A Use of Tithe Study Commission, established in 2004 at the Seventh-day Adventist world church’s Annual Council meeting, held its second meeting April 6 to look specifically at how tithe is used by the denomination. 

“The Biblical doctrine of tithe is clear and affirmed, but how the tithe is used needs further study and clarification, particularly in a rapidly growing church with its new and growing demands and challenges,” the commission reported.

The commission has asked Biblical scholars to write papers on the use of tithe using the Bible as well as the writings of Ellen G. White, one of the church’s founders. The commission will function for the next several years until the work is completed. A report on the commission’s work and findings will then be presented to the church’s General Conference Executive Committee.

“I am grateful for the faithfulness and generosity of our members in returning their tithe,” says Gerry Karst, one of the vice presidents of the world church. “The returning of tithe is a voluntary act of worship in response to a benevolent God. We want to be sure the church is using the sacred tithe according to Biblical principles, and in harmony with the inspired counsel given to this church.”