Ted Wilson, GC Session, and Covid Vaccinations

[Richard Myers]

Many are concerned with the position taken by Elder Ted Wilson at the Session regarding a motion to add to the Session agenda a discussion on the church's position on Covid vaccination requirements for church members. There is much disagreement on the issue. For many years I have been pointing out that the church's Annual Council Meetings at times usurp the authority of the World Church in Session by making decisions that ought to be made by the Session, not by the smaller group that has authority needed in between Sessions. Elder Wilson has expressed that he believes some things are not to be decided by the Session. This is an important issue that needs to be discussed and the practice halted.

One such example is the ordination of local church women elders which was not approved by the Session, but by an Annual Council. Therefore, we have conflicting rules on women's ordination. The same principle would apply to ordaining local elders as to ordaining women pastors.

There have been other decisions made by an Annual Council that usurped the authority of the World Church when in Session.

[Richard Myers]

Here is the video on what began the issue regarding Covid vaccinations at the GC Session in St. Louis.  Attorney Jonathan Zirkle made a motion to amend the Session's agenda, to discuss the position taken by the church on the Covid vaccination. It appears that the chairman erred in saying there was no second to the motion.

There was however a vote on the motion. The vote was against the motion. Elder Ted Wilson urged a "no" vote explaining it was not a proper subject for the  Session to consider. His response can be viewed on the video following Zirkle video.

[rahab]

I have a couple of questions:

First, have our hospitals that carry our name required vaccinations by all employees?  A mandate ?

Second, the general conference has flags representing all sdas from all different countries displayed. A friend of mine told me that there was a flag there from the Papacy along with the others. Does anyone know if this is true?

[Richard Myers]

rahab, not all hospitals carry the name Seventh-day Adventist, not do all of our hospitals rightly represent Christ nor walk in the light given. There are some in some countries who walk in the light. Go to the video of the GC Session just ended and you will see the flags on the platform. At least they have been there in all of the Sessions I have attended. I think I saw it in Toronto or Atlanta.

[Richard Myers]

Here is the General Conference October 25,2021 statement on Covid vaccinations.


This document has been produced by the General Conference Administration, Biblical Research Institute, General Conference Health Ministries, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department, General Conference Office of General Counsel, and Loma Linda University Health. It builds on the immunization statement voted in April 2015 and affirms both this latter statement, and the information on the COVID-19 vaccines shared on December 22, 2020.


The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest public health crisis in a hundred years. It has devastated populations around the world and severely affected physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and relational health. In its wake isolation, recurrent surges, economic disruption, and death are all ongoing. We are confronted with mitigation measures such as masking, social (physical) distancing, handwashing, early detection, testing, and contact tracing that have become part of our daily lives.

In the midst of this time of crisis and disruption the Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to the mission of lifting up Christ, His Word, His righteousness, and the proclamation of His Three Angels’ Messages to the world in preparing people, through the Holy Spirit’s power, for Jesus’ soon coming. The health message is the right arm of the gospel and therefore a healthy lifestyle has been an important part of the beliefs of the Adventist Church since its early years and remains so. We are still committed to live, share, and promote healthy living as expressed by the wholistic Adventist health message entrusted to the Church. The Adventist health studies have confirmed the unequivocal benefits of increased longevity and quality of life through implementing such health practices. These include a balanced vegetarian diet, exercise, drinking adequate volumes of water, regular exercise, careful exposure to sunshine, fresh air, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances, adequate rest and sleep, and importantly, trust in God. These practices enhance and maintain healthy immunity. Beyond those benefits of healthy lifestyle principles and preventive public health practices, the Church affirms and recommends the responsible use of vaccines as an important public health measure, especially during a pandemic. At the same time, the Church respects the rights of individuals’ freedom of choice for those who choose not to be vaccinated. https://www.adventist.org/official-statements/immunization/

