General Conference Committee Decides What is Right

[Richard Myers]

It is not uncommon for a GC committee to make rules when it ought to be the Word Church in Session making important decisions. One such decision is a statement regarding immunizations. That statement removes protection for church members regarding mandated vaccinations on religious grounds. What can be the result of such a mistake by a GC committee? Removal of children from their home. Forced vaccinations of adults and children. Imprisonment of those who refuse to be vaccinated.

One may express the idea that it is for the good of the community. That is indeed what we hear about parity in Europe. If we do not ordain women, we will not be able to grow our churches. And, as in other churches, we hear that if we do not ordain homosexuals, we will be violating local statutes. Then following such thinking we shall have to follow Sunday laws also for the good of the community. The Earth is being destroyed by carbon and she needs to rest one day a week. For the good of the world, we need to not work one day a week. And that day has to be the same day world-wide. Who will oppose that day being the sun day? Very few indeed.

It was a committee that approved the ordination of women elders at the local church level. Having violated Biblical principles, how is it that one can oppose the ordination of women pastors seeing it is the very same principle. As I said, it is not uncommon for the GC Annual or Spring Councils to usurp the authority of the World Church in Session.  To make matters worse, it is not uncommon for these decisions to be announced at the time of a General Conference Session. When released at the time of a GC Session it can appear to be a GC Session decision when it is not.

The following statement was not voted at a GC Session, but by a committee. But, notice the statement date was April 2015. Why not wait a few days and let the GC
Session in San Antonio decide this important matter?  The statement is incorrect and needs to be corrected.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church places strong emphasis on health and well-being. The Adventist health emphasis is based on biblical revelation, the inspired writing of E.G. White (co-founder of the Church), and on peer-reviewed scientific literature. As such, we encourage responsible immunization/vaccination, and have no religious or faith-based reason not to encourage our adherents to responsibly participate in protective and preventive immunization programs. We value the health and safety of the population, which includes the maintenance of “herd immunity.”

We are not the conscience of the individual church member, and recognize individual choices. These are exercised by the individual. The choice not to be immunized is not and should not be seen as the dogma nor the doctrine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

These guidelines were voted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee in Silver Spring, Maryland, April 15, 2015.

The counsel from the Spirit of Prophecy addresses drug therapy. It also directs us to not put anything into our bodies that is harmful. Most if not all vaccinations today are harmful. Look at the ingredients before making a decision. In regards to the Corona Virus, two of the leading vaccines are genetically created. At first it may appear to be a good thing since it appears to be able to correct mutated genes. But, we have seen vegetable genes placed in animals and animal genes placed in vegetables. Amalgamation is one of the evils that caused God to destroy every living creature of the face of the Earth except what was in the ark.

There have been no long term studies on these new type vaccines. To say that God approves these vaccines is not in harmony with Scripture nor the Spirit of Prophecy.  Along with the published GC Committee statement on vaccinations, we find that human wisdom is being used to supplant Biblical truth. The following can be found in the same article.

From a distinct perspective, another speculative view argues that vaccines make those who take them unclean because, supposedly, unclean substances are used to produce them. In this regard, it should be clarified that the abiding biblical instructions forbidding the consumption of unclean food and blood (Lev 11:1–20; 17:11–12; Acts 15:20) do not apply to vaccines for the obvious reason that vaccines are produced as medication to save lives, not to serve as food.

The reason for forbidden unclean food is not that one would become unclean, but that using these unclean foods would be harmful to one's health. So it would be if unclean things are injected into the body. As for saving lives, it may be argued that drugs save lives, but while that may be true at times, the counsel we have been given is that God does not approve drug therapy. Why not? Because unlike herbs that have healing agents, drugs which often use the healing agent concentrated so that there are harmful side effects.

When the Covid virus first appeared, the counsel as to what was best to prevent serious infections often leading to death was to have a strong immune system. This is in harmony with the health message God has given to His people. It is so important and the light so great that it is to be understood to be the "right arm" of the gospel message. Yet, the church has not taken advantage of it in this time of need. It is true that there is great fear in the world. Fear of death is common to those who are not believers. But, even in the heathen world there are multitudes who refuse to bow down to those who mandate vaccinations.

How dangerous are vaccinations in general? Why is it in the United States that the pharmaceutical industry sought and obtained legislation which protects them from law suits if  a vaccine causes injury? And, why is it that the death rate at least in the US is over stated? And, while we are examining the issue, do we not see a political issue involved? There are individual rights involved in this issue. Some have no concern about mandating the closing of businesses or the injection of substances into one's body. That particular class have no problem with killing babies just before and just after birth. They propose to make legal the recreational use of many harmful drugs. They innact laws allowing the teaching of immorality to young school children. We are one step removed from making laws forcing one's conscience regarding which day we will worship God.

