2026 marks the Seventh-day Adventist Church's 150th anniversary of its presence in France. Since the establishment of the first Adventist communities in 1876, generations of believers have worked to spread the gospel, serve their fellow citizens, and share the hope of Christ's return.
Several hundred Adventist members gathered from across France at the Palais des Congrès in Valence on October 17 for a national celebration. The morning service was dedicated to recognition and remembrance through praise, testimonies, and presentations tracing the history of Adventism in the country.
The anniversary celebration invited attendees to reflect on the past, acknowledge God's faithfulness, and renew the church's commitment to its mission in a rapidly changing world.
Adventism has taken root in the French religious landscape due to the dedication of pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers. Faithful to its Bible-based convictions, the church has developed events and activities dedicated to spreading the gospel, providing education, promoting health, offering spiritual guidance, and providing community services across the country.
150 years of Adventism in Valence
Among the guests was Robert Osei-Bonsu, vice president of the General Conference. As a pastor, theologian, and professor, he encouraged the Church in France to continue its mission with confidence, remaining faithful to its spiritual calling while responding to the needs of contemporary society.
The afternoon featured a series of conferences and round tables dedicated to the history, identity, and perspectives of Adventism in France. The discussions included Christian Krieger, president of the Protestant Federation of France; Pierre-Yves Kirschleger, lecturer HDR (Habilitation à diriger des Recherches, highest academic qualification in France) in contemporary history; Fabrice Desplan, sociologist, teacher, researcher, and author; Gabriel Monet, head of L'Espérluette and former professor of practical theology; Benjamin Calmant, assistant professor at the Chair of History of Christianity at the University of Geneva; and Sully Payet, professor of theology at the Adventist Campus du Salève.
The speakers discussed Adventism's place within French Protestantism, the evolution of the religious landscape, the challenges of faith transmission, and missionary prospects.
The day concluded with a concert by the Gospel Philharmonic Experience, led by Pascal Horecka, offering a moment of celebration and gratitude.
One hundred and fifty years after the first steps of Adventism in France, the message remains unchanged: to proclaim hope in Jesus Christ, serve our neighbors, and live the Gospel daily. For the organizers, this anniversary is less the culmination of history than the starting point of a new missionary momentum for decades to come.
Click here to watch the celebration.
Click here to watch the afternoon roundtable.
The original article was published on the Franco-Belgian Union news site.
