Released by:   Ray Dabrowski            
Phone:    +30-955-324 (June 29-July 8, 1995) or +301-680-6300    
               
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 1995

ADVENTIST STATEMENT DECRIES ALL FORMS OF ABUSE AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

Utrecht, The Netherlands...  In a statement released at the 56th World
Congress of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church decries all
forms of abuse and family violence and says Christians must respond
rather than be indifferent, both within the Church and in the
community. 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, "Abuse and Family Violence," reads as
follows:
	"Seventh-day Adventists affirm the dignity and worth of each human
being and decry all forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and
family violence.
	"We recognize the global extent of this problem and the serious,
long-term effects upon the lives of all involved. We believe that
Christians must respond to abuse and family violence both within the
Church and in the community. We take seriously reports of abuse and
violence and have highlighted these issues for discussion at this
international assembly. We believe that to remain indifferent and
unresponsive is to condone, perpetuate, and potentially extend such
behavior.
	"We accept our responsiblity to cooperate with other professional
services, to listen and care for those suffering from abuse and family
violence, to highlight the injustices, and to speak out in defense of
victims.  We will help persons in need to identify and access the range
of available professional services.
	"When changed attitudes and behavior open possibilities for
forgiveness and new beginnings, we will provide a ministry of
reconciliation. We will assist families in grief over relationships
that cannot be restored. We will address the spiritual questions
confronting abused persons, seeking to understand the origins of abuse
and family violence, and developing better ways of preventing the
recurring cycle."
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