There are unions in America the land of liberty that are seeking to make it unlawful to home school children. In Germany a family was told they would go to prison if they continued to homeschool their children. They fled to America.
source  America the land of liberty has been greatly blessed. Those days are ending.

[ltvvaughn]

Just saw this yesterday and thought ut was interesting the way it was phrased.
Tony Blair says "almost half the people in the ICUs are unvaccinated . . ."  That means that over half over those in ICUs ARE vaccinated.  Sounds like a purposefully misleading statement to me.

[Richard Myers]

More and more are beginning to see that we have been misled regarding vaccinations. It has caused many to reject the danger of the Covid virus. I have friends that have died from it, not from other things. How dangerous is it? I almost died from the Hong Kong fue with a temperature of 104 for eight days. I really though I would die. I was young and very healthy. No closures of schools or business. No overstating deaths from it. I did not understand it was a pandemic until studying the Covid pandemic.   As I understand the situation with all but the present Omicron Virus, if once you begin to feel bad, you stayed home, I believe the pandemic would not have been so  bad. But, again because of the overstating the deaths and going to extremes, many were either scared to death or did not concern themselves with staying home as soon as they noticed something was not normal. When such a pandemic occurs, we need to take note and change our habits. Generally, when we get a fever, or a cough we consider staying home. But, in a pandemic where people will die from it, we ought to be careful in protecting other's health.

Thanks for sharing ltvvaughn. The politics is something that ought not surprise us. As we near the end, neither ought we be surprised at what we see. Jesus is even at the doors.

[rahab]

Amen

[Richard Myers]

The "experts" who ought to have wisdom from above often do not. The church remains in a Laodicean condition. Here is the statement going back a ways to see what the "experts" said we ought to do.



General Conference
COVID-19 Vaccines: Addressing Concerns, Offering Counsel
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | General Conference Department of Health Ministries, General Conference Biblical Research Institute, and Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health
December 18, 2020


Seventh-day Adventists look to the coming of Christ as the great culmination of history and an end of all disease, suffering, and death. At the same time, we have been entrusted with the Adventist health message embodied in and expanded upon by the writings of Ellen White, summarizing healthful living through practical and wholistic healthy lifestyle behaviors.

We advocate all of these practices to maintain a healthy immune system, and in the pandemic, even more is needed. Ellen White was not only an inspired conduit of health information much ahead of her time, but she modeled practical prevention in the face of the lethal disease in her era, smallpox, and took the immunization herself, as did those close to her.1 Today, smallpox has been globally eradicated.

We hope that this article will answer questions, allay fears, and resolve some of the prevalent myths and rumors, thereby bringing peace to the hearts of our members as they make health decisions guided by their health-care providers.

There are rumors and conspiracy theories that use the COVID-19 vaccine as an interpretation and/or fulfillment of prophecy. We asked the General Conference Biblical Research Institute for comments in this regard, and the response is as follows:

“The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has generated considerable speculations related to end-time events and misinterpretations of the Bible. One recent view, propagated through social media and some internet websites, has put forward the theory that the upcoming vaccines produced to combat COVID-19 belong to a process of control that will lead to the application of the mark of the beast.

It should be noted, however, that Adventists hold to the conviction that the end-time controversy will center on the law of God, and particularly on the fourth commandment (Rev 14:12). Moreover, the third angel’s message will warn against the reception of the mark (Rev 14:9–11) and will enlighten humankind as to the issues involved.

For this reason, it should be made clear that Seventh-day Adventists understand the “mark of the beast” to be not a literal mark but a sign of allegiance that identifies the bearer as loyal to the power represented by the beast.

From a distinct perspective, another speculative view argues that vaccines make those who take them unclean because, supposedly, unclean substances are used to produce them. In this regard, it should be clarified that the abiding biblical instructions forbidding the consumption of unclean food and blood (Lev 11:1–20; 17:11–12; Acts 15:20) do not apply to vaccines for the obvious reason that vaccines are produced as medication to save lives, not to serve as food.

Speculations such as these bring the Word of God into disrepute and cause confusion among sincere but less-informed believers. Using the introduction of a vaccine to stir up an eschatological scenario of spiritual and cosmic proportions, or to oppose it on the basis of a faulty interpretation of Scripture, only distracts sincere believers from the real prophetic issues and the Adventist Church’s commitment to proclaim the gospel.

