Following an increase in global tension surrounding the publication - in newspapers in Denmark and other European countries - of caricatures that some Muslims worldwide have found insulting, Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Seventh-day Adventist
Following an increase in global tension surrounding the publication - in newspapers in Denmark and other European countries - of caricatures that some Muslims worldwide have found insulting, Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Seventh-day Adventist church issued a call for the responsible use of the right of free expression.
“It is unfortunate that the publication of freely expressed opinions ... has inflamed relations among people,” Pastor Paulsen said in a statement released at the Adventist world headquarters.
“As Seventh-day Adventists we support and encourage the responsible use of the right of free expression,” he added. “Inherent in that responsibility is also being mindful of not insulting others, and causing injury to their beliefs and practices. Opinions can be shared without the color of disrespect, and debate can take place but without offending the beliefs of others.”
Drawing on many years of experience in intercultural ministry in Africa and around the world, Paulsen noted the importance of valuing diversity and of building harmonious communities, while at the same time acknowledging the importance of free speech.
“My work as a Seventh-day Adventist leader has taken me to many nations. I witness the value of diversity and the fact that Christians build the community alongside adherents of many other religions and worldviews,” he said. “And I recommend that living by the principle of the Golden Rule, which asks us to do unto others as we would wish them to do unto us, would inspire us to live in harmony with all people, be free in expressing our views, but also maintaining courtesy and respect to all.”
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Middle East, with headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, also issued a statement expressing regret about the publication of cartoons. Leaders there said they are “[praying] for calm, restraint and a peaceful resolution to the current situation.”
More than 25 million people worship weekly in Seventh-day Adventist congregations in 203 countries and territories around the world.