On May 24, 2025, the Campus du Salève church organized its 10th Religious Freedom Day, a remarkable achievement that reflects the steadfastness and perseverance of this community. Under the leadership of Ivan Dos Santos, director of the Religious Freedom Department, this event was organized in collaboration with CILRAP and AIDLR France.
This tenth edition represents a significant accomplishment, as few churches in the Adventist world have demonstrated such consistency in organizing this type of event. Pastor Barna Magyarosi, executive secretary of the Inter-European Division and honored guest, emphasized in his Saturday morning sermon the importance for the Church to maintain good relationships with everyone while remaining clear and faithful to its beliefs.
A TIMELY SYMPOSIUM ON AMERICAN PROPHECY
The subsequent symposium, titled "The United States in Prophecy," garnered considerable interest among participants. This theme, proposed several times in the past, has become particularly relevant in the current context marked by the election of a new American president, the passing of Pope Francis, and the emergence of the first American pope.
Two distinguished guests participated in the symposium: Bettina Krause, editor of the Adventist magazine Liberty and former representative of the world Church in Washington, and James Standish, former official representative in Congress and the White House, who has become the director of the American Commission on International Religious Freedom.
A BALANCED ANALYSIS OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SITUATION
The two speakers painted a concerning picture of the current situation in Washington, particularly regarding attempts to extend presidential power and challenge the principle of separation between Church and State. However, they called for moderation and seriousness, emphasizing that even if these developments align with a prophetic vision, it is essential to remain rational.
Ruben de Abreu, president of the Franco-Belgian Union and AIDLR, placed these events in a broader historical context, referencing movements of intolerance and the complex relationships between religion and politics. He encouraged participants to avoid panic and not to cultivate or spread fear, reminding them that, according to the Adventist vision, prophecy ultimately leads to victory through the return of Christ.
PROPHETIC PERSPECTIVES AND A MESSAGE OF HOPE
John Graz and Benjamin Colmant provided complementary insights. Drawing on his twenty years of experience leading Public Affairs and Religious Freedom globally, John Graz shared his experiences from meetings at the White House, Congress, and with Christian leaders. He highlighted the historical contribution of the United States to religious freedom since the founding of the republic.
Both speakers underscored the remarkable nature of 19th-century Adventist prophecy, which, at a time when the United States was a regional Protestant power with no relations with the Vatican, already anticipated major changes that seemed unrealistic then. They emphasized that current developments fit within this prophetic vision while insisting on the fundamental importance of freedom of conscience, vigorously defended by Ellen White.
The final speaker, Richard Lehmann, although unable to attend due to health reasons, sent a letter urging everyone to look confidently to the future in light of events that, while shaking our world, cannot shake our hope.
A MESSAGE OF VIGILANCE AND HOPE
The symposium emphasized the important distinction between individuals and institutions in prophetic interpretation. The speakers noted that, according to the Adventist vision, even during the announced difficult times, many believers will respond against persecution and join the people of God. Therefore, the prophetic message is not one of fear but of hope, promising final victory despite the challenges ahead.
The strong interest shown by participants, both in person and online via YouTube, suggests that other churches might organize similar symposiums. The French section of AIDLR has expressed its readiness to support such initiatives, highlighting the ongoing importance of these issues for the Francophone Adventist community.
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