Hopefully an effective vaccine will help to bring the current pandemic to a halt. This will protect the lives of those who still need to know about the gospel, as well as those who have already accepted the gospel and are thus charged with the proclamation of God’s infinite love to a suffering world (John 3:16).”2

Adventist Health Ministries is firmly based on the Bible, the instruction of the Spirit of Prophecy through Ellen White, and is consonant with peer-reviewed, evidence-based health science. We rely on these foundations in formulating health approaches and advice. With millions infected, and many dead, and global infections on the increase, a number of vaccines have been developed in record time. There are numerous questions people are asking regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

As a church, while we support evidence-based public health recommendations, we are also careful not to make pronouncements that may be construed as replacing national and international public health guidelines. For this reason, it is important for our comments to be understood within the framework of our official church position on immunization:

“The Seventh-day Adventist Church places strong emphasis on health and well-being. The Adventist health emphasis is based on biblical revelation, the inspired writing of E. G. White (co-founder of the Church), and on peer-reviewed scientific literature. As such, we encourage responsible immunization/vaccination, and have no religious or faith-based reason not to encourage our adherents to responsibly participate in protective and preventive immunization programs. We value the health and safety of the population, which includes the maintenance of ‘herd immunity.’

“We are not the conscience of the individual church member, and recognize individual choices. These are exercised by the individual. The choice not to be immunized is not and should not be seen as the dogma nor the doctrine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

There have been efforts to establish a reliable evidence-based approach to treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, and within record time, vaccines have been produced which are now being used to help bring the pandemic under control. However, people do have concerns and questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

Emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine was granted on December 2, 2020, in the United Kingdom, and on December 9 in Canada. In the U.S., the Pfizer vaccine was reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provisionally authorized on December 11. The Moderna vaccine will follow.

In conversation with the Loma Linda University School of Public Health (LLUSPH), Michael Hogue, dean of the Loma Linda School of Pharmacy, who serves on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Workgroup on COVID-19 Vaccines and on the San Bernardino County COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce in California, shared the following insights regarding frequently asked questions on the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines. His insights and explanations of common questions appear below.
Questions and Facts about the Vaccine

Question: Does the mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid) vaccine change your DNA?

FACT: Both referenced vaccines are based on mRNA, which is a first for vaccines, but the technology has been used in medical treatments for the past 15 years. The vaccine enters into a cell’s cytoplasm (the fluid within the cell), where it stimulates the production of antibodies to fight the SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein. Since it does not enter the nucleus of the host cell, it does not change the DNA or genetic structure/function.

Question: Can it be safe and effective, as it was developed so quickly?

FACT: Due to current technology, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was sequenced within days of its being identified, and work on a vaccine was started right away. The sample size for the large study is 40,000 people (the average FDA vaccine study sample size is usually only 27,000). We are two months into a two-year study. Data is being carefully monitored.

The first dose showed a 50-percent immune response protection. The second dose reached 95 percent protection! (Only Hepatitis A vaccine is higher, at just about 100 percent protection.) The study was well designed and represented U.S. demographics very closely, with the exception of Native Americans (and the ongoing study is working to rectify that). Efficacy and side effects were similar in all ethnic groups.

Question: Are the ingredients and preservatives in the vaccine dangerous?

FACT: There are no preservatives in these two COVID-19 vaccines, which is why they require deep freeze/freezer facilities for storage and transport. The vaccine is carefully purified.

Question: What are the side effects?

FACT: So far, 10 percent of subjects have reported fever by the second day, and in 24 hours, 50-60 percent reported feeling “achy.” There have so far been very few serious side effects with the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine, including three cases of significant allergic reactions (unusually low; probably due to the non-use of preservatives).

Dr. Hogue further commented that if a person has already tested COVID-19 positive in the past, that person can still get the vaccine; it will simply increase the person’s antibody levels. He also pointed out that taking the vaccine in the USA is voluntary, not mandatory.

The efficacy of the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines is similar, but they are not interchangeable (if a person starts with one, the second dose has to be from the same brand). For the Pfizer vaccine, there is 21-day interval between the two doses; it is reported that for the Moderna vaccine, the interval will be 28 days between doses. The vaccine is not authorized for use during pregnancy or in those under 16 years of age.
Conclusion

Immunization, along with sanitation and clean water, has been foundational to the improved longevity seen around the world where these interventions have been applied. Vaccines have long been used by Adventist church members throughout the world. Along with good health practices, they have provided protection against many infections and prevented illness and death.

