…President says political views expressed by members not that of the church

THE Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventist has warned its membership against political activism, urging them to be rational, responsible, and respectful considering Guyana’s unique political culture.

In recent times, a number of Seventh-day Adventists, both locally and overseas, have been caught in the political milieu on social media and the governing body of the church spared no effort in warning the flock against such behaviours. President of the conference, Pastor Exton Clarke, in a wide-ranging statement, told the flock that the Seventh-day Adventist Church recognises the legitimate role of government in society and supports the state’s right to legislate on secular matters, but for all of its history the church has embraced an apolitical stance.

“As an official body, the church has never been identified with any single political movement, party or agency. However, we are appreciative of the fact that our members have been vested with the freedom to pursue political and civil positions, identify with a political party of their choice, and participate in the voting process as a way of building society,” Clarke said in his letter to the church.

He said while “our political standing in society at every level must reflect a high value for the liberty of conscience, it must also be subject to the tenets of true Christian conduct. I think it is only fitting to remind you, that the political views expressed publicly by any member of the church must be seen as purely personal and unsolicited by the church,” Pastor Clarke noted.

He added: “I want to appeal to our general membership to refrain from irresponsible political activism which can only cripple and depreciate the impact of the church in the world. As we endeavor to confront political issues in our society, let us pray earnestly for God’s wisdom to be rational, responsible, and respectful considering our unique political culture,” the President said. “In fact, our political articulations should not obscure our Christian witness nor that of the church. God is calling us to rise from the ashes of our history and embrace his destiny, as we endeavour to model the values of his kingdom, and distinguish ourselves as agents of righteousness, love, unity, justice and peace.”
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a membership of over 60,000 persons spread across the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.