This Week's News: Sep 14 1999
- President of Romania Meets Adventist World Church Leader; Highlights Religious Freedom Issues
- Timorese Refugees Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
- Adventist Church Leader Opens Home to Earthquake Victims
- 4,500 Youth Write Entire Bible from Memory
- Hi-Tech Satellite Church Broadcasts Reach 120,000 Across Europe
- Adventist College Hosts "Persecution and Pluralism in Europe" Conference
President of Romania Meets Adventist World Church Leader; Highlights Religious Freedom Issues
Bucharest, Romania .... [ANN]
Dr. Emil Constantinescu, president of Romania, received Dr. Jan Paulsen, leader of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church on September 10 to discuss church-state relations and, in particular, religious freedom.
Dr. Jan Paulsen (L) meets Dr. Emil Constantinescu, president of Romania (R)
L to R: Dr. J. Paulsen, Pr. A. Bocaneanu, Dr. E. Constantinescu, Dr. Traian-Radu Negrei, Pr. V. Dima
The meeting, held in Bucharest's Presidential Palace, also included Pastors Adrian Bocaneanu and Viorel Dima, president and communication director of the Adventist Church in Romania respectively, as well as Dr. Traian-Radu Negrei, advisor to the Romanian president for Religious Affairs.
Responding to Dr. Paulsen's comments of appreciation for his support of religious freedom, President Constantinescu outlined his commitment to religious pluralism in Romania, a country whose population is 85% Orthodox.
"I agree with you and your church's view that it is not only important to think right, but also to act right," said Constantinescu. "Sometimes that is more difficult and requires more courage, for you have to withstand many opposing mentalities and stereotypes. In 1992 I organized the first meeting of all faiths in Transylvania, and people saw dialogue was possible. That is why after my election I invited all faiths to an ecumenical meeting in the Cathedral. Broadcast on national TV, people could see that such meetings and cooperation were possible. I believe fundamentalism is a generator of conflict, and so I have resisted attempts to impose restrictions on religious freedom. It is a matter of conscience, not of law, so no one can claim higher rights."
In his observations, Paulsen noted the recent issue faced by Adventists over examinations scheduled on Saturday and expressed his thanks that this had been resolved. The high school exam was repeated on a different day after Adventists protested. The Romanian courts had ruled that this was necessary, as well as requiring that Adventists should still be accepted into colleges despite the delay.
"The way in which you have resolved this has been widely reported and I want to thank you for it," said Paulsen. "The action of your courts demonstrated to the world in a fine way the process of fair justice in a democratic country. I know you have laws under study to secure these rights for your citizens-this is highly commendable. Religious freedom continues to mean much to us as a Church-the right of every man, woman and child to freely observe religious beliefs and practices should be respected in a free society. We thank you for your initiative and offer our help and support in any way we can."
Constantinescu mentioned that he knew the Seventh-day Adventist Church well and had also attended services in Romanian-speaking Adventist churches in the United States.
"In an interview on Romanian television, I observed that these Adventists worshiping on Saturday best identified the Romanian spirit: preserving family, culture and language in ways which others do not. This personal experience impressed me greatly. I also noted that they had not asked the state to build and maintain their church. They also provided scholarships for children in Romania. So I gladly accept your offer of help," Constantinescu concluded.
The Adventist Church in Romania numbers well over 100,000 including children and families of church members. [Jonathan Gallagher]
Timorese Refugees Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
Jakarta, Indonesia .... [ANN]
Following the recent vote for independence in East Timor and the subsequent political instability, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is providing initial relief assistance to internally displaced people (IDPs) as they seek refuge in neighboring Indonesian provinces.
With tens of thousands of IDPs from East Timor moving into surrounding mountains, West Timor, and other Indonesian districts, ADRA Indonesia is responding to the urgent food needs. Currently, ADRA is putting together 2,500 food baskets for IDP families in the Noelbaki District.
"ADRA hopes that the food will help to lessen the burden on the Noelbaki District to take care of this unexpected advance in population," says Doli Situmeang, ADRA Indonesia director. "The food baskets will provide rice, instant noodles and other food items to each family." This response was made possible with ADRA donations from Australia.
In addition to the number of IDPs moving out of East Timor, thousands are said to have died in the conflict following the announcement for independence on September 4.