As we witness the global magnitude of the pandemic, the deaths, disability, and long-term COVID-19 effects that are emerging in all age groups, we are encouraging our members to consider responsible immunization and the promotion and facilitation of the development of what is commonly termed herd immunity (pre-existing community immunity of approximately 80 percent of individuals as a result of previous infection and/or vaccination).

We reiterate: THE DECISION TO BE IMMUNIZED OR NOT IS THE CHOICE OF EACH INDIVIDUAL, AND SHOULD BE TAKEN IN CONSULTATION WITH ONE’S HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER. PERSONAL RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT. WE ULTIMATELY RELY ON FOLLOWING BIBLICAL HEALTH PRACTICES AND THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY, AND FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADING IN OUR LIVES, WHICH WILL BRING US PEACE AND ASSURANCE IN OUR DECISION-MAKING.

 

____________________________

1. Concerning vaccination against smallpox, D. E. Robinson, one of Ellen White’s secretaries, under the date of June 12, 1931, wrote as follows concerning Mrs. White’s attitude toward vaccination:

“You ask for definite and concise information regarding what Sister White wrote about vaccination and serum.



“This question can be answered very briefly for so far as we have any record, she did not refer to them in any of her writings.

“You will be interested to know, however, that at a time when there was an epidemic of smallpox in the vicinity, she herself was vaccinated and urged her helpers, those connected with her, to be vaccinated. In taking this step, Sister White recognized the fact that it has been proven that vaccination either renders one immune from smallpox or greatly lightens its effects if one does come down with it. She also recognized the danger of their exposing others if they failed to take this precaution. [Signed] D. E. Robinson” (Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 303).

2. Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, December 2020.

 

[Richard Myers]

From the above GC statement we read:

Question: Are the ingredients and preservatives in the vaccine dangerous?

FACT: There are no preservatives in these two COVID-19 vaccines, which is why they require deep freeze/freezer facilities for storage and transport. The vaccine is carefully purified.

From a distinct perspective, another speculative view argues that vaccines make those who take them unclean because, supposedly, unclean substances are used to produce them. In this regard, it should be clarified that the abiding biblical instructions forbidding the consumption of unclean food and blood (Lev 11:1–20; 17:11–12; Acts 15:20) do not apply to vaccines for the obvious reason that vaccines are produced as medication to save lives, not to serve as food.


Question: Does the mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid) vaccine change your DNA?

FACT: Both referenced vaccines are based on mRNA, which is a first for vaccines, but the technology has been used in medical treatments for the past 15 years. The vaccine enters into a cell’s cytoplasm (the fluid within the cell), where it stimulates the production of antibodies to fight the SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein. Since it does not enter the nucleus of the host cell, it does not change the DNA or genetic structure/function.

We ought to take a closer look at these statements and their validity. From my understanding this technology is not safe nor is it moral. As to it not being food, therefore it is safe to inject it, is a very short sighted conclusion. Why is it we do not eat certain foods? Because they are not safe. Ingredients in vaccines that go into the body can transmit disease just as eating food can. Whether we eat it or inject it, there are substances that ought not enter our bodies. Therefore, it is up to the individual to find out what is in the vaccine that can injure ones health. Some vaccines have injured and even killed people.

What is the difference between an herb and a drug? Both can have the same remedial agent, but the drug has concentrated the agent to the point where there are side effects making it dangerous, while the herb is not.  We all ought to know how dangerous many drugs are because of these side-effects. We are being led to believe God would have us risk our health and lives by subjecting ourselves to side-effects of drugs and vaccines.

It is good that this article and others tell us that the decision to take the vaccine is up the individual. Then, they mandate it for workers?

What is wrong with the technology?  mRNA is CRISPR type technology.   It is gene editing which is being used to put human genes in animals, amalgamation.  At first it seems good because mutated genes can be replaced. But, the technology is not completely understood. Man is playing around in an area he does not belong. We are at the end of this Earth's history. God will not allow this to continue. I have a post somewhere here that discusses the fact that human genes have been placed in a pig embryo. Here How far will this go? Where do you think Satan will take this?

In the above article we read about the mRNA does not enter the nucleus:  " Since it does not enter the nucleus of the host cell, it does not change the DNA or genetic structure/function."  This is not true. The mRNA does enter the nucleus. Where does this end up? I also have a post on this showing that one of the vaccines does enter the nucleus.   Here

[rahab]

This vaccine is different from all others…

So many ’break throughs’ show us that it doesn’t work.

They are kept at low levels but also have anti freeze in them.

Serious side effects for some people.

[Richard Myers]

Here post on mRNA and DNA.