The current position of the Church on immunization and vaccines, including COVID-19, builds on the insights of the comprehensive health message Seventh-day Adventists have endorsed early on with ample support in Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White that refer to the importance of disease prevention. As a denomination, we have advocated the synergy of a healthy lifestyle and responsible immunization for more than one hundred years. In the light of the global magnitude of the pandemic, the deaths, disability, and long-term COVID-19 effects that are emerging in all age groups, we encourage 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 the population or more as a result of previous infection and/or vaccination). We are aware that vaccines may have side effects, and these can be severe in a small percentage of cases, including death in rare situations. No vaccine is 100 percent effective. Therefore, our decisions need to carefully take into consideration the risk of taking the vaccine compared to the risks of being infected with COVID-19. The immunity conferred by both the natural infection and the vaccine are time limited and the administration of “booster” doses may be needed. Acquiring a booster shot, upon recommendation from one's health care provider, may further promote personal and public health. The need for such a booster shot does not indicate the “failure” of a vaccine but reflects the nature of antibody levels that may drop over time.

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.[2] 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 (see 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 11:14; James 1:5; Isaiah 58:11). As the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ information on COVID-19 vaccines released on December 18, 2020, and predicated on the 2015 Immunization statement confirms:

“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.” https://www.healthministries.com/covid-19-vaccines-addressing-concerns-offering-counsel/

Countries and societies around the world have previously faced public health mandates in various forms. These have been put in place as a protection, recognizing that the health of the community is a major determinant of individual health and disease susceptibility. Public health practices have been mandated from the time of Moses and, probably, earlier. More recent examples of mandated public health practices include the banning of smoking on aircraft, and the use of safety belts as a general requirement for all motor vehicles. Over the past 120 years, mandated smallpox vaccination has been implemented in the United States general population and in countries around the world, resulting in a smallpox-free world at present. Numerous other infectious diseases have been brought under control by vaccinations and have also been subject to mandates (e.g. polio, measles, diphtheria). Seventh-day Adventist missionaries in the 1930s were instructed by the Church, as their employer, to receive the smallpox and typhoid immunizations. These requirements have been shared widely over the years in the Church’s official publications and acceptance of this requirement by Church members has been positive overall. The requirements for missionaries to be appropriately and responsibly vaccinated continue today. Ellen White did not comment on the issue of religious liberty in connection with vaccination mandates in her lifetime. She clearly understood the wholistic health message entrusted to the Church better than most.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is not opposed to public safety and government health mandates. Submission to government authorities is a biblical principle unless it conflicts with obedience to God (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7). In many cases the Seventh-day Adventist Church has supported government mandates in support of health and safety issues. When it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations, we believe individuals have the right to state and defend their conviction whether to be vaccinated or not. Mandates usually allow exemptions for individual religious convictions or health conditions. With widespread personal testing available, individuals may choose instead to submit to regular testing if required.

The Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the General Conference (PARL) regards COVID-19 as a Public Health crisis and views connection with vaccines accordingly. PARL provides support and assistance for members who are standing for the religious teachings and doctrines of the Church, as expressed in its system of beliefs and policy statement (and also for other faith groups). 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 basis, not as a Church position, even at times assisting members in writing their own personal accommodation requests to employers and others. To avoid confusion, however, about the Church’s own positions, it will often be the case that in such circumstances the Church will not wish its support or advocacy for the member to be reflected in public correspondence or communications. It is important that the Church preserve its ability to speak to issues that are central to its system of beliefs and identity, and that its influence not be diluted by pursuing personal convictions and agendas that are not central to its Gospel and prophetic concerns.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in consultation with the Health Ministries and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty departments of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, is convinced that the vaccination programs that are generally being carried out are important for the safety and health of our members and the larger community. Therefore, claims of religious liberty are not used appropriately in objecting to government mandates or employer programs designed to protect the health and safety of their communities.

This has generally been the position of the Church for the last century, since the modern vaccine program was developed. If we use our religious liberty resources in such personal decision advocacy efforts, we believe that we will weaken our religious liberty stance in the eyes of the government and the public. Such efforts would make it less likely that these arguments will be heard and appreciated when they are used for matters of worship and religious practice. We understand that some of our members view things differently, and we respect those convictions. They may at times have rights that can be pursued under the law, and we will point them towards materials and resources for doing so but cannot directly undertake this personal effort for them.

