Released by:   Ray Dabrowski                 
Phone:   +30-955-324 (June 29-July 8, 1995) or +301-680-6300     
               
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 1995

ADVENTIST STATEMENT AFFIRMS THE EQUALITY OF ALL PEOPLE 

Utrecht, The Netherlands... In a statement released at the 56th World
Congress of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church affirms the
equality of all people and expresses concern about the manifestation of
racialism and tribalism in many societies today.  The statement was
released by the Office of the President, Robert S. Folkenberg, after
being adopted by the Administrative Committee of the General
Conference.
	The statement, entitled, "Human Relations," reads as follows:
	"Seventh-day Adventists deplore and seek to combat all forms of
discrimination based on race, tribe, nationality, color, or gender. We
believe that every person was created in the image of God, who made all
nations of one blood (Acts 17:26). We endeavor to carry on the
reconciling ministry of Jesus Christ, who died for the whole world so
that in Him "there is neither Jew nor Greek" (Gal. 3:28). Any form of
racism eats the heart out of the Christian gospel.
	"One of the most troubling aspects of our times is the manifestation
of racism and tribalism in many societies, sometimes with violence,
always with the denigration of men and women. As a worldwide body in
more than 200 nations, Seventh-day Adventists seek to manifest
acceptance, love and respect toward all, and to spread this healing
message throughout society.
	The equality of all people is one of the tenets of our Church. Our
Fundamental Belief No. 13 states: "In Christ we are a new creation;
distinctions of race, culture, learning and nationality, and
differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must
not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit
has bonded us into one fellowship with Him, and with one another; we
are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation."
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