Here is a link to the (CONFIDENTIAL) ANALYSIS OF POST-AUTHORIZATION ADVERSE EVENT REPORTS RECEIVED THROUGH FEB 28-2021  Pfizer Vaccine

It was requested to be confidential for 75 years, but a judge said "no".  How many are being made aware of the side effects of this genetically modified drug? How many have been forced to take the shot without "informed consent"?

We have been told it is safe and does not enter the nucleus in our cells, nor does it change our DNA. This is not true. We now know that studies show it does enter the nucleus and the DNA.

Intracellular Reverse Transcription of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 In Vitro in Human Liver Cell Line

urr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2022, 44(3), 1115-1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb44030073 (registering DOI)
Received: 18 January 2022 / Revised: 19 February 2022 / Accepted: 23 February 2022 / Published: 25 February 2022

"Preclinical studies of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, showed reversible hepatic effects in animals that received the BNT162b2 injection. Furthermore, a recent study showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the genome of human cells."

 5. Conclusions
Our study is the first in vitro study on the effect of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 on human liver cell line. We present evidence on fast entry of BNT162b2 into the cells and subsequent intracellular reverse transcription of BNT162b2 mRNA into DNA.  link to study abstract

Funding
This study was supported by the Swedish Research Council, Strategic Research Area Exodiab, Dnr 2009-1039, the Swedish Government Fund for Clinical Research (ALF) and the foundation of Skåne University Hospital.



source
 source

[Richard Myers]

mRNA is gene splicing. Two of the three vaccines in use in many countries are mRNA products. It is a new technology that will hasten the soon coming of Jesus. Take a few minutes, 30 or so, and consider why I say this. Rewriting The Code Of Life  Satan has brought into our world today what he has done in the past, amalgamation technology. Yes, we have the ability now to exchange mutated genes which can alleviate illness, but at what expense? The last steps will be rapid ones. Come Lord Jesus!

[rahab]

mRNA is gene splicing. Two of the three vaccines in use in many countries are mRNA products. It is a new technology that will hasten the soon coming of Jesus. Take a few minutes, 30 or so, and consider why I say this. Rewriting The Code Of Life  Satan has brought into our world today what he has done in the past, amalgamation technology. Yes, we have the ability now to exchange mutated genes which can alleviate illness, but at what expense? The last steps will be rapid ones. Come Lord Jesus!

Absolutely!!

[Richard Myers]

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26 Jan 2022
Concerns Regarding COVID-19, Church Governance, and Liberty of Conscience

An informational release through the Communication Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Shawn Craig
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Concerns Regarding COVID-19, Church Governance, and Liberty of Conscience

An informational release through the Communication Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

The question of whether an individual should take the COVID-19 vaccine or not has generated significant controversy within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In the light of Christ’s prayer that “they all may be one” this situation is tragic. Churches have been divided, family members alienated, and friendships severed. The mission of the Church has been hindered and its evangelistic outreach to the world has been negatively affected. At times inaccurate statements have fostered and furthered these divisions. 

Recently some have challenged the right of the General Conference Administrative Committee (ADCOM) to speak on behalf of the Church. These critical statements have the potential to undermine Church authority, create confusion, and lead to fragmentation. In response to questions from sincere Adventists worldwide, the General Conference leadership here provides answers to some of the issues recently raised.

1.  What is the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s position on the COVID-19 vaccine as it relates to the individual conscience?

The Church’s Reaffirmation Statement, “Reaffirming the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Response to COVID-19,” is clear on the rights of everyone to make decisions based on their conscientious convictions guided by the Holy Spirit. The statement says, “The Seventh-day Adventist Church respects each individual’s freedom of choice to make responsible decisions regarding their own health. Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are Christ’s both by creation and redemption, we should personally seek God’s will about COVID-19 vaccinations. The decision whether to take the vaccine or not is not a matter of salvation, nor is it related, as some may suggest, to the mark of the beast. It is a matter of personal choice. We firmly believe that in matters of personal conviction we must be guided by the Word of God, our conscience, and informed judgment. In weighing the various options, we should also take into consideration that the benefits of vaccination extend beyond oneself and help to protect the local and global community at large. After personally researching all sides of the question, considering one’s own unique health situation, seeking medical counsel, and praying, individuals should then, in consultation with their medical advisor/doctor, make the best choice possible.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church respects the right of each member to make the best possible decision for their health in the light of their personal convictions, health challenges, and medical counsel.

2. Will the Seventh-day Adventist Church support the rights of conscience for those who choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccination?