How has Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), one of our fine denominational health universities, and its school of medicine responded during the pandemic? Currently, 90 percent of our LLUH students are vaccinated as are 97 percent of our doctors. Religious declinations are offered at hospitals for those who feel strongly about not getting the vaccine, but must be accompanied by weekly testing. As a result, COVID-19 reports among students and staff have significantly declined since December 2020.

What will really count during this pandemic and beyond is how we treat each other, particularly within the Church but also within our wider communities. Anger, stigmatization, or vilification should not reside within the body of Christ. We need to relate to each other with respect, love, and compassion.

Instead of focusing on our individual convictions, we should draw more closely together in relationship with Christ and with each other. We should practice encouraging one another and bringing hope to the people of the world as we share God’s important Three Angels’ Messages and the anticipation of Christ’s soon return. We should work on becoming more active in our churches and not create divisions within the wider Church body. As Adventists we are to be an example to others, keeping in mind that the universe is watching.

It is important to care for one another, taking others into account in our practices. This includes the prevention of the spread of deadly disease and, in considering the vaccine or not, having love for one another and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Then, together, we may move forward in faith, “bearing with one another in love” and heeding Heaven’s counsel: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2, 3). Christ calls us to not be afraid and to place our assurance in Him as nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31-39). “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8; also John 16:33) Let us put our hope in Jesus and be encouraged in Him for He has overcome the world!

As a global organization, the Seventh-day Adventist Church does not and cannot address the unique legal circumstances and vaccination mandates that may be required in the more than 200 nations in which the Church operates. Each nation’s law must be consulted about the possibility and availability of religious exemption for those who have strongly-held opinions about being vaccinated against COVID-19. The Seventh-day Adventist Church does not advocate for religious exemptions to vaccination on either a global or national basis, based on its understanding of both the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White, and as expressed in this statement.

References and Sources:

    https://www.adventist.org/guidelines/immunization/
    https://www.healthministries.com/covid-19-vaccines-addressing-concerns-offering-counsel/
    https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/advice
    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-and-research.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fmore%2Fscience-and-research.html
    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/fully-vaccinated-people.html
    https://www.paho.org/en/covid-19-vaccines/frequently-asked-questions-covid-19-vaccines
    Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization, in Israel. Lancet 2021.
    Vaccine effectiveness against infections, severe infections, and deaths, in Italy. Vaccines 2021.
    Vaccine effectiveness in U.S. health care personnel. New England Journal of Medicine 2021.
    Pfizer vaccine safety. New England Journal of Medicine 2021.

[1] (Title) The process for this document has included wide consultation from different Church entities and specialists representing the World Church.

[2] We would do well to remember that God gave Adam and Eve the freedom of choice in the Garden of Eden, although that choice resulted in significant consequences.

[rahab]

Thank you

[Richard Myers]

Thank you rahab for caring.

Let us pray for those who refused to give up their freedom to follow their conscience. And, while the issue is not easy, the statement by the administration seems to be contradictory. It appears the church will not advocate for liberty of conscience. Based in what? A Biblical statement, or a Spirit of Prophecy statement? Did I miss it?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church does not advocate for religious exemptions to vaccination on either a global or national basis, based on its understanding of both the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White, and as expressed in this statement.

And this one:

These include a balanced vegetarian diet.

Each may decide for themselves what they will eat, but we have great light that is more valuable than a genetically built "vaccine."  When practicing amalgamation with the same technology, how can we encourage church members to accept the vaccine? And now children under age five? Injecting such into their little bodies? Of course we are relying on government agencies to protect our children. The same that allow sewer sludge on farm crops? And allow viruses into milk? And, the General Conference statement says "vegetarian" diet when we were told the time would soon come there would be no safety in milk do to the increase in disease in animals. Those who have great light and neglect it will also lead others astray, as we see in this statement. This why many weep between the porch and the altar. False teachings lead to lost souls. And in this case, who knows the long term effects from this cut and paste "vaccine"?