ADRA Indonesia has several other development and disaster relief projects in the country, including its clean water project, funded by the Netherlands, that concludes this month. Other projects include a US$2 million food-for-work project for 30,000 people per year, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); a drought relief project to assist 255 families in Merauke, Irian Jaya; and an orphanage project that started nearly one year ago, funded by the Netherlands and England. [Beth Schaefer]
Adventist Church Leader Opens Home to Earthquake Victims
Athens, Greece .... [ANN]
A powerful earthquake hit the center of Athens, the capital city of Greece, yesterday afternoon, killing at least 53 people and injuring over 300. According to the media, 70 people are still missing.
"There were five of us working in the Mission office here in Athens," reports Apostolos Maglis, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greece. "All of a sudden the building started to shake. As soon as the earthquake stopped we all went outside only to discover several buildings around the office damaged. Thank God the church, which is beside the office, and the office itself have not been damaged."
Maglis immediately telephoned every member of the church in Athens to find that all were safe along with their homes, except for one family whose home in a five-story block was severely damaged. That family has been invited to live in the home of the president until a long- term solution can be found. Altogether at least ten individuals will be accommodated in the Maglis household, including an elderly couple-the man suffering from a heart problem- and another family-a couple and their daughter-the wife who is suffering from shock. These families are fearful of staying in their own homes due to where they are located.
"Our home is in the south of Athens where the tremors of the earthquake can still be felt. However, it is much safer than in the city center, and these families will feel protected being here where the house is situated in the open space rather than with many buildings around it," says Maglis. "It is our privilege to help in this way." [ANN/ANR Staff ]
4,500 Youth Write Entire Bible from Memory
Bucharest, Romania .... [ANN]
In a dramatic and visible display of commitment, over 4,500 Romanian youth wrote out the Bible from Genesis to Revelation from memory in just 28 minutes.
The event, arranged by the Pathfinder youth organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, brought together young people from all over Romania to Liberty Park in Bucharest on September 12.
Pr. Christian Modan, youth director for Muntenia Conference, gives
directions
"Our youth wanted to demonstrate that the Bible means very much to them," said Adrian Bocaneanu, president of the Adventist Church in Romania. "By taking the time to memorize whole sections of Scripture they are showing that the Bible is still very much alive and relevant to the needs of the modern world."
Dr. Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventist World Church, encouraged the large crowd of Pathfinders and told them that by this action they were sending a signal around the globe.
Dr. Jan Paulsen addresses the 4,500 Pathfinders
"Through this event you are proving what the Bible means to you, and you are telling the whole world of your love for the Word of God. May the Lord honor your commitment today."
Dr. Jan Paulsen starts the Bible-writing
Paulsen then began the event by writing out the first verse of Genesis.
Dr. Ioan Caraza, general secretary of the country's Inter-confessional Bible Society and also deacon in the Orthodox Church, added his congratulations.
"I appreciate your efforts to uplift the Bible," said Caraza. "To memorize part of Scripture is a sign of respect for the Bible, and I encourage you to write it on your hearts and not just in your minds. You are an example for us, and you will encourage international organizations who are helping to translate the new Romanian Bible."
Janine Duta, Pathfinder from Pietrosani
Janine Duta, one of the young Pathfinders from Pietrosani, spoke for her group as they wrote out their memorized portions of Galatians.
"Every one of us is excited because this is very important," she said. "It's a plan to bring friendship and understanding among people and help them see that the Bible is full of meaning. Here we are meeting new people and happy to be doing something that is very worthwhile."
The thousands of young people lined the park avenues, writing their sections on a giant scroll of paper that ran for 2.8 kilometers (one and three-quarter miles). The Romanian TV network ProTV carried an extensive news report on the event.
Part of the Pathfinder crowd in Bucharest's Liberty Park
Whether the Bible-writing event makes it into the Guinness Book of Records remains to be seen. But that is not the point, according to the organizers.
L to R: Pr. V. Dima, Deacon Ioan Caraza, Dr. J. Paulsen, Pr. A.
Bocaneanu
"These young people are just making the point that whatever people may say, the Bible is still the answer to life's questions and is the gospel of salvation," said Bocaneanu. "May these memorized words come alive in the lives of these young people who have shown their love for the Bible so clearly today."