We recognize that some of our members have serious concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and are willing to lose their job, if necessary, rather than take the vaccine. Although the Seventh-day Adventist Church sees this as a public health issue, we will provide support to those of our members who see this differently. We respect their conscientious convictions and can support them in the following ways: 1) By praying with them that God will work out a solution to the challenge they face; 2) Assisting them in writing a personal letter to their employer.

The 2021 Reaffirmation states: “. . . We recognize that at times our members will have personal concerns and even conscientious convictions that go beyond the teachings and positions of the Church.  In these cases, the Church’s religious liberty leaders will do what they can to provide support and counsel on a personal, not a church basis, even at times assisting members in writing their own personal accommodation requests to employers and others.” 

3. Does the Administrative Committee (ADCOM) of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists have the authority to make statements on behalf of the church?

The General Conference (GC) in Session meets every five years and includes worldwide representation. It delegates authority to the GC Executive Committee to act on its behalf between Sessions for the efficient operation and facilitation of God’s mission through His Church. The Executive Committee, in turn, gives specific authority to ADCOM, including the sharing of general counsel to the world field. This delegated authority includes releasing Statements, Guidelines, and other Documents on behalf of the Church when issues arise that need addressing. Since 1985, for nearly forty years, the General Conference has released more than 75 various Statements, Guidelines, and other Documents on public issues. There are three ways these materials are released: 1) by the GC Officers; 2) by the GC Administrative Committee (ADCOM); 3) by the GC Executive Committee. The list of General Conference Statements, Guidelines, and other Documents shows that approximately one third of these were released by ADCOM, which issued its first Document in 1994, and subsequently issued many more Statements, Guidelines and other Documents covering a wide range of topics such as the integrity of the Bible, caring for the environment, and human sexuality.

Neither the General Conference Officers nor ADCOM have the authority to change the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual or the Fundamental Beliefs. That role is reserved to the General Conference in Session. The GC officers and ADCOM can recommend changes to the Annual Council or to the GC in Session, and they do have authority to make statements on behalf of the Church, as evidenced by nearly forty years of history and their delegated leadership responsibilities. To reduce the GC ADCOM’s authority to merely minor items is to undermine the authority of every ADCOM on the local conference, union, and division level. To erode confidence in the organizational structure of the church is an extremely serious matter. Ellen White’s comment on the importance of the organized work is significant: “I tell you my brethren, the Lord has an organized body through whom He will work. . . . When anyone is drawing apart from the organized body of God’s commandment-keeping people, when he begins to weigh the church in his human scales and begins to pronounce judgment against them, then you may know that God is not leading him. He is on the wrong track” (Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 17, 18).

4. What are the specific areas of responsibility and authority of the General Conference (GC) Session, GC Executive Committee, and GC Administrative Committee (ADCOM)? Is ADCOM empowered to issue counsel/statements to the world Church?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church follows a form of representative church governance, which has its origins in biblical and Spirit of Prophecy counsel, along with practical experience in functioning as a worldwide faith family. The world Church in GC Session votes on changes to the Fundamental Beliefs, the GC Constitution and Bylaws, approval of new unions, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, as well as other business items. The GC Session then empowers, through its bylaws (Article XIII), the GC Executive Committee to conduct Church business between sessions. The GC Executive Committee then authorizes the GC Administrative Committee (ADCOM) to conduct activities through the Terms of Reference and membership as voted by the GC Executive Committee.

Article XIII, Section 1.b. of the GC Bylaws reads as follows:

“ARTICLE XIII—GENERAL CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

“b. The General Conference Executive Committee shall also have power to grant or withdraw credentials or licenses, to appoint committees, such as an administrative committee, with their terms of reference, to review, change, and create working policies, to approve strategic plans and programs for the world Church, to employ personnel that may be necessary to execute its work effectively, and to take all necessary actions not otherwise reserved for the General Conference in session to assure the continuous effective operation of the world Church to fulfill its mission.”

The GC ADCOM processes many items to the GC Executive Committee for consideration, but through its Terms of Reference voted by the GC Executive Committee, the GC ADCOM is also given authority to care for items that provide general counsel and recommendations to World Church entities. This is found in the GC ADCOM Terms of Reference voted by the GC Executive Committee listed under “E. General Administrative Items, #1 second part,” which indicates that GC ADCOM has the authority to:  “. . . give general counsel to World Church entities as requested” with the power to act.  See below for the exact wording from the Terms of Reference for the General Conference Administrative Committee, voted by the GC Executive Committee:

“E. General Administrative Items

“1. Consider other routine 1. Power to act.”

administrative issues as they

arise and give general counsel to

World Church entities as

requested.”

The GC ADCOM has complete respect for the GC Executive Committee and adheres to the instructions and delegated authority given to GC ADCOM by the GC Executive Committee since it is the committee that has voted and authorized its Terms of Reference.

