Religious leaders visiting the Seventh-day Adventist world church's business meetings commended the church for its values, and prayed its work will be successful.
Religious leaders visiting the Seventh-day Adventist world church’s business meetings commended the church for its values, and prayed its work will be successful.
“Our prayer is that through these sessions you will grow in three distinctive Christian qualities that we share with you: the qualities of peace, praise and purpose,” said Dr. Lynn Jost of the Mennonite Brethren College. He prayed that the church will “represent God so clearly that the world will find God’s love irresistible.”
“I like to see what Jesus is doing through others,” added Most Reverend Robert J. Hermann, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis. “I am thankful for the values we share together. I appreciate what you’re doing and what the Lord is doing through you. I have a lot to learn and as I learn from you I will be keeping my eyes and ears and mind open.”
Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger, Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, said he was glad for “the great opportunity to have you here in the home city of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. I appreciate the strong stand Adventists have in taking Scripture seriously, and the stand you take on life. I commend you for your zeal in community and in taking the gospel to the world. I pray that the Lord will bless you mightily as you bring many people to the Lord.”
Rabbi Susan Talve said that she was “probably the only non-Christian here, but as a vegetarian and Sabbath-keeper I feel very much at home. While there are places where we have different ideas, I have appreciated what you are doing here. Nothing speaks more to my heart and gives hope to our world. As Rabbi of the only congregation within the city limits I share with you the belief that we have to address real people and real issues such as racism and poverty. The fact you have brought so many people here in God’s presence and in God’s will to do his work means we will all benefit.”
In a letter to the those attending the meetings, Dr. Denton Lotz of the Baptist World Alliance spoke of his organization’s appreciation of the Adventist church’s religious liberty stand. “Your defense of religious freedom around the world has won the acclaim of many governments and churches. The Baptist World Alliance joins with you in supporting religious freedom for all people.” He added “We rejoice in this tremendous gathering of Seventh-day Adventists and join with you in praying God’s blessings on this world at war.”
On behalf of the Presbyterian Church USA, Executive Presbyter Paul T. Reiter, addressed the meetings.
“It’s perhaps not surprising that guests from other faiths visiting our session have commended Adventists,” said Dr. John Graz, director of the Adventist world church’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department. “To some degree, it’s what’s expected. But we really appreciate the specific endorsements of some of our values, especially as they relate to important issues in our world. We also thank them for their prayers on our behalf.”