Pathfinders finish writing
Hi-Tech Satellite Church Broadcasts Reach 120,000 Across Europe
Bucharest, Romania .... [ANN]
Using the latest in satellite technology, the Seventh-day Adventist Church's ACTS 2000 seminar series is reaching 120,000 across Europe.
Evangelist Mark Finley an the big screen
Pr and Mrs Finley (R) with the translators
"In more than 1,000 towns and villages throughout Europe, God is moving," says Mark Finley, speaker for the series and also for the It Is Written TV program. "In countries as far apart as Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Denmark, and Spain people are watching this message of hope for the new millennium."
Visiting the program on September 11, Dr. Jan Paulsen, leader of the Adventist World Church, says he is delighted to see the response to the seminar series.
"The number and distribution of the downlink sites all across Europe shows that people want to hear a message of hope," comments Paulsen. "I am immensely encouraged to hear of the responses from many different places. Using these modern communication methods means that the gospel is able to touch many lives in widely-spread locations."
The featured speaker for two Bible presentations uplinked live by satellite on September 11, Paulsen highlighted the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life.
Dr. J. Paulsen speaks (R); Pr. A. Bocaneanu translates (L)
"Throughout the New Testament we have examples of how the Holy Spirit works," said Paulsen. "The key theme is that Jesus' followers 'will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.' Nothing can compare with the presence of the Holy Spirit. You will never walk alone."
The series runs from September 3-19, and will be followed by an even larger outreach through the use of video tapes. The Ukraine alone has arranged for 520 sites to show the series two weeks after it is completed.
With many local volunteers, ACTS 2000 is impacting the lives of 4,500 in Bucharest at the uplink site. Nearly 50,000 are watching across Romania at 600 downlink sites.
"We are so happy for the success of this program," says Adrian Bocaneanu, president of the Romanian Union. "We are seeing many people come to recognize the truths of the Bible and experience the joy of salvation. Our hope is that through this new medium, the gospel will reach many more."
Bocaneanu also paid tribute to the contribution of husband and wife team Donna and Denzil McNeilus who have underwritten much of the costs associated with ACTS 2000 in Bucharest and have given a year of their time to make this possible.
"Without them I cannot see how this would have been possible," said Bocaneanu. "They have been wonderfully generous, and I salute their vision for the people of Romania and all the others we are reaching throughout Europe."
Part of the 4,200-strong local audience
More information in English and Romanian is available at www.cicnet.ro/2000
[Jonathan Gallagher]
Adventist College Hosts "Persecution and Pluralism in Europe" Conference
Bracknell, England .... [ANN]
A major academic conference entitled "From Persecution to Pluralism" was hosted September 8-11 by Newbold College, a Seventh-day Adventist educational institution.
The conference featured papers on the treatment of religious minorities in Europe since the Reformation and highlighted the different aspects of persecution and tolerance. Presentations were made by well-known scholars in the area under discussion, including Prof. John Morrill (Selwyn College, Cambridge), Prof. Rik Torfs (Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium), Prof. Roland Minnerath (Universite de Strasbourg), Dr. John Coffey (University of Leicester), Dr. Luc Racaut (University of St. Andrews), M. Willy Fautre (Human Rights Without Frontiers) and many others.
Participants from a wide range of faiths attended and were appreciative of the importance of recognizing and supporting tolerance from the perspective of religious freedom.
"Whenever people from different confessions, professions and walks of life come together, this expands one's own life and horizons," commented Dr. Daniel Duda, director of pastoral studies at Newbold College. "Living on an old continent with a mix of faiths and nations makes understanding pluralism and religious rights essential. As an Adventist I found this conference very helpful. You are reminded that tolerance is not only something you demand but also what you need to grant to others. The quality of the papers presented was very impressive."
Adventist Church leaders agreed.
"This conference was important for the development of mutual understanding as well as relationships between members of different confessions," said Dr. Reinder Bruinsma, executive secretary of the Adventist Church's Trans-European Division. "From the investigation undertaken into the presentation I was asked to make, it is clear that much more can be accomplished in inter-faith relations. Adventists would do well to be less ambivalent in their relationships with other Christian bodies."
The final discussion "What can Seventh-day Adventists learn for our mission to pluralist societies in the twenty-first century from the experience of other Christian minorities in Europe?" provoked extensive debate among the participants, representing many countries in Europe and the United States.
The conference was organized by Mr. D.J.B. Trim, lecturer in history at Newbold College. [Jonathan Gallagher]
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