Press Releases

North American Division Leadership Issues Statement Against Violence in Christchurch Mosques

The Adventist Church has always been a strong supporter of religious liberty; condemns violent, deadly attack in New Zealand

March 19, 2019 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division

The leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America is shocked and saddened by the recent violence that took the lives of 50 worshippers as they celebrated their Friday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. What should have been a quiet time in worship quickly transformed into a time of despair, fear, and pain. Our prayers go out to all those impacted by this senseless act of hate. We ask all our members to pray for the families of the victims, and to reach out to their local Muslim communities to affirm their right to worship as they see fit.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always been a strong supporter of religious liberty and it is in times like these that our voices need to be heard loud and clear in supporting our brothers and sisters of other faiths in their time of need. The right to worship is a basic human right. When one group is violated, it impacts us all.

Acts of hate serve to destroy our communities and drive wedges of discontent between different cultures and faith traditions. Let us all serve as beacons of light to destroy the hate that darkens our world. Let us serve our brothers and sisters in their time of need. Just as the Good Samaritan served someone of a different faith, let us “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37, KJV).

Daniel R. Jackson, President

G. Alexander Bryant, Executive Secretary

Randy Robinson, Treasurer

More than 60,000 Youth to Set Up Camp in Gillette, Wyoming, for Week-Long Event Filled with Learning, Worship, and Community Outreach

More than 60,000 young people, hailing from more than 100 countries, will set up a tent and RV city August 5-11, 2024, as they attend the Ninth International Pathfinder Camporee at the Cam-Plex Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. Themed “Believe the Promise,” the six-day camporee, held every five years, is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, headquartered in Maryland, and the Center for Youth Evangelism, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Walla Walla University Professor Shares on NBC News About Challenges of Keeping Octopuses

During the second week of April 2024, Kirt Onthank, professor of biology at Walla Walla University, was invited to share his expertise on octopuses on NBC News. Onthank contributed to a story about an Oklahoman family that recently welcomed 50 octopus hatchlings and has been garnering attention on TikTok.

It Is Written Announces New VBS Program "Flight 3:16"

It Is Written announces a new travel-themed Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, "Flight 3:16." During Flight 3:16, children will visit five countries as they prepare for the ultimate destination, Heaven. Flight 3:16 is a complete VBS kit that includes supplies for 14 children.

Oakwood University Emerges as the New National Champion at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

Oakwood University has emerged as the new national champion at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) held on April 12, 2024. The Alabama-based university defeated 31 other teams to take home the title and a $100,000 institutional grant. Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College finished in the top four.

Washington Adventist University Junior Secures Prestigious Summer Internship at Johns Hopkins University

The biology department at Washington Adventist University (WAU) is proud to celebrate the achievement of Charis McRoy, a junior under the guidance of Sam D. Perez, chair of the biology and chemistry department at WAU. McRoy, also a member of the honors college, has earned a summer internship at Johns Hopkins University for 2024, following her persistent applications.