In reference to providing “counsel” or statements to the World Church entities, GC ADCOM is very careful not to exceed its delegated authority. The GC Executive Committee votes general Church policies, guidelines, and statements. However, the GC ADCOM can provide “counsel” or statements that are within the scope of “general counsel to the World Church entities as requested.” Over the course of several decades, GC ADCOM has issued statements on various subjects of timely importance in the life of the Church. These statements have been issued after wide consultation and serve as counsel for the worldwide Church in addressing issues of present concern.

5. Was the 2021 reaffirmation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s position on immunization influenced by money from the government of the United States, including Medicare and Medicaid payments to Adventist hospitals, and loans and grants to Adventist educational institutions?

There is absolutely no link between the Medicare and Medicaid payments made to Adventist health care institutions and the 2021 reaffirmation of the Church’s position on immunization, nor upon any tithe that may be received from persons working in those health care or educational institutions. Medicare and Medicaid payments by the government to health care institutions are paid directly to those institutions for services rendered to patients, who are mainly the elderly and economically disadvantaged. These government funds are not donations to the hospitals. They are payments for services rendered.

None of the health professionals or other employees of the GC Health Ministries department receive personal or project funding from pharmaceutical companies, health care institutions, or government sources–federal or state.

Government funding for educational institutions is in the form of grants and loans, provided to students so they have the financial means to obtain a higher education. These government grants and loans are not donations to the schools and have no bearing upon the world budget of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, nor upon any decisions that it makes.

6. Is the General Conference ignoring the Adventist Health Message?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has intentionally, pertinently, and globally promoted the Adventist Health Message, specifically the wholistic healthy lifestyle, as primary in staying healthy and maintaining an optimally functioning immune system. The Church has at the same time encouraged and supported universal public health measures of disease prevention such as social (physical) distancing, masking as appropriate, hand washing, self-quarantine as needed, and responsible vaccination. The approach has been one of both lifestyle and preventive public health measures, not either/or.

7. Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church see the preventive health mandates as a religious liberty issue? If not, why not?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a long history of defending freedom of conscience, particularly in cases of religious conviction regarding the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, as taught in the Bible. Further, the Church recognizes from Bible prophecy there will be in the future a decree that will call for everyone on earth to choose between receiving the seal of God or the mark of the beast (see Rev. 14:9, 10; see also the following question and answer). The current COVID protocols are not that decree spoken of in Revelation.

In addition to defending freedom of conscience, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has a long-standing history of supporting responsible vaccination. Our missionaries have received smallpox, typhoid, and diphtheria vaccinations for decades. Seventh-day Adventists have historically supported public health policy and vaccines, therefore we do not believe that this is a theological or religious liberty issue for the Church. The statement on immunization was released in April, 2015, long before COVID and immunizations became politicized. The updated document released in 2021 follows our longstanding practice as a Church in supporting immunization. As stated earlier, however, this is not to deny that COVID immunization could be an issue of conscience for individual members with personal convictions and thus a religious liberty issue for them, but the 2021 reaffirmation document recognizes personal choice and offers to provide counsel for those who see this as a religious liberty issue.

8. What is the position of the Seventh-day Adventist Church regarding the United States in Bible prophecy?

Since our earliest days, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has understood the second beast of Revelation, that rises out of the earth with two horns like a lamb, as the United States in Bible prophecy. Based on the prophetic scenario, we believe that the beast from the sea (the papacy) and the beast from the land (the United States), will unite in a confederacy of evil to force and restrict freedom of conscience so no one will be able to buy or sell unless they receive the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:13-17). Prophecy reveals the central issue in this final conflict will be over the law of God. There will be a sharp contrast between those who worship the Creator and those who worship the beast. The Sabbath will be at the center of this final battle over the authority of God’s law. Religious liberty will be restricted. Freedom of conscience will be denied. This time is not here yet, but it is coming in the near future.

Pastoral Appeal

Jesus declares, “By their fruits you shall know them”(Matt. 7:20). What are the fruits of the current criticism of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Some members have already approached their pastors, informing them they are considering leaving the Adventist Church. The presentations of doubt have polarized Adventist churches and largely distracted from the mission of the Church. Ellen White cautions us: “When men arise, claiming to have a message from God, but instead of warring against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, they form a hollow square, and turn the weapons of warfare against the church militant, be afraid of them. They do not bear the divine credentials. God has not given them any such burden of labor” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 22). In the book, Selected Messages, Book 2, page 72, she adds, “I have been shown many who will claim to be especially taught of God, and will attempt to lead others, and from mistaken ideas of duty they will undertake a work that God has never laid upon them. Confusion will be the result. Let everyone seek God most earnestly for himself that he may individually understand His will.”

