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Daily Dispatches from Spectrum’s Holy Week Camino Pilgrimage

Spectrum Camino Hikers

Today, 23 Spectrum readers walked 15 miles in northwest Spain on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. It was the beginning of a weeklong, 70+ mile Holy Week trek led by Denis Fortin, professor of historical theology at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. On the Camino, we trace the steps of Christian pilgrims who have done this for around 1,000 years.

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Jesus, Money Tables, Cruise

Tables Must Be Flipped: Accountability for African Adventist Leaders

Leaders need to listen, engage, and demonstrate fidelity to the things they teach. You cannot have a stewardship month with champions of stewardship violating its principles. At a time when the church in Africa needs resources to develop and better respond to its young population’s needs, the dysfunctional system persists because it benefits the leaders who uphold it.

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The Current

The Current provides a quick survey of news and media relevant to the Adventist conversation. It displays the latest three posts on the homepage. Click “The Current” to scroll through everything on a separate page.

“Why Are Young People Leaving?” the Adventist Church Asks on Instagram

In a recent post, the Adventist Church’s official Instagram account asked for people to respond why they think a large number of young members leave the denomination.

Many left comments. “Young people have vocally, honestly been answering this question for over a decade now—but ironically the GC and those who emulate it just respond with ‘No, it can’t be that,’” wrote Adventist creator Kaleb Eisele.

Spectrum has also covered the topic extensively over the years. Recently, Samuel Girven interviewed 16 young adults who left the church and 5 who stayed. As one would expect, the reasons for leaving are diverse, but there is much to learn from their personal stories.

Read more: “Young (Ex)Adventists and Their Stories” by Samuel Girven (August 18, 2023).

Alex Aamodt |

In Kettering Health Investigation Shadow, Columbia Union Elects Marcellus Robinson President

Today, in a special session led by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, the Columbia Union executive committee elected Marcellus T. Robinson its next president. Robinson will immediately fill the office, left vacant after Dave Weigley’s sudden retirement on March 1. 

Robinson is currently president of the Allegheny East Conference and will lead both entities “for a period of time,” according to the union.

The Allegheny East Conference elected Robinson president in October 2022. Prior to that, he held roles including departmental director and secretary/vice president for administration. 

As Columbia Union president, Robinson succeeds Dave Weigley, the only person in the North American Division to simultaneously chair the boards of two healthcare systems—Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Health. 

Weigley left office amid an ongoing investigation by the Ohio Attorney General over alleged financial misconduct at Kettering Health during Weigley’s tenure as its board chair. “I don’t wish to be a distraction from the mission of the church,” Weigley said, announcing his departure. “It’s in the best interest of the Columbia Union for me to retire at this time.”  

According to WHIO-TV, Weigley and former Kettering Health CEO Fred Manchur have been referred to as the “masterminds behind the abuse of charitable funds.” The duo allegedly used hospital funds to cover personal and political expenses. 

Samuel Girven |

Oregon Conference Votes Confidence in President Dan Linrud

In a March 22 communique, the Oregon Conference announced that its executive committee voted confidence in president Dan Linrud despite the conference’s “emerging financial challenges” and conference-wide staff cuts.

Oregon Conference president Dan Linrud

Spectrum reported one week earlier that five executive committee members called for the vote of confidence or no confidence in Linrud’s leadership.

On February 13, the conference announced a 20 percent pastoral staff reduction and a 20 percent reduction in conference headquarters personnel.

In its March 22 statement, the conference stated that 15 conference-employed pastors “were able to accept our retirement/resignation offer.” Those pastors will receive buyouts, the conference said.

The vote of confidence means that Linrud will continue leading the conference as it implements further belt-tightening measures. Conference leadership vowed more transparency going forward.

“Our administrative team has pledged to keep our entire Oregon Conference family better informed about the difficult decisions still to come,” the conference said. They also pledged compassion “because that’s the spirit in which God would have us treat those who hurt.”

In April, the conference said, it “will have to reduce our pastoral team by another 10 individuals.”

Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Jared Wright |
Volume 51, Issue 3-4

“Spinning at Spectrum,” a playlist of the latest music in and around our community. Curated by Maxwell Aka.

Recent Articles

Jesus, Money Tables, Cruise

Tables Must Be Flipped: Accountability for African Adventist Leaders

Leaders need to listen, engage, and demonstrate fidelity to the things they teach. You cannot have a stewardship month with champions of stewardship violating its principles. At a time when the church in Africa needs resources to develop and better respond to its young population’s needs, the dysfunctional system persists because it benefits the leaders who uphold it.

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contemporary church

10 Hopes for the Church of Tomorrow

You and I constitute the church. It has a future if we protect our heritage but stay open to change; if we celebrate the great diversity in our faith community and allow each other space. The church will remain the living body of Christ if we succeed in overcoming our provincialism and can effectively communicate.

Calendar

March 30, 2024

[EVENT] Choir Zoom Sabbath School March 30: The Simple Power of Common Hymns

Growing up Adventist, we’re surrounded by so many hymns we often don’t pay much attention to what we’re singing. But as an adult, Tom has found these songs to be a continuing source of strength, comfort, and joy. In the class he’ll share some of the hymns that have been his companions over the years, and he looks forward to hearing about some of your favorites.

July 1, 2024

[EVENT] Society of Adventist Philosophers Call for Papers – Proposals Due July 1

The Society of Adventist Philosophers invites you to submit a paper proposal for this year’s conference on the theme “Called to be Free: Philosophical Reflections on the Contours of Freedom” taking place on November 21st, 2024, in San Diego, CA. Students and teachers from all fields are welcome to submit a proposal until July 1st. Accepted papers will be notified by September 1st.