Seventh-day Adventists in Romania are implementing the second stage of a five-year plan for raising the church's public profile, through a commitment to being "visible, active, and useful" in local communities.
Seventh-day Adventists in Romania are implementing the second stage of a five-year plan for raising the church’s public profile, through a commitment to being “visible, active, and useful” in local communities.
More than 350 pastors attended two training seminars held last month at venues in the cities of Cernica and Cluj. The events, built on a strategy launched in 2001, focused on encouraging church leaders and pastors to build relationships with their communities, and to be “leaders of public opinion.”
John Graz, world church public affairs and religious liberty director, was one of the speakers at the training sessions, and says the effort has made a “massive difference” in the way Adventists are perceived in Romania. “Ten years ago Adventists were excluded from public dialogues,” says Graz. “They were not considered a significant voice. Today, in many areas, Adventists are at the top of the invitation list for public functions and debates.”
Viorel Dima, public affairs and religious liberty director for the church in Romania, says this is no mere “public relations” exercise. “If the objective of the Adventist Church is to reach every human being with the message of the gospel, this is not possible if the church is not known. To be heard we must be known. Pastors and leaders there understand that the name of the church must not only be visible, but that the church itself must be seen as a useful, active contributor to society.”
The increased community involvement allows Adventists to speak out on health, education and religious freedom issues, adds Graz. It also means they can address other local concerns, such as the scheduling of exams in public universities on Sabbaths, or Saturdays—a day Adventists keep as holy. At the recent seminars, leaders reported that they have sent letters of concern to authorities at all public universities in Romania. So far, more than 50 percent of those contacted have responded favorably, saying they are willing to engage in discussions about exam scheduling.
Adventists have also launched a campaign to ensure the right of Adventists to be buried in local cemeteries. In some parts of Romania, such as Focsani, in the region of Vrancea, and Lemnia, in Covasna, cemeteries are controlled by local Orthodox Church leaders. Where no access can be gained to a communal burial ground, Adventists are petitioning local authorities to grant a piece of ground for the burial of those who are not Orthodox.
Adventist leaders in Romania say the third phase of this campaign will be implemented next year. They plan to establish a committee of external relations in each administrative or state district in which Adventists are active. The committee will be responsible for promoting issues such as human rights, health, and education.
With more than 75,000 members, the church in Romania represents the largest national community of Adventists in Europe.