"We appreciate the role of the [Seventh-day] Adventist Church in the life of our society as an element of stability and harmonious coexistence among all the denominations," Romanian President Ion Illiescu told Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventis
“We appreciate the role of the [Seventh-day] Adventist Church in the life of our society as an element of stability and harmonious coexistence among all the denominations,” Romanian President Ion Illiescu told Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventist world church, following private discussions on Dec. 10. President Illiescu’s remarks were later broadcast on state television.
Pastor Paulsen said he was grateful for the “relentless efforts” President Illiescu has made in bringing Romania in line with human rights and religious freedoms as espoused by the European Union. Romania intends to join the EU in 2007. He also encouraged Iliescu to use his influence to extend to university students the same rights permitted to elementary and secondary students, with no major exams scheduled on Sabbath, or Saturday. Iliescu promised to pay attention to this matter as well as to others raised in the discussion.
Pastor Paulsen was joined in the meeting with President Iliescu by Gabriel Maurer, secretary for the Euro-Africa administrative region of the Adventist Church, Adrian Bocaneanu, president of the church in Romania, and Viorel Dima, public affairs and religious liberty director for the church there.
During his two-day visit Paulsen was also interviewed for one of the most popular telecasts in Romania. Called “In the Center of Attention,” the 45-minute program is produced in the studios at the Romanian Adventist Church headquarters. Anchored by an Adventist pastor, it is aired during prime time five days a week on the only news channel in Romania. Since its inception in September 2002 many top governmental persons, members of parliament, ambassadors, writers, educators and religious leaders have been special guests of the program. (See Adventist News Network, May 20, 2003.)
During the interview Paulsen answered questions about the Adventist Church doctrine and mission; the church’s prophetic understanding; the role of Christians in society as sources of hope and harmony; and attempts toward unity among Christians.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, Pastor Paulsen preached at Romanian Adventist College to faculty, students, church leaders from Romania’s six church regions, pastors and lay evangelists. Speaking on the church’s Year of World Evangelism, Paulsen asked his hearers to integrate in lives the distinctive qualities of a strong faith in Christ, love and hope. The program will be viewed by satellite in churches in Romania Jan. 10 as part of the church’s worldwide Week of Prayer.
