Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) convened for an advisory meeting in Accra, Ghana, from March 12 to 17, 2026, focusing on strengthening advocacy efforts in a context of increasing global challenges to freedom of conscience.

Held under the theme “Integrated for Mission,” the gathering brought together representatives from 22 countries with support from the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference. Meetings were hosted at the headquarters of the Southwest Ghana Union Conference.

The meetings took place at the headquarters of the Southwest Ghana Union Conference. Participants included Nelu Burcea, PARL director from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, accompanied by his associates Elie Henry and Andy Im. Dickson Sarfo Marfo, WAD treasurer, and Abraham Bakari, WAD PARL director.

Nelu Burcea praised “the depth of the discussions and especially the richness derived from the diversity of national contexts,” noting that this diversity is “a strategic asset for refining advocacy mechanisms and adapting responses to local realities.”

Ongoing challenges to religious freedom

Participants reported that while religious freedom is constitutionally protected in many countries, its practical application remains inconsistent. Challenges discussed included restrictions affecting Sabbath observance, limitations in education and employment, and broader issues such as persecution, violence, and threats to personal safety.

Reports also highlighted concerns related to women and children, as well as tensions surrounding elections and burial practices.

Religious liberty as principle and practice

Throughout the advisory, speakers emphasized that religious liberty extends beyond legal frameworks. Presentations underscored its foundation in the principle of freedom of conscience, rooted in respect for individual choice.

Burcea encouraged leaders to strengthen engagement with public institutions and communities, calling for intentional relationship-building with government officials and other religious groups. He also urged participants to address internal barriers that may limit effective advocacy.

Strategic engagement and training

Sessions included case studies from biblical, historical, and contemporary contexts, offering practical approaches to addressing religious liberty challenges. Key topics included the relationship between religious liberty and mission, engagement with public authorities, and adapting strategies to national contexts.

Participants were also introduced to the work of organizations such as the International Religious Liberty Association and the All Africa Religious Liberty Association.

Field insights and historical reflection

Reports from regional leaders provided insight into local conditions and ongoing efforts to promote religious freedom. Participants also visited historical and civic sites in Accra, including Osu Castle and the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, reflecting on the broader implications of human dignity and freedom.

A courtesy visit to public officials further emphasized the role of faith-based engagement in civic spaces.

Strategic vision 2025–2030

A significant highlight of the advisory was the presentation of the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. The plan outlined a forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening advocacy, capacity building, and institutional engagement across the division.

It emphasizes structured training for leaders, systematic documentation of violations, enhanced communication strategies, and deeper collaboration with national and international partners. The plan also seeks to integrate religious liberty more intentionally into the Church’s mission agenda, ensuring that advocacy efforts are proactive, coordinated, and sustainable.

Voices from the field

Participants’ testimonies further highlighted the impact of the gathering. Justice Livingstone T.C. Eruba, PARL director for the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference, stated, “I think it has been a rewarding experience… I have been exposed to new perspectives in religious liberty… It is very dynamic, not static… there are new approaches emerging every season…” He added: “These are not little persons… these are captains of industry… very seasoned pastors… people with diverse experiences.”

Paul C. Ananaba, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also shared: “This is one of the best advisories I’ve attended… We went into details… I believe that God will strengthen us as we return to our fields to train others… and raise more effective leaders.”

In the same vein of satisfaction, Solace Asafo, PARL director of the hosting Union, says he received renewed vision and praised God for the quality and depth of the presentations.

Key Resolutions

Participants identified several priorities moving forward, including strengthening advocacy efforts, improving documentation and reporting, expanding training for church members, and enhancing communication strategies. Additional focus areas included interfaith dialogue, support for affected individuals, and integrating religious liberty into major mission initiatives.

A continued commitment

At the close of the advisory, participants emphasized the need for ongoing, coordinated efforts to address challenges to religious freedom. Leaders underscored that protecting freedom of conscience remains essential to both faith practice and broader societal stability.

This article was provided by the West-Central Africa Division.