Yes, I said amalgamation, like just before the flood that destroyed every living human off the face of the Earth except what was in the ark. What else would you call taking human genes and pasting them into a pig embryo?


Amalgamation

For the first time, researchers have successfully grown human cells inside early-stage pig embryos in the lab, creating pig-human hybrids, which the researchers describe as interspecies chimeras.  pig-human hybrid

I don't believe Elder Wilson to be evil, or blind to much of the truth entrusted to us as a people. I find no problem with him urging delegates to vote one way of the other. We do this in our discussion prior to voting. It is not evil to do so. But, we can surely disagree with him going along with  those who hold themselves up to be our experts that tell us what to do. And, if we do not, we get fired, or go to jail, or have our children removed from the home.
 
The GC statement ends with this:

We would do well to remember that God gave Adam and Eve the freedom of choice in the Garden of Eden, although that choice resulted in significant consequences.

Church leaders invested with authority to make decisions that affect the lives of many, ought to be more careful in what they say and do. If I recall right, Loma Linda cut and pasted human protein into a vegetable. Surely not the same as putting human genes into a pig. But, it is the beginning of doing so. A Laodicean Church is blind to much more than their spiritual condition.

Yes, we have freedom of choice, but do not take the amalgamated shot and we will fire you (SDA institution) and we will take away your children and place you in jail if you and they are not vaccinated. There is a religious exemption for those who want liberty of conscience, but the Seventh-day Adventist Church that says we have liberty of conscience will not support a religious exemption. Not a matter for the world church, then what is? Luther would not appreciate what Protestantism has come to in God's church.

Just so that many will study this a little more, I am not opposed to the church requiring sick people to stay home. And, there is nothing wrong with providing testing for church members when a pandemic is spreading in the area. The Bible is not silent to wearing masks or removing from the public those with a deadly infectious disease. Shame on those who do not study that matter in Scripture.

When the Covid virus was discovered spreading around the world, the "experts" told us that a strong immune system was the best thing to survive the virus' attack. But, shortly thereafter, the world was silent about the natural immune system. Some though understood there is a God in control and He has entrusted His church with much light in regards to preventing and curing disease. Praise God for the faithful who walked in the light of His love and counsel.

[rahab]

amen

[Richard Myers]

Who posted the video and then took it down? Was the preservation of the truth to painful for someone, or was it just that the truth was not to be seen by the world? What happened in the church also happened in the world. There were many who lost their jobs and their retirement because they refused to be forced to take a vaccine that was produced by corrupt pharmaceutical companies. The truth about the shots was not allowed to the public. And now they continue to market the shots without any long term safety trials. Even after the great suffering by many who did get the shot believing it would not hurt them and would protect them.

All have the liberty to decide what to put in their body. And because of the danger posted by this emergency shot, there ought to have been a letter protecting those who refused the shot. I would like the video to be posted that all might see why I have expressed my understanding of the GC in Session being the only ones to make religious decisions. The GC has authority to make business decisions between session, but not religious matters. And if for some reason things happen in between sessions that is religious, then if it so important that an answer can't be made, then call for the session. We have the technology to do this. We saw when the last session took place with many not in attendance but through the internet. Or, do what was done in the beginning, have a session every year. New leaders are to chosen every year.

While Pastor Wilson was wrong in his personal position regarding both the "vaccine" and not wanting the session to consider the mandate on the "vaccine," we are erring humans and he allowed to be wrong. He has done a good job as GC President and has not acted as a king. Let us pray that he reconsider his position on usurping the authority belonging to the GC in Session and the issues that are proper at the Session.

Here is the video on what began the issue regarding Covid vaccinations at the GC Session in St. Louis.  Attorney Jonathan Zirkle made a motion to amend the Session's agenda, to discuss the position taken by the church on the Covid vaccination. It appears that the chairman erred in saying there was no second to the motion.

