Agenda Briefing scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 29, which will preview the business items and church policy issues that will be considered during the ten days of Session. Representatives from the Women’s Ministries department of the church will front another press conference at the SkyDome on Monday, July 3 at 3 p.m.  Ardis Stenbakken, Women’s Ministries leader, says that it will be an opportunity to “highlight the critical challenges facing millions of women around the world,” and to show the church in action, responding to these needs with compassion.

The church’s Statement on Religious Liberty, Evangelism and Proselytism will be released at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 3; the Statement on Well-being and Value of Children will be released at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4; and the Statement on Gambling will be released at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. 

The international gathering of Adventists in Toronto from June 29 to July 8 will be the 57th World Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Held every five years, these Sessions are called to transact the business of the world church.  Delegates will elect a world president and other church leaders and will vote on matters of church policy. The meetings also attract Adventists and visitors from around the world, with more than 60,000 expected to attend the upcoming SkyDome meetings and to participate in associated Session events.