The consequence of these unfounded challenges to legitimate church authority is the creation of a lack of trust in God’s last-day Church. It will undermine the legitimacy and authority of the General Conference, each of its world divisions, the unions, the local conferences, and even the local church. The potential impact is an erosion of confidence that could result in people leaving the Church, organizing a movement of independent worship groups, or creating off-shoot movements that would view the Church in apostasy. Heaven’s divine counsel is clear: “We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 390 [1905]). God’s goal is that we respect one another’s choices, even if we do not always agree, and support one another as members of the body of Christ. Committed to Christ, concerned for each other, we unite in answering Christ’s prayer for unity in John 17 and together focus on His mission of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth.

There will be a time in the future when the decree of Revelation 13 is in full force, and no one can buy or sell. Then we will be meeting in small groups in secluded places, but that time is not now. God calls us to focus on proclaiming the everlasting gospel in the light of the three angels’ messages to the ends of the earth (see Matt. 24:14, Rev. 14:6).

The mission of God’s end-time people is to prepare this planet for the soon return of our Savior. Seventh-day Adventists have been entrusted with the last warning message to this world. “They have been given a work of the most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 19). May we unitedly focus on the proclamation of the three angels’ messages to the ends of the earth in preparation for the coming of Jesus. May His love, grace, and power fill our lives so we can receive the latter rain, give the loud cry, and see Jesus coming in the clouds to take us home.

[rahab]

Get your passport ready

[Richard Myers]

Yes, Rick, the issue is two-fold as I see it. The problem started when the General Conference issued a statement supporting the vaccine and said that refusing to take the vaccine was not a matter of religious liberty. Thus, many Seventh-day Adventists lost their jobs because they refused to take the shot. I understand that many church members rely on healthcare professionals as to the safety in taking medicine and vaccines.  While God wanted the church to have and train medical nurses and doctors, He did not want individuals to give up their responsibility to decide the safety of such recommendations. Our bodies belong to God and we need to follow the counsels given regarding health. And, the same applies to religious liberty.

Thus, one needs to study both spiritual and scientific information on health matters. If we think the government is protecting our health, not so. If we think the pharmaceutical industry is moral, some workers are, but much is corrupt and the third leading cause of death is from doctors involvement which often is related to drugs prescribed. At some point we need to pay attention to what has been counseled. Our hospitals in the NAD, Australia, and Western Europe  have not followed the light they have been given. Drugs kill millions. Vaccines kill many and there is no recourse in dealing with the manufacturers since the government has blocked law suits against them. I am not saying vaccines have not or will not work. I am saying the system is corrupt and we ought not expect good results.

Not everyone has the time to research the vaccines. But, there are enough professionals telling here is a problem that all might consider who is right. We have some information on professionals within the industry who are ashamed of what has been done. It would be good for all to read what we have posted. The vaccine in question is not what vaccines used to be. No, not at all. Whoever reads this, has to take heed to what is said. It is not something you want to ignore. The method used to create the "vaccine" is something new. And the technology being used is similar to that being used to amalgamate human genes with animals. If there was one thing above another that caused God to destroy every living thing off the face of the Earth, it was the amalgamation of animal with humans.

In the beginning of CRISPER sounded very good, but as time progressed, we heard that what was thought to be understood was not. There is much known, but much more that is not known. Yes, this applies to the Covid Vaccine. There is not any understanding of the long term effects from using the Covid Vaccine. It is very sad that the opportunity God's church had in agreeing with the first response to Covid, was not loudly preached. We were told by the professionals that the best science known at that time was to have a strong immune system. But, where was the education on this? There was none. And, God has given to His people a wonderful natural remedies program. We treated a church member who was hit hard with Covid, and his wife pushed hard that the hospital would allow us to do fomentations. They allowed us long enough that the patient was on his way to being healed when they told us we could not continue. How many do you know who God healed by using fomentations?

The church remains in a Laodicean condition so that we ought not expect we would see widespread healing by natural remedies. Now, will you take time to read Ministry of Healing, and Counsels on Diet and Foods? Not only will you be more educated on health for your own happiness, but the health message is the "right arm" of the gospel message. Why? Because by being able to help others to be healed or prevent others from being sick or from dying, opens the door to the heart. Ministering to physical needs softens hard hearts. And enabling others to gain good health of prevent disease, they will understand you love them. The last work on this dark spot in the universe will be door to door medical missionary work.