There was however a vote on the motion. The vote was against the motion. Elder Ted Wilson urged a "no" vote explaining it was not a proper subject for the  Session to consider. His response can be viewed on the video following Zirkle video.

[RickH]

Many are concerned with the position taken by Elder Ted Wilson at the Session regarding a motion to add to the Session agenda a discussion on the church's position on Covid vaccination requirements for church members. There is much disagreement on the issue. For many years I have been pointing out that the church's Annual Council Meetings at times usurp the authority of the World Church in Session by making decisions that ought to be made by the Session, not by the smaller group that has authority needed in between Sessions. Elder Wilson has expressed that he believes some things are not to be decided by the Session. This is an important issue that needs to be discussed and the practice halted.

One such example is the ordination of local church women elders which was not approved by the Session, but by an Annual Council. Therefore, we have conflicting rules on women's ordination. The same principle would apply to ordaining local elders as to ordaining women pastors.

There have been other decisions made by an Annual Council that usurped the authority of the World Church when in Session.

The Annual Council Meetings cannot keep coming up with 'statements' to usurp the authority of the World Church in session, this is the crux of the problem. They post these 'statements' then proceed to make it policy and foist it upon the church without any real affirmation from the church body for the most part. They have overstepped and need to back away from this practice and take the correct path on this..

[Richard Myers]

The only reason why the executive committee has any authority is there are decisions to be made to run the church between GC Sessions. We ought to go back to having GC Sessions every year. We are told to elect new officers every year.  With technology we can do this. The decision to support vaccination is not a little decision with no severe consequences. Whether or not a matter is of great importance is to be decided by the GC in Session. In the 2010 GC Session at Atlanta the Session voted on making it impossible for a delegate to ask for a matter to be added to the agenda without first going through a small committee. I had attended the Session to find a delegate who would ask for Fundamental Belief 4 on Creation to be added to the agenda. The first business to be addressed was to put a stop to this. Again, this is usurping the authority of the GC in Session where all delegates participate, not just a few erring humans.

There is a weakness on the part of the delegates in that they are easily moved to follow church leadership. Not all, but too many. When Elder Wilson who is not a king, nor has acted as one, asked the delegates to not allow the subject of Covid Vaccines to be added to the agenda in 2022, it was within his right  to do so. He was wrong, but he did not command this, but merely asked for the delegates to vote no on the matter. There ought to have been an extensive discussion on the subject which there was not. Very sad. May God give wisdom and courage to all who have been given the privilege of  being a delegate to any conference session. In electing unconverted officers, thy keep the church in a Laodicean condition. Laodicean Churches elect Laodicean officers. Revival and reformation in a representative church structure begins with me and my family being converted, the the local church being converted.

Thank you Brother Rick for your comments.

[Richard Myers]

We have tried to not get involved in the battle between the church and Conrad Vine. Both were wrong and both are sincere and are teaching truth, the gospel message. They both need to repent of where they were wrong. Fuel has been added to the situation which is very sad. Another response just took place when the Michigan Conference fired Senior Pastor at the Village Church in Berrien Springs, Ron Kelly.

We are not saying the pastor is without error, but he is doing a good work in presenting the truth entrusted to His church. We have not placed sermons on our site with the exception of one  or two. Pastor Kelly's sermon was posted two years ago. Holy Boldness  We need more pastors like Ron Kelly.

Pastor Jay Gallimore did a good job with the Conference. He is now retired. I don't know what his thinking is on this sad division in the church. My guess he sees the error on both sides. I believe Pastor Kelly has seen both sides are wrong in part of what they have said. He and I are pretty close in our understanding of the issue and how it ought to be ended. Please pray for Pastor Kelly that God will continue to bless him as he continues to preach the truth.

[rahab]

Sad indeed

[Richard Myers]

The response by Pastor Kelly and His church reveals the good fruit that the pastor has grown in His church and work of the Holy Spirit in His life.

[JimB]

Its going to be an interesting week for the Michigan Conference and all who are watching.