Released by:   Ray Dabrowski                 
Phone:    +30-955-324 (June 29-July 8, 1995) or +301-680-6300    
               
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 4, 1995


ADVENTIST STATEMENT CHAMPIONS THE FREEDOM
OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION

Utrecht, The Netherlands... In a statement released at the 56th World
Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church, an active
promoter of religious liberty for more than a century, recognizes the
need to support the freedom of conscience and religion as a fundamental
human right, in harmony with the instruments of the United Nations. 
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,  Religious Freedom,  reads as follows:
	For more than a century Seventh-day Adventists have been active
promoters of religious freedom. We recognize the need to champion
freedom of conscience and religion as a fundamental human right, in
harmony with the instruments of the United Nations.
	The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a presence in 209 countries. With
some exceptions, however, Adventists constitute a religious minority,
and have at times been subject to restrictions and discrimination.
Consequently, they have felt it necessary to stand up for human rights.
	As loyal citizens, Adventists believe they have the right to freedom
of religion, subject to the equal rights of others. This implies the
freedom to meet for instruction and worship, to worship on the seventh
day of the week (Saturday), and to disseminate religious views by
public preaching, or through the media. This freedom further includes
the right to change one s religion, as well as to respectfully invite
others to do so. Every person has a right to demand consideration
whenever conscience does not allow the performance of certain public
duties, such as requiring the bearing of arms. Whenever churches are
given access to public media, Adventists should in all fairness be
included.
	We will continue to cooperate and network with others to defend the
religious liberty of all people, including those with whom we may
disagree.